Microsoft’s Keystone, a prototype for an affordable game streaming device, never made it to production. Thanks to a surfaced patent, we now have a closer look at what it could have been.
The patent reveals more details about the device, which was previously seen in Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer’s office. The Keystone prototype was eventually abandoned in favor of a new approach.
The design of the Keystone resembles a miniature Xbox Series S, with a front featuring the signature Xbox power button and a USB-A port. The back includes HDMI, Ethernet, and power ports, with a pairing button on the right side.
Unlike a rectangular shape, the Keystone has a square design with a circle on top and a stand underneath. It was intended as an HDMI streaming device primarily for Xbox Game Pass and Cloud Streaming.
The Keystone was envisioned as a portable streaming stick for Cloud Streaming from Xbox Game Pass. However, due to pricing issues, the project was discontinued, and efforts were redirected towards a smart TV streaming app.
With the expansion of the Xbox app to devices like Fire TV sticks, it seems unlikely that Xbox will release a dedicated streaming device like the Keystone anytime soon.
Editors’ Recommendations
