Microsoft provides a first look at Windows 10 on Xbox One
A selected number of beta testers have already received a copy of Microsoft's newest update for the Xbox One console. Due to be released this November, the "new Xbox One experience" will bring a slimmed-down Windows 10 version to the Xbox One console.
In a video uploaded to the Xbox's YouTube channel, one of the major changes shown is the redesigned app-snapping feature. App-snapping lets users run a second app, where players can now have two games or apps running side-by-side. Although the app-snapping experience is relatively not new to the console, but with the updates made, "snapped" apps or games had been moved to show on the left side of the screen, rather than on the right.
The Xbox engineering team representative, Richard Irving, said that "snapping to the left side of the screen would mean easier viewing experience during gameplay." The change from right to left was made due to the feedback from previous testers and current users of the console, and will now allow players to have a 'quick glance." "It's just easier for the eyes to make that sort of adjustment," Irving said.
The new update will also have a new feature, which is the guide, and app-snapping is a part of it. "You probably already use the guide on Xbox 360, and this is the way to think about it on Xbox One," Irving added. Besides the app-snapping, the guide will also bring faster access to contacts, messages, and settings.
A new home screen will be featured on the update, and the focus of the initial release will be gaining feedback from testers about the updated home screen. The new screen will have the new games in the front and center, and will show bigger images of the most recently played games that will allow players easier access.
Although, those that have received access to the new update may hold off on updating their console just yet, since there are reports that a few games like "Skylanders" and "Destiny: The Taken King" don't work on it. Irving said they wanted to improve everything in the update before its release to the public. "This is a very big release for us driven by a lot of feedback," Irving finally said.