Xbox One July Update Adds Achievement Snap And Help



Microsoft’s Xbox One continues the beat of monthly system updates that adds features to the game console. Hot on the heels of the pre-E3 2014 release of the June system update, the July update was detailed today that addresses complaints about the achievement system along with the promise of digital game bundles.

The Xbox One Achievement app has been a sore point with owners of the system since it was released last November. Treating it as a separate app that loaded slowly compared to the Xbox 360 implementation was less than ideal.

Microsoft appears to have gone a step beyond though with the ability to snap Achievements to the side of the screen so that you can view them while you are playing. Xbox One owners will not only be able to track and sort their progress but will also be able to search for help on how to unlock selected Achievements.

As shown in the video from Major Nelson above, this will be a useful addition to dedicated Achievement hunters.

Here’s the summary from Microsoft on what is coming with the July update.

  • Snap Mode for Achievements. As we showed at our E3 Green Carpet event before the show, we’re offering an easier way to track and view your achievements in the moment. With Achievement Snap, you can track your achievement progress in real time without ever leaving the game. You can also ‘Get Help’ on any Achievements you’re struggling with. Xbox will scan the web for you and deliver relevant tips and strategy content right to your TV.

  • Double-tap to Snap. Double-tap the button on your controller to bring up Snap Center, where you can launch Achievements or any other snap-able app, without leaving your game. Already have an app snapped? Double-tap quickly switches between your game and the snapped app.

  • Choice of Spoken Language. Folks in New Zealand, Ireland and Austria, with this update in July, will be able to select voice control using the English or German voice models from other countries. And if you’re an expat in an English-speaking country, you, too, can choose any of the other English language models that fit you.

  • Future Digital Bundles and Compilation Discs. We’re doing some work now so that publishers will have options for great digital bundle and disc compilation offerings in the future. As we test this feature, we’ll be seeing more flexible combinations of game titles and game content.

  • ‘Like’ Game DVR clips. We’re adding the ability to ‘Like’ all your favorite Game DVR clips as well as activity feed items in SmartGlass.

Microsoft’s Xbox division has made significant changes since Phil Spencer was chosen to lead earlier this year. The company is almost unrecognizable compared to the debut the Xbox One made at E3 2013. For starters, it is taking a serious listen to what gamers want on the console. The company was interactive with fans on Reddit forums and Twitter but has now opened a dedicated Xbox Feedback site.

What do you think of the July system update for the Xbox One and the other changes? Is Microsoft on the right path?

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