This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise since Microsoft confirmed at Build 2016 that Universal apps would make their way to the Xbox One. Furthermore, the Windows 10 store and the Xbox store will merge as one. Microsoft hasn’t said when the apps would become available, but we’re guessing it will happen when both stores merge as one this summer or soon after. What’s clear is that the software giant wants to transform the Xbox One into something more than a video game system to cater to a wider audience. Considering the device is also a Windows 10 machine, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Microsoft to achieve its goal. It should be interesting to see how Universal apps will be implemented on the Xbox One seeing as the most effective way of navigating the console is by using the Xbox controller. We doubt most apps in the Windows store at the moment were designed with the Xbox One in mind, meaning developers may have to do some additional work to make sure controller navigation is on point. We also have to look at the fact that not all Universal apps need to be available for download for Xbox One users. At the end of the day, the device is a console first; whatever else it is comes a distant second. Simply put, a basic photo editing app will likely be a bust on the Xbox One. Not everyone is in support of Microsoft’s Universal app plan. Some view it as a walled garden, something developers must never support over the regular Win32 platform.

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