Microsoft is planning to launch its game streaming service, tentatively named Project xCloud, next year, according to The Verge. It will support Windows PC and iOS as well as the PS4 game controller.
Xbox game streaming
Sony has PlayStation Now, Google is launching Stadia next week, and Microsoft will enter the arena next year with xCloud. Game streaming is the new hot trend but is it worthwhile?
Microsoft will soon let more gamers try its game streaming technology. The xCloud preview will expand to Western Europe, Canada, India, Japan and other markets in 2020 before the real launch sometime later in 2020, according to an interview with The Verge.
The streaming service will allow gamers to play Xbox games on a PC, phone, tablet or another device at home or outside. Besides mobile Android, Microsoft confirmed that xCloud will come to Windows PC next year. It says that it is also working with Apple to bring xCloud to iOS.
What about Smart TVs and media players such as Apple TV? Microsoft declined to provide additional details about supported platforms at this time.
Xbox gaming with Sony's DualShock 4
Surprisingly, Microsoft also announced that xCloud will be compatible with Sony's PlayStation 4 game controller (DualShock 4) as well as other Bluetooth-based controllers.
The message here seems to be that wide support for controllers will allow even more gamers to get in on the fun.
- "In addition to using an Xbox One wireless controller, we’ll expand support to more Bluetooth controllers beginning next year, including the DualShock 4 wireless controller and game pads from Razer," said Microsoft.
Lastly, the company announced that Xbox Game Pass will integrate with xCloud.
- "We believe in the freedom to play and the freedom to choose. In 2020 we will enable gamers to stream from the cloud Xbox games that they already own or will purchase. We will also add game streaming from the cloud to Xbox Game Pass. Gamers will be free to discover, choose, and play their favorite games anywhere and everywhere."
- Source: The Verge, Microsoft
