When it unveiled its next-generation gaming console, the Xbox One, Microsoft announced that the device would run three operating systems – namely the Xbox OS, Windows and another software that facilitates app switching and multitasking to get the console perform all the myriad tasks.
However, it never really acknowledged if the Xbox One would offer the capability to run Windows 8 apps.
A new online listing page for the console on hardware maker, Dell’s website states that the console will indeed be able to run and get synced with Windows 8 apps, offering users a unified experience. According to the page which was for Dell’s Xbox One pre-orders, it reads, “Consider the game officially changed. With all your favorite Windows 8 apps able to be run on and synced to your Xbox One, now your phone, desktop, tablet and TV can all give you a unified web and entertainment experience.” If the information turns out to be accurate, it will imply that the Xbox One would bring the PC (or at least just Metro UI apps) to the living room, in addition to being an entertainment hub, as Microsoft likes to position it. The listing was first spotted by Neowin. It’s worth pointing out that there’s no official word from Microsoft on this.
There would be some additional challenges when it comes to controlling these apps or for text input, though Microsoft’s Kinect could come into play. Most Windows 8 apps are optimised for touch and keyboard. Microsoft also offers SmartGlass apps as a second screen controller. So, perhaps Microsoft could allow users to control these apps through their mobile devices.
More info @ Ubergizmo & NDTV
