HomeWinBuzzer NewsUniversal Windows Platform Apps Arrive on Xbox One

Universal Windows Platform Apps Arrive on Xbox One

Preview builds of Windows 10 on the Xbox One are allowing installation of Universal Windows Platform apps such as Netflix and MSN Weather. Full UWP functionality will arrive with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

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Users running the latest preview software for the are starting to see the first Universal Windows Platform apps on the console. Both Netflix and MSN Weather have been spotted by Insiders and are installable and functional on the Xbox One.

has been discussing the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) for most of this year. The company plans to make an ecosystem that allows users to have the same experience on any device.

Plans for the Xbox One to be part of UWP stretch back as far as last year when Windows 10 was made available for the console. The will close out that vision by making Windows 10 function across PC and Xbox (as well as mobile and HoloLens). Microsoft has already made it possible to buy Xbox One games from a Windows 10 PC through Windows Store.

The apps that are already working on preview builds will function just like the apps on Windows 10 PCs. As Netflix is a non-Microsoft app, it is encouraging because it suggests major third-party developers will embrace the UWP idea. Once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update lands on August 2, we expect to see more UWP apps arrive.

Play Anywhere

One of the key points of Universal Windows Platform for gamers is that they will be able to play anywhere. If they buy an Xbox One title, they will also be able to play it on Windows 10 PC with the Play Anywhere feature. This allows them to pick up where they left off without losing progress, achievements, and contacts.

This approach has been criticized by some, with critics suggesting that Microsoft is looking to monopolize the market. However, the company insists that UWP is all about giving users more flexibility and not actually tying them down.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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