Microsoft announces Project xCloud

Microsoft has announced Project xCloud, a global game-streaming technology initiative.

Project xCloud aims to provide a streaming solution to console, PC, and mobile players. Developers will be able to deploy and dramatically scale access to their games across all devices on Project xCloud with no additional work.Microsoft has enabled compatibility with existing and future Xbox games by building out custom hardware for their datacenters. They've architected a new customizable blade that can host the component parts of multiple Xbox One consoles, as well as the associated infrastructure supporting it. They plan to scale those custom blades in datacenters across Azure regions over time.

The current test runs on devices (mobile phones, tablets) paired with an Xbox Wireless Controller through Bluetooth, and it is also playable using touch input. The company is developing a new, game-specific touch input overlay that provides maximum response in a minimal footprint for players who choose to play without a controller.

Project xCloud will have the capability to make game streaming possible on 4G networks and will dynamically scale to push against the outer limits of what’s possible on 5G networks as they roll out globally. Currently, the test experience is running at 10 megabits per second. The goal is to deliver high-quality experiences at the lowest possible bitrate that work across the widest possible networks, taking into consideration the uniqueness of every device and network.

More details and Public trials are coming in 2019.

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