Microsoft has extended its xCloud, the cloud-based game streaming service, to iOS and iPad devices as well as PCs and Macs across 22 countries.

Ina blog post on Monday, Microsoft announced that streaming over xCloud is now set to 1080p at up to 60 frames per second with a decent internet connection, powered by Xbox Series X consoles.

As an invite-only beta, Microsoft xCloud has been included in Xbox Game Pass since mid-April 2021. As of right now, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it and more than 100 games anywhere they have an iOS device, a PC, or a Mac.

Microsoft’s xCloud is a cloud streaming element of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Users do not need a console to play the more than 100 games which are available. The service works on Safari on a Mac. After testing its cloud gaming service xCloud on compatible web browsers earlier this year, Microsoft has added support for xCloud Gaming to the Xbox App on Windows 10 PCs today. This, as per the company, will allow players to play more than 100 high-end games Xbox games on Windows PC without physically installing them on their machine. For the past three years or so, Microsoft has been working on a cloud-gaming service which was known as Project xCloud. Late last year, Microsoft officially launched this service as a competitor to Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and others. But with the official launch came a rebranding, and xCloud is now known as Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Microsoft Xcloud Mac Os

Catherine Gluckstein, vice president & head of product of Xbox Cloud Gaming, expressed in a blog post,

“Today marks a key milestone in our journey to bring the Xbox experience to all gamers, and we can’t wait for you to begin playing. I remember about three years ago, the first time I picked up a phone and played a cloud game, using nothing but touch controls. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, where the beauty of the graphics mixed with the creativity of technology to create something truly magical. So, from Team Xbox to you, we hope you experience more joy and connection through gaming anywhere and everywhere.”

According to Microsoft, the xCloud on iOS will act as a web-based app through Safari, and it is allowing the users to choose between a controller or touch controls for particular games. While on PCs, xCloud will act through the Edge browser and Chrome. Similarly, for Macs, the xCloud service will be supported by Microsoft Edge and Safari.

Ios Xcloud

Microsoft is also making significant changes to the overall gaming experience. Xbox cloud gaming now will be powered by custom Xbox series hardware. Microsoft is also keen to upgrade the datacenters around the globe to provide users faster load time and improved frame rates.

In February, Microsoft had begun testing its xCloud game streaming through a web browser. The report shows that employees were, at that time, testing xCloud on a web browser ahead of a public launch.

Apple’s App Store guidelines had been offering resistance to Microsoft for bringing xCloud on iOS. It wasn’t long before Apple caved, allowing them to run “through the web.” In September last year,new rules have been put in place by Apple’s App Store to address many of the issues raised over the management of the iPhone-specific digital storefront.

After more than two months of beta testing, Microsoft is readying the launch of its xCloud Game streaming platform on Safari, Edge, and Chrome in the “next few weeks.” This comes after Microsoft had been pushing to bring xCloud to the App Store.

The company made the announcement today in a blog post about “bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone.” Here’s what Microsoft said:

In the next few weeks, cloud gaming on the browser will open to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. With Edge, Chrome, and Safari support, players will be a click away from gaming on almost any device.

Microsoft wanted to offer the xCloud Game platform as an app on the App Store, but since Apple policies don’t allow app stores inside the App Store, the Redmond had to scrap its plans last year.

In April, Microsoft announced it was going to open the beta test program of xCloud Game on web browsers. To enjoy the platform, users must be an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber.

The public beta offered access to over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles. The official Game Pass has around 300 titles that are expected to work with xCloud Game without the need of a TV or a monitor, just a web browser on your iPhone and iPad, for example.

Microsoft Xcloud Mac App

In the blog post, Microsoft also noted that “Cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will launch in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan later this year” as well.

Project Xcloud Ios Beta

With E3 starting this Saturday, Microsoft could be preparing to give more details about the xCloud Game at the conference.

Project Xcloud Mac

Are you looking forward to playing your favorite Xbox games on Safari with your iPhone and iPad? Tell us in the comment section below.

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