Microsoft to Launch Xbox Cloud Gaming Device Keystone
Microsoft's long-running xCloud streaming device is undergoing some changes, according to Windows Central. The company first announced a dedicated streaming dongle in June 2021, but in a statement issued by Windows Central, the company said it was shutting down a "current backing" codenamed Keystone.
Here is the full Microsoft statement shared on Windows Central:
Our vision for Xbox Cloud Gaming is unwavering, our goal is to enable people to play the games they want, on the devices they want, anywhere they want. As announced last year, we’ve been working on a game-streaming device, codename Keystone, that could be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a console.
As part of any technical journey, we are constantly evaluating our efforts, reviewing our learnings, and ensuring we are bringing value to our customers. We have made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device. We will take our learnings and refocus our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future.
It is not clear what these changes will be, and Microsoft did not respond immediately to a request for comment. However, there are many promises with a specialized Xbox streaming device. Although the Xbox Series X is easier to use than the PS5, it's still not the easiest console and costs hundreds of dollars. A (perhaps) cheaper streaming bar could, for most, be a much cheaper way to view the games that Microsoft offers through the cloud - including this month's Fortnite from Epic Games.
And Microsoft doesn't just work on streaming devices; Xbox TV apps are also being prepared. In November 2020, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer told The Verge that "I think you’re going to see that in the next 12 months," and although the company doesn't meet the deadline, VentureBeat announced on May 6 that the Xbox Gaming Streaming Application for Samsung Smart TVs "should be placed on the market within the next 12 months." VentureBeat says the streaming device is also set for the next 12 months.