Since the launch of the Xbox One, Xbox has been constantly updating the console to make their next generation console even better. Today at Gamescon, Xbox teased some new Xbox One features that are certain to be welcomed by gamers and media lovers alike.
With each update, Xbox is constantly improving the interface based on user feedback gathered through the Xbox Feedback app.
Thanks to our recently launched Xbox Feedback, our fans have played a huge role in shaping these updates. In fact, we’ve received thousands of posts and more than 400,000 votes to date.
This update is no exception with a totally new Friends section which enables users to quickly see what their friends are doing. As part of the Update Preview program, I’ve had this for about a week now and it really does make it easier to see who is online and what they’re up to. One of the fun additions for those of us who are more competitive is the addition of a Gamerscore leaderboard which allows you to vie for top position based on your Gamerscore increase over the past 30 days.
One of the key features in the Xbox One interface is the use of the Snap application. Coming soon, a new Snap Center will launch and give gamers access to messages, friends, parties, and achievements at the press of a button or simple voice command. Also coming to the Messages app will be full threaded messages with conversation history, including embedded links. Both the Snap Center and new Messages app will allow gamers to stay up to date without having to leave their current game.
One of the biggest features I’m looking forward to has been announced. Media Player! More than a few users were a bit flabbergasted as to why this wasn’t included at launch considering the Xbox 360 has media playing functionality – especially considering part of Xbox’s marketing pushing the Xbox One as the one media device you’d need in your living room. Once launched, the preview version of the Media Player app will only support USB devices (boo!), but DLNA support will be added and by the end of the year include support for animated gifs and… wait for it… MKV!
In addition. updates to the TV functionality will be coming as well including streaming TV to SmartGlass, a Boot to TV option, and a Live TV mini guide.
Lastly, one of the biggest features that gamers have been requesting will launch in September with FIFA 15 on September 26th and Forza Horizon 2 on September 30th – digital pre-loading! Along with the Media Player app, this was right up there as one of the most requested features for the console. Those who pre-order games will be allowed to download them to their consoles in advance of the release date, and be able to play them immediately on release date without having to wait for the game to download and install. Not explicitly mentioned, this definitely implies that digital pre-orders are on the way for Xbox One systems as well.
While there is no specific timeline for the above updates, Xbox has stated that these will be rolled out in different stages over the coming months. After a bit of an ongoing publicity disaster since E3, it really feels like Xbox is finally listening to its user base and starting to implement most wanted features in their updates.
What new feature are you looking forward to most, or what feature do you feel is missing that Xbox should include in the future? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter!
[button type=”button” link=”http://news.xbox.com/2014/08/gamescom-new-xbox-one-features-video” size=”btn-sm” variation=”btn-danger” target=”blank”]Source: Xbox Wire[/button] [button type=”button” link=”http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/12/5994467/xbox-one-pre-loading-forza-horizon-fifa-15″ size=”btn-sm” variation=”btn-danger” target=”blank”]Source: Polygon[/button]Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
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