The Microsoft Build 2016 conference started today, and some rather interesting information was revealed for the future of Xbox One, Windows 10 and the Universal Windows Platform.
Opening with some impressive statistics, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 has been used by over 270 million people since it launched last Summer. An Anniversary update will be released this Summer and incorporate a number of new features for both Xbox One and PC. First, a biometric authentication will be included by default on Microsoft Edge. it will become the only browser to use this feature and be available on both PC and Xbox One. When trying to log on to browse the web, it will ask for fingerprint ID like some current cell phones in order to grant access. The PC used as an example on stage had a fingerprint scanner built into it, but they did not elaborate on how it would be included with other PC's or Xbox One, which will also use the feature.
Microsoft Ink is a new feature that will take advantage of why so many people primarily use pen and paper; Speed. It's just much faster to write something down on paper than it is to open app, type something with your phone or computer, save the document, etc. What Ink aims to capture is the speed of the pen and paper brought to PC. The pen will constantly be connected to your PC. Clicking the top of it like you would a standard pen brings up the app on your PC. This functions similar to how turning on your Xbox One controller turns on your console as well. There was no lag on display and everything shows up on screen as it was typed in the demonstration. The apps, like Sticky Notes, will all be Smart apps as well. So, by typing in a note like "Call mom tomorrow", Cortana recognizes that "tomorrow" is a date and saves it in your calendar.
Phil Spencer himself was also on stage discussing the future of the gaming platform, and it was reported that "All games will launch on Xbox One and Windows 10" speakING of Turn10 and Forza. That's as clear as you can get in saying that there is no longer any Xbox One exclusivity and that games will now all be released on both platforms. So, Halo 6 fans, get ready! This is sure to drum up some exciting conversation, but we'll have to wait and see as more information comes out on how Microsoft exactly plans to move forward with this program. We reached out to Microsoft to clarify and will let you know what we hear.
This Summer, Cortana will be making her way to Xbox One as Microsoft is releasing the Windows 10 Anniversary update. Phil stated that she will be fully integrated into the new UI for Xbox One with the update, and will help with tips & tricks, schedules, playing background music, launching games and more. Unfortunately, he didn't elaborate much more, as he indicated they will be revealing more information this June at E3 in Los Angeles. Hololens developers will begin receiving their dev kits very shortly, as they have begun being shipped out today. Touted as the "first and only untethered holographics computer", Hololens still has no release date for consumers yet. With the dev kits being distributed beginning today, we can expect it to be released in 2017 as a current year release would be cutting development time short. On a platform that is so new and innovative like Hololens, developers will be needing extra time in order to filter out bugs. The retail price point has not been discussed, but the dev kit is several thousand dollars. Retail prices are always lower and we'll update you as we hear more.
Available today, every Xbox One can be turned into a dev kit. Simply by downloading an app from the Xbox store on console, you will be able to switch modes at will. Tired of programming a game or app? No problem, simply switch the mode back to retail and continue on your way. The console does require a restart upon initially downloading the app, but that is the only time. Spencer reported that it was their goal to make every single Xbox One a dev kit in order to reach the developer in all of us. All of the assets will be available to anyone who downloads the app, which is free and available now in the Xbox Store on Xbox One.
The conference went on to discuss other new additions like medical schools using hololens to teach classes, changes to developer coding to allow easier access and more. No other gaming information was released, but as Phil stated we will hear more in June at E3.
What do you think about the gaming portion of Microsoft Build? What about the Xbox One exclusivity? Let us know below.
