Microsoft is in the process of testing its xCloud game streaming service, but that’s not the only way to get your Xbox games on more devices. The company has also launched a test of its new Xbox game streaming service. This streaming option has more hardware requirements, but it won’t require subscribing to a whole new service.
Microsoft’s xCloud relies on a server someplace online to render games and stream the video to your devices. The upshot there is you don’t need to have an Xbox running to play Xbox games. The new Xbox Console Streaming feature does require you to have an Xbox One, and that piece of hardware does all the rendering and streaming. If you already have a big game library, that could make your streaming experience much better.
Currently, the Xbox Console Streaming test is available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings, but only those in the US and UK. Once enabled, the streaming test lets you load up and render your library of games on the Xbox One you already have, and the console streams to your mobile device.
You will need a few things in addition to the Xbox
in order to enjoy Console Streaming. Microsoft says your home internet needs at least 4.75 Mbps of upload (9 Mbps preferred) and 125 ms or less of latency (50 ms or less preferred). The Xbox needs to be configured for instant-on and connected to your network via an Ethernet cable — every little bit of latency counts in situations like this.
Your console will tell you if something isn’t working.
The game streaming preview only works on Android devices running 6.0 Marshmallow or higher. You’ll also need a wireless Xbox controller with Bluetooth support. Microsoft also strongly suggests you pick up a controller mount for your phone. On the phone side, you need at least 4.75 Mbps down, but Microsoft still says 10 Mbps is preferable.
Interestingly, Microsoft doesn’t mention anything about the local network conditions, and that suggests it won’t support direct streaming when you’re at home. It’s targeting game streaming to your phone while you’re out in the world. So, you might not get any latency benefits while you’re on your home network.
Microsoft will expand the test to more regions and testing groups down the road. First, it wants to see how it works for Insiders.
Now read:
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