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Xbox One update

Today was supposed to be the day that Microsoft released the first major Xbox One dashboard update, but unfortunately, it was pulled at the last minute. Larry Hryb (Major Nelson) announced on Twitter that the "team is working on finalizing," and didn't give a solid date other than to say that it is now on track to be released later this week.

As previously reported, the February update will bring battery life indicators for the Xbox One controllers, storage management for the Xbox One, and will split up My Games and My Apps into separate sections in order to more easily handle larger libraries. Additionally, the update will bring USB keyboard support.


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Xbox One system update

The first significant Xbox One update is set for release on Tuesday, February 11th. Microsoft gave a few details on what gamers can expect from the new software, without going into too much detail on what all it entails. Here are three features you can look forward to on February 11th as an Xbox One owner:

  • The ability to see and manage your storage space. With this update, you will find it easy to find how much space your content takes up and better manage your content. You can also control your install lineup and more easily manage your download queue. We’ve separated My Games and My Apps into separate lists, so you can easily create separate queues for both. Now you can pick the order in which you want your content to load and we’ve added a boot progress indicator so you can better track updates while they load.
  • The battery power indicator is back! You can see it right on the home screen, so you can easily track how much battery life is left on your controller.
  • And, you will be able to use your USB keyboard with your Xbox One.

While we haven't been waiting with bated breath for USB keyboard support ourselves, we're sure there's many a gamer out there excited to see that update. For us, being able to view and manage storage is a big deal--especially for a console that prides itself on selling all titles on demand with a paltry 500 GB hard drive. Speaking of which, we're still waiting on the update that enables external USB storage.

After the February 11th update, there will be another one released on March 4th in anticipation for the release of Titanfall. That one will be focused on multiplayer matchmaking and the party system, making sure it's in top shape for the release of the big-name title. You can pre-order Titanfall now.


gopro xbox one 360

We're big fans of crazy GoPro footage, and we know a lot of you are, too. Soon, you'll be able to access a bunch more GoPro content by way of Xbox Live. Today, Microsoft announced that it has teamed up with GoPro, and will launch a GoPro channel on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One for Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

“Our GoPro Channel app will make it easy for millions of global Xbox Live customers to watch GoPro originally-produced and ‘best of’ user-generated content on their televisions at home,” GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman said in a press release. “We’re excited to align ourselves with Microsoft and the Xbox brand as we believe our customers share the same desire to enjoy the type of immersive, experiential content that our cameras enable.”

Wanna check out this library of cool content? You'll have to wait a bit--the GoPro Xbox 360 app will launch sometime this spring, while the Xbox One version won't arrive until the summer.


Latest Gear Live Videos

Halo 5

Back in 2004, Microsoft released what many believe to be the best in the Halo series: Halo 2. Ten years later, and the rumor mill is buzzing with anticipation of a Halo 2 Anniversary Edition announcement, with the hope that it'll arrive on the Xbox One in full high definition glory later this year. The rumor originated on NeoGAF. If true, it does seem to throw a wrench into the previous plans, where Microsoft has promised to release Halo 5 in 2014. Microsoft likes to spread out Halo releases, so if a Halo 2 reboot is set for 2014, it wouldn't be hard to believe that Halo 5 would be pushed back to 2015, resulting in much disappointment. We'll update when we hear more.

Read More | NeoGAF

Xbox One Titanfall controller

Titanfall is one of the most anticipated games coming to the Xbox One this year, and developer Respawn Entertainment has teamed up with Microsoft on a special edition Titanfall Xbox One controller. As you can see in the image above, the Titanfall controller features custom artwork that pays homage to the game (although, to my eyes, it reminds me more of the Wipeout racing game series.)

"In a collaborative effort with the Xbox design team and the Respawn art department our goal was to create a controller that feels as if it is a piece of military spec hardware transported from the universe of Titanfall and into players hands," said Joel Emslie, lead artist at Respawn Entertainment.

To be clear, this is a standard Xbox One controller--it doesn't do anything extra that other controllers don't do--it just has the unique art styling and coloring. You can pre-order the Titanfall controller now, as well as the Titanfall game. Both will be available on March 11th.

For other special editions, check out the Xbox One I Made This edition console and controller.

Read More | Titanfall Xbox One Controller

Xbox One Invitation

Microsoft's latest ad for its upcoming Xbox One console focuses on the gaming experience in a fun way. As you can see, characters from games like Titanfall, FIFA, Dead Rising, and Forza Motorsport 5 all invite the player into the game itself. Become one with the game, if you will. Also shown is the slick integration of Skype, letting you video chat with those you're playing games with in a second window, and the movie watching experience, highlighted by Mr. Spock inviting the viewer into the movie. Definitely a cool spot. Check it out after the jump.

Click to continue reading Microsoft Xbox One ad invites you to become part of the game


Xbox One Friends App

Today Microsoft gave us a look at the upcoming Xbox One friends list, which lets you add up to 1,000 friends (10 times more than the original Xbox and Xbox 360 limit of 100) and also lets you follow other users similar to what you'd do on Twitter. Microsoft is letting you decide what your Xbox Live friends and followers are able to see and how each can interact with you through privacy controls.

Microsoft's Larry Hryb (Xbox Live's Major Nelson) walks us through the interface--achievements, video uploads, followers and friends, recent activity, and the live feed--in the Friends App on Xbox One walkthrough, which we'd included for you after the jump.

Click to continue reading Xbox One Friends app gets detailed by Major Nelson [Video]


Xbox One NFL

The very first Xbox One commercial is now live, with a major focus on NFL integration and fantasy football features! Check out the full video after the break, and if you haven't already pre-ordered your Xbox One console and you want to make sure you have one on November 22, you can pre-order on Amazon or The Microsoft Store now--just make sure you hurry!

Click to continue reading Watch this: The first Xbox One commercial goes live [Video]


Microsoft execs discuss Xbox One

Earlier this morning Microsoft revealed the Xbox One, the follow-up to its 8-year-old Xbox 360. After the jump, we've got a video where Microsoft Xbox executives discuss the new Xbox One console and what they believe makes it the best home console on the market. Check out the video, and let us know if you agree.

Click to continue reading Microsoft execs discuss Xbox One [Video]


Xbox One camera

Aside from revealing the Xbox One, Microsoft has also updated Xbox 360 controller for the new Xbox One, bringing over 40 optimizations to the input device. Features mentioned include dynamic impulse triggers that support feedback, and a new D-pad design that, we bet, will do away with many of the complaints. The controller is also recognized by Kinect, with the example given that you might lift your controller, and in-game, you'd be raising a shield.

Check out the Microsoft Xbox One reveal video.


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