Microsoft Announces Xbox TV App

Microsoft has announced that it will be partnering with TV manufactures to bring an Xbox app to devices soon. The company is planning to bring its signature game pass service to televisions soon through their xCloud streaming technology, which will open up more avenues to access the service. This will be available two ways, through both an app on the TVs themselves, or Microsoft’s own dedicated streaming stick.

Liz Hamren, head of gaming experiences and platforms at Microsoft was quoted saying “We’re working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Game Pass experience directly into internet-connected TVs so all you’ll need to play is a controller.” On top of that, she said “We’re also developing standalone streaming devices that you can plug into a TV or monitor, so if you have a strong internet connection, you can stream your Xbox experience.”

On top of this information, Microsoft stated it will be upgrading its xCloud server blades. It will also be adding the ability to access and use xCloud on Xbox Consoles. This feature is slated for release at some point later this year.

There is no current timeframe for the release of this app to consumers will be able to get this app, nor do we know yet which manufactures will carry the app. This plan, while nothing concrete had been offered until now, was hinted at last year by Phil Spencer. At the time he expected to see it take shape “in the next 12 months.”

Similarly, we have very little information concerning the streaming stick as well. The company opted to reveal this information before their E3 conference, which will be held later this week. Since the company has strongly stated their E3 will focus on games, games, and of course games it is unlikely we will get clarity there.

For an upcoming schedule of E3 conferences and events, you can find them here.