Microsoft Confirms Xbox Cloud Streaming Dongle Codenamed ‘Keystone’ Is In The Works

Back in June 2021, Microsoft hinted at an Xbox cloud streaming device. Now, the company has announced that it is working on a new approach that will help bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to a wider audience via a streaming dongle. This means that it may take a bit longer for the device to hit the shelves.

There have been various reports stating that the tech giant is developing a streaming device akin to the Chromecast. Now, a Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed to Windows Central that it is developing an HDMI streaming device for its Xbox cloud gaming service. The dongle is codenamed Keystone.

The representative said in a statement, “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”.

Also Read: Xbox Cloud Gaming Now Has Over 10 Million Players

The Microsoft spokesperson explained, “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”.

Microsoft has been working on widening the reach of Xbox games at a time when most gamers are dissuaded by the price and sparse availability of consoles. Besides the streaming dongle, the company has also partnered with Samsung to develop an Xbox game-streaming app for its range of smart TVs.