Windows 8 wasn't exactly a huge success for Microsoft: people hated the interface, developers hated all of the extra hoops they had to go through and the devices that ran the operating system failed to sell well. Obviously, Microsoft is looking to distance itself from Windows 8 as quickly as possible - PC and tablet users alike are eagerly waiting for the company's next OS just to escape from the last one. It's that bad.
One feature that's lacking from Windows 8 is any true connectivity between Microsoft's devices and the Xbox One. It's been strangely absent since the Xbox One's debut, and considering how well of a holiday season the console just had, Microsoft would be smart to get working on some sort of system update.
Thankfully, that's exactly what's happened: at its Windows 10 preview event, Microsoft confirmed that connectivity between PCs, tablets and the Xbox One would find its way into Windows 10 at launch.
Currently, the only home gaming console with a second screen is Nintendo's Wii U; with the controller also housing a screen, the TV can be ignored and shut off while playing select games. It's a handy feature for households with only one television, as it allows for more than one person to use the screen. In Nintendo's case, however, the Wii U gamepad isn't an ideal solution, as it comes with a noticeable downgrade in both picture and audio quality.
Going by the demo, that doesn't seem to be the case for Microsoft. The tablet seems to have no trouble displaying the game, and it's easy to assume that the audio will transfer just as cleanly. This is because the Xbox One is still doing all of the computing work - the tablet is just acting like a second monitor.
Of course, there are still many questions when it comes to just how the new streaming system will work. Bandwidth consumption, network stability and power usage are just some of the hurdles that Microsoft will have to deal with, but the demo itself is still promising. With any luck, streaming between Windows devices and the Xbox One is as smooth as Microsoft makes it look.
Windows 10 still doesn't have an official launch date, but those hoping to get their hands on a preview build can do so at the official Microsoft site.
