Xbox One Avatars in the October 2018 Update

Xbox One October update (version 1809): All new features and changes

Microsoft is now rolling out the October update for Xbox One consoles, and here's everything that you're getting with this new version.

The Xbox One October update (version 1809) is here, and it’s gradually rolling out to Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and the original console.

In this new update, users can expect several new features and improvements, including the new diverse avatars, Amazon’s Alexa support to control your console with an Echo device, Dolby Vision video support for Netflix, and more.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the new changes available with the October update for Xbox One.

Xbox Avatars

Microsoft has been working on the Avatars for more than a year, and it’s now arriving with the October update.

Avatars will appear across the experience, on your profile, activity feed, Friend blocks on the Home screen, Gamerscore leaderboards, club header, and everywhere else.

Xbox One Avatars
Xbox One Avatars

Using the Avatars editor, you can fully customize your avatar to be as diverse as it can be. In addition, Microsoft is even adding a store to purchase addition items to further customize the experience.

If you have an old avatar, you can choose to keep it after the update.

Xbox Skill for Cortana and Alexa

The Xbox Skill is available starting with the October update in the United States. Using this new skill, users can use Alexa voice command through an Echo device to control the console. For example, you can turn on your Xbox, adjust volume, launch a game, start and stop broadcasts on Mixer, capture screenshots, and more. If you use the “Alexa, launch Sea of Thieves,” the assistant will power on the console and launch the game.

Of course, this new functionality also works with Cortana-enabled devices.

If you’re in the market for a new console, you can now buy an Xbox One S or Xbox One X bundle at Amazon, and you’ll get a new Amazon Echo Dot Alexa-enabled device that you can use to control the console.

Dolby Vision video streaming

Xbox One owners are also getting Dolby Vision video streaming support, which brings HDR video streaming to the Xbox family. Currently, it’s limited to the Netflix streaming, but it’s expected that this feature will expand to other apps in the future.

Xbox One Dolby Vision settings
Xbox One Dolby Vision settings

To enable Dolby Vision on your console, navigate to Settings > Display and sound > Video output > Video modes > Allow Dolby Vision.

Narrator

Finally, the Xbox One October 2018 update is adding five additional languages to Narrator, including Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Swedish, and Dutch. In addition, the company is introducing an Australian version of English language, which means that Australian users will no longer have to select US or UK English to use Narrator.

How to download Xbox One October update

The Xbox One October update is rolling out now to every console worldwide. However, if you can’t wait until it’s available to you automatically, you can force the update on Settings > System > Updates > Update console, and tapping the Start update button.

What do you think about the changes coming in this new Xbox update? Tell us in the comments, and don’t forget to check all the new features and improvements coming with the October update for Windows 10.

About the author

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 15 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 21 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].