'Minecraft' Beta for Windows Q0 will Pit you Against Mobile Friends

Microsoft and Mojang aren't the only ones with a story-driven Minecraft game to display at Minecon 2015 -- they're also unveiling a beta version of Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition. This version will replace the less than ideal Java code used in desktop versions with native Windows code. It also shares some roots with Pocket Edition, which you typically see on smartphones. You'll also be able to create worlds with those mobile players through an update that's expected to launch "soon" after the beta is released. The construction game will, as you might expect, make the most of Windows 10's many Xbox tie-ins, including eight-way gaming (both locally and online) and video recording. The beta is expected to be available on July 29thand will be free if you already own the current version of Windows on your PC. It will cost $10 to enter the beta stage if you are new to this.