GAMERS can now play blockbuster sci-fi shooter Halo on their iPhones using a new Xbox app.
Dubbed Project xCloud, the app promises to let you play games anywhere, anytime by plugging your mobile into an Xbox One controller.
Early tests of the service began on Android in October, and this week opened up to iOS users.
A group of 10,000 lucky testers have been invited to the preview ahead of the app’s full launch, expected later this year.
Microsoft, which owns Xbox, says you don’t need to have an Xbox console or games to use xCloud for now, at least.
“Our intention is to bring console-quality games to players around the world on their mobile device,” a spokesperson said.
The xCloud service runs on games console specifically, Xbox One X hardware modified to run in a data centre.
Games are streamed over the internet straight to your phone or tablet, without the need for a console or TV.
It promises to let users play Xbox games on any device with a screen and an internet connection.
Microsoft is still testing the complex technology, but hopes to have a version ready for release by 2021.
A public preview of xCloud went live in October
An early version of the iOS app was sent out via email on Wednesday to gamers who had registered as xCloud testers.
Currently, only one game Halo: The Master Chief Collection is available to play while Microsoft irons out app policy issues with Apple.
To sign up to be an xCloud tester (it’s free!), use this link and select “iOS” as your phone make or model to be in the running for iOS tests.
While you’ve missed the first batch of links, Microsoft has said it will swap new testers in throughout the trail period.
There’s no guarantee you’ll get a spot, mind it’s luck of the draw.
Microsoft says its public tests will help it improve Project xCloud ahead of its full public release.
It hasn’t yet set a firm launch date yet.
“The preview will continue until customers are consistently reporting a great experience and the technology meets our quality standards,” a spokesperson said last year.
In an earlier video revealing details of the new service, Microsoft explained that xCloud did not mark the end of the road for consoles.
Instead, the system is meant to be an alternative for those who don’t have access to a console either at all, or just at that moment in time.
The platform will compete with Google’s game streaming service, Google Stadia.
Launched in November, Stadia runs games on computers that sit in Google’s data centres around the world, and then stream the video output to your screen.
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Are you excited for Project xCloud? Let us know in the comments!
