The definition of what an Xbox is continues to evolve. Following the release of the infrastructure needed for universal Windows 10 apps, Microsoft just indicated that it is about to deliver support for such software on its latest games console.
During the dotNet Conference in Madrid, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed that support for universal Windows 10 apps would arrive on Xbox One in the near term, according to reports.
The confirmation came in response to a question and wasn't an official announcement. As such, that prompts another question.
That question is the extent of the support for the apps. It wasn't made clear if the support will cover all of the apps or if the Xbox One store would receive a curated section for Windows 10 software.
Whether a walled garden or a free-for-all, support for universal Windows 10 apps would be incomplete without the means to get the most out of them. The Xbox One already has hardware for navigating interfaces and inputting text, but any hardcore PC gamer will attest to the value of the good ol' fashion combo of a mouse and a keyboard.
Just a few days ago on Twitter, Xbox Boss Phil Spencer reaffirmed that his team still plans to deliver keyboard and mouse support for the Xbox One.
"Yes, we will get this done," said Spencer.
It's not just the universal apps that have piqued interest in keyboard and mouse support for the Xbox One. With cross-platform games like Gears of War and Gigantic inbound, Xbox One owners want to be on equal footing with PC players and those who own both platforms want a more unified experience.
Everything may not be coming together exactly as PC and Xbox One owners have been hoping they would, but Microsoft has continued to blur the lines between hardware that run on Windows 10.
All of that, including support for universal apps, began last year with the introduction of the New Xbox One Experience and the Windows 10 infrastructure it brought along with it.
