Microsoft’s October Media event is underway in New York City and they’re set to unveil some of their latest products and hardware. One of the next major updates they’ve just announced is a major Windows 10 update, which is being called Windows 10 “Creators Update”. The new update will be introducing native live-streaming features to PC and Xbox One gaming.
According to Polygon, the update will incorporate a new feature using Beam, the live-streaming service it acquired back in August. Beam’s interactive broadcasting technology would be built into the operating system when the Creators Update is released. The feature will be integrated using the Windows Game Bar.
The way the integrated live-streaming feature will work with the new update will be by touching a panel inside an Xbox application; friends on your network will be immediately notified of the new stream and will also be invited to view it. Once live broadcasting, a chat interface will pop up and hover around over a Windows 10 or Xbox Live broadcast, where users can scroll through dialogue from viewers. Beam’s interactive technology will also allow spectators to interact with one another via buttons along the edge of the screen.
During a demo at the event, a presenter showcased Beam’s ultra-low latency protocol, which can allow players to interact with the broadcast at faster speeds than normal streaming methods – almost streams in real-time. While experienced streams may still opt for their OBS or Xsplit, Microsoft’s Beam might be a great start for starting streamers who want to share their content to millions of gamers.
Below is an image from Beam’s current stream on their website:
The update will also allow gamers to create custom tournaments for Xbox One and Windows 10 games.
Microsoft has set Windows 10 Creators Update to launch at some point in early 2017. They have not yet provided the exact release date but many believe it will arrive no later than Spring of 2017. The update will be free for all Windows 10 devices.