Later this year, Microsoft will open up xCloud to a public beta test where the first ‘real world’ test will finally occur. While we wait for the launch date of the new service, Microsoft is taking the first public steps towards releasing the service.

Apps for xCloud have shown up in the Microsoft store, spotted by Walking Cat, these apps don’t offer many details but are the first public signs that things are progressing. Further, this is also our first hint about how you will access the service.

The apps in the store right now are simply placeholders but are likely the access points for the streaming service and the place to stream the games. I would expect that in the future, you will be able to access xCloud from a browser but it does look like Microsoft is pushing towards a dedicated app for the platform.

While Microsoft has shown off xCloud on mobile phones, this app is targeted at the Xbox One which makes it appear that this service may first launch on the console and then expand to other services. That’s speculation at this point, based on the limited information that is available, don’t take it as the gospel at this time.

For fans of xCloud, this is one small step forward for the service and provides a small bit of hope that the public beta will arrive sooner, rather than later.

Tagged with Microsoft, xCloud