Microsoft is developing an Xbox app to let users play Xbox games directly on their Smart TV – no console required. It is also developing its own streaming devices.

Xbox app on your TV
Microsoft had hinted that it was working on something and today it is official. An Xbox app is coming to Smart TVs in the near future.

- "Xbox is working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except a controller," announced Microsoft.

With just an Xbox controller and an Xbox Game Pass subscription you will be able to play Xbox games on your TV. The app will utilize Microsoft's xCloud game streaming technology. Games are rendered in Microsoft's data centers and streamed to your device over the internet – much like Netflix.

The company did not announce partners and did not tell us when it is planning to launch the app, but Xbox chief Phil Spencer said in November 2020 that Microsoft is hoping to launch it within 12 months.


 Microsoft is developing an Xbox TV app and its own streaming devices

Xbox streaming device
Microsoft also confirmed that it is building its own streaming device that can connect to any TV or monitor via HDMI. 

- "Xbox is building its own streaming devices for cloud gaming to reach gamers on any TV or monitor without the need for a console at all," said Microsoft.

It too will be powered by xCloud and Microsoft said that it is in the final stages of replacing old Xbox One consoles with Xbox Series X consoles in its data centers to provide a better game streaming experience.

- "We’re in the final stages of updating our Microsoft datacenters around the world with our latest generation of hardware, the Xbox Series X. This means gamers will see faster load times, improved frame rates, and experience Xbox Series X|S optimized games."

Lastly, Microsoft said that its PC app will gain xCloud game streaming functionality later this year.