Earlier this month, rumors surfaced that Microsoft may be ready to launch a game streaming device like Chromecast for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service. According to a report from Windows Central, the company has now confirmed that such a device (codenamed Keystone) exists, but it may not arrive anytime soon.
“As announced last year, we were working on a game broadcast device, the codename Keystone, which can be connected to any TV or monitors without the need for a console,” a Microsoft spokesman told Windows Central. “We have decided to move away from the current duplication of the Keystone device. We will take what we learn and re-focus our efforts on a new path that will allow us to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future.”
Last year, Microsoft confirmed that it was making an Xbox video game streaming game and baking technology on Smart TVs. “We … are creating independent streaming devices that you can connect to a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong internet connection, you can stream your Xbox information,” the company said.
Since Stadia did not illuminate the market as Google might have expected, Microsoft may be taking stock of its project. “As part of any technical journey, we constantly evaluate our efforts, review what we have learned, and ensure that we bring our customers benefits,” the spokesman said.
Xbox Cloud Gaming (née xCloud) is distributed on PCs, mobile devices, and Xbox consoles as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for $ 15 / month – although it is still in beta technology for almost a year after its widespread launch. However, Stadia can work on Google’s less expensive Chromecast devices, NVIDIA Shield TV, and many Smart TVs. Microsoft is careful with its streaming device, so it doesn’t look like the launch is close.
