– via The Verge
New changes rolling out to preview members now
Microsoft promised deeper Twitter integration for Xbox One back in June, and the company is now planning to deliver it next month. Microsoft’s November Xbox One update adds TV features that highlight what’s popular or trending nearby alongside live tweets from Twitter users discussing individual shows. It’s one of the more unique uses of Twitter for TVs, and tweets will even show up on a new MiniGuide feature on the console.
Twitter integration on Xbox One doesn’t stop at just TV features, though. Microsoft is also adding the ability to link an Xbox Live account with Twitter to share game DVR clips directly to followers. It’s not an automatic process that will spam followers, but another share option for game clips after they’ve been recorded. Other TV improvements include recent and favorite channels in the MiniGuide, and a new “what’s on” section on the home screen of the dashboard. What’s on includes YouTube staff picks, trending TV, and Twitch broadcasts. Microsoft describes it as a section designed for when you stop gaming and want to switch to entertainment.
THE NUMBER ONE FAN-REQUESTED FEATURE IS CUSTOM BACKGROUNDS
Aside from the entertainment and Twitter features, Microsoft is also adding the number one fan-requested feature: custom backgrounds. Xbox chief Phil Spencer confirmed this functionality was coming soon in a recent podcast and it’s now due to debut in the November update. Achievements can be set as backgrounds and an upcoming update to the Media Player app will allow Xbox One owners to set any image as the background in future. This is a feature that the Xbox 360 supported for years, and Microsoft is also bringing back bio and location settings to Xbox Live profiles with the upcoming update. Gamer profiles will also include a new showcase section where Xbox One owners can highlight achievements or game clips they’re particularly proud of.
Continuing the trend of making Xbox One easier to navigate and use without Kinect, Microsoft is also altering Internet Explorer so you can snap the browser from the address bar with a controller.
Store pages have also been updated to make it easier to browse with a controller and find content, and the SmartGlass Store now has its own separate apps section to improve navigation. Microsoft’s November Xbox One update is rolling out to preview members today, and should be available to all Xbox One owners in the coming weeks.