Microsoft confirms Xbox ‘Keystone’ streaming device in development

A few weeks ago, we learned about Microsoft's ‘Xbox Everywhere' initiative, which will see the company making a bigger push for cloud streaming and broadening device support. Part of this initiative is a low-cost streaming device, something that Microsoft has now officially confirmed. 

Previously, we have seen code references to an Xbox Keystone, a codenamed product that we later learned was likely Microsoft's dedicated xCloud streaming device. A render of what Keystone looks like has also recently surfaced on the web:

Speaking with Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that Keystone is indeed a low-cost streaming device. However, the team also recently “made the decision to pivot away” from the current iteration of the product. With that in mind, it could be a while longer before the device is ready for a proper public unveiling and release. Here is the full quote:

“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.”

Aside from a dedicated streaming device, Microsoft is also planning to bring Xbox Game Pass streaming to more devices, spreading beyond phones, consoles and PCs and into the realm of Smart TVs via a new app.

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KitGuru Says: I'm surprised Microsoft confirmed Keystone and spoke about it so openly. It makes a refreshing change of pace given that the games industry is usually notoriously secretive. 

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