Microsoft changes course with work on dongle for Xbox Cloud Gaming on TV

Microsoft confirms that a device code-named Keystone for Xbox Cloud Gaming has worked for TVs and monitors, but has changed course. The company speaks of a ‘new approach’ to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players.

Microsoft exit the current iteration of the Keystone device and uses the experience it has gained during development on the new Xbox Cloud Gaming broad adoption initiative. The company did not provide more details about the new approach in the statement to Windows Central.

That site points to the appearance of the codename Keystone in a recent Xbox OS listing. Microsoft confirms that Keystone was intended to connect to a TV or monitor in order to play Xbox games without a console. According to Windows Central, Microsoft has been working on this project for a few years now and now it’s in iterations to get the device ready for market.

The site further speculates that Keystone is running a slimmed-down version of Windows or the Xbox software. This would provide opportunities for Microsoft to integrate its own media apps, such as Movies & TV. On the other hand, if Microsoft were to opt for an Android implementation, the company could bring the device to market faster and provide support for existing Android apps. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced the Xbox Everywhere initiative, which marks the wants to bring game streaming service to smart TVs†

Render of what a streaming device for Xbox Cloud Gaming would look like according to unconfirmed rumours. Source: @ElrondGaming/4Chan