Xbox One devs can get a "head start" with Windows 8
Microsoft hints that Windows 8 apps may run on the Xbox One
At the Build 2013 conference last week, Microsoft vice president of developer and platform evangelism Steve Guggenheimer (pictured) hinted that those interested in Xbox One development can look at creating apps for Windows 8. Guggenheimer showed off a simple web application running on the Xbox One while at the event.
"Xbox One has two engines, it's got a gaming engine and it essentially has a Windows 8 engine," said Guggenheimer, according to a report by The Verge. "Nothing to announce today, but when I talk about that common core you're seeing that common core in action, being able to target other devices over time that run the Windows 8 engine. If you want to know about how to get a head start about thinking about developing for Xbox One, the logical thing to do is go build Windows 8 applications."
This was the barest of hints about Windows 8 apps running on the Xbox One. There was no clarification on where independently-developed apps would end up on the Xbox One, or if they would still have to pass certification. Hopefully, Microsoft will have more details in the near future.