Developing apps for Xbox One?

Earlz picture Earlz · Nov 25, 2013 · Viewed 14.7k times · Source

I've heard that Xbox One application development is quite similar to Windows 8, but I haven't found much to suggest why, or what differences there are.

Is there any documentation about creating Xbox One applications (not games, apps.. like Netflix, etc), or even how to apply to obtain such information?

Answer

Gareth Oakley picture Gareth Oakley · Nov 26, 2013

I've been trying to find more details myself. It sounds like the ability to develop apps is coming:

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/10/wait-can-the-xbox-one-really-run-generalized-windows-8-apps/

Nothing to announce today, but when I talk about that common core, you're seeing that common core in action, being able to target other devices over time that run the Windows 8 engine.

If you want to know about how to get a head start about thinking about developing for Xbox One, the logical thing to do is [to] go build Windows 8 applications.

There are some additions in WinRT designed to allow interaction with Kinect:

http://www.oxm.co.uk/59024/features/what-its-actually-like-to-develop-for-xbox-one-microsoft-explains/?page=2

The applications are very similar to Windows 8, like we brought a lot of the Windows 8 namespace - WinRT can be used for building those applications, the time it takes to port a Windows 8 application to the new Xbox? It's super, super easy. There's some things we added to the platform for handling gestures, for handling voice and handling ten foot UI paradigms.

Right now it appears the most you can do is try out your app ideas in WinRT and wait until an Xbox One SDK appears.