Here’s a first look at Microsoft’s xCloud for the web

Microsoft has started testing the streaming of its xCloud game through a web browser. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox plans say The Verge that employees are now testing a web version of xCloud before a public view. The service allows Xbox gamers to access their games through a browser and opens xCloud to work on devices such as iPhones and iPads.

Just as xCloud currently works on Android tablets and phones, the web version includes a simple launcher with recommendations for games, the ability to resume recently played titles, and access to all cloud games available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. After starting a game, it will run in full screen and you will need a controller to play Xbox games streamed by the browser.

It is not immediately clear at what resolution Microsoft is streaming games through this version of the web. The software maker is using Xbox One S server blades for its existing xCloud infrastructure, so full 4K streaming will not be supported until the back-end hardware is upgraded to Xbox Series X components this year.

Microsoft is planning to include this web version of xCloud in the PC version of the Xbox app on Windows 10 as well. The web version appears to be currently limited to Chromium browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, much like Google’s Stadia service. Microsoft is planning some form of public viewing of xCloud over the web in the spring, and this broader internal test indicates that viewing is getting very close.

The big motivation behind this web version is support for iOS and iPadOS hardware. Apple imposes limitations on iOS apps and cloud services, and Microsoft was unable to support the iPhone and iPad when it launched xCloud in beta for Android last year. Apple said Microsoft would need to submit individual games for review, a process that Microsoft has labeled a “bad customer experience”.