Xbox One summer update rolling out now with loads of new features
Starting today, Microsoft is rolling out the next big update for its Xbox One. The update, known as the Summer Update, brings a number of new features, both big and small.
Among the bigger features, users in the US and UK will now be able to take advantage of Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana, which has been designed to look and feel just like its Windows 10 counterpart. The assistant includes most of the queries that are available on PC as well as the ability to create parties through Kinect or via a headset, control media playback and see what your friends are playing. In case you were wondering, Cortana replaces the old Xbox voice commands with the newer "Hey Cortana" one, though the old commands are still available if you decide to disable Cortana entirely.
Another new feature that is being introduced is background music, allowing players to listen to their favourite playlist through apps such as Pandora while they play their favourite game simultaneously. You can also change the volume or even pause the music all together through quick controls available in the Xbox dashboard guide.
One other change that Microsoft is implementing with the update is region independence, something many Xbox gamers have been waiting for for a long time. The change allows users to select any language regardless of their location, meaning that if you move you can keep your language and update your location.
Aside from these instant changes though, Microsoft is also starting the process of another big change - the merger of the Xbox and Windows Stores. With this change, gamers will now be able to access some Windows 10 apps on the console but, because this is a gradual process, for now only a few apps will be available, though more and more will appear over time.
Speaking about games and apps, Microsoft's new Xbox Play Anywhere initiative also launches with this update, meaning players can now buy certain titles for the PC and get the Xbox version (or vice versa) for nothing extra. One last change Microsoft is implementing when it comes to games is the game collection layout, which now includes a "ready to install" section.
Finally, on the Windows side of things, Microsoft is updating the Xbox app ready for the Windows 10 anniversary update that will be launched on August 2nd. With the update, all Windows 10 PC games will now show up on Xbox Live, allowing you to see what your friends are playing on PC, as well as chat to them over Xbox Live parties and see and share game clips.
Microsoft's Xbox One summer update is available right now ahead of the August 2nd launch of the Xbox One S. What do you think of all the new features? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: | Xbox News |
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Via: | The Verge |
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Image Credits: | Xbox News (1) | | Xbox News (2) |
