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.

Project xCloud was the name of our public cloud gaming technology preview and was the first chapter of a multi-year journey. As we prepare for the next chapter of our journey, we are closing registration to Project xCloud (Preview) starting 31 August, and will formally close the public preview starting on 29 September 2021.

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.

1. Jul 08, 2021 8 Jul 2021. Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore. Xbox Game Pass, also known as Xbox Cloud Gaming or xCloud, just recently came to iOS in the form of an invitation-only beta. It's been available on Android for a while now, so we're delighted to see it come to Apple devices. With this game streaming service, iOS users will be able to start or continue.
2. Xbox-Xcloud-Player is a library that can connect to an xCloud / xHome stream using WebRTC and provides an API interface for controlling the stream. GitHub - unknownskl/xbox-xcloud-player: Xbox-Xcloud-Player is a library that can connect to an xCloud / xHome stream using WebRTC and provides an API interface for controlling the stream.
3. In general we recommend Nevercode.io for building iOS applications. But we also have a special build runner that can run iOS or Mac OS builds if needed. To enable us to build the Amplify DX Desktop App for Mac, we have rented an OS X server from XCloud for running GitLab CI builds. We are paying for their lowest-end server, so this is not fast, but so far it works for our purposes.
4. Depending on the device you have, there are a couple of ways you can go about accessing Xcloud. Those with iOS devices will need to access their Xcloud games via a browser, so boot up Chrome.

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.

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.

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

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

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.

Updated 06/28/21: Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser is now available to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This article has been updated throughout with the latest information from Microsoft.

Last year, we wrote about how Apple’s restrictive App Store rules would cause millions of gamers to miss out on Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service (née xCloud). Microsoft later updated the Xbox app to stream games over your local network from your own Xbox, but that’s not the same thing as a cloud gaming service where you don’t need to download or install games at all.

After months of hand-wringing and probably back-room negotiations, Microsoft finally announced that it would build a web-based solution for devices on which it can’t provide an app, like iPhone and iPad. After a short invite-only beta period, Microsoft has announced that all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. To play, simply visit xbox.com/play using Edge, Chrome, or Safari browsers on your Apple device.

Most games are made to be played with a controller, but Apple’s devices support modern Xbox controllers just fine. Just sync it to your Mac as you would any Bluetooth device, or plug in via USB. On iPhone or iPad, we have a guide to pairing your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller.

In addition to the broad availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly code-named xCloud) to all subscribers, Microsoft has upgraded the servers that run the games in the cloud to new hardware based on the Xbox Series X. This means faster performance, much quicker loading times, and better visual quality. Games will stream at 1080p and 60fps, but the company says that “Going forward we’ll continue to innovate and add more features to enhance your cloud gaming experience.”

On Xbox, all saved games are always synced to the cloud, as is other user data like friends lists and achievements. So everything you do on a console will be there waiting for you in the cloud, and vice-versa.

Xcloud Osx Software

The Xbox Cloud Gaming expansion comes along with an expansion of Xbox-ready game accessories for iPhones. The popular Razer Kishi controller, originally only for Android phones, now has an MFi-certified version for iPhones. The new Backbone One controller for iPhone features a dedicated button to launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming web app. For a limited time, Microsoft is offering three-month free trial to new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with the purchase of either controller.