Given Apple’s refusal to accept video game streaming platforms on iOS, companies have changed their strategy. Instead of depending on the iOS store, they will depend on the browser. Now Microsoft has started testing xCloud or Xbox Cloud Gaming in the browser. Employees are now testing a web version of xCloud before launching a public preview. The service allows Xbox gamers to access their games through a browser, and open xCloud to work on devices such as iPhones and iPads.
Microsoft prepares to launch Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS and PC
Just like xCloud currently works on Android tablets and phones, the web version includes a simple launcher with recommendations for games. As well as the ability to resume recently played titles and access to all available cloud games through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Once you start a game, it will run in full screen, and you will need a controller to play Xbox games streamed through the browser.
At the moment we do not know at what resolution Microsoft will transmit the games. However, the fact that they have used the Xbox One S on their servers limits this resolution to a maximum of FullHD. It won’t be until later when 4K streaming arrives. This same year Microsoft wants to upgrade its servers to the Xbox Series X components this year.
On the other hand, Microsoft is planning to include the PC variant in this web version of xCloud. The web version appears to be currently limited to Chromium browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, as does Google’s Stadia service. Microsoft is planning some kind of public preview of xCloud via the web in the spring. This will be the one that determines the status and next stages of Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS.