Microsoft – on Thursday – shared more details of the Xbox spring update. The notable additions include a new 1440p option, a welcome feature for anyone using a quad HD monitor, and improvement in interaction with the streaming platform – Mixer.
The 1440p video output option is popular among the PC gamers, who prefer high frame rates over prioritizing 4K visuals. The new option would allow Xbox One S and X owners to experience the best possible visuals in 2560 x 1440, or “QHD,” displays. “With over a million and a half more pixels than 1080p, this resolution fills the gap between Full HD and 4K displays,” Microsoft says in a blog post.
Further, the Xbox spring update adds interactive features for Mixer, which is Microsoft’s answer to Twitch. Now, players would be able to share their controller with the viewer via Mixer. Also, the viewer will then be able to control the gameplay with the help of a plugged-in Xbox controller connected to the PC, or via an onscreen virtual gamepad.
“Viewer and streamer can work together in the game, or the viewer can cause trouble – resulting in hilarious chaos. It’s your choice!” says Microsoft.
In addition, the broadcasts now will pause (instead of stop) when the streamers switch games. Also, until the streamer returns, viewers will be shown a pause screen. Further, users will be allowed to start the broadcast from anywhere within the Xbox One’s interface, notes The Verge. Last year, Microsoft relaunched Beam, which it acquired in 2016, rebranding the service as Mixer.
Microsoft has also made the built-in Edge browser more controller-friendly. Now, it can easily upload or download files. “Improvements to the Favorites and History experience make it simple for you to return to your favorite sites,” the company says. Another addition is new Open Tournaments, giving users a new way to join competitions from Game Hubs without going through an Xbox Live Club.
Users now also have an option to alter the balance between in-game audio and background music in the guide. Meaning, one can enjoy their Spotify, SoundCloud or MP3-based soundtracks while playing. Also, “the system sounds on Home and in the Guide have been completely revamped to support spatial audio, so the audio cues from your surround sound system will match the actions you see on-screen,” the company informs.
Another new addition is the inclusion of the Xbox Live Gold section to “My Games & Apps.” This is somewhat similar to the Xbox Game Pass tab introduced earlier this year, and allows games with Gold titles to get installed quickly. The update also makes it easier for the clubs to filter invitation requests based on several criteria, like Gamerscore.
Further, to make club posts somewhat similar to Reddit, the Xbox spring update adds an algorithmic “What’s Hot” feed, along with a Top Posts option to show the most popular one at the top. “You will also soon be able to disable comments on your feed posts across clubs, Game Hubs, and Community, so the only person in control of the narrative is you,” the company informs.
In addition to all these, three new security features have also been noted by Major Nelson. These new security features will make it easier for users to recover their account if it has been taken over maliciously, update account recovery info from the console itself, and find an account name.
Previously, for login related issues, a user had to call Xbox support for help. Now, clicking “Forgot your account?” on the sign in screen will help to resolve the issue. Further, to make sure users don’t forget their recovery options, they will be reminded to visit the options again if they haven’t been used for a while.
The Microsoft Xbox spring update will be available to those who are part of the Xbox Insider’s “alpha ring” group. This Xbox spring update will automatically download for those using the Xbox One’s “Instant On” mode. Those wishing to install it manually will need to check for the update by going to “All Settings > System > Console Info & Updates.”
One can expect some issues with the update, it’s normal with any pre-release update. Some of the known issues are update errors, several issues across the Xbox One experience and black screens, notes WindowsCentral. These issues are expected to be resolved in forthcoming builds.
