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Yes, the games trailers are a huge part of press conferences at video gaming conventions.
And while that was still the case at the Xbox GamesCom briefing today with lots of new trailers, other software – namely Windows 10 – also featured heavily.
The big news was that the Windows 10 upgrade – which Microsoft promised would be coming to Xbox – has been confirmed for November. This means an upgrade to the Xbox interface, and also the ability to start streaming and playing your games across console, TV and your Windows 10 devices (laptops, tablets and phones).
Though masses of details weren’t confirmed in terms of how much Windows 10 functionality will make it into Xbox One, a date to count down to is a start.
But alongside this were several other hardware and software tweaks as part of Microsoft’s continuous upgrade of its home entertainment system.
Chat, search, & message w/ the new #Xbox Chatpad for #XboxOne & #Windows10. Pre-order today #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/aLx5VpmG1Q
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
We’re not sure if we’re excited or terrified by this prospect, but yes, an attachable keyboard is coming to Xbox. It can be clipped into the bottom of your Xbox One console, and might come in handy when you want to quickly type in a password. Though we fear it might be more heavily used to send “banter” to someone you’ve just beaten in Fifa.
Coming November 2015. Over 100 games. All #XboxOne owners. For free. #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/fiVkvgUVYv
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
On a much more exciting note there was also the confirmation that in November, backwards compatibility will be going free to all Xbox One owners. This is a great step, and one that is bound to trigger a lot more upgrades to the One by Xbox 360 owners. It’s a smart move, and one that directly benefits the fans without asking them to fork out more to play games they already own.
Record while you play. Watch when you want. DVR for Over-The-Air TV comes to #XboxOne in 2016 #xboxgamescom pic.twitter.com/xZ6puApsSI
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2015
And back on the home entertainment front, Xbox announced that live TV recording is coming to Xbox One too. That’s due next year.
So having fallen behind in the first year or so of “next-gen” consoles, Xbox is now very much on the up. The fact that each game announcement came with an “available on Xbox and Windows 10″ tag was impressive, and if their streaming platform can handle the strain of all its users, this link-up will be a winner.
