Microsoft is overhauling the Xbox One user experience this week through its March Update, and with it adds the ability for all Xbox One owners to take advantage of Beam streaming. There's also the small matter of a the user interface being revamped with speed and feature access as a focus.
First lets start with the user interface updates, and in particular the new Guide. The Guide redesign focuses on making features you're most likely to need/want available "at your fingertips." Music playback control is now embedded directly within the Guide, and deals for Xbox Live Gold members, your games, and the store are all easy to navigate to as the video below demonstrates:
Capturing gameplay is also much easier through more options in the GameDVR menu, and screenshots and videos can be captured with a single button press. There's a new achievements tracker, which allows you to overlay multiple tracked achievements as you play each game. Cortana can also be added as an overlay while you play to carry out a range of tasks including setting reminders and accessing Party controls.
As for the general UI, it's been simplified so as to increase performance while at the same time offering more options to "dive deeper into the community" for any game you are actively viewing.
While many Xbox owners will be happy with the UI and Guide updates, it's Beam Streaming that's the most interesting new addition. Think of the Beam app as Microsoft's answer to Twitch. It allows you to live stream gameplay while at the same time chatting with other gamers, or alternatively sit back and watch someone else play.
Other features introduced as part of the update include Copilot, an accessibility feature allowing two controllers to act as one, Magnifier and Navigator have also been enhanced, and audio and rumble settings have been unlocked for all controllers, not just the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. Parents will also be happy to hear the Xbox One now supports screen time limits just like Windows 10 offers.
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Relax Xbox One March Update Adds Beam Streaming, new Guide stories
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