What you need to know
- "Project xCloud" is Microsoft's upcoming game streaming service.
- At E3 2019, everyone could test it out by streaming a game 400 miles away.
- An analysis says xCloud only exhibited 67 ms of input lag which is almost the same as playing on an Xbox One.
- March's Stadia analysis saw 166 ms of input lag.
At E3 2019, Microsoft is giving gamers the chance to try out "Project xCloud," its game streaming service that competes with Google Stadia. The server is located 400 miles away, but you can access games like Gears of War 4 and Halo 5: Guardians – both of which run at 60 frames per second (FPS) – on an Android phone connected to a controller.
According to an analysis by Ars Technica, xCloud only exhibited 67 milliseconds (ms) of input lag compared to Stadia's 166 ms. If you directly play Halo 5 on a console, you experience 63 ms of input lag. You can read the outlet's findings below.
In our video tests, the time between tapping the A button and seeing a response on the smartphone screen took sixteen frames of a 240 FPS video or 67 ms across three subsequent tests. That's almost imperceptibly slower than the 63 ms input latency Digital Foundry measured on the Xbox One version of Halo 5 in 2017... Testing latency of a wired... Stadia demonstration at March's Game Developers Conference, Digital Foundry found total latency of 166 ms, compared to a low of 100 ms on a 60 FPS PC.
Keep in mind that this test was conducted in less-than-ideal testing conditions, but it still shows a dramatic reduction in input lag when compared to Stadia. However, as this is an early test, the input lag could improve on xCloud going forward.
The same applies to Stadia. Since its reveal in March, Google may have managed to bring down the input lag further. We should know for sure in November when the "Stadia Pro" subscription launches and xCloud is in public trials.
Xbox accessories you'll love
Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)
PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.
Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)
The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Intel's two new Arizona chip factories have begun construction
It's been in the works for a while, and it's finally time for steel to be applied: Construction has begun on Intel's $20 billion investment in new Arizona-based chip factories.
Here's everything we know about the next Halo Infinite beta
Halo Infinite test flighting is coming in the near future. Here's how to sign up for the Halo Insider Program and access the beta so you can help 343 Industries test the game.
Surface Go 3: Price, release date, features, and everything you should know
Microsoft's budget-friendly Surface Go line of tablets is one of our favorites, being accessible to a much wider audience thanks to its low-cost of entry in a tiny package that makes it super portable and fun to use. With pricing starting at $399, it's hard to hate the Surface Go. So, here's everything you need to know about the latest Surface Go 3.
Want accessories for your Secretlab gaming chair? Here are our top choices.
Secretlab gaming chairs are fantastic, but they're even more enjoyable when paired with some accessories. Here are our favorite ones.