Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now try xCloud on Android in beta

Project xCloud has started a limited beta on Android today for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The game streaming service offers a selection of around 30 titles during this beta before opening up its entire massive library of +100 games when it launches on September 15.

Android users have reason to celebrate, especially if they are already subscribing to Microsoft’s excellent Xbox Game Pass Ultimate service. Starting today, xCloud is available for testing on Android via the Xbox Game Pass app.

As we approach the launch of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, we’re entering a limited beta period to ensure a smooth transition of the cloud gaming experience to the Xbox Game Pass app on Android – Microsoft spokesperson via The Verge

There’s still roughly a month until xCloud properly gets integrated and offered with its full potential for Xbox Games Pass Ultimate member, but to ensure that the launch goes smoothly, Microsoft has started a limited beta today.

It comes at no extra cost and allows the full Xbox console experience in the palm of your hands everywhere you – as long as your wireless internet connection plays nicely. So, make sure to try it out.

The beta launch ought to hurt owners of Apple phones and tablets who are left out entirely of the enjoyment of the service due to Apple simply not allowing it. A heavy blow for gamers who don’t use Android devices. And it’s hard to understand why Apple is so adamantly against third-party companies offering gaming services through their ecosystem. Google Stadia also wasn’t allowed to work on iOS.

All the while, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. are no problem for Apple. For the sake of gamers in the Apple ecosystem, we hope that the platform holder will change their stance.