Microsoft has announced that the public preview for its Project xCloud game streaming service is expanding to iOS devices today. The service has been in preview on Android for quite some time, giving users access to more than 50 game titles on the go from the convenience of their own phones. That said, there are some limitations to note.
First off, due to the limitations of Apple’s Testflight program, the company will only be able to bring a limited number of players to the preview. Up to 10,000 will be invited to the preview, so Microsoft will distribute invitations on a “first-come, first-serve bases.” The preview will also be limited to those who reside in the U.S., U.K., and Canada for the time being.
In addition to limited seating, the app itself will also be limited. Only one game will be playable during the TestFlight program, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, due to App Store policies. The preview app also won’t sport Xbox Console Streaming, meaning users won’t be able to stream any of their own games installed on their own Xbox One consoles, either. Microsoft also notes that even those who are accepted during the preview aren’t guaranteed access during the entire preview, which allows for the company to cycle though testers to gain feedback from a larger audience.
The minimum requirements to the preview on iOS are largely the same as on Android: To participate, you’ll need a Microsoft account with an Xbox gamertag, a device with Bluetooth 4.0 running iOS/iPadOS 13 or later, a Bluetooth-capable Xbox One Wireless Controller, and a steady internet connection with at least 10 Mbps download speeds.
If you think you’ve got what you need, you can go ahead and sign up for the preview. You’ll want to make sure to select iOS as your Device, even if you’re already previewing it on Android (don’t worry, you won’t lose access).
Will you be joining the xCloud preview? If you make it in, be sure to leave your experience of the service down in the comments area below.
