Many, many historical things have happened since our last Ask The en column from three months ago. In the United States, we finally have our two presidential nominees. Microsoft and Sony both showed up to E3 2016, one packing games and new hardware. The other showed up with an endless list of trailers for gamers that won’t be out this year, were impressive. Microsoft finally got it together where Groove Music is concerned too, but more on that plot twist in a bit.
Ask The en is your opportunity to ask questions. They can be questions on entertainment platforms – like Xbox – or general criticisms about the site. You got comments about the Star Trek Discovery show that’s coming to CBS next year, I’ll take that too.
Submit your questions and more on Facebook, Twitter or the comments below..
Groove Music Gets Good
Before The en was a gaming new site or an entertainment blog, it covered Microsoft’s Zune. I use the service, despite stints with Apple Music and Spotify. Honestly, the only reason I stayed around was Microsoft’s huge discounts for Pi Day a few years ago.
Q. Do you still use Groove? Why?
I still use Groove Music, despite being on the verge of leaving a few months ago. Since that initial Groove Music review, the service has gotten loads better.
Microsoft merged the Windows Mobile and Windows apps into a single app that supports gapless playback, better visuals, curated playlists and playlists compiled based on my listening habits. With Spotify’s Windows app terrible, these were the only things I used the service for. I also liked being able to send song to my friends that use Spotify, but I only did that with a single person.
The iPhone and Android apps finally picked up a set of decent updates too. Truth is, the Groove Music team seems to have found a rhythm. I’m still hoping for some kind of Facebook integration, metadata editing and automated playlists and crossfade.
What I’m Playing
Q. What are you playing right now. Games are slow.
Last summer, we got spoiled by the delayed Batman Arkham Knight. This summer, the new releases calendar is emptier than tables at a Tiger Woods charity golf luncheon. As such, I’ve adjusted accordingly.
I’m in the midst of some serious DLC catch up. The fun started with Alan Wake, a game I got with Quantum Break. I just wrapped up the Batman Arkham Knight Season of Infamy content too. I’m doing the challenge modes next, while working my way through the Jack The Ripper DLC for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. I’m going to finish up the summer with Dragon Age Inquisition’s content.
Xbox Play Anywhere
Q. Microsoft announced Play Anywhere a month ago, but you’ve got nothing on the site about it. Is it not that big a deal?
Xbox Play Anywhere is a huge deal, depending on what type of gamer you are. Don’t let my tardy entry to the Xbox Handbook fool you.
Play Anywhere is Microsoft branding some things altogether. Games in the program purchased as digital downloads through the Xbox Store or the Windows Store unlock the other. Games saves sync too, plus add-on purchases in one apply to the other.
I, for one, am very much looking forward to purchasing Halo Wars 2 on Xbox One and having it unlock another version of Windows at no additional charge. ReCore, Gears of War 4, State of Decay 2, Sea of Thieves, Cuphead, We Happy Few and Forza Horizon 3 are all in the program.
Fall Gaming Selection
Q. What games you still have on your list bro?
For the fall? One title: Watch Dogs 2. About to break my rule and buy the enhanced version of that one. 2017 has me looking really hard at Halo Wars 2 and Mass Effect Andromeda.
Don’t forget to send those questions folks.
