The Microsoft xCloud service has entered the beta phase.
The tech giant has opened the gaming service to interested users so they can test out its performance. The users who signed up in last month’s invite should receive a message from their inbox. The message will give them a series of instructions on how to participate in the beta.
Users are also encouraged to give feedback, particularly on glitches and bugs.
But for those who still want to participate, they can still catch up and sign up. To participate, you need to have a device with Android 6.0 or greater. The Bluetooth version should also be 4.0 or higher.
Second, you need to have a compatible Xbox Wireless controller equipped with Bluetooth. Third, you must have a mobile data connection with download speeds of at least 10Mbps. Ideally, 5G networks would guarantee a seamless experience.
Finally, you need to download the Xbox Game Streaming app.
Not everybody can join the beta test. For instance, with the exception of the UK, the rest of Europe could not access the servers. But then again, Microsoft already announced that the beta testing is strictly by invite only.
The public test of #xCloud has launched.
Unfortunately we here in Germany and the rest of Europe (except UK) can't test it yet
But I'm really interested in your opinion. How is it? Which games did you play? How is the lag? Do the games hold up on a small screen?
So many questions pic.twitter.com/pQ822lj9p1— Boxenberger (@Boxenberger) October 15, 2019
However, the company will not dismiss anybody with an eligible mobile device, controller, and network to sign up. Understandably, because of the sheer volume of applicants and the limited spots, your application might be delayed by “several months.”
For players lucky enough to be included in the beta test, they can go to the Reddit forum for feedback.
Kareem Choudhry, the Cloud gaming chief, told The Verge that the public preview is an essential part of xCloud development. They are trying to develop a cloud gaming platform that meets the quality that fans deserve. The public beta will allow them to test xCloud with actual gamers in real-world scenarios.
In September this year, Microsoft partnered with SK Telecom to deliver xCloud over the 5G network in South Korea. With very low latency capabilities, 5G is the natural network to optimize the potentials of xCloud.
In the United States, major carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon are already rolling out 5G service. However, only a limited number of states have the infrastructure ready to support the next-gen network. If Microsoft can perfect the xCloud service in Korea, it may replicate the business model to the US. However, unlike SK Telecom, you can’t expect exclusive deals between Microsoft and any of the major US carriers.
