Xbox One OS Architecture Explained, Is Essentially Windows 8

Runs on Windows 8... and Windows 8. Yeah.

Posted By | On 22nd, Apr. 2014

xbox one amd

The Xbox One’s operating system has often been a mysterious point of discussion, as no one really knows yet just what the system’s OS architecture is, with several theories running around. However, Microsoft’s Frank Savage recently took to the stage in Build 2014, and talked about it, revealing a whole lot.

It has now been revealed that the Xbox One runs on three operating systems- one is a full fledged version of Windows 8, one is a stripped down version of Windows 8 and the third one is a real time operating system.

The ROTS, in Savage’s words, “owns where everything and how everything works…. owns CPU…GPU.” Basically, this is the foundation layer of the XBone OS architecture, hosting the other two operating systems as well.

The second tier is Windows 8, a full fledged version, making it “almost indistinguishable” from the operating system as we know it. This tier handles basic functions of the Xbox One, including networking and some parts of audio in video games. Shared apps also run here.

The third tier is, according to Savage, “Windows 8 that has gone on a massive massive diet… Lean and mean Windows 8.” It’s basic function is to remove any and all bottlenecks as well as bloatware, but this is more of a “partition.”

So, in essence, Frank Savage claims that any game one can make would run equally well on the Xbox One and Windows 8. That’s a bold claim, but one that, in theory, might well be true.

What are your thoughts? Tell us in your comments.

[Source]


Tagged With: , ,

Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

No, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Isn’t a Shorter Game Than Rebirth, Clarifies Game Director

No, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Isn’t a Shorter Game Than Rebirth, Clarifies Game Director

"It’s not about cutting out content; it’s making sure that it feels right, the speed at which the story pr...

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Was the Biggest Physical Game Launch in the US Since Tears of the Kingdom

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Was the Biggest Physical Game Launch in the US Since Tears of the Kingdom

Game Freak's latest had a strong debut in the region, both in physical units sold and overall dollar sales, ac...

ARC Raiders Trailer Paints a Post-Apocalyptic Picture of Hope Before Revealing Its Biggest ARC Yet

ARC Raiders Trailer Paints a Post-Apocalyptic Picture of Hope Before Revealing Its Biggest ARC Yet

The Queen seemingly has company, as a massive new ARC is revealed for Embark's extraction shooter ahead of thi...

Battlefield: RedSec is Free-to-Play – Battle Royale Confirmed for October 28th Launch

Battlefield: RedSec is Free-to-Play – Battle Royale Confirmed for October 28th Launch

The first battle royale mode in the series since Firestorm is dropping tomorrow and will be free for everyone ...

Former PlayStation Exec Says Chasing Live-Service Like Fortnite is like a “Mirage” on a “Sand Dune”

Former PlayStation Exec Says Chasing Live-Service Like Fortnite is like a “Mirage” on a “Sand Dune”

Shawn Layden spoke about his time at Sony working on single-player games, and the company's change in prioriti...

Former Halo: Combat Evolved Developer Says Halo: Campaign Evolved “Feels Genuine” and is “Gorgeous”

Former Halo: Combat Evolved Developer Says Halo: Campaign Evolved “Feels Genuine” and is “Gorgeous”

Marcus Lehto wrote about how impressive Halo: Campaign Evolved looks, noting that "it warms my heart to see Ha...