A demo of "Project Xcloud" streaming running on a mobile device, circa 2src19. — Enlarge / A demo of “Project Xcloud” streaming running on a mobile device, circa 2019.

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Yesterday’s news that four unnamed Microsoft games are coming to “the other consoles” was a bit anticlimactic after weeks of now-refuted rumors about games like Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle going to the PlayStation 5. Yet even as those rumors die, Microsoft seems to be actively feeding new rumors regarding plans for some sort of portable gaming device.

In an interview with the Verge accompanying yesterday’s “multi-platform” business announcement, Microsoft Xbox CEO Phil Spencer was asked directly about any handheld hardware plans, including his recent penchant for liking some social media posts discussing handheld game consoles. While Spencer said he had “nothing to announce,” he talked up a lot of other handheld gaming hardware when talking about how Xbox could capture more “player hours.”

So, okay, what keeps people from playing certain hours? Well there’s some sleep, school, and kind of normal life, but some of it is just access. Do I have access to the games that I want to play right now? Obviously we’re kind of learning from what Nintendo has done over the years with Switch, they’ve been fantastic with that. So when I look at Steam Deck and the ROG and my Legion Go, I’m a big fan of that space.

Spencer went on to say that “real work” still needs to be done to get Windows to work better with controller input and on smaller 7- to 8-inch screens. That’s the kind of OS work we’d note would be very useful if Microsoft is planning to release a Windows-based gaming portable of its own (we’re assuming Microsoft would not want to ditch Windows in favor of SteamOS). “That’s a real design point that our platform team is working with Windows to make sure that the experience is even better,” he said.

Spencer gave even more direct hints along the same lines in an interview with Bloomberg, where he

Microsoft Canada president vows ‘community-first approach’ to AI investment

Tech giant announced $19-billion investment to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec

Ling Hui

Published Apr 08, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read

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The Microsoft logo is displayed at an event at the Chatham House think tank in London, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Photo by Kin Cheung /AP Photo

Microsoft said its billion-dollar investment to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure at Ontario and Quebec data centres will include a “community-first approach,” taking into account concerns from the local communities.

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In December, the tech giant had announced a $19-billion investment — the largest in Canadian history — to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in the two provinces.

In a blog post Tuesday, Microsoft Canada president Matt Milton said the company is aware that Canadians have “real questions” about affordability, energy and water use, jobs and the impact on communities regarding its AI investment.

“At Microsoft, we believe communities should share in the benefits of AI infrastructure and they should not bear the costs,” Milton said.

Electricity costs, water usage among concerns

He said the company’s five “community-first” principles will shape how it will build and operate its data centres in Ontario and Quebec.

Among those principles he outlined was the company’s commitment to “paying our way on electricity” to ensure that its data centres don’t increase electricity prices for Canadians and put added strain on the grid.

Milton said the company will work with provinces, utilities, system operators and regulators to plan new supply in advance. He also said the company will pay the full cost of the electricity it uses, including the cost of new generation, transmission and grid upgrades.

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Milton also said that Canada’s cooler climate means the company can cool its data centres mostly using outside air, “using water for cooling less than 5% of the year.”

Thousands employed in construction process

He also said the company will work with local governments, conservation partners and research institutions on water projects.

Milton said Microsoft’s data centre investment in Canada will employ about 2,000 workers across all sites during construction with 400 Canadian businesses involved during the construction phase.

He said once its data centres are built and operational, the company will create 250 full-time jobs and hire about 400 contractors to maintain and operate its sites.

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In December, the tech giant had announced a $19-billion investment — the largest in Canadian history — to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in the two provinces.

“At Microsoft, we believe communities should share in the benefits of AI infrastructure and they should not bear the costs,” Milton said.

Electricity costs, water usage among concerns

He said the company’s five “community-first” principles will shape how it will build and operate its data centres in Ontario and Quebec.

Story continues below

Milton also said that Canada’s cooler climate means the company can cool its data centres mostly using outside air, “using water for cooling less than 5% of the year.”

Thousands employed in construction process

He also said the company will work with local governments, conservation partners and research institutions on water projects.

Milton said Microsoft’s data centre investment in Canada will employ about 2,000 workers across all sites during construction with 400 Canadian businesses involved during the construction phase.

He said once its data centres are built and operational, the company will create 250 full-time jobs and hire about 400 contractors to maintain and operate its sites.

Microsoft touts $500 million AI savings while slashing jobs
Plaintiff awarded $6M in landmark social media lawsuit against Google, Meta

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Microsoft sure seems to be thinking about some sort of portable Xbox

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