Cortana, Background Music and more with Xbox Summer Update

The Xbox Summer Update has started rolling out to Xbox One owners, and with it comes Cortana, Background Music and other features.

According to a post on Xbox Wire, Cortana will act as a “personal digital assistant.” The Windows 10 voice command system will allow users to accomplish simple tasks like launch games, browse the Xbox store, and create parties. Voice commands can now be made using either the Kinect or a headset microphone.

The new update also features Background Music, which allows the use of apps like Groove Music, iHeartRadio, and an incoming Pandora app without going into Snap mode.

Here are some of the other features that come with the update:

 

• Facebook Friend Finder: You can find and connect with your Facebook friends by connecting your Facebook account to your Xbox Live account.
• Improved Game Collection: The Games & Apps interface has been reorganized to allow for easier access and more visibility when looking through your games collection. Tiles are no longer forced into two rows, and purchased games not downloaded to your Xbox can be viewed on their own “ready to install” page.
• 60 fps game clip recording with the Game Bar: Starting August 2, game clips can be recorded at up to 60 frames per second from the Game Bar. The Game Bar also gets added full-screen support for six more games: League of Legends, World of Warcraft, DOTA 2, Battlefield 4, CS:GO and Diablo III.
• Xbox and Windows Store convergence: The update will add user reviews, more search filter options, and new channels to the Xbox Store. The Store update also comes with support for Microsoft’s new Xbox Play Anywhere feature.
• Language Region Independence: Xbox no longer automatically chooses which language is used based on your location.
• Improved sharing: Improvements made to sharing screenshots, GameDVR clips, and achievements.

 

The update comes just in time for the Xbox One S release, which will be available at retail on August 2. Microsoft recently announced two bundles for the slimmer model of their home console.