Microsoft has continued to slowly release details about the Xbox One as the console's November release date approaches, and now another Microsoft executive has hinted at the features the next-gen console may have.
Steve Guggenheimer, vice president of Microsoft's Developer and Platform Evangelism group, spoke during Microsoft's Build conference and gave hints as to having the Xbox One support Windows 8 apps at some point.
As Guggenheimer reportedly said according to The Verge:
Xbox One has two engines, it's got a gaming engine and it essentially has a Windows 8 engine...Nothing to announce today, but when I talk about that common core you're seeing that common core in action, being able to target other devices over time that run the Windows 8 engine..If you want to know about how to get a head start about thinking about developing for Xbox One, the logical thing to do is go build Windows 8 applications.
It is interesting to think of Windows 8 and Xbox One sharing apps, though this step would seem logical, especially as a means to promote cross-platform interaction. In addition, this would allow the Xbox One's cloud service to potentially expand to Windows 8, allowing a user to share an app between a PC, SmartGlass, and Xbox One with one click.
Having Windows 8 apps also paves the way for shunned developers to make content for the Xbox One. Previously, Microsoft's policy of not allowing indie developers to self-publish their games for the Xbox One has driven some away from the console. This would give that group theopportunity to put their games on the Xbox One in the form of an app rather than a Xbox Live Arcade title. It would also allow popular apps such as Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja the chance to be played on big screen televisions, rather than a phone or laptop screen.
Look out for more Xbox One news as we get closer to the console's launch window.