With the general release of the Creators Update on Xbox One, Snap mode is officially gone without a proper, full replacement in place. For anyone who enjoyed watching a bit of TV via Snap mode while gaming, that's a particularly tough pill to swallow. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like things will change anytime soon, either: Xbox VP Mike Ybarra has confirmed on Twitter that there are currently no plans for a picture-in-picture mode for TV.
We're not planning PiP for TV at this time. Please vote for feature and we'll monitor. https://t.co/nsPSE78wKV https://t.co/F9J2AQaNLUWe're not planning PiP for TV at this time. Please vote for feature and we'll monitor. https://t.co/nsPSE78wKV https://t.co/F9J2AQaNLU— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) March 29, 2017March 29, 2017
It's worth noting that Ybarra specifically calls out picture-in-picture for TV in his Tweet, leaving the possibility open for other types of content and apps. Indeed, the Xbox One is already using an overlay to display Cortana and the Achievement Tracker after the latest update.
As an effort to free up system resources and speed up the Xbox One interface, the removal of Snap mode has been a success. However, that doesn't come without its costs, particularly if you like to enjoy a little prime time TV while diving into a night of Mass Effect: Andromeda. Fortunately, Ybarra left the door open to TV picture-in-picture, asking that anyone who wants the feature to vote for it on the dedicated Xbox Uservoice page.
