Microsoft has finally ended its game streaming test on xCloud for iOS devices. For the last few months, xCloud testing on iOS was going on but with limits. However, the software giant clarified that for this week, the service launch would only be available for Android devices. The preview is supposed to end on September 11th. However, it will continue for the Android up till next month.
In a recent interview, the Microsoft spokesperson spoke about the project “xCloud”.
“Our Project xCloud preview TestFlight period has ended on iOS and we are focused on delivering cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to Android customers beginning September 15. It’s our ambition to scale cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass available on all devices.”
In recent times the company has faced many obstacles while the launch of cloud streaming on iOS. Microsoft imposed limits on xCloud iOS test application to only Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Is Apple preventing Microsoft’s xCloud’s launch on iOS?
Some Apple policies are preventing Microsoft’s xCloud to launch on iOS. Also, iPads and iPhones still don’t have Google’s Stadia gaming services. Moreover, other gaming services also faced similar issues while they were launched on the App Store. Apple took a whole year to approve Valve’s Steam Link app.
Given the previous instances, it seems like xCloud’s future is not in the hands of Microsoft but Apple. Apple rules and policies that impose stricter rules on “remote desktop clients”.
Microsoft x Samsung
Microsoft is trying its best to avoid the in-app purchases with the xCloud Game Pass (Google Play Store) version. Rather, Microsoft is partnering with Samsung for the Xbox Game Pass Application’s special version. This will let Xbox players recover the tokens and purchases like DLC items and skins in the Xbox dash.
Microsoft plans to launch the xCloud on September 15th. At launch, it will be available exclusively for the Android tablets.
