Using Project xCloud on a Chromebook is a tantalising look at future Windows 10 support

xCloud on Chromebook Source: Windows Primal

Microsoft's Project xCloud, or the soon to be known (and much less catchy) cloud gaming for Xbox Game Pass, is near to be a existent, paid-for production. Information technology's already a very compelling production, but has fairly limited reach in that you need to be using Android to actually go any mileage from it. That will surely alter, but for now, it's where we are.

Notwithstanding, at that place is also Google'due south Chromebooks. These take Android baked in with access to the Play Shop. The older, Game Streaming preview app doesn't install from the Play Store, but the Xbox Game Pass app does, and information technology merely got access to xCloud. And you know something? Information technology works really well.

xCloud on Chromebooks

Xbox Game Pass (Beta)

Get xCloud on your Chromebook right now

Game Laissez passer subscribers tin check out xCloud on a Chromebook right now with the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app from the Play Shop, and it's pretty good.

Wait, what? Chromebooks?

Game Pass app on Chromebook Source: Windows Central

That'due south absolutely 100% correct. And not only does information technology work, but information technology's a very good experience. You tin apply your Xbox One controller just fine, and even the old, underpowered, iv-year-old Chromebook I take access to right now powers through xCloud with ease. The loading times are a chip longer than on a new Android telephone or tablet, but one time yous're in, you're in.

Information technology's non a difficult process, either. Then long as your Chromebook has the Google Play Store y'all're golden. No sideloading, no hunting for APKs. Just load up, search for the Xbox Game Laissez passer (Beta) app (though this will be bachelor in the regular app before long) and install it on your Chromebook.

Pairing the Xbox One controller is a breeze, too.

Plough on your Xbox Ane controller.
Enter pairing way past pressing the small button on the summit.

Source: Windows Central
On the Chromebook, open up the notification shade.

Source: Windows Central
Click on Bluetooth and brand sure it's enabled.
Select your Xbox Wireless Controller.

Source: Windows Central

One time you lot fire upwards xCloud now yous'll be ready to roll.

A surprisingly good experience

Xbox Game Pass on Chromebook Source: Windows Cardinal

The Game Pass app scales really well on a Chromebook, going into a forced fullscreen view as information technology would exist on a tablet. It's non perfect, only it looks quite shut to a desktop app like the Xbox (Beta) on Windows x.

From there on out the simply limitations really are your network conditions similar any other device you lot utilize xCloud on. The loading times will probably be better on newer hardware than I take, just one time the game has loaded up there's no hiccups. I've sabbatum and played a bunch of games and bated from beingness on a laptop, information technology'southward exactly the same experience as I've had on an Android telephone.

Mayhap even amend. That might exist down to the Intel Wi-Fi hardware inside the laptop, it might be further improvements to the xCloud service in recent weeks, or it could be a total placebo. But I'll openly admit I've had a mixed experience with the service on a phone to this point, but information technology feels good on a Chromebook.

A teasing glimpse of Windows support

Project Xcloud Pc Header Source: Windows Central

Does information technology sting a flake that you tin use xCloud on a Chromebook earlier a Windows laptop? Sure does. But it's likewise a teasing glimpse of how adept support should be when it finally does arrive.

Aside from the bluecoat on the OS and UI differences, you lot would await that Windows 10 back up will be just equally skilful as it is on a Chromebook. That'due south one of the more exciting parts here.

For now, it's certainly helped breathe some new life into this quondam laptop. We know it'southward coming to Windows 10 this year and that information technology'due south in testing, but it'southward a waiting game for the time being.

Xbox Game Streaming

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Xbox Project xCloud: Everything Nosotros Know
How to play Xbox Project xCloud Preview
Best Projection xCloud Accessories
Best Phones for Project xCloud
Best Controller Mounts for Project xCloud
Xbox Project xCloud Games List

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