Microsoft has started rolling out the latest system update for the Xbox One and the Xbox app, named the Xbox Summer Update, bringing with it a massive list of new features and improvements to the gaming console.
Almost all of the features that were a part of the Xbox Summer Update Preview, released in early June, were included in the official update, along with a few new additions.
Here are all the contents of the Xbox Summer Update:
Launch Of Cortana
Cortana has now been made available for the Xbox One in the United States and the United Kingdom, with Microsoft's digital assistant to provide gamers with more voice commands featuring better accuracy with natural language plus text dictation.
Among the things that gamers can do with Cortana include finding new games, looking at the activities of friends, starting a party and accomplishing certain tasks. Microsoft added that it will continue to build up Cortana's features to provide more functionality for Xbox One gamers.
Addition Of Background Music
The update adds the ability for gamers to listen to their favorite music while playing on the Xbox One. The first app to support the feature will be Pandora, which will be launching for the Xbox One soon, with support by other apps such as iHeartRadio and Groove Music to come afterwards.
Background music is one of the most requested features by gamers, and it is great to see that it is finally coming to the gaming console.
Merging Of Xbox Store And Windows Store
Microsoft has started to merge the Xbox Store and the Windows Store for a single cohesive experience across the Xbox One and Windows PC. The shopping experience on the Xbox One has also been streamlined so that it will be easier to find and purchase games, including access to reviews that have been tagged by Xbox Live users as the most helpful ones. Several channels have also been added to the Xbox Store to help gamers discover content that they love.
Over at the Windows Store, gamers will be able to browse and buy game add-ons and DLC, including bundles, season passes and episodic games, while also being allowed to redeem Xbox tokens, DLC or subscriptions.
The merging of the Xbox Store and Windows Store is also a prelude to Xbox Play Anywhere, so that gamers will be able to play titles that they buy on both the Xbox One and Windows 10 PC at no additional cost.
Improved Game Collection
The Xbox Summer Update improved the interface of the game collection to make it easier for players to search for and launch the titles that they want. Gamers will be able to sort, manage and view more of their collection easily, while quickly accessing the Ready to Install tab and the Updates tab.
Language Region Independence
As requested by gamers, Microsoft will be adding language region independence to the Xbox One with the latest update. Gamers will now be allowed to use any supported language for their gaming console regardless of their location, with the example being given of a player moving from the United States to a foreign country being able to retain the English language setting.
Facebook Friend Finder
Gamers can connect their Xbox Live account to their Facebook account to be able to search for Facebook friends who are also playing on Xbox Live.
Improved Xbox One Sharing
The update will make it easier for Xbox One gamers to share their achievement, screenshots and GameDVR clips right from the home screen, with the settings for the Activity Feed updated to allow gamers to decide on what they will automatically share to their feed.
Windows 10 Games On Xbox Live
The Xbox Summer Update will bring the top Windows 10 games, including League of Legends and XCOM 2, to Xbox Live, with these titles to be featured in their own Game Hubs on the gaming network. Gamers either on the Xbox One, PC or mobile phone will be able to see the PC games that their friends are playing, share PC gaming video clips and screenshots and message friends through Xbox Live. Gamers on both Xbox One and PC will also be able to launch party chats with friends.
Improved Full-Screen Support For Windows Game Bar
The update will add support to the Windows 10 GameDVR feature for six more games in full-screen, namely League of Legends, DOTA 2, World of Warcraft, Counterstrike: Global Offensive, Battlefield 4 and Diablo III. Once the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is launched on Aug. 2, gamers will be able to call up the Windows Game Bar while the game is on full-screen by pressing the Windows button and G.
Game Bar 60 FPS Recording
A new "very high" video quality will be introduced to the Game Bar, which will allow gamers to record video game clips at up to 60 frames per second. This feature will also go live along with the release of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Xbox App For iOS And Android
Microsoft has also now released the Xbox app for both iOS and Android devices. The app connects the user's games, friends and accomplishments across all their devices, allowing them to stay connected to Xbox Live, see the games that their friends are playing, view their achievements, and many more.
With all these new features and improvements, Xbox gamers should definitely download the Xbox Summer Update as soon as they can.
