Project xCloud: All info on Microsoft's game streaming

The gaming of the future is to become even more mobile, flexible and individual. This requires new solutions, and with the xCloud project, Microsoft delivers an interesting concept. We explain what it's all about and what requirements must be met to use the xCloud.

On to the cloud: Microsoft's Project xCloud makes gamers independent of the end device.

How Project xCloud

Cloud technology is penetrating more and more areas. The gaming industry could soon take a big step there as well. Basically, Project xCloud is nothing more than a streaming service for games. Here's how the concept works:

• Games are to be stored in the cloud and not on the local hard drive of a PC, console or mobile device.
• Gamers can then access the games via the Internet using any end device. Whether with Xbox One, PC or tablet, only a controller is needed, while control on touch devices is even possible by finger.
• The big advantage is consequently that players are no longer tied to one device. Game states can be flexibly retrieved and continued from a wide variety of end devices.

Project xCloud: These are the requirements for use

The technical foundation is Microsoft's Azure cloud. This concept also has advantages for developers, as they can reach a very large target group with a game development. However, it is important to have sufficient bandwidth: 4G speed is considered a prerequisite, but it is still far from being guaranteed everywhere as it would be necessary for such a service. In addition, you need at least Android 6.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 to use xCloud.