Microsoft has announced the May Update for Xbox One users. In detail, the new features are important, and include, among others, 120hz screen refresh support, the ability to group games and applications and improvements in family configurations. Let’s explain each one of them.
120Hz reaches the consoles
In April, we added variable update rate, 1440p resolution support, and automatic low latency mode. But we’re not done yet. In May, we are adding support for additional panel upgrade fees. Players with game monitors and TVs that support a refresh rate of 120Hz can now activate 120Hz support for 1080p and 1440p output resolutions. This high refresh rate option means you can now take full advantage of displays with 120Hz capabilities.
Group your games and applications
Our fans asked for new ways to organize their game and application libraries. In response, we are presenting a new and powerful improvement for Pins, which we call “Groups”. With Groups, you can create multiple collections of content composed of anything from My Games and Applications. You can also assign custom names to each group, organize and sort them, and add individual groups to Home. Groups will appear in My Games and Applications, Start, and Guide, so you can access your Groups at any time. Best of all, groups are linked to your account, so they will automatically sync to multiple Xbox One consoles. We’ve started you off with a group that should be very familiar: your pins!
We’re doing something a little different with the launch of this feature: initially, groups won’t be enabled for everyone in the Alpha ring[of the Xbox Insider program]. In order to measure interest and collect feedback, we will instead gradually deploy Groups over time within Alpha.
Cuts clips directly into the Guide
Last month, we added a new sharing feature that helps players upload their screenshots and videos directly to Twitter. This month, we’re improving the sharing experience even further: you can now trim your recent game captures directly from the Guide, so you won’t need to switch to Upload Studio to quickly cut your saved clips.
Enhanced Family Settings
Xbox One also helps parents keep their family safe with family configuration updates. We’re adding a “Details” page where parents can easily find and manage all the familiar settings on Xbox One. Parents can easily determine what family and content settings are configured. Important settings that are disabled or require attention will also be marked. Some settings, such as activity reports and screen time limits, can only be accessed via the web: we will identify those settings and provide links where parents can easily configure them.
Xbox accessories application enhancements
We’re also modernizing the Xbox accessories application to make it easier to navigate and to make it look and feel more consistent with the rest of the Xbox One dashboard.
Intuitive button commands
We are also making changes to some of the button commands throughout the board. For example, you can now use the View at Start button to edit the order of the blocks or reorder items within Groups. Clicking the “View” button on the main Guide tab will now also display additional capture options. If you group your collections in My Games and Applications by letter, you will now need to select a letter to view all the groups.