Microsoft's game-streaming service, Project xCloud, is now available to the public through its first open trials. This is a notable development because up until now, Microsoft has only made xCloud available under controlled conditions.

As announced previously, Microsoft is rolling out the xCloud beta in waves, so if you don't get an invitation, keep checking your email in the days and weeks ahead. That being said, Microsoft said it expects huge demand, so even if you do sign up you may never get in.

Four games are included in the xCloud beta from the start: Gears 5, Halo 5: Guardians, Killer Instinct, and Sea of Thieves. For the purposes of the beta, you don't need to own any of the titles or an Xbox console (because they are streamed from the cloud).

The xCloud beta is available for a phone or tablet running Android 6.0 and Bluetooth 4.0--there is no support for iPhone or iPad at this stage. The games can be played with an Xbox One controller.

The xCloud trial is only available in the US, UK, and Korea. You can sign up for the testing period on the Xbox website. For more specifics about the beta, head to Microsoft's website.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer says he is proud of the xCloud team for launching the public preview. "It's an exciting time at Xbox," he said. "We're excited for all of you to help shape the future of game streaming."

The public preview launch of xCloud comes just ahead of Google Stadia's release in November. In other news, Sony just recently dropped the price of its own streaming service, PlayStation Now.