Microsoft will offer 'Day One Experience' for Xbox app on Windows 10
The video game console wars are in full effect, with both Sony and Microsoft selling many consoles and games. Besides gaming, however, both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are media boxes too. Microsoft's console, however, has a very clear advantage by running Windows; it is arguably more "future proof".
Since Xbox One runs Windows, it makes it easy to interface with PCs running Windows 10. In fact, the upcoming operating system will feature an improved Xbox app offering amazing features like game streaming. Microsoft wants to be sure that users realize the potential of this app, so it is offering a 'Day One Experience' for new Windows 10 installations. Also good news? Game streaming is exiting preview. Sony should be worried.
"For PC owners that are new to the Xbox ecosystem, we are adding a feature to the Xbox app to help you create a new account, get a gamertag, and then land in a basic user experience that helps you get started finding games, earning achievements and using your activity feed. You will need to be running the latest build of the Windows 10 on your PC, then the Xbox app on Windows 10 should automatically update to the new version when it becomes available in the Windows Store", explains Xbox's Major Nelson of the Day One Experience.
Of course, the most exciting feature of the new Xbox app is game streaming. Major Nelson explains, "we're taking the game streaming function on Xbox One, as announced last month, out of preview and expanding it to everyone who owns an Xbox One and has a PC or tablet with Windows 10. This means you can play the great library of games you've built for Xbox One on your Windows 10 PCs when you're not in front of your console. To get started, on your Xbox One console, go to Settings > Preferences > Allow game streaming to other devices and then install the latest version of the Xbox app on your Windows 10 PC or tablet".
Wow, that sounds extremely easy. While gamers will love the ability to stream games from their Xbox One to Windows PC, it needs to be simple to be successful. On other words, if it a headache or poor experience, they may not bother. It sounds like Microsoft understands this and will deliver the goods.
The "Day One Experience" will be rolling out soon and sounds like a win/win offering. Microsoft can pull Windows 10 users into the Xbox ecosystem, which should hopefully translate to console sales. Consumers win too, as they can easily get involved in the Xbox world with some handholding.
Photo Credit: Paul Orr/Shutterstock