As part of the Inside Xbox stream early this morning head of cloud gaming at Microsoft, Kareem Choudhry, was on-hand to demo the tech. Plus, confirm that public trials for the Project xCloud streaming service are still on track for later in the year. And we got our first look at the tech with Forza Horizon 4 on Android.

Played with an Xbox controller connected to a smartphone.

Play the games you want, on the devices you want, whenever you want. Project xCloud has big plans, and they're kicking off this year. #InsideXbox pic.twitter.com/kyoXSjDc4W

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 12, 2019

Outside of the weird angle of acting like portable console-quality gaming hasn't been possible until now, it's a fascinating look at the potential of cloud-based gaming. And really, point to it one-day becoming the norm - or prevalent.

“Project X Cloud is a cloud-based streaming service that will enable you to play anywhere we have a client,” said Choudhry. “Anywhere you have a good network connection, you’ll be able to participate in Project X Cloud.” Of course, for the trials and the service close proximity to Microsoft Azure data centres would also be required, which thankfully we have quite a few already in major cities across Australia.

As a service, Project xCloud (which initially will be limited to streaming Xbox One S quality) isn't meant to replace the current Xbox console family. In a statement, Kareem clearly points out that it will complimentary.

We’re developing Project xCloud not as a replacement for game consoles, but as a way to provide the same choice and versatility that lovers of music and video enjoy today. We’re adding more ways to play Xbox games. We love what’s possible when a console is connected to a 4K TV with full HDR support and surround sound – that remains a fantastic way to experience console gaming. We also believe in empowering gamers to decide when and how to play.

We believe in the future where you will be able to seamlessly access content on your phone, tablet or another connected device. Imagine that you just began a single-player campaign the day before heading out of town and want to keep playing from where you left off. Maybe you just need a few more minutes to wrap up that weekly challenge before you head into work, but your bus just won’t wait. Or maybe the living-room television is occupied by someone else in the household when you arranged to play co-op with your friends.

Naturally, we're keen to see the technology in action - across a wide range of network connections too. Here's hoping the trials make it to Australia when they kick off.