Xbox One users can look forward to a bunch of new apps on their home console later this year. According to a new report from The Verge, Microsoft is preparing a software development kit that will allow people to build universal apps for a variety of Windows devices, including – for the first time – the Xbox One.
Those universal apps are a key feature of Windows 10, and will allow developers to build one app and then release it for use across multiple devices like phones, tablets and traditional desktop computers. Right now, Microsoft restricts app development on the Xbox One to only a handpicked group of developers. By opening the system up for universal apps, Microsoft could make it possible for anyone to produce an app that runs in users’ living rooms.
Details about the development process for Xbox are still under wraps, but sources familiar with the Redmond-based company’s plans said that we’ll hear more about what’s coming at the Build developer conference in April. According to the report, Microsoft will make it possible for people to turn their retail Xbox One consoles into developer kits in order to take advantage of the new capabilities. (Good thing they gave one to every Build attendee last year.)
The release of Windows 10 will bring a bunch of new possibilities for the Xbox One and gaming across Microsoft’s ecosystem. Last month, Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed several new gaming-centric features at Microsoft’s press event, including support for matchmaking between Xbox One users and PC gamers, along with the ability to stream a game from the Xbox One to a Windows 10 PC or tablet.
