Gaming on Xbox is just getting better. Microsoft announces today that a new significant update is coming in April for the Xbox app for Windows 10 and Xbox One console.
The new update brings a number of features focus on making the Xbox app more social and adding more control to the console experience. In addition, Microsoft will be making a few new features to Xbox One and SmartGlass, which were highly requested by the community.
The breakdown
Xbox app for Windows 10
- Game DVR for PC games: There is a new game bar that allows you to record games clips from your favorite Windows games (This feature will require Windows 10 build 10061 or later).
- Screenshots: Now, you’ll be able to use Windows + Alt + PrtScr to take screenshots of your Windows game. Alternatively, you can use the Game bar and click the “screenshot” button.
- Live Tiles: In this new update, users will see a Live Tile with gamerpic and alerts when there is a new message.
- Avatars app: User can now update and customize their Xbox’s avatar using the standalone Avatars app.
- User profile: You can see another gamer’s bio, location, reputation, tenure, and other information in the more info page, including their animated avatar.
- Real name sharing: You can now choose to share your real name on the Xbox app with all of your friends or with everybody.
- Xbox One Now Playing and media controls: The games and apps you’ve used most recently on your Xbox One are now displayed when you connect the Xbox app to your console. You can also use the Xbox app to pause, fast forward and rewind.
- Live TV streaming and PIP (picture in picture) support: For owners with an Xbox One Digital TV Tuner or a Hauppauge 955Q TV Tuner attached to their Xbox One, you can now stream live TV within your home from your Xbox One to Windows 10 PC running the Xbox app. (This new feature is only available for preview members.)
- Xbox controller drivers: Microsoft will also be including the Xbox controller drivers in Windows 10, so no more downloads.
While the company did set an specific release date for the update, Microsoft also explains that Xbox app will automatically update to the April preview once it becomes available, and the version you jump to 4.4.9014.0 or higher.
Xbox One and SmartGlass app updates
Although, it seems that the wave of updates is more focus on the Xbox app rather than in the console itself, Microsoft will also be rolling out several new features this month, based on feedbacks for Xbox One and Xbox One SmartGlass for preview members.
- Over-the-air TV: Xbox live TV comes to the U.S. and Canada as previously announced.
- Power on and off from Xbox One SmartGlass: Now, you’ll be able to turn on your game console using the SmartGlass app on Windows, Windows Phone, and Android.
- Wireless Display app: Microsoft is finally bringing Miracast support to its game console. After the new update rolls out, users will be able to stream photos stored on your phone to Xbox One, or even stream “non-protected” videos from your PC to the console.
- User-selectable power mode: Users will be able choose from two power modes: Instant-On or Energy-saving.
- Voice messages: Xbox One users will now be able to send and receive voice messages from the messages app.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].