Microsoft has retired the Xbox Music and Xbox Video names, replacing them with the more straightforward Windows 10 Music and Video apps. Now, users can simply search for Music and Video, as on any modern OS, rather than looking for an Xbox-branded app on their PC.
Though no longer under the Xbox brand, Music still taps into the previous Xbox Music Pass. The same goes for the Video app, which can still play files from Xbox Video.
"All your tunes, all in one place, on all your devices. The Music Preview app brings you all the music you love in one simple, fast and elegant app on Windows," said Microsoft.
"Play and manage music from your personal collection and access it all across your favorite Windows device. Browse and buy songs from the Store, or sign up for a Music Pass for unlimited access to over 47 million tracks across all your devices."
Through the Music app, users can play local songs, stream music and make personal playlists. It can be used to play and browse music that is saved on a device and in OneDrive. Other features are on the pipeline, which offers compact mode and a dark theme.
The Video app allows the user to play most video file types, such as MKVs. The app currently takes a little time to start. Moreover, it can only stream – rather than play – TV shows and movies bought in older versions of the app.
"The Video preview app brings you the latest entertainment content in one simple, fast and elegant app on Windows," said Microsoft. "Preview app brings you the latest entertainment content in one simple, fast and elegant app on Windows. Rent and buy new blockbuster movies and favorite classics, or catch up on last night's episodes of the hottest TV shows.
"The Video Preview app also brings you instant-on HD to get you watching right away. Plus, play, explore and manage videos from your personal collection; even starting a movie on one device and finishing it on another."
The apps are still known to have issues with errors resulting from playback and instances of crashing when folders are added or removed from the app. Users are advised to use the apps with caution should they decide to install.
Purchasing and installing the app requires a Windows 8.1 upgrade or even higher.
