A major update to Xbox One is coming February 19, according to Major Nelson’s blog. The Xbox app for Windows is getting updated first and then the Xbox One update will roll out. Based on the new features it appears Microsoft has listened to fan requests for user interface tweaks and social transparency.
Mike Ybarra, Director of Program Management at Xbox, announced the changes in the blog post, many of which were available to Xbox preview members in January. Some of the features coming to the app: an avatar store, a community hub, Xbox news and a place to configure your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. Trending topics will now appear in the left menu side of the app, showing the most popular topics across Xbox Live.
Xbox One users will now be able to see who’s inside a party before joining. Click on a friend in the friend tab, and then click on Chat to see who’s in the party. A Gamerscore Leaderboard has also been added, allowing you to show off to your friends how good you are at Destiny. Click My Achievements in your guide to see how you fare against your friends and who has gained the most points over a 30-day period.
Microsoft added a few other tweaks like hiding your games from your ready-to-install list, “code” shortcuts in the Xbox store, and improvements to suggested friends and the Xbox Chatpad. Opening Twitch is now easier, since Game hubs and the game tile will display the app.
Excited for the changes? What else do you want to see? Let us know in the comments!
