Game Mode Isn’t the Only New Xbox Feature Coming to the Windows 10 Insider Preview This Week
- Paul Thurrott
- Jan 25, 2017
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In addition to Game Mode appearing in the Windows 10 Insider Preview later this week, the next build will also include two more new gaming features.
Game Mode, as you may recall, is a special mode for games in which the CPU, GPU, and other system resources are prioritized for the currently-playing game. Here’s how Microsoft’s Scott Henson [describes](Our vision is that Game Mode optimizes your Windows 10 PC for an improvement in overall game performance. Tomorrow’s Windows Insider build represents the first step on our journey with Game Mode. To enable Game Mode for your Win32 or UWP game, pull up the Game bar (Windows key + G) and click on the Settings button. There you’ll be able to opt the running game into using Game Mode. We’ll have additional details about Game Mode to share throughout Insider testing, so stay tuned.) it.
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“Our vision is that Game Mode optimizes your Windows 10 PC for an improvement in overall game performance. Tomorrow’s Windows Insider build represents the first step on our journey with Game Mode. To enable Game Mode for your Win32 or UWP game, pull up the Game bar (Windows key + G) and click on the Settings button. There you’ll be able to opt the running game into using Game Mode. We’ll have additional details about Game Mode to share throughout Insider testing, so stay tuned.”
So no real new info, I guess. But Mr. Henson does also describe two more new Xbox features that will turn up tomorrow for the first time. First, Microsoft is adding a new top-level Gaming section to the Settings app.
First, Microsoft is adding a new top-level Gaming section to the Settings app.
“Tomorrow, inside the main Windows System Settings, a new section is being added: Gaming, identified with the Xbox logo,” he writes. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll find settings for Game bar, GameDVR and broadcasting in this new Gaming area, with Game Mode coming in a future update. We’re also beginning to consolidate some system and user settings for gaming in this unified location, where PC users are accustomed to accessing their settings. We’ll continue to develop and deploy Gaming settings over time, as we continue to gather gamer feedback.”
So that is interesting, and it addresses the per-app issue I have with Game Mode as it’s currently available. That is, you’ll be able to configure this from a central location too. That makes more sense.
Second, Microsoft is also enabling Beam game streaming.
“Beam is the easiest and quickest way to stream gameplay, and it’s part of Insider builds starting tomorrow on your Windows 10 PC,” Henson says. “For the creators out there, we wanted to make it easier for you to start your live game streams without any delays so you can quickly connect and engage with your viewers no matter where they are. On Beam, streams have under one second of delay; using our brand new streaming protocol dubbed ‘FTL’, you can interact with livestreams as if you were in the same room as the caster. What’s more, any stream can incorporate simple interactive features such as sound boards.”
Tomorrow’s build should be very interesting indeed.