Starting tomorrow, Xbox One and PC gamers who are part of the Xbox and Windows Insider Programs will see new features from the Windows 10 Creators Update on PC, with additional features expected to hit console in the coming days.
Here's a look at the new features reaching select Xbox and Windows Insiders starting tomorrow:
- Built-in Beam streaming (Xbox One, Windows 10 PC): Beam is the easiest way to stream gameplay, and it's part of Insider builds starting tomorrow on your Windows 10 PC, with Xbox One functionality releasing to preview soon. On Beam, streams have under one second of delay; using our brand new streaming protocol dubbed "FTL", you can interact with livestreams as if you were in the same room as the caster. What's more, any stream can incorporate simple interactive features such as sound boards. Starting tomorrow on Windows 10 PCs, you can start Beam broadcasts by pulling up the Game bar. And coming soon on Xbox One, you can also begin streaming directly from inside the Guide.
- Game Mode (Windows 10 PC): Game Mode optimizes your Windows 10 PC for an improvement in overall game performance. To enable Game Mode for your Win32 or UWP game, pull up the Game bar (Windows key + G) and click on the Settings button. There you'll be able to opt the running game into using Game Mode.
- Gaming section in System Settings (Windows 10 PC): Tomorrow, inside the main Windows System Settings, a new section is being added: Gaming, identified with the Xbox logo. Starting tomorrow, you'll find settings for Game bar, GameDVR and broadcasting in this new Gaming area, with Game Mode coming in a future update. Microsoft is also beginning to consolidate some system and user settings for gaming in this unified location, where PC users are accustomed to accessing their settings.
- New Cortana gaming enhancements (Xbox One): In the coming days, Microsoft is adding additional Cortana updates, such as voice controls for Party commands and using Cortana to play music.
- Screen time (Xbox One): Parental controls are a priority for us at Microsoft. That's why the family timer is coming to Xbox One as screen time, updated for today's digital family. Parents familiar with screen time for Windows 10 will find a similar set of controls for Xbox. Set daily time allowance and limits on the web for each child-your Xbox will pick those limits up and enforce them whenever the child is signed in. Screen time for Xbox One will be available soon.