Xbox Streaming, HoloLens and Other Windows 10 Announcements

January 22, 2015

Microsoft unveiled more details of the upcoming Windows 10 OS in a media briefing on Thursday morning local time.

The new operating system will mark a renewed push to integrating gaming with Windows. The highlight from this will be the ability to stream Xbox One gameplay onto a local Windows 10 computer or tablet. Selected games will also support cross-platform gameplay between Xbox One and PC versions; the first title to feature this will be Fable Legends. Microsoft has not confirmed if cross-buy support will also be implemented.

Microsoft also unveiled its move into augmented and virtual reality with the Microsoft HoloLens headset and Windows Holographic platform. The HoloLens is a headset which will use augmented reality to sense its surroundings and project 3D ‘holograms’ around the user’s environment. Tech demos and trailers promoted the device’s application in entertainment, creation and collaborative workspaces, but also highlighted the potential gaming functionality, showing off a Minecraft-like game augmented around the living room.

The following details also came out of the event:

• Windows 10 will be made free to all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users for its first year after release
• Cortana, Microsoft’s personal assistant software already on Windows Phones, will be coming to Windows 10
• Internet Explorer will be phased out in place of a new browser, currently named Project Spartan
• The next Windows 10 preview will be made available for computers, tablets and phones in February. Users must sign up for the Microsoft Insiders Program to gain access to the preview build.