Microsoft confirms Xbox One apps for launch
UPDATE: Xbox app Achievements shown, OneGuide UK launch in 2014.
UPDATE: We've known for a while that Microsoft will include Achievements in Xbox One applications, but here's a first look at the awards.
Apps use a new form of Achievements named Challenges which do not offer any Gamerscore. They are however tracked by the Xbox One system - hence the completion percentages shown above.
US app Amazon Instant Video has a Challenge to watch 10 titles before the end of the year, for example.
In other news, Xbox One electronic program guide OneGuide won't launch in the UK until next year, Microsoft has now confirmed. This is the service that makes use of Xbox One's HDMI pass through that integrates the console with your TV channels.
ORIGINAL STORY: Microsoft has announced the apps that will be available on Xbox One at launch.
In every market Xbox One will feature the following:
- Xbox Fitness
- Xbox Video
- Xbox Music
- Internet Explorer
- Skype
- SkyDrive
- Upload
Microsoft also announced the entertainment apps due out on Xbox One between launch on 22nd November and spring 2014.
The UK gets 13 apps during this time period, which Microsoft calls the first wave, including 4oD, Lovefilm, Netflix and Now TV. As with apps on Xbox 360, apps on Xbox One utilise the console's features. The Wuaki.tv app, for example, includes gesture control, voice commands and multitasking for movie and TV streaming.
Here's the list of entertainment apps in full:
- 4oD
- Amazon\LOVEFiLM
- blinkbox
- Crackle
- Demand 5
- Eurosport
- Machinima
- MUZU TV
- Netflix
- NOW TV
- TED
- Twitch
- Wuaki.tv
Missing in action are the BBC iPlayer, the Sky Player and the ITV Player, all of which are available on Xbox 360. Microsoft said it will continue to announce more apps for both Xbox One and Xbox 360 in the coming months.
“We set out to make Xbox One the all-in-one games and entertainment hub for your home. The one system that offers the best games next to the best entertainment experiences and apps,” said Marc Whitten, Xbox Chief Product Officer. “Along with offering a stellar app portfolio from around the world, Xbox One takes the next step by offering them in a way that is seamless and easy to use.”