Highlights
- Microsoft releases a new software update for Xbox Series X/S consoles, aiming to simplify data management and introducing a new Events bar to keep players informed about live challenges in games they own.
- The update also changes how user-generated content is stored, with uploaded footage being removed after 90 days. Microsoft recommends saving footage to external storage or their One Drive cloud.
- This update comes as data storage optimization and improved gaming experience are an essential part of the expanding Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft has begun rolling out a new software update to Xbox consoles that aims to simplify data management within the console. Players often see their latest hardware receive multiple software updates throughout a console’s lifecycle. With each Xbox becoming more advanced, the frequency of these updates is becoming ever more regular.
The roadmap for Xbox Series X/S was leaked as a result of the ongoing court case between the FTC and Microsoft. This included the revelation that Microsoft is planning to release a diskless version of the Xbox Series X, along with several unannounced games including Dishonored 3 and a new entry in the Doom franchise. Leaks aside, it remains business as usual at the Richmond company as Microsoft quietly released the latest software update to their current systems.
Xbox Series X/S owners will notice a slight change to the Dashboard once September’s system update has been installed. A new Events bar will allow players to see the latest happenings in the games that they own. This looks set to be a similar function to the activity cards seen on the PlayStation 5, although the Xbox Series X/S update specifically relates to live challenges rather than the story progression seen on Sony’s rival console.
Players who take part in multiple team-based games will no doubt be excited to test out the new events feature. Gamers will be able to see the latest information on up-and-coming multiplayer events in games like Halo Infinite ahead of time so that adequate time can be scheduled.
The latest Xbox Series X/S update also makes changes to user-generated content that is saved directly to the Xbox network. Any footage uploaded to the Xbox network will now be removed after 90 days. Microsoft now recommends saving the footage to either an external hard drive or Microsoft’s One Drive cloud storage. The latter option will be the default setting going forward, and any footage saved directly to the Xbox’s SSD will not expire.
This latest system update for the Xbox Series X/S systems is certainly a well-timed release for Microsoft. The Activision Blizzard buyout looks ever more likely, with rumors already circulating that Call of Duty games could soon be heading to Xbox Game Pass. Freeing up data storage by deleting players’ saved videos and creating a live events tab from the dashboard could be seen as smart moves as the company prepares for more players to experience the Xbox ecosystem.
Source: Xbox Wire