Microsoft finally outlined plans to unify Windows 10, its upcoming operating system, with its Xbox consoles and mobile devices. Xbox head Phil Spencer spoke about ID@Xbox expanding to cover PC and mobile devices while providing cross-play support for consumers. For example, #IDARB will support cross-play across the Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs and tablets.
It was here during his GDC 2015 presentation that Spencer talked about the Windows Universal App Platform. One of the main goals of Windows 10 was to provide a single unified platform for both consumers and developers unlike the ruptured interfaces that Windows 8 introduced. To that end, Windows 10 will allow developers to create the same game across Windows 10, Xbox and HoloLens. Windows 10 will enable cross-buy and cross-use, though it’s not something that’s currently mandated.
An Xbox Live SDK is being rolled out to developers who want to adopt these new features early but a more complete roll-out of the API will happen within the next 12 months. Holographic APIs on HoloLens will also receive new details soon.
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