With only a few hours to ago before the Windows 10 event kicks in there is a lot of speculation regarding possible announcements that Microsoft could make with regards to its current generation console, the Xbox One. Given that the event will mostly focus on Windows 10 and its surrounding technology, we are not expecting any new games to be announced.
However, we are expecting that Microsoft will showcase demonstration and reveal new information on upcoming technologies that will have an impact on both PC and Xbox One. So here is what we think Microsoft could be showing off at the event.
The Cloud:
It’s been a while since Microsoft have shown or even talked about the cloud. Prior to the launch of Xbox One, Microsoft hyped up the potential of the cloud by claiming that it can improve the console’s performance by multiple times. During last year’s Microsoft Build event, the company showcased [see video above] how cloud could enhance physics effects without taking frame rate hits. Given that this is easily Microsoft’s biggest event of the year, another demonstration of the cloud could go a long way in proving that the cloud is not a myth.
DirectX 12:
The next generation of graphics API from Microsoft, DirectX 12 has a ton of potential. Microsoft will be reportedly showing off its integration with the Windows 10 platform. GamingBolt has spoken to a lot of developers in the past regarding how DX12 could help change the scene of PC and Xbox One games development and much of the response has been positive. DX12 is a game changer and it could potentially bring CGI visuals on Xbox One.
We have already seen implementations of DX12 in several demonstrations such as Forza Motorsport 5 and Futuremark Benchmark (see video above), and there is no doubt that the CPU overhead is reduced by several percentages. Let us hope that Microsoft will be talking about it even more during the Windows 10 event.
Cross Platform Interaction between Xbox One and Windows 10 Platforms:
It is possible that Microsoft may unleash cross platform play between Xbox One and Windows 10 platforms. Recently, Phil Spencer stated that the Windows 10 event will make Xbox One and PC gamers happy so what better way to make them happy by launching Xbox Live on PC. Microsoft can even go ahead and learn a few things from their competitors such as Cross Buy. Although this may not work for all games out there but it could certainly work for old games or may be even indie games.
Last month Sony closed out 2014 with a bang by announcing some major games at the PlayStation Experience. The Windows 10 event can have similar benefits for the Xbox One. Granted that the event is not exclusive to games, but we are expecting that enough gaming information will be released to make Xbox One owners really happy.
What are your expectations from the event? Let us know in the comments section below.