Xbox Series X: Microsoft August 2020 update puts next-gen UI on Xbox One
Xbox gamers have a chance to experience one feature of the new console ahead of everyone else as an update rolls out around the world.
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The next-generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles are still a few months away, but one of the console makers is giving its loyal fans an early taste of what they can expect when they first boot up their new machine.
Microsoft announced on Tuesday that the latest update to its existing Xbox One console will feature the same “unified Xbox experience”.
The update doesn’t actually include any of the new technology and most crucially any of the games that people will be buying the new console for, but it does give gamers who were probably going to buy it anyway an early preview of what the next-generation experience will be.
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“The overall layout of most of the pages will not be drastically changing, so you don’t have to learn a whole new UI when Xbox Series X launches,” Xbox experiences manager Jonathan Hildebrandt said.
He added the “unified Xbox experience” was “the next step” on a more than year-long “journey” towards its vision that “puts gamers at the centre, enabling them to stay connected to their games, friends and communities”.
The update includes an updated landing page and a simpler way to keep track of your messages, parties, invites and notifications.
The new landing page gives some customisation options so you can organise it the way you want, including changing the order of tabs and get easier access to notifications, search and audio settings.
An overhauled notifications tab puts invites to games and parties in the one feed.
In the future this is hoped to work with Xbox Game Pass and its cloud gaming features, syncing your notifications and communications across devices as Xbox tries to set up shop on Android as well.
You’ll be able to stay logged in to your Xbox account across multiple devices, but you can only game on one at a time.
Xbox said this was to make sure your game progress syncs properly but it also alleviates copyright concerns from developers.
The new update also contains a “frequently requested” feature that allows you to control the volume of individual party members.
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The rise of Twitch and other “gaming community” platforms has also prompted Xbox to “rethink how community and game developers’ content is displayed” in the new Activity Feed.
“We want the focus to be on the content being shared and highlight the awesome screenshots, videoclips and posts players create,” Mr Hildebrandt said.
Xbox said the new features were the result of community feedback, suggestions and bug reports.
On social media some welcomed the update, while others complained long and hard that it wasn’t the news they wanted to hear about the new consoles.
“This user interface looks a whole let better. Looks less business and has a more relaxed atmosphere to it. Definitely an improvement,” wrote one gamer.
“Love the rounded edges on everything, looks so much better and all the little touches here and there really make a difference,” said another.
But the update didn’t please one commenter after failing to answer the question everyone still wants to know.
“You know what would be easier for everyone??? Is if you just for GOD SAKES RELEASE THE PRICE FOR XBOX SERIES X!!!!!! WHAT IS THE PRICE?!?”
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are both expected to hit the market later this year for an undisclosed but likely expensive amount.
They’ll compete with the Atari VCS, which will launch at $699 for the console only and $849 if you want the controllers to play it with.
Originally published as Xbox Series X: Microsoft August 2020 update puts next-gen UI on Xbox One