Microsoft updates Xbox app for Windows 10 with Game DVR functionality

By Brad Jones April 24, 2015

new features xbox one update may xboxappforwindows10 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Since Microsoft first announced its plans for Windows 10, it’s been clear that bringing their Xbox brand and the world of PC gaming closer together is a priority. A laundry list of functionality was announced for the Xbox app for Windows, and now some of that content is rolling out for users taking the next version of the OS for a test drive.

Build 10061 of the Windows 10 preview offers an update to the Xbox app, which adds in support for Game DVR according to a post on the official Xbox Wire blog. This feature has long been available on the Xbox One, and allows players to record their most impressive feats to share online.

The neat thing about Game DVR is that it’s always active. To ensure that you’re able to capture unexpected moments worth watching again, the click of a button will save the last thirty seconds of gameplay whenever you feel the need. Certain Xbox One titles even tie this to Achievements, automatically producing a video record of your accomplishment.

It remains to be seen what sort of effect this will have on performance. On the Xbox One, it’s a relatively easy thing to work around since all consoles have the same technical specifications and can offer up the same amount of system resources. Given the broad range of rigs used for PC gaming, there are more considerations to be made regarding how widely Game DVR functionality can be offered.

Still, it will be a very handy tool for PC gamers looking for a straightforward method of recording gameplay videos. Game DVR is one of the features that sets the Xbox One apart from its predecessor, so it’s a smart move for Microsoft to make it available to Windows users. Best of all, this update indicates that the Xbox app’s much-anticipated Xbox One streaming functionality mustn’t be far behind.

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Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…

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