For a few years now, rumors have been circulating that Microsoft was exploring the creation of some form of playback stick to offer Xbox Cloud Gaming via a more affordable dongle, similar to Chromecast and Google Stadia. The first clue was the Hobart Project. More recently, a code name “Keystone” appeared on a list of Xbox operating systems, fueling rumors that Microsoft was continuing to explore additional hardware for the Xbox line.
We can now confirm that this is true, and it refers to a modernized HDMI streaming device running Xbox Game Pass and its cloud gaming service. However, Microsoft is exploring additional iterations of the product before launching it.
In a statement provided to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesman described its commitment to lowering Xbox content limits with low-cost hardware, but acknowledged that the existing version of Keystone needs a little more time to cook before starting.
“Our vision for Xbox Cloud Gaming is unwavering. Our goal is to allow people to play the games they want, the devices they want, anywhere they want. As announced last year, we’ve been working on a gaming device, codenamed Keystone, that could be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a console, “a Microsoft spokesman said.
“As part of any technical journey, we are constantly evaluating our efforts, reviewing our learning and making sure that we are adding value to our customers. We have made the decision to move away from the current iteration of the Keystone device. our learning and refocusing our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to offer Xbox Cloud Gaming to more gamers around the world in the future. ”
From what we understand, Keystone has been in development for a couple of years, with Microsoft continuing to finalize the product feature set.
To speculate, Keystone could run some kind of reduced Windows or Xbox operating system, since “Keystone” originally appeared in a list of the operating system along with the various Xbox platforms such as “ERA” and “GameOS”. Using Windows instead of alternatives like Android would allow Microsoft to offer its own streaming media applications like Microsoft Movies & TV. However, using Android OSP would potentially be a faster route to the market, relying on apps like Netflix and perhaps Spotify.
Keystone’s exact timeline isn’t clear yet, but I wouldn’t expect to see it soon, especially not on the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase that will be released on June 12th.
A low-cost playback device makes obvious sense from a business perspective, as Microsoft strives to bring Xbox Game Pass to more homes that may not be interested in having a full-fledged console. Microsoft has also previously hinted that it would also bring TV apps for Xbox Cloud Gaming, further reducing the barrier. Either way, I’m excited to see what “Keystone” will be like in action once it’s ready.