Conflicting reports from Dell and Microsoft have emerged concerning whether or not the Xbox One will be able to play Windows 8 apps. Dell stated that the console will in fact play the apps on the device, prompting Microsoft to go to Eurogamer to refute the company's claim.
This story originates with a storefront listing made by Dell concerning the upcoming console. The listing features Windows 8 as one of the highlights of the Xbox One, and claims that the console will use Windows 8 apps along with any other Microsoft device available on the market:
"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."
This would certainly be an interesting feature for the Xbox One, but it does not look like it will happen. A Microsoft spokesman dismissed the listing, but the left the window open in case Microsoft does bring Windows 8 apps to the Xbox One:
"The suggestion that all Windows 8 apps run on Xbox One is not accurate."
It is important to note that Microsoft's statement said "all Windows 8 apps," indicating that the console may have some apps available eventually. Perhaps Microsoft is planning to have some of the more popular or useful apps they provide be ported to the Xbox One, hence where all this confusion has come from.
The Xbox One runs on its very own operating system, but is based heavily on Windows 8. This means that while bringing apps made for smartphones, tablets, and PC's to the Xbox One is feasible, it is not as simple as it would appear. The technology behind the Xbox One is also based heavily on existing high-end PC hardware, so that may aid in bringing apps to the console.
The Xbox One will launch on Nov. 22, and the console will have several big games debuting at launch such as Call of Duty: Ghosts and Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. In addition, Microsoft is planning to bring several different features to the console in order to enhance its extra media capabilities. Programs such as Netflix and Hulu Plus will be available on the console, and users will be able to communicate with friends in 1080p video using the Kinect camera and Skype.