Dropbox this morning announced a new universal Windows app for Xbox that lets users view and manage files stored in the cloud on the gaming console.
Dropbox said it is the first cloud storage company to release universal Windows app on Xbox for cloud storage, giving people the ability to view important files, such as photos and videos on the biggest screen in the house. The app also lets users upload and comment on documents on Dropbox using Xbox controllers.
As Xbox has grown, it has evolved from a gaming console to a media center. But every photo or video stored on the device occupies precious hard drive room that could otherwise be used for games and their updates. Dropbox says the biggest benefit of the app is the ability to keep big files like movies or TV shows off the Xbox hard drive while retaining access to them.
In addition to syncing files with the Xbox, the new integration lets people automatically upload screenshots from the system’s Kinect sensor to Dropbox.
The new app fits with Dropbox’s goal of making it easier to share information across a multitude of devices. The company says it has previously targeted computers, phones, and tablets, and now gaming consoles represent a logical next step.
Microsoft has steadily made Xbox a big part of the Windows ecosystem. Microsoft earlier this year released the first of its Play Anywhere games, digital titles that can be downloaded and played on an Xbox or Windows 10 device. And now some of the top titles, such as Gears of War 4, fall under the Play Anywhere umbrella. In addition, some Windows 10 PCs now come with an Xbox One Wireless receiver built in.
