Microsoft has extended its xCloud, the cloud-based game streaming service, to iOS and iPad devices as well as PCs and Macs across 22 countries.

Ina blog post on Monday, Microsoft announced that streaming over xCloud is now set to 1080p at up to 60 frames per second with a decent internet connection, powered by Xbox Series X consoles.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is our technology that allows you to play over 100 console games on the devices you already have with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a compatible controller. As part of your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, you can enjoy the console games you love, the people you want to play together with, on the devices you already have, all.

As an invite-only beta, Microsoft xCloud has been included in Xbox Game Pass since mid-April 2021. As of right now, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access it and more than 100 games anywhere they have an iOS device, a PC, or a Mac.

1. Microsoft launched, this Thursday (30), the Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) throughout Brazil. The service, which allows playing via the cloud on mobile phones, tablets and computers, is available at no additional cost to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. O Voxel he even spoke with Microsoft executives to learn a little more about the service.
2. Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming Service Arrives on iOS, Mac and PC: Upgraded to 1080p at up to 60 fps. For those wishing to learn more about xCloud, you can head over to Microsoft’s website.

Catherine Gluckstein, vice president & head of product of Xbox Cloud Gaming, expressed in a blog post,

“Today marks a key milestone in our journey to bring the Xbox experience to all gamers, and we can’t wait for you to begin playing. I remember about three years ago, the first time I picked up a phone and played a cloud game, using nothing but touch controls. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, where the beauty of the graphics mixed with the creativity of technology to create something truly magical. So, from Team Xbox to you, we hope you experience more joy and connection through gaming anywhere and everywhere.”

According to Microsoft, the xCloud on iOS will act as a web-based app through Safari, and it is allowing the users to choose between a controller or touch controls for particular games. While on PCs, xCloud will act through the Edge browser and Chrome. Similarly, for Macs, the xCloud service will be supported by Microsoft Edge and Safari.

Microsoft is also making significant changes to the overall gaming experience. Xbox cloud gaming now will be powered by custom Xbox series hardware. Microsoft is also keen to upgrade the datacenters around the globe to provide users faster load time and improved frame rates.

In February, Microsoft had begun testing its xCloud game streaming through a web browser. The report shows that employees were, at that time, testing xCloud on a web browser ahead of a public launch.

Apple’s App Store guidelines had been offering resistance to Microsoft for bringing xCloud on iOS. It wasn’t long before Apple caved, allowing them to run “through the web.” In September last year,new rules have been put in place by Apple’s App Store to address many of the issues raised over the management of the iPhone-specific digital storefront.

Updated 06/28/21: Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser is now available to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This article has been updated throughout with the latest information from Microsoft.

Last year, we wrote about how Apple’s restrictive App Store rules would cause millions of gamers to miss out on Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service (née xCloud). Microsoft later updated the Xbox app to stream games over your local network from your own Xbox, but that’s not the same thing as a cloud gaming service where you don’t need to download or install games at all.

After months of hand-wringing and probably back-room negotiations, Microsoft finally announced that it would build a web-based solution for devices on which it can’t provide an app, like iPhone and iPad. After a short invite-only beta period, Microsoft has announced that all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. To play, simply visit xbox.com/play using Edge, Chrome, or Safari browsers on your Apple device.

Most games are made to be played with a controller, but Apple’s devices support modern Xbox controllers just fine. Just sync it to your Mac as you would any Bluetooth device, or plug in via USB. On iPhone or iPad, we have a guide to pairing your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller.

Microsoft Xcloud Ios

In addition to the broad availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly code-named xCloud) to all subscribers, Microsoft has upgraded the servers that run the games in the cloud to new hardware based on the Xbox Series X. This means faster performance, much quicker loading times, and better visual quality. Games will stream at 1080p and 60fps, but the company says that “Going forward we’ll continue to innovate and add more features to enhance your cloud gaming experience.”

On Xbox, all saved games are always synced to the cloud, as is other user data like friends lists and achievements. So everything you do on a console will be there waiting for you in the cloud, and vice-versa.

Microsoft Xcloud Mac Pro

The Xbox Cloud Gaming expansion comes along with an expansion of Xbox-ready game accessories for iPhones. The popular Razer Kishi controller, originally only for Android phones, now has an MFi-certified version for iPhones. The new Backbone One controller for iPhone features a dedicated button to launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming web app. For a limited time, Microsoft is offering three-month free trial to new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with the purchase of either controller.