We now know why Windows Media Center is not in Windows 10

In 2016 the Xbox One will get Off the Air DVR capabilities to replace Windows Media Center functionality that was left behind in Windows 8.1.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

August 4, 2015

2 Min Read
We now know why Windows Media Center is not in Windows 10

The small but loyal group of Windows Media Center (WMC) users have been very disappointed over the last few months once they learned that their beloved WMC was not going to make the crossing over to Windows 10.

Our own Rod Trent even wrote back on 22 July that it looked like WMC was not quite dead because the guide in WMC was shifted from Zap2It to Rovi.  Channel guide and program information on the Xbox One is provided by Rovi.

Rod laid out this final question as he wrapped up that article:

“With the focus now on Xbox One as a live TV provider, and the ability to stream Xbox One games to Windows 10 PCs, is it possible that the Xbox One media app will become the one Media Center to rule them all?”

Well we now have someone new for the title of Carnac the Magnificent because today Microsoft confirmed what Rod prognosticated a couple of weeks ago.

During the Xbox Gamescom briefing in Cologne, Germany today it was announced that Over the Air DVR capabilities would arrive on the Xbox One sometime in 2016.

This new capability will also include features such as streaming to Windows 10 devices, downloading and viewing of recorded content offline, and remote scheduling for future recordings.

The key aspect of the Xbox One DVR functionality is that it only supports Over the Air recording and not cable. I think a lot of folks missed this in real time during the Xbox Gamescom Briefing this morning.

I do wonder though how long it will be before we have that capability added but I am sure there are more than just engineering hurdles to overcome.

Although the Xbox One Game DVR feature will not arrive before next year the console will be upgraded to Windows 10 this November as it joins the family of Windows 10 devices.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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