So far Microsoft has taken pains to unify visually the user interfaces of Windows, Xbox, Windows Phone and Hololens employing in all three types of block interface devices "metro", but according to a report of the site Windows Central with a next update this integration will go far beyond the outward appearance.

The site, usually always very well connected within Microsoft, explains that he received from sources within the House of Redmond information according to which the company is working on a version of the Windows shell 10 designed to run simultaneously on all devices, Xbox One/Scorpio.

What does this mean? Let's take a step back and explain the less experts what is shell . It is in a nutshell the part of the operating system that creates the GUI itself: that of Windows handles Windows, menus, taskbar, Start menu, desktop icons, and so on, while the Xbox One handles the Dashboard with its tab and tile, the Guides, messages pop up for goals and much more.

As we know, today's Xbox One that Windows Phone devices are based on the operating system Windows 10 : share its basic components and various graphic elements of the interface (which allows already now many apps sharing between systems), but the shell of the three different categories of device are "pieces of software" are completely different, developed and managed by different teams. The Windows shell 10 is not the same as Xbox One, that is not the same as Windows Phone and all three are updated and enhanced independently of each other.

Well, Windows Central explains that Microsoft is grappling with a project called " Composable Shell " or " CSHELL " dedicated to the creation of a single shell-based on that of Windows 10-which will replace both the Xbox One shell and Windows Phone. This obviously doesn't mean the Xbox One interface will become equal to that of a PC with desktop, File Explorer, and so on, but simply that the shell, despite being the same on all devices, to "configure" to show the correct interface on every device: on PC there will be the desktop, on Xbox One your Dashboard with the guides and so on.

But beyond the technicalities, what benefits will bring this new approach? The most obvious is that, being the shell one software shared across multiple systems, when will be optimized to be faster or will receive new features, all devices, including Xbox, will enjoy these improvements. Also a possibility is the synergy between the various interface elements "worlds": imagine for example a Windows PC connected to a TV in that configuration 10 "gaming" takes the Xbox One interface to manage better with a controller, or conversely, an Xbox One that, once connected to a keyboard and mouse, switch to a more PC-like display mode allowing the use of programs Office style or games designed for that type of control.

Obviously we are in the field of wild speculation: we have no idea how Microsoft will take advantage of this new technology, but whether the tip received by Windows correctly, we have to prepare ourselves for Central will prove to be a major new console update to make room for the renovated shell, hoping of course that brings only benefits and no compromise. As always we will keep you updated on all the news, so stay tuned!