What you need to know
- Microsoft has announced a deal with SK Telecom ahead of Xbox Project xCloud.
- The duo aims to power early Project xCloud tests in South Korea this October, leveraging its 5G infrastructure.
Microsoft continues to lay Project xCloud foundations, its Xbox-based game-streaming service slated for early testing this October. Redmond has now partnered up with South Korean mobile carrier, SK Telecom, expanding its launch preparations, while tapping into 5G mobile coverage.
Project xCloud's rollout plans remain tight, committed to preview testing from October. xCloud server hardware deployment is underway across North America, Europe, and Asia, though firm availability details remain unclear. The new SK Telecom deal confirms South Korea among initial test regions, serving opportunities to "selected" SK Telecom 5G/LTE subscribers.
SK Telecom Vice President and Head of MNO Business Ryu Young-sang, announced the deal in Seoul, South Korea today, accompanied by Corporate Vice President of Project xCloud, Kareem Choudhry.
Ryu Young-sang, SK Telecom's Vice President, with Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Gaming, at E3 2019 in June, via Microsoft.
"Partnerships, like the one we announced with SK Telecom today, are critical to continuing that trajectory and moving the gaming industry forward, starting with the incredibly engaged gamers and game studios in South Korea," stated Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President, Gaming at Microsoft.
5G falls hand-in-hand with Project xCloud ambitions, serving up high-speed, low-latency connectivity fit for game streaming demands. Microsoft targets a mobile-first implementation of its on-the-go Xbox service, with early trade show demonstrations tied to Android devices. Truly mobilizing its gaming platform, the ongoing 5G rollout plays a crucial role in early success.
South Korea sits among those at the forefront of 5G, with three carriers initiating deployment in late 2018, fast-expanding availability since. It's unclear if Microsoft aims to pursue similar details in the west, though the U.S. and UK are among expected test regions.
How to play Xbox Project xCloud preview tests
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Update 6: Microsoft wants all of TikTok, but Trump's order may interfere
The Financial Times reports that as part of negotiations, Microsoft is now inquiring whether it can buy all of TikTok, instead of just the business in the US., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This new plan would include India and Europe (and excluding China).
Surface Duo and double Dans take over this week's Android Central podcast
Need even more Surface Duo in your life? Check out the latest Android Central podcast, in which Daniel Rubino and Daniel Bader (double the Dans!) discuss Surface Duo, Microsoft's Samsung love affair, and Project xCloud.
This is the best Windows 10 tablet you can buy right now
There are many Windows 10 tablets on the market, but it's hard to sort through the rubbish. Here's our picks for the best Windows 10 tablets you can buy right now. At the top of our list is the Surface Pro X, which we think is the best due to its ARM processor, large display, and thin form factor while still packing good battery life and excellent performance.
Complete list of Xbox One Dolby Atmos games
Dolby Atmos creates a realistic, immersive soundscape, but is not featured in every game. These are all Xbox One games with baked-in Dolby Atmos support so far.