(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/juniorbeep)
Microsoft has promised truly universal apps for what seems like forever, but whilst the pieces for mobile devices and the desktop have come together, one form which had been absent was the biggest screen in most people's lives, their TV.
That era is now at its end as Microsoft opens up the ability for any developer to submit their UWP apps for publishing to the Xbox Store. Previously reserved for only major companies and developers, this development could finally bring the revolution in TVs we've all been clamouring for and potentially boost adoption of the Xbox One which – despite faster adoption than its predecessor – has struggled to match Sony's PS4 for overall sales.
"Dev Center has accepted submissions built using the Windows 10 Anniversary Update SDK build 14393 since earlier in August. Starting today, you can offer your apps built using this latest SDK to customers on Xbox One. To target your app to Xbox, select "Windows 10 Xbox" in the device family availability section of the Packages page of your submission, as described in the simplified device family targeting announcement below," Microsoft wrote in a blog post.
Whilst the Xbox is not the first to offer the ability to deploy apps on TV – Apple's tvOS has over 1,000 apps despite slow recent growth – the Xbox has greater potential with more power, unique inputs, and the ability to deploy software across forms.
This could strike fear in the hearts of some consumers who are concerned about UWP mobile games making their way to Xbox without due optimisation, but thankfully games will still need to pass Xbox's concept approval tests before being submitted to the console store. As usual, indie UWP game developers should contact ID@Xbox for assistance in bringing their games to the console.
Dev Center will also be adding further capabilities including:
Reduce the risk of a new app release with gradual package rollout
Communicate optional and required hardware preferences
Ensure customers have an ideal experience with your app or game through mandatory updates
Simplify cross-device development with Store–managed consumables
Streamline app management with the Submission API and simplified device family targeting
Enhance your business analysis through improved reports: lifetime add-on acquisitions, an enhanced Feedback report and the new Real time report
Work faster in Dev Center using the new dashboard view
We're sure to see many apps popping up on the Xbox Store in the coming weeks and months, and we look forward to seeing what new experiences innovative developers provide us with.
Do you plan on taking advantage of UWP apps on Xbox? Let us know in the comments.
