Good news for gamers using the Xbox One as Microsoft is pushing out a new update for the console. Microsoft announced the update's arrival on March 29, which brings a slew of new features.
The update brings Beam Streaming, an enhanced Guide menu, updated home screen, improved multitasking features, and more.
Mike Ybarra, the Corporate Vice President of Xbox and Windows gaming platform, took to Twitter to announce the update.
New Xbox update available starting today. Faster Guide, @Beam streaming, an updated Home, and more. #Xbox [https://t.co/PvM8424Z5G]
— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) 29 March 2017
Updated Home Screen
The first thing one would notice post the update is the new look of the Home Screen. The update was made to simplify the UI experience and to increase the overall system performance.
The icons of games will be smaller and players will be able to keep track of their Clubs, Groups, and Achievements in a better manner, post the update. If a user does not have a background picture selected, the console will use the key art from the most recently-played game and set it as the image.
Improved Guide
The improved and updated guide brings with it many features. With a single click of the Xbox button on the controller, one will be able to see the Guide on the left side of the screen, as an overlay.
The guide links to the Games and Apps section. Along with this, the guide will also allow Xbox Live Gold subscribers to check the deals and offers of the month. This feature will make it more convenient for users to stay updated on new deals, as well as download them without having to search the storefront.
The Guide also grants access to the GameDVR and integrates the background music player.
"No matter what you're doing, the new Guide experience puts the features and functionality that you use the most right at your fingertips," notes Microsoft.
Multitasking
Multitasking tops the list of a gamer's requirement and with the addition of a new achievement tracker, one can select and follow more than one achievement while playing.
Moreover, Microsoft's assistant Cortana will also appear on the screen as an overlay, allowing one to set reminders and alarms.
Beam Streaming
With the arrival of Beam Streaming, Xbox One players will now be able to connect with other gamers live.
The announcement is indeed a milestone since most Xbox One users were previously using Twitch from Amazon to chat with other gamers online.
With the update, one can directly stream the Xbox gameplay from the Guide on the Xbox One.
One of the best parts of this update is that no extra software or hardware is needed to interact with other gamers. Players can chat using Beam's ultra low latency.
Making Xbox One Accessible To All
Xbox has made the gaming experience approachable to all, including family and friends — like the new Co-pilot feature, which allows two controllers to act as one. This allows people to play in groups by enhancing cooperative controls and through easy configurations.
The update will also improve the Magnifier and Narrator features, adding more options to both audio output and custom rumble settings.
Screen Time Limits
After the arrival of the update, parents can set the screen time for their children. This means that they can ensure that their children do not play video games for too long each day.
The video below lists the features brought by the update.
