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Phil Spencer accidentally gives the world a peek at Xbox streaming device

By Andy Sansom last updated 19 October 2022 This could be the future of gaming (Image credit: Vizio) Phil Spencer, Microsoft's Head of Xbox, has sent heads spinning by posting a tweet (opens in new tab) with a previously unseen prototype in the background. This is not quite a Tom Holland Avengers-level spoiler but Spencer's tweet has given us lots to consider. While Spencer hasn't commented on the photo, an Xbox representative has confirmed "The device on Phil's shelf was an old prototype of Keystone," referencing the name of Microsoft's streaming project. Even if this is just an old prototype this is not the direction we expected Microsoft to take. The device in Spencer's tweet doesn't just belong on his carefully curated shelf, it looks like a miniature Xbox that attaches to a monitor or TV. This would work perfectly in tandem with the excellent Xbox Game Pass streaming service and offer some of the best Xbox Series X games without the need for a chunky console. Vault Boy left the shelter and stopped by my office to celebrate the #Fallout25 Anniversary. Congratulations to the @Fallout @Bethesda teams on this major milestone for an iconic franchise. pic.twitter.com/hGoN1sAQRKOctober 10, 2022See more Xbox fans should not get too attached to this particular prototype, however, with it unlikely to hit the market. The same representative who confirmed the prototype's existence has explained: "Earlier this year, we announced that we made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of Keystone and are taking our learnings to refocus our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future." This is consistent with confirmation Microsoft gave to Windows Central in May 2022 that the team was having a rethink. Indeed, most (including us) assumed the Xbox streaming device would take instead take the form of a stick plugged directly into a TV, like an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Perhaps this is where the project is now heading. Microsoft has plenty of experience now in the streaming sector with the Xbox TV app launching on select Samsung TVs and monitors this year and a device like the Keystone (that won't be the final name) would enable this functionality across all the best smart TVs. Expectations are that the Xbox streaming device will also include apps for some of the best streaming services, making it essentially an all-in-one TV and gaming device that could be moved from room to room (or house to house) - a tantalizing prospect. The future of streaming games is somewhat uncertain with the recent news of Google Stadia shutting down. Latency issues are often offputting for many gamers and Stadia's catalog of titles was lackluster. With the strength of the Xbox name, Microsoft will not have such a problem but it will still take a big pitch to draw players away from their PCs and consoles. We've also weighed in on what the Xbox streaming device could mean for the future of console gaming.Today's best Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 dealsReduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179.99 (opens in new tab)$153.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)Reduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$236.48 (opens in new tab)$153.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Andy SansomTrainee WriterAndy is Tom's Guide's Trainee Writer, which means that he currently writes about pretty much everything we cover. He has previously worked in copywriting and content writing both freelance and for a leading business magazine. His interests include gaming, music and sports- particularly Formula One, football and badminton. Andy's degree is in Creative Writing and he enjoys writing his own screenplays and submitting them to competitions in an attempt to justify three years of studying. More about xbox PS5 vs. Xbox Series X: Which console wins? Xbox Series X is getting a neat upgrade that could help you save energyLatest How to know if someone blocked your numberSee more latest ► Topics Microsoft Xbox See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 20221How to know if someone blocked your number2The 10 best free Steam games3Why you want a mechanical keyboard4How to set parental controls on PS4 and PS4 Pro5Best 75-inch TVs of 2022