Xbox One Planned Improvements Include Speedier UI And Easier Game Development With Win10; OTA TV Tuner Out For Preview

More improvements and changes for the Xbox One have been discussed by Xbox head Phil Spencer over Twitter. One of the agendas on the team’s task is to bring in a faster interface for Microsoft’s next-gen console.

Gamingbolt has spotted Spencer’s conversation via Twitter, assuring fans that a speedier UI is already on the to-do list. There is, again, mention of the DirectX 12, as it has its own contributions to making the UI faster. More than UI improvements, however, Spencer also mentioned that independent developers can make use of the DirectX 12, as it can help in developing for both the Xbox and PC platforms.

In line with improvements, Microsoft is offering a new experience for Xbox One users, starting with the preview program members in the U.S. and Canada. Via the Xbox Wire, Microsoft announced that it will be providing more options for entertainment and TV-viewing for the all-in-one next-gen console.

Microsoft has partnered with Hauppauge for more Live TV features on the Xbox One. This is done via the over-the-air TV tuner, which will allow viewers access to broadcast networks minus the subscription fee. This adds even more channel choices, complementing the recently released Sling TV.

Xbox One owners in the U.S. and Canada who want to take part in this via the preview program can already avail of the Hauppauge WinTV-955Q and an HDTV antenna for the over-the-air TV. The Hauppauge WinTV-955Q is priced at $79.99 at Best Buy, GameStop, Amazon and Micro Center. However, it may also be wise to wait a few months, as the company has announced that it is looking to release a less expensive version of the tuner at $59.99.

Microsoft also provide some instructions to see which channel will be available in an area. This is because, location-wise, the options can vary, so it’s best to find the right antenna to see which channel can be included. The full instructions can be seen in the link here.

For those who do plan on getting the OTA TV Tuner, it can be matched with the other Xbox One entertainment features. Snap can be used to view TV on the right side of the screen so that users can still play games on the majority of the TV screen. The pause command can also be used for viewing breaks. Best of all, TA can also be streamed from to the Xbox One SmartGlass via the app. This allows streaming from the Xbox One to any device with the Xbox One SmartGlass for TV streaming anywhere within the home.