The application received today a fresh update with visual changes

Jul 30, 2014 07:23 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has just rolled out a major redesign of the Xbox Video app for Windows 8.1, thus introducing a visual update that brings the app in line with its siblings on some other platforms, including Xbox One.

Redmond says that this new update should make it easier for users to find and play the content they want, so everyone should benefit from it, no matter if they’re running Xbox Video on a tablet or on a PC.

“Welcome to the updated Windows Video app! This update includes a redesign of the entire app, making it easier to find and play the content you want. All of your owned content and personal videos are still available in your Collection,” Microsoft says in a short note on the updated app page.

The feature lineup is mostly unchanged and includes options to let you play videos stored on your device, rent and buy videos on Windows 8 or Windows RT, access the latest TV shows the day after they air, and watch clips in HD.

At the same time, the application also provides a number of tools to shift viewing from a PC to an Xbox console with ease, but also to get descriptions of all videos found online and determine whether you should buy them or not.

Last but not least, Microsoft promises that purchases and rentals can be watched at any time on your Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows 8/Windows RT device, Windows Phone, and on the Web from your browser, while customer and critic ratings should help you choose a specific video according to your preferences.

“Xbox Video brings you the latest HD movies and TV shows on your Windows 8/Windows RT device and makes it easy to watch what you love wherever you are. Rent and buy new blockbuster movies and favorite classics, or catch up on last night's episodes of the hottest TV shows. Xbox Video also brings you instant-on HD to get you watching right away. Plus, explore your video collection and play your own videos,” the updated app description published in the store today reads.

As you could easily guess since we’re talking about an application developed by Microsoft, it’s completely free of charge and can be installed on both desktops and tablets running either Windows 8 or Windows RT.

Overall, this UI makeover should clearly come in handy to everyone, so go ahead and download Xbox Video for Windows 8.1 right now to get all these improvements on your device as well.

Photo Gallery (9 Images)

The new Xbox Video for Windows 8.1 in action
The new Xbox Video for Windows 8.1 in actionThe new Xbox Video for Windows 8.1 in action
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