Elain Brown Tech 05.27.2022 07:May AM EDT

Microsoft Competes With Apple TV As It Works on Launching a Cheaper Xbox Streaming Device

Microsoft has confirmed project "Keystone," an Xbox cloud gaming and streaming device that could compete with Apple TV.

There have been persistent rumors over the past few years that Microsoft is considering developing some kind of streaming stick to provide Xbox Cloud Gaming through the use of a more affordable dongle.

The rumors that have surfaced refer to it with the codename Keystone, and it just recently appeared on an Xbox OS list.

Finally, it has now been confirmed that this rumor is, in fact, true and that it refers to an updated HDMI streaming device capable of running Xbox Game Pass as well as its cloud gaming service.

However, before putting the product on the market, Microsoft is looking into developing additional revisions of the software.

Microsoft Xbox Streaming

Microsoft has been hard at work on a new streaming gadget to go head-to-head with Apple TV. The company's goal is to make the Xbox experience available to a greater number of people.

The development of a new Xbox gadget, which has been given the codename Keystone, has been going on within Microsoft, as was first revealed by Windows Central and subsequently confirmed by the company itself.

This device, on the other hand, will not be a full-fledged gaming console; rather, its main purpose will be streaming, including game streaming.

While recognizing that the currently available version of Keystone requires a few more tweaks before being made available to the public, a spokeswoman for Microsoft described the company's dedication to decreasing the barriers to accessing Xbox games through the use of low-cost hardware as evident.

The Microsoft representative stated that as part of their technical journey, they are in the process of evaluating, reviewing, and assuring the value they give out to their customers. And with that, the company decided to move away from the Keystone device in its current form and try a new way of doing things that will let us bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more people around the world in the future.

According to reports, Microsoft has been working on Keystone for a number of years, and the company is currently putting the finishing touches on the product's feature set.

Xbox Streaming Device

The Xbox product Keystone is a gadget positioned as a direct competitor to Apple TV.

Although right off the bat, Apple TV does not include extensive gaming features, just like what is assumed from the Xbox Keystone.

The set-top box that Apple sells is too expensive to be used as a streaming device, and at the same time, it does not have games that can replace a console like an Xbox or a PlayStation.

According to 9to5Mac, the new Xbox gadget has been in development for a few years, and its official introduction is not expected to take place for at least a couple more months. However, there is no information regarding when the new Xbox device will be available on the market.

At the moment, there are no confirmed specifications and features just yet for the upcoming streaming device. On the contrary, the spokesperson claims that the "Keystone" system can be connected to any television or monitor, allowing players to play games over streaming without the need for a console.

Furthermore, great news that players can expect is the confirmation from Microsoft that the Xbox streaming device will become more affordable.