Month: August 2017

Twitter released an app for Xbox One in 2016 so users could access premium live streams through their gaming console. Now Twitter has updated the app with new features.

When the Twitter app for Xbox One launched a year ago, Anthony Noto said it would bring “Twitter’s live video experience to life on the TV screen”. Whether it’s fans watching or commenting on TV or a premium video, they can do so easily from their TV screens. No paywall or even Twitter account is required for the experience.

❤️ your Xbox? ❤️Twitter? Update the Twitter app to @Xbox to tune in and watch more of what’s happening live! 🙌 https://t.co/5NTb8aBXzC pic.twitter.com/Sw9v4pMBxj

— Twitter Creators (@TwitterCreators) August 24, 2017

With the update, users still don’t need a Twitter account to watch the best of what’s on for free. However, they can now log in, view their timelines and Tweets, as well as access comments on videos, live or not. Another feature is that users can now also stream two videos simultaneously, side by side, and browse the Periscope global map to experience live videos from around the world. Finally, they will also be able to view live 360 ​​videos of Periscope from the app.

Content is optimized in Full HD with curated Twitter comments, but to see Tweets from those they follow, users will need to tune in while watching a live stream. This update is likely due to the recent release of Twitter Kit 3, which makes it easier to log into Twitter on apps.

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Twitter launched on Xbox One last fall, and did so with a focus on video. Today, an update adds new video types, including 360-degree live video. Given that almost every platform has been focusing on 360 video lately, it’s no surprise to see Twitter looking to expand where users can watch it. Apple TV has supported 360-degree live video for a while now, so it’s not a huge surprise to see it arrive here as well.

For those of us with literally no attention spans, the app now also supports watching two video streams side-by-side. It’s unclear exactly how audio works in this situation; we guess you can just choose which stream you can hear at any time. And if you’re a Periscope fan, the Twitter app also lets you browse the “global map” which lets you see where people are streaming from at any given time.

Ultimately, focusing on video makes sense for Twitter on the big screen – lots of people log onto Twitter to comment on big live events. Doing it all from your big TV can be a good way to follow the chatter around any particular video on Twitter that catches your interest.