New opponent faces Google Stadia or Nvidia GeForce Now in the field of streaming games: Microsoft Project xCloud. The new platform is already being tested in Spain. And we were able to test it: the visual experience is excellent, with both the transmission quality and the variety of topics included in this first test.
We had months of rumors, and confirmations and, I mean, we were able to register to request access. Recently Microsoft decided to give xCloud access to Spain, a new streaming platform improving one step towards its sales. which offers a closed trial and invitation only. And just today we have access; so we didn't waste time installing the app on our Android to test it. And the experience would not be so great, there are always certain (and sensible) nuances.
Console Games on Android are not very powerful
A great asset for game streaming platforms is that allow for use on devices or devices that may not have sufficient graphics capabilities it is enough to hold articles with high print load. Microsoft Project xCloud does not abide by this rule because it works with a large number of Android devices regardless of the distance. Of course, the best thing is to have the screen large enough and with at least 720p resolution: the viewing experience is excellent.
As we mentioned, Microsoft Project xCloud tests have begun, but are not currently open beta because they require an invitation. The first stage application process is now complete, however Microsoft will release the invitations in the coming months: You must request access to this link.
To play xCloud you need an Android phone, Xbox One Bluetooth controller, 5 GHz WiFi connection at a sufficient speed and minimum latency and Xbox Game streaming application. Yes, it has some nuances: we were testing games with the PS4 connected controller, and with the Nvidia Shield controller, too both the app and these games work well. The Xbox One controller is not important, but it does present problems when playing with a Bluetooth-compatible controller: not all buttons are properly built, such as those from the xCloud menu. We have tried several games and haven't had many problems.
Unless Microsoft specifies that only the Xbox One controller is valid, we've confirmed that other controls are working, such as PS4 or Nvidia Shield
Once the Android app is installed on a mobile phone, and the remote is connected, just start the Xbox Game Streaming and register for the Xbox account, which was used to request beta access (an invitation is required, we remember). The current Microsoft Project xCloud catalog is amazing, all with complete games built into the test. There are classic titles, such as the Borderlands; sports, such as Forza Motosport 7; Also, it would be missing, and only available to Microsoft, such as Halo 5. It's all about a quick start when you click on & # 39; Play & # 39; s without any configuration: the game runs after order and is always on a Microsoft server, not mobile.
Broadcast without excessive reductions
We often play on Nvidia GeForce Now and Google Stadia, so we compare comparisons using the same computers as Microsoft Project xCloud. The gaming experience is the same: High quality of clicks, bright graphics and without the excessive loss of frames (Yes, we've seen some point decrease), unsecured latency, stable resolution and no data loss (always at 720p), audio set at a very high rate (in some games it might have some distortion).
We were pleasantly surprised by the behavior of Microsoft Project xCloud, almost like playing with a desktop computer unless the cellphone is on fire at any time. For our test we used the Xiaomi Mi Note 10, the Samsung Galaxy A71 and the 2017 Nvidia Shield TV, on three devices that received similar feelings. The stream is not yet fully stable (the app warned of packet loss even though the 600 Mbps fiber measuring network), though this feature is unforgivable by Microsoft because xCloud is testing yet, not to forget the connection is reduced by the use of high data during confinement.
This first test got us excited. First, because of the general streaming quality, and because the app has been shown to work more seamlessly than Microsoft claims (It works with different controls than the Xbox One and is compatible with Android TV even though it is not officially compatible). The low latency makes us forget that we are playing in the broadcast, this is very similar to what it feels like to use a competition (Stadia and GeForce Now). And there's one feature that adds an incredible amount to xCloud: its game catalog. It's amazing.
Great catalog, excellent xCloud property
Microsoft has taken advantage of the xCloud beta to offer a game catalog that combines the Xbox Game Pass with other titles found on its consoles. This accesses the accessibility set by simply clicking a button It's nothing compared to what's currently available in the stream. Not only because of the number of compatible games (Nvidia GeForce Now has many, or even lost to developers), but also because all xCloud games are included in the package. That is, you can play about 100 games in this first test without paying anything: all included. Quality, is also evident in the bulk of the AAA category.
Playing Forza Motosport 7 on a limited-edition Android is a success, and enjoy titles like Halo 5 or Soul Calibur VI: of good quality, with some modifications right now (up to 720p) and no significant delays between pressing a button and moving the screen. In addition, all game achievements are stored in an Xbox account and multiplayer is enabled without the need for Live Access: xCloud provides the full version.
The game catalog is wide, has a variety of styles and is all included in xCloud: you don't have to buy it separately
Accessing the app means immersing yourself in a wide library of gaming styles and suggestions for many viewers. Shooters, driving games, simulators, strategy, puzzle, fighting games and much more, Microsoft has acquired a great deal of quality and variety. And it can be fully explored in this phase of the experiment: having an invitation is a small plan.
Verdict: a tough opponent in a broadcast war
We tested Microsoft Project xCloud and this first impression was a good one: having a real console on the phone is the only streaming benefit you can provide. There are some issues with painting, such as high resolution or local jump when re-playing, but it's understandable as the platform is still testing and expanding in more locations than in the first, in the United States and South Korea.
The catalog that xCloud offers access to is very impressive and far from competitive, especially because of the fact that all games are included and do not need to be purchased separately. Virtually any Android can run the app and, in addition, using other controls other than the Xbox One is also possible: all of these strategies add significant value to the platform.
XCloud also works with mobile data, however be careful: 10 minutes for play equals 500 MB
If you have the opportunity to try Microsoft Project xCloud, our recommendation is to do it: the service works really well. You may have to wait until you arrive, but you can request your invitation to receive it as Microsoft expands the space. It's worth it.
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