On 9th June 2019, Microsoft announced Xbox Project Scarlett having console E3 2019 is ready. During the presentation, Phil Spencer, the Chief of Xbox, introduced Xbox features to the audiences. Microsoft announced that it would publish more detailed info on how to sign up in summer 2019. On 20th August 2019, Microsoft would focus on games during the press event at Gamescom. Those attending it would learn more on xCloud technologies.

 

XCloud Release and Trials:

Phil Spencer announced that Xbox One would become user’s own personal and free xCloud server. On any date in October 2019, the public would be able to test xCloud for the first time. This date would be considered as the foundation for Microsoft’s final vision for cloud games. On that day, users would be able to access Microsoft’s data centre. Users would be able to play a hybrid gaming cloud even while they are on the move. Thus, xCloud would work as a hybrid the cloud gaming service instead of cloud gaming market.

 

Future of xCloud Xbox Scarlett:

Microsoft has clarified that xCloud would elaborate features of Xbox Scarlett. Ultimately, this would not be used only Console Streaming. All demonstrations on xCloud have confirmed that users would not require an Xbox to access titles. However, this feature might be still in the planning stage and has yet to be incorporated. According to Microsoft, Xbox Scarlett consoles would be released in fall 2020. This would give ample time in months for public trials. Also, Microsoft would get time to complete the latest version of cloud gaming vision.  

 

Price of xCloud:

Microsoft has not announced the price of an xCloud subscription. Yet, there are a few services with price hints available in the market. These include Xbox Game Pass or “Netflix of video games” ranging from $9.99 per month. These subscribers can use Xbox and PC for playing Xbox One and Xbox 360 games. These subscribers would get the latest upgraded version for xCloud. After the Xbox works for other platforms, the cost would be increased by $10.

 

Microsoft Console Streaming vs. Sony’s Remote Play:

During the presentation, Microsoft showed the new “Console Steaming” characteristic similar to Remote Play of Sony. Here, the xCloud was less than just a standalone cloud gaming service. The Console Streaming transforms the Xbox One Console of the user into his/her personal cloud server. This is possible because the remote access would acquire all titles in Smartphone and tablets.

 

As stated earlier, Microsoft has not finalized on the price for using Xbox for xCloud. Compared to Microsoft, Sony offers its “PlayStation Now” at $19.99 per month. Soon Microsoft would be offering the Xbox product at almost the same price as Sony. Microsoft’s expected monthly fee is predicted to be ranging between $15 and $25. As of now, Sony’s PlayStation Now is Microsoft’s only competitor for Xbox and xCloud.

 

How the xCloud Project would work:  

Everyone using the xCloud technologies benefit from playing graphical games. Users do not have to display games using lots of PC space or console.  Microsoft has removed multiple Xbox One consoles and arranged parts as server blades. As soon as the xCloud user chooses a game to play on Smartphone, the server starts it. Meanwhile, the server streams the visuals to the user’s phone.    

 

The apparent drawback in this technology is the latency. The user presses a button but, the information reaching the server takes time. Additionally, the in-game action is not sent back to the user right away. The back and forth information cause lagging phase especially when the internet connection is slow. Microsoft is working on a hybrid solution to improve technology.

 

Compatible Devices for xCloud:

Microsoft would be manufacturing several compatible devices for using xCloud. These devices would include all Android devices, PCs, and Xboxes. The devices would enable users to connect to the xCloud servers while on the go.

 

Microsoft would not make Apple devices compatible to xCloud. However, in the near future, there would be an Xbox Live feature for iOS devices (iPhone and iPads). Also, Microsoft would create Xbox Live features available on the PlayStations and the Nintendo Switch.  

 

xCloud Available Games:  

Games already ready for xCloud streaming are as follows. These include head, Forza Horizon 4, Gears of War 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Sea of Thieves.  All Xbox One Games would be available on xCloud, the open platform offered to users. These games would have customized design without allowing any modification in game coding.