Microsoft’s Wireless Display app allows users to stream PC games to Xbox One consoles

Over the past few years, we’ve seen Microsoft improve its efforts across the PC platform. This has included its Xbox Play Anywhere scheme, allowing select digital titles to play on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC with a single purchase, to bringing its Xbox Game Pass to PC. There is plenty more to come, but first an update to Microsoft’s Wireless Display application now allows users to stream PC games to their Xbox One console.

The technology works much like Valve’s discontinued Steam Link, but without the confines of the Steam platform. So yes, it can be with Ubisoft’s Uplay, EA’s Origin and, of course, with Microsoft’s Windows 10 Store. The update is not just for gaming however, as users can also use the duplication to host presentations or stream videos, although the latter won’t work with protected content such as Netflix, according to The Verge.

Unfortunately, PC games without controller support seem to be off the table, as the Wireless Display app doesn’t support keyboard and mouse on console. Users will instead have to use an Xbox One controller when navigating the duplicated display on console. Hopefully this will change in the near future, as Microsoft has recently embraced keyboard and mouse support on Xbox One.

Since it uses Miracast technology, Windows 10 users can project their desktop by hitting the Windows Key + P to bring up the list of compatible devices. If the Xbox One Wireless Display app is booted up, then it should appear and be selectable.

It’s wonderful to see that Microsoft is looking at the bigger picture, even introducing Xbox Live to iOS and Android earlier this week. We’ll also be seeing Microsoft bolster its PC gaming integration at E3 this year, possibly looking more at cross-platform play across all current devices.

KitGuru Says: The only problem with these efforts is that it blurs the line even more between consoles and PC, and perhaps detracts from reasons to buy an Xbox One. It will be interesting to see where this path leads the company on its next generation efforts, though.

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