Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Microsoft has announced that it will offer dedicated streaming devices for cloud gaming.
- This will allow users to play Xbox games on their TV or monitor without any extra hardware.
Microsoft has seemingly enjoyed plenty of success with its Game Pass service, and it even offers a cloud gaming service so you can play Xbox titles via your PC, smartphone, or tablet.
Now, the Redmond company has announced that it’s building its own streaming devices for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft says this will let you stream Xbox games to your TV or monitor.
There’s no word on what to expect in terms of form factor and price, but we’re guessing that it could take the form of a streaming stick akin to something like the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
More Xbox coverage: Xbox Series X vs Series S — What’s the difference and which one should you buy?
It wouldn’t be the first time Microsoft may have dabbled with this form factor either, as the firm apparently canceled a so-called Project Hobart streaming stick back in 2016. This was set to be available for $99 according to reports at the time. Presumably the new streaming devices will offer support for other apps as well.
Microsoft also announced that it’s working with TV manufacturers to “embed the Xbox experience” into smart TVs. This way, you’d only need a controller to play Xbox titles (likely via streaming too).
The company also said that it’s in the “final stages” of updating its data centers with Xbox Series X consoles. This should result in faster loading times, improved visuals, and more.
