If you’ve ever used an Xbox media app and wondered why it was a little slow, clunky, or didn’t have the latest features you find on the equivalent web-based version, then hopefully that will be a thing of the past soon.
Microsoft is finally allowing Xbox app developers to use the Chromium-powered version of Edge to improve their apps. Support for Microsoft Edge’s WebView2 on Xbox is now available, allowing Xbox media app developers to embed the latest web technologies inside Xbox apps and improve performance.
Developers have been previewing this support for months, and it has been a highly requested feature, according to Microsoft. Streaming app STARZ is one of the first to utilize WebView2, but we’re hoping to see others work this into their media apps and lightweight games on Xbox in the coming months.
While Xbox owners have long had access to the Chromium version of Edge, developers have been stuck using the older version of Edge behind the scenes. The new Microsoft Edge WebView2 control uses the Chromium-based Edge rendering engine instead of Microsoft’s older EdgeHTML browser engine.
This WebView2 control supports embedding web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into Xbox apps, so we’re likely to see more HTML5 games appear on Xbox in the future, too. Microsoft has even created a MakeCode app that has games embedded, thanks to the WebView2 control.
With the introduction of WebView2 on Xbox, developers will have the opportunity to enhance their Xbox media apps with modern web technologies. This means that Xbox users can expect faster and more feature-rich experiences on their favorite media apps.
The support for WebView2 comes as a result of Microsoft’s efforts to align their development tools and technologies across different platforms. By leveraging the Chromium-based Edge rendering engine, developers can seamlessly integrate web-based functionalities into their Xbox apps. This move not only improves the performance of the apps but also brings them on par with their web counterparts.
In addition to improving existing media apps, WebView2 opens up exciting opportunities for developers to create lightweight games that can be enjoyed directly on the Xbox platform. With the ability to embed HTML5 games, Xbox users can look forward to a wider range of gaming experiences. This integration of web technologies and gaming on Xbox will surely add depth and variety to the gaming ecosystem.
The adoption of WebView2 by streaming app STARZ marks the beginning of a new era for Xbox media apps. As other developers follow suit, we can expect a wave of updates that will elevate the overall user experience. Whether it’s smoother streaming, more intuitive user interfaces, or advanced features, the integration of WebView2 will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Xbox media apps.
Moreover, this move by Microsoft signifies their commitment to providing developers with the necessary tools and technologies to create innovative experiences on Xbox. By empowering developers to utilize modern web technologies, Microsoft is fostering a thriving community of app creators that can take full advantage of the Xbox ecosystem.
As the availability of WebView2 expands, we anticipate a flourishing ecosystem of Xbox media apps that leverage the power of the web. Whether it’s streaming services, music apps, or social media platforms, developers now have the means to deliver cutting-edge experiences on Xbox. With the seamless integration of web technologies, users can expect a more streamlined and feature-rich experience across various media apps.
In conclusion, the support for Microsoft Edge’s WebView2 on Xbox is a significant development for Xbox app developers and users alike. With the ability to embed web technologies, developers can enhance their apps, resulting in faster and more feature-rich experiences for Xbox users. This integration of web technologies also opens up new possibilities for lightweight gaming experiences on Xbox. Overall, this move by Microsoft demonstrates their commitment to empowering developers and improving the Xbox ecosystem. As more developers adopt WebView2, we can look forward to a new era of enhanced media apps on Xbox.
