In what seems like a bit of a response to Google's recent announcement of their Project Stream service, Microsoft yesterday announced their own game streaming service, Project xCloud. The service is pretty much exactly what you'd imagine it being, a way to stream Xbox One games to your phone, tablet, laptop or TV through through the internet. On top of supporting Xbox One controllers via Bluetooth, Microsoft are also making a touch based control layout for phones and tablets. The service, based on Microsoft's Azure servers, is set to begin trials in 2019.
It seems pretty clear, that with xCloud Microsoft are setting their sights against new competitors like Google, Amazon and even publishers like Ubisoft and EA.
I know that a lot of people will struggle with using streaming services like this for a while because of slow internet speeds or data caps. While I doubt I'll be playing games where latency matters like Forza or Halo multiplayer on the go, I can imagine myself playing an RPG like Elder Scrolls or even a bit of backwards compatible Viva Piñata at the cottage using my phone or laptop and a 4G or 5G connection.
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