Microsoft is today rolling out its Xbox One update for October, which finally introduces the long-awaited Xbox Live Avatars.
The Avatars, which were originally revealed way back in June 2017, enable gamers to select from a much wider range of customisation options and more inclusive body types.
The fun new feature was reportedly slated to roll out in April this year, but its taken until the autumn for Microsoft to get the avatars ready for prime time.
After installing the update, gamers will be able to choose from a massive range of new costumes, hairstyles, and animations. There’s also going to be more granular control over facial hair and props like musical instruments.
Related: Xbox One X Review
Beyond that, the avatars are more inclusive with gamers able to select transport like wheelchairs, skateboards unicorns and motorbikes. There’s also support for more curvier body types, pregnancy and amputees with robotic limbs.
Elsewhere, the October update for Xbox One brings Dolby Vision HDR streaming support to the Xbox One S and Xbox One X.
Perhaps most usefully though, there’s a new range of Xbox Skills for Alexa and Cortana. Gamers will be able to use voice controls to power the console on and off, launch games, capture screenshots, alter the volume and more. In celebration, Microsoft and Amazon is pairing to giveaway a free Amazon Echo Dot with the purchase of an Xbox One S and Xbox One S.
Microsoft says the update is going out to Xbox One, One S and One X today.
The rollout comes just 24 hours after another hell-freezing-over moment in console gaming. On Thursday, Sony announced it would finally be enabling gamers to change their PSN IDs in 2019, with beta testers set to partake in the new feature soon.
Are you going to spend the weekend building your new Xbox Live Avatar? Or will the new Alexa skills prove most useful? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
