If playing Gears 5 or Halo 5: Guardians on your Android smartphone sounds like a great way to spend your weekends, — and I think it is — you’ll definitely want to sign up for the first public test of Project xCloud as soon as possible.
Microsoft launched the registration page for what it is calling the Project xCloud Preview late yesterday during its Inside Xbox livestream. You need a Microsoft Account and an Android smartphone to try the streaming service. A Bluetooth Xbox One Controller isn’t required, but the registration site asks if you’re willing to purchase or already own one. Project xCloud works with physical controllers and on-screen controls. You don’t need to already own a copy of Gears 5 or Halo 5: Gurdians. The service’s first testers should get an email from Microsoft by mid-October, according to the registration site.
This Project xCloud Preview will be the first time the company has let gamers try the streaming service outside of events and trade shows.
At least for me, Project xCloud is the most important thing Xbox will launch over the next few years. Sure, Project Scarlett sounds like a great console, but xCloud will give you access to your games on any device anywhere. An Xbox at one of Microsoft’s data centers actually does all the hard work, with your smartphone or tablet acting only as a display and way to control what’s happening in your game.
