Mixer: Microsoft’s Short-Lived Streaming Platform
Mixer was a live streaming platform launched by Microsoft in 2016, originally under the name *Beam*. Designed to compete with giants like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, Mixer stood out for its low-latency streaming technology, enabling near-instant interaction between streamers and viewers.
### Key Features
– Faster Interaction: Mixer’s “FTL” protocol reduced stream delays to under a second, improving real-time engagement.
– Co-Streaming: Allowed multiple streamers to broadcast together on a single channel.
– Interactive Controls: Viewers could influence streams through buttons, polls, and mini-games.
### Challenges and Shutdown
Despite partnerships with high-profile streamers like Ninja and Shroud, Mixer struggled to compete with Twitch’s dominance. In July 2020, Microsoft announced Mixer’s closure, merging its community into Facebook Gaming.
Though short-lived, Mixer’s innovations influenced streaming technology, leaving a legacy in the industry.
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