Xbox One: universal apps, dev kit functionality to be announced in April - report

Microsoft pans to announce its universal app platform in April during its Build conference, and according to a new report, the firm will also announce the ability to finally use Xbox One as a dev kit.

Sources told The Verge that Windows 10-based programs will also be able to run the background on Xbox One, which will allow users to listen to music being played by third-party applications.

Universal apps will be available from November, with developers given the ability to create said apps by summer. The community will be able to beta test the applications.

Microsoft announced in July 2013 it would eventually allow Xbox One to be used as a dev kit, but we've heard virtually nothing on the matter since.

At one time, it was thought Microsoft has abandoned the idea, but that was later proved to be "inaccurate."

You can read the full report over on The Verge.