Last month, Microsoft launched Xbox Feedback, a dedicated channel where gamers can register their thoughts and recommendations on how to improve the service. This month, according to Larry Hyrb’s post on his Major Nelson Blog, they have tallied some of the feedback and implemented new features for the upcoming update based off of this feedback. Those in Early Access will soon be enjoying the new features in about a week or so.
Below is a list of features included in the next Xbox One system update:
Activity feed updates: The interface is scheduled to be modified to a single column scrolling list, which will contain more information than it currently does today. Similar to Facebook, players will now be able to post text to their feed, as well as like or comment on feed items. To continue the trend of social features, players will be able to share info, such as game clips, in the feed publicly or privately (as an attachment in a private message). With all these likes, comments, and sharing, Microsoft has enabled a notification system. No word yet as to whether this can be turned off or not. Smartglass will get in on the action as well as you can use the mobile app to read friend’s activity and like posts. More functions around Smart Glass will be implemented down the road.
Expanded Friends area on Home: Xbox One customers must have loudly voiced their opinion on social features as Microsoft intends to take up space on the Home screen with more tidbits of info as to what your friends have been up to. Items like current activity, trending games, and Gamerscore leaderboards will be added but only to a subset of the preview audience as this feature is not quite ready for mass consumption.
Mobile purchase: One of the many features the PlayStation mobile app has over the Xbox SmartGlass app is the ability to purchase items from your mobile device. Now in full catch up mode, Microsoft is adding this feature to their app as well. For those who leave their console in standby mode, these purchases will automatically download to your console once payment has been confirmed.
Low battery notification: Shockingly, Microsoft was not aware people wanted to be updated when their controller was running out of power. They’ve learned their lesson and now have added this feature too.
Disable notifications during video: Don’t want to be disturbed with notifications while watching movies or videos? Microsoft now has your back and soon you’ll be notification free.
Enabling 3D Blu-ray: For those who still enjoy watching 3D movies, the Xbox One Blu-ray player will soon be getting 3D functionality. Rejoice!
Last seen time in Friends list: Like to keep a tight reign over your friends list? Maybe delete anyone who hasn’t been online in a month, week, 2 days, etc…well now you’ll be able to see how long it’s been since your friends have been online.
Microsoft is gearing up to release the Xbox One in 29 new markets so expect to see some backend work being done in the coming weeks, which may or may not impact service availability.
Source: Major Nelson’s Blog