There’s always been a rift between Windows operating systems and the Xbox gaming console. It wasn’t until the Windows 10 Anniversary Update this year that we saw a significant merge between the two. Windows Central had the opportunity to speak with Xbox Lead Mike Ybarra personally about the integration between Windows 10 and Xbox with the development of versatile Universal Windows Platform
Microsoft has been pushing development for UWP by encouraging interested parties to join their growing platform. Now that Xbox and Windows 10 have found a happy medium between the two, Ybarra clarified that Microsoft isn’t intending on one taking over the other.
We’re not out to turn the console into a PC, or vice versa, but by providing a common operating system, application platform, gaming services and developer tools, we can make it easier for developers to create and ship games and apps across multiple platforms.”
He also admitted to Jez Corden that there is still a lot of work to be done to make the UWP as versatile as they want.
The use of UWP development will also move forward towards Project Scorpio; the VR enabled 4k resolution console projected to release in the later months of 2017. When asked about the availability of games on Project Scorpio compared to Xbox One, Mike shared that only VR games with accessories that Xbox One cannot support will be on the chopping block of support. Otherwise, it should be 100% compatible with all Xbox One titles.
Even Cortana was mentioned. Jez from WC asked if we could expect to see Cortana being integration for UWP apps on the horizon. Mike gave a basic answer indicating that Cortana has a lot of potential, but her introduction to Xbox One is basically in its infancy since the Summer Update last month.
Obviously, Mike couldn’t confirm any suspicions or reveal any details on upcoming features or content, but the interview is worth a read if you’re curious about the future of Xbox gaming through the Universal Windows Platform. The full back and forth can be found over on Windows Central.
Further reading: Microsoft, Mike Ybarra, Project Scorpio, Windows 10, Xbox One
