Microsoft has rolled out the latest firmware update for Xbox One owners, delivering a few neat new ways for players to get on with the business of playing with minimal hassle.
The July Update includes the FastStart innovation announced by Microsoft at E3 2018. It optimises the ability to play games while they’re downloading in the background, enabling Xbox One owners to dive in twice as quickly as before.
In a post on Xbox Wire the firm explains: “FastStart works by identifying which files are needed to begin playing and prioritises the download of those files first, enabling you to quickly jump into full-fidelity gameplay while the remainder of your title downloads in the background.”
You’ll need a FastStart-enabled title to access the new feature, with all English language titles in Xbox Games Pass now compatible. The feature will come in super handy for gamers who’s gaming time is at a minimum and simply want to get gaming.
Elsewhere, Microsoft is adding the ability to group games and apps, in an expansion of its existing Pins feature. Groups will allow users to collect under one heading, which should mean less scanning to find what you want.
“Groups will appear across My Games & Apps, Home and Guide, so you’ll be able to access your Groups at a moment’s notice,” Microsoft writes. “Best of all, Groups are tied to your Xbox Live account, so they will automatically sync across multiple Xbox One consoles. We’ve started you off with a Group that should look very familiar — your Pins!”
Related: Best Xbox One games 2018
Elsewhere in the update, there are more search options. Pressing the Y option will bring up the search box and virtual keyboard from anywhere within the dashboard.
The firm is also adding some Share Controller improvements to the Mixer steaming platform, as well as full screen broadcasting from a compatible webcam. Finally, Microsoft has improved the overall broadcast video quality and stability of those broadcasts. “You will now experience improved performance when broadcasting bandwidth-heavy multiplayer,” the firm says.
Does FastStart scratch your itch to get gaming ASAP? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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.
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.
