It's been less than two weeks since the last Xbox One update, which brought an impressive number of tweaks, improvements, and brand new features to the console. But Microsoft isn't done there.
Proving that the company is determined to make its console excel on features and usability even if it doesn't quite match the PS4 on performance, Larry "Major" Nelson has offered a glimpse at another impressive Xbox One software update.
The next Xbox One update will concentrate primarily on Snap - the funky right-hand menu that shares screen space with whatever you're playing whenever you hit the Xbox button.
Snap is set to get a whole heap of new features, including quick access to more key features such as Friends, Messages, Game DVR, clock, and battery indicator. Meanwhile a double tap of the Xbox button will allow you to switch the currently open Snap app, as well as to switch focus between the game and this running snap app.
Speaking of the double tap command, it will also enable you to record the last 30 seconds of gameplay without the need to talk to your console - another sign that Microsoft is cutting its much-maligned Kinect system adrift.
You can also now open and respond to messages from within Snap, and access your Friends list there too - all without leaving your game. Speaking of Friends, there's a new Friends section offering glanceable information on their recent activities
You could argue that this is all stuff that should have been there from the start, but it's good that it's going to be added regardless.
The last update added a new media player and media playing options, of course, and this next update will improve those once again. For one thing, you'll finally be able to stream media over DLNA, just like you could on Xbox 360. There's also MKV file support.
As for those who watch TV through their Xbox One, a new Live TV Trending feature will show you which programs are trending in your country - or at least in the US, Canada, and here in the UK. Speaking of TV, there's the reminder that the UK and much of western Europe will be getting the Xbox One digital TV Tuner in October.
These and many more new features are rolling out to preview program members now, but should be rolling out to everyone some time in October.
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