Microsoft continues to take steps in its strategy with xCloud, the company’s cloud gaming platform and the last step benefits PC, iOS and iPadOS users, who see how the beta is coming to an end and can now access from their teams on a regular basis.
The application was available in testing phase since April 2021, but from now on, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access the games directly from their devices, be it Windows PC, or those that are part of the Apple system with macOS, iOS and iPadOS.
In 22 countries for Windows and Apple devices
In the announcement made on the Xbox Blog, the company informs that “as of today, Xbox Cloud Gaming is available to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members” and they will be able to access in a total of 22 countries either from a PC with Windows 10 or from Apple phones and tablets, through the browser.
All those interested in using xCloud and who have an active Game Pass subscription can access xCloud through the Edge browser and Chrome, but also from Safari if they use an Apple device.
For iOS, browser-based xCloud use will be based on a web-based application accessed through Safari. In addition, you can use a controller connected by USB or Bluetooth, as well as touch controls on the screen depending on the title that is being played. In order to take advantage of xCloud, this is what you need:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Compatible video game controller.
- Internet connectivity of 10 Mpbs or more.
- Windows 10 or higher, iOS 14.4 or higher or Android 6 or higher. In Microsoft Edge browser, Google Chrome or Apple Safari 14.
They also speak of an improvement in the infrastructure, since Microsoft’s data centers around the world have been updated based on the Xbox Series X hardware in order to obtain faster load times, higher FPS speeds and an improved experience. In fact, they say that to improve latency and offer high quality in the widest set of devices, they are transmitting at 1080p and up to 60 fps.
One more step in the deployment of xCloud, which saw how the policies of the App Store made it difficult to run the game based on the cloud due to the lack of dedicated applications. Microsoft and xCloud are one example, but Google Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now were also affected. Finally web browsers were the solution. A step that was not possible without an opening by Apple regarding the required measures.
