On top of a handful of new features and changes that were previously announced as coming this month, Microsoft is bringing some additional user-requested tweaks to the
Xbox One in the
August update. While the activity feed is seeing the biggest number of changes, Xbox One owners will now be able to purchase, download and install games and apps from outside of the console.
Several previously-announced updates are being pushed with the newest patch, as part of Microsoft's monthly update system. The update tackles a few key issues, including notifications for low battery levels in the controllers, the ability to disable notifications during video playback, and support for Blu-ray 3D. The update started rolling out to Xbox One owners on Sunday.
Changes to the activity feed offers the largest visual update, clearing out some of the clutter that it previously created. Users are no longer told when friends change games, but is instead offered more interesting information like when a game clip is created, or an achievement is gained. Text updates can also be added to the feed, as well as liking and sharing items from others. A small change came to the friends list as well, adding how long it has been since a friend was seen online, and in which app.
Perhaps the biggest upgrade is the ability to purchase games outside of the Xbox One, either through SmartGlass or the Xbox website. Once purchased, the console will download and install the content as long as the "automatically download updates and purchases" option is enabled.
Users enrolled in the Xbox Live preview program have also started to see updates that are being referred to as the September update, according to
WP Central. The new version contains several items that were outlined at GamesCom, including a new friends section, media player changes, support for a digital TV tuner in Europe, SmartGlass changes and several other updates.