Microsoft recently confirmed that it would be updating many of the built-in apps in Windows 8 between the release to manufacturing (RTM) of the OS and its general availability on October 26. Here’s a peek at the changes the firm just made to its Xbox Games app.
I wrote about this app updating confirmation in Windows 8: Updates Coming to Built-In Apps after having been speaking about (on podcasts) and writing (here and in Windows 8 Secrets) for months about Microsoft’s plans to do just this.
Here’s what’s new in the Xbox Games app.
In the RTM version of the Xbox Games app (build 1.0.928), Microsoft comingled Metro-style Windows 8 games and Xbox 360 games in the main app view, and it was unclear which was which. In the latest version of this app (build 1.1.134), games for the Xbox 360 now feature a little console logo next to the title so you can tell which is which.
While it’s unclear how this could be a new feature, there are now new games available in the Windows Game Store portion of the Xbox Games Store. (To be fair, they’re available from the RTM version of the app too.)
New games include Hydro Thunder Hurricane, Jetpack Joyride, Reckless Racing Ultimate and Rocket Riot 3D. But much more is coming. You may recall that Microsoft previously announced as massive lineup of Xbox LIVE games for Windows 8 that are slated to appear in the coming days. Refer to Preview: Xbox LIVE Games for Windows 8 for more information.
As is common on mobile platforms, Xbox LIVE games for Windows 8 can now provide in-game purchasing capabilities. (This feature is coming to Windows Phone 8 as well.)
Likewise, you can now send and receive game invites and, for turn-based games, receive notifications when it’s your turn.
If you see any other new features in the new Xbox Games app, please let me know and I’ll update this article.