Microsoft reportedly to launch its upcoming Xbox streaming device within a year

Microsoft's cloud gaming goals have thus far been mostly limited to smartphones and building on the console experience, but the company hasn't shied away from selling Xbox gear that is…

By Nivedita Bangari

May 8, 2022

2 min read

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Microsoft’s cloud gaming goals have thus far been mostly limited to smartphones and building on the console experience, but the company hasn’t shied away from selling Xbox gear that is entirely reliant on streaming. We may finally have a release date for the first Xbox streaming gadget now.

According to GamesBeat, Microsoft plans to deliver the first Xbox streaming device “within the next 12 months.” This announcement comes nearly a year after Microsoft initially hinted at its plans.

According to the source, the Xbox streaming gadget would have a “puck” form shape, comparable to Google’s Chromecast or similar Amazon and Roku streaming devices. The device would primarily be used to stream Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games, but it would also appear to support movie and television streaming services.

When this gadget is released, it will be the first time Xbox Game Streaming, often known as “xCloud,” is officially available on TV outside of Microsoft’s consoles. Although the Android app is technically compatible with Android TV OS, it has a lot of issues.

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Samsung apps were also unveiled earlier this year by Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now. According to reports, the Samsung app will be released sometime next year. This new “puck,” according to Tom Warren and as reported by GamesBeat, is part of Microsoft’s “Xbox Everywhere” effort.

This appears to include xCloud expanding support for additional markets, games, and devices. He also claims that Microsoft will allow players to stream Xbox games they own via iCloud, which is now impossible. The only games you can stream on xCloud, for now, are those available through Xbox Game Pass, as well as Fortnite, which was recently added.

This timeline, though, isn’t quite new. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer stated over a year ago that this product would be released “over the next 12 months” and that “nothing” would prevent them from doing so.