Microsoft may launch a streaming gaming device featuring its xCloud service. According to Windows Central, the company has confirmed working on a low-cost HDMI dongle codenamed Keystone to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming platform to any TV or monitor without needing a costly console.
The idea isn’t new. The company has been playing with the idea of releasing a device similar to the Chromecast and Google Stadia to allow gaming from virtually anywhere for a long time. However, it now appears that it may become a reality.
In a statement to Windows Central, the company confirms: “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.”
The report also suggests that the Keystone device has been in development for a long time, and the company is still finalizing the product.
Since the Keystone reference has appeared in the list of operating systems, it’s believed that the dongle could run a slimmed-down version of Windows or Xbox OS that will allow the company to enable the cloud gaming service through an app.
The Xbox Keystone project is still in the early stages, and it’s unclear when (or if ever) will launch, the pricing, and the markets that the company plans to target.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.