There are many big name apps that Windows 10 users would love to see on the platform. At least after today there is one less on the list as Sling TV is now available in the Windows Store. The service has been long-awaited by Windows 10 users and it is now available on PC's and tablets.
Sling TV is an internet TV provider that allows users to enjoy shows on the move. The service includes myriad shows, including some of the most popular available. The Windows 10 app is free, but users will need to pay $20 a month to get the service.
This is a well-featured application. Sling TV comes with touch compatibility, a new UI, a vertical menu, and Cortana integration. The key to the service is that it brings live TV from an array of channels that are not available on other streaming services. Among the channels are ESPN, Disney, FOX, CNN, TNT, and Comedy Central.
Microsoft's Windows Store description details all of the features:
- Live Tiles – Love “Game of Thrones” or “The Walking Dead”? You can easily see content updates from your selected “Favorites” and the “Continue Watching” ribbon when you pin Sling TV to your start menu.
- Cortana Voice Integration (compatible markets) – Quickly search for specific shows or channels by voice, using Cortana, Microsoft's personal digital assistant. Try saying, “Watch ESPN on Sling,” and Cortana will pull up your content in the Sling TV app.
- Vertical Menu – Windows 10 users will feel right at home with the Sling TV vertical main menu.
- Responsive User Interface – Sling TV on Windows 10 was built using Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform (UWP), so that your screen easily adapts to different sizes as you're viewing content.
- Touch Compatibility – Sling TV works on both touch and non-touch Windows 10 devices.
UWP
At the moment, Sling TV is not a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) application. Considering it was built for Windows 10, it almost certainly has the underpinning to be UWP, but right now it is only available for PC and tablet. Of course, a mobile version would be excellent and we suspect it will arrive eventually.
The Xbox One will likely get this app in due course too, but no announcements have been made. Sling TV is already available on the console, but the app is frankly a bit of a mess. Hopefully a UWP app will come to the rescue.
