Microsoft opens up its Xbox Console Streaming preview to the world

Polycount

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In context: The game streaming wars are heating up, and just about every major player in this industry has something on the table right now. Google has Stadia, Microsoft is working on Project xCloud, and Sony has its Remote Play and PlayStation Now services.

Microsoft has also quietly been working on Xbox Console Streaming, a function that allows Xbox owners to play any owned and installed Xbox One, or Game Pass title on their Android smartphone or tablet with minimal effort.

The feature has been available to select Xbox Insider program testers for a while now, but today, Microsoft is finally opening it up more broadly. Starting now, as long as you live in one of the many, many countries on this list, you'll be able to take advantage of Xbox Console Streaming. If you want to do so, you'll need to sign up for the Xbox Insider program and enroll in the Xbox One Update Preview ring.

Once you've done so, open up the Google Play Store on your Android device and snag the Xbox Game Streaming (Preview) app. The rest of the instructions will be fed to you through this app, so it should be pretty straightforward.

In terms of other requirements, the Preview will demand a Bluetooth 4.0-supported Xbox controller, an Android device running version 6.0 (or higher) of the OS, as well as a Microsoft Account. A high-speed internet connection would help, too, but that's nothing new for this sort of service. Microsoft recommends a controller mount, but that's not strictly necessary.

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So I need an Xbox or a PC to sign up to the Xbox Insider program right? It seems need to install a Windows store app, or am I being dumb and missing something? I'm travelling so have limited access to my laptop...
 
So I need an Xbox or a PC to sign up to the Xbox Insider program right? It seems need to install a Windows store app, or am I being dumb and missing something? I'm travelling so have limited access to my laptop...
 
I haven't touched my Xbox in a long time and I refuse to pay anything more than I already pay for Xbox Live.

I'm really interested in the Alienware UFO tho...
 
Off to the store to get a new bluetooth controller. mine does not have bluetooth. 2015.
 
I haven't touched my Xbox in a long time and I refuse to pay anything more than I already pay for Xbox Live.

Are you paying for Live and not touching your Xbox? Or did I misread this?

Anyway, just streaming from your Xbox to your phone is free. You don't need to pay anything extra. So if you have any interest in playing your games on the road, may be worth giving it a try. Reviews on Google Play are generally positive.
 
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