Xbox One Update: April 2014

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Xbox One Keeps Getting Better with the Help of Our Fans

By Major Nelson posted March 18, 2014 at 6:00 AM

We announced last month that we?ve invited select Xbox Live members to preview system updates early. The engagement from the community has been incredible and we?ve gotten valuable feedback and bugs that have helped inform our feature improvements and quality before we rolled out the system update to the broader community. Thank you to those who shared their thoughts and let us know what they loved and what wasn?t working so well.

We will continue to push new features and other updates to these folks to explore and we?ll be trying new things with the UI, like notifications, different ways of discoverability, and a bunch of other ideas the team is working on. Through this process, some features will launch, others might not and all will be refined through feedback. We value your feedback and want your help shaping the future of Xbox One.

Today we?re excited to share the next wave of features that we will begin to roll out. These features will become available to members getting the early previews in the coming days and weeks and will be available to the full Xbox Live community in April.

• Game and app saves and updates. A game save progress bar will show you the status of your game saves. You will also be able to easily tell what games and apps are being updated or have been updated recently.
• Friends improvements. Notifications will be added to see when favorites and friends sign in to Xbox Live. This actually was one of the most frequently requested features from the first preview wave and we made it a priority to include it in the April update. Also, friends who are in multiplayer will be identified in the friends list. We?ll also add the ability to view friends? most popular apps.
• Kinect voice and motion improvements will continue to fine tune the quality and reliability of Xbox One commands.
• Improved GameDVR video quality through compression algorithm improvements.

We?re also extending more invitations to Xbox Live members around the world in our current 13 Xbox One markets. New invitees will be sent an Xbox Live message to register. Once registered, you will be able to test the early features included in the update and provide feedback on a private forum.

We value all of the feedback we are getting from you. We know external hard drive storage is still a big one and we?ve promised before it?s on our list ? I assure you that it still is. We?ll continue regular updates to Xbox One. Thanks for your support.

 

 

http://news.xbox.com/2014/03/xbox-one-april-preview

Latest build:

 

We have started to deploy the latest 1404 build (xb_rel_1404.140319-2200). Consoles that are in standby mode will be able to install the update starting at 6:00PM PDT on 3/21. Consoles that have not received the update in standby mode by 1:00AM PDT on 3/23 will be prompted to install the update when they connect to Xbox Live. This update will be larger than most (over 1GB). We expect that future updates for the 1404 update will be closer in size to previous updates (~600mb or smaller).

The following changes are contained within this build:

Issues Fixed

• Several fixes and tweaks to the user interface.
• Initial fixes to address audio crackling sound encountered when Dolby Digital is enabled (additional fixes are pending and will be deployed with a later build).
• A fix to address issues where game resume could fail when a console comes out of standby, causing the game to restart rather than resume from its previous state.
• Initial fixes for Blu-ray issues where the drive may not be responsive, requiring full system power down to resolve (pressing and holding the power button on the console for 5 seconds).

New Additions

• Underlying OS changes required to enable planned 1404 features.
• *NEW FEATURE* Silent system update installation: Initial OS changes are present that enable consoles to take a system update overnight when in standby, and the console will now complete the installation, then boot back into standby. This feature will bypass the green installation progress bar currently seen when starting a console that needs to finish installing an update started in standby. This feature will already work with some consoles in this update!

Known Issues

• An issue has been identified in the current 1404 build (xb_rel_1404.140313-2200) where some consoles with wired connections aren?t taking system, app, or game updates when in standby. Consoles connected via wireless are not affected. To test the silent update with a wired connection, you can work around this issue by connecting wirelessly when putting your console in standby overnight.
• When performing the new silent system update, the following issues may be encountered:
  • The Blu-ray drive may spin up during silent startup.
  • The Kinect sensor may light up during silent boot.
  • During shutdown from standby to install the update, the power light will flash showing that it is shutting down.

• Work is still being done to fix all Blu-ray drive issues that were introduced in 1404. There are still some instances where the Blu-ray drive may not wake up from an idle state, resulting in errors that a disc is not present. These issues should be resolved by ejecting and re-inserting the disc to wake up the drive.
• When turning off your console with the ?Xbox, turn off? command, Kinect does not respond to a command of ?yes? or ?no?, requiring the controller or remote be used to select ?yes? to turn the console off.

Reported Update Issue

We have received some reports of participants encountering an issue with installing this update. The issue being reported is that some consoles get stuck in a loop trying to install the update, or some are hanging at a black screen during the update. This issue has occurred with consoles that are configured with optical audio enabled, and is caused by an invalid audio setting being configured during the update process. If you encounter this issue, please follow the steps below as a workaround. The developers are investigating a fix for this issue occurring during system updates.

1. Unplug the network cable or disable the wireless network and start up your console.

2. If the update screen is not displaying, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable until update screen appears.

3. At update screen, select Cancel. (Cancel only appears when network is disconnected.)

4. Go to Settings > Display & Sound.

5. Switch HDMI Audio and Optical Audio to Stereo Uncompressed.

6. Plug the network cable back in, or re-enable your wireless network, and connect your console to the network.

7. The update screen should now appear and update should proceed successfully.

 

 

 

More Details on the Upcoming Xbox One System Update

We?re still working on our next Xbox One system update and have been receiving some really great feedback from members with early access. Tonight, I wanted to let you know we?re pushing a few more features to the members previewing new system updates that you may be hearing about.  Here are a few details on those features.

• Blu-ray player supports 50 Hz video output for content recorded at 50 Hz. We?ll also be updating the Blu-ray Player app in the coming days to round out these improvements.
• Controller and headset adaptor firmware updates will reduce audio static and improve wireless connectivity.
• Silent reboot after system updates and system update on demand now available. After this update, if your console is in Instant On mode, the update will happen automatically and return to standby upon completion. This means you won?t need to power on your console after an update moving forward. If you want to take future updates when available without waiting for your console to do it on its own, we?ve added this option under system settings. It will only show as available when there is an update to take.

 

We?re committed to delivering innovation through system updates, and on behalf of the Xbox team, I can?t say enough how integral fan feedback is to this process. Some features previewed won?t always make it to launch right away because we want to help ensure the best experience for our fans before pushing a new feature.

Also, these features may roll out over several days to this audience.

 

The engagement from our Xbox One community continues to be incredible, in large part thanks to the input and feedback from our fans. Select members far and wide that have been previewing system update features have been as generous with their time and input as we had hoped they would be. This feedback continues to help us make the future of Xbox One yours as much as ours.

 

So thank you to those who shared their thoughts with us and, hopefully, are having a little fun in the process.

 

We look forward to sharing news when our next Xbox One system update rolls out to the larger community.

 

 

http://majornelson.com/2014/04/07/more-details-on-the-upcoming-xbox-one-system-update/

 

Don't think this will be part of April's update but posting it here anyway:

 

Xbox One Will Be Getting External Storage Options Soon, Says Major Nelson

Written Thursday, April 03, 2014 By Richard Walker

Major Nelson has been chatting with the Reddit community recently, revealing a few interesting nuggets about what's coming next for Xbox One. Chief among these is external storage, as the console's 500GB HDD fills up surprisingly fast. I have about 79GB left at time of writing, if you're interested.

 

"Lots of good work going on to make the console even better - some you'll see soon, some will show up later. But: it is all good stuff :)," Larry 'Major Nelson' Hyrb revealed on Reddit, adding: "External game storage is coming soon....I need to check on media support."

 

The Major also assured people that Kinect is not spying on them, once again. "There are a TON of issues w/ this..#1 being privacy. Some people (incorrectly) think Kinect is always watching them." OK then.

 

Still, external storage for Xbox One, eh? That'll be handy.

http://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-17770-Xbox-One-Will-Be-Getting-External-Storage-Options-Soon--Says-Major-Nelson.html

 

-----

 

Xbox One Update: March 2014

 

Xbox One Owner Impressions

 

DirectX 12 Coming to Xbox One

[George P Global Moderator]

Good news, I wasn't sure if they'd do a update for April but good to see they are.  This one has some big things, in the sense that they're what fans wanted from the start but it's overall small compared to the March update.  Wonder if the one for May, if they keep to this one month update schedule, could be a big update again.  April is around the size of the February update for example.

[Showan]

This is an area where Microsoft has NO equal, in the console market.  The $$$ and talent to get the Box where it needs to be in a timely fashion.  I was not a believer when Microsoft said it would have more frequent updates in place to get the One where it needs to be.  Thank you Microsoft for erasing those fears...

 

Edit:  Are these regular updates in conjunction with the big updates (like the NXE on the 360), or will it strictly be these kind of updates that roll out as soon as they are marked as "Ready to Deploy"?

 

I'm good with either.  But I have to admit, when the 360 got those big updates that packed huge improvements and added new goodies, it was like Christmas for me... 

[George P Global Moderator]

This is an area where Microsoft has NO equal, in the console market.  The $$$ and talent to get the Box where it needs to be in a timely fashion.  I was not a believer when Microsoft said it would have more frequent updates in place to get the One where it needs to be.  Thank you Microsoft for erasing those fears...

 

Edit:  Are these regular updates in conjunction with the big updates (like the NXE on the 360), or will it strictly be these kind of updates that roll out as soon as they are marked as "Ready to Deploy"?

 

I'm good with either.  But I have to admit, when the 360 got those big updates that packed huge improvements and added new goodies, it was like Christmas for me... 

 

I think it depends, 1402 was small, 1403 was big and had lots of things in it, this one, 1404 looks small again like the 1402 Feb update.  This could mean that they're going for a small - big - small - big update cycle.   I expect the next one after this, May it looks like, 1405 will big the biggest one, should bring the new DirectX 12 update with it and whatever else they talk about at GDC and BUILD.   Though they could skip May and have the big update in June, we'll see.

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Personally I prefer the smaller more frequent updates. Waiting for Q4 to group eveything became tiresome. If something is ready, ship it (Y)

[trooper11]

Good list of improvements, can't wait to try it out.

I think the parts I'm most interested in are the improvements to voice/gesture controls and the improved GameDVR quality.

I know they said quality was improved thanks to better compression, but I would love to see them hit the 720p/60 mark or give us full native quality. Perhaps that is impossible, but I would love to have a quality slider. Right now, the X1 has the better gamedvr system for me personally since its easier to get content off the console, but the quality could improve.

If there are real improvements to voice, that should be good news to those that have struggled with issues.

[spenser.d]

Wish I were in the preview, but I guess I can wait.

[Hedon]

This is an area where Microsoft has NO equal, in the console market.  The $$$ and talent to get the Box where it needs to be in a timely fashion.  I was not a believer when Microsoft said it would have more frequent updates in place to get the One where it needs to be.  Thank you Microsoft for erasing those fears...

 

Edit:  Are these regular updates in conjunction with the big updates (like the NXE on the 360), or will it strictly be these kind of updates that roll out as soon as they are marked as "Ready to Deploy"?

 

I'm good with either.  But I have to admit, when the 360 got those big updates that packed huge improvements and added new goodies, it was like Christmas for me... 

I am the same way, I preferred the huge SPRING and FALL release back when they did those. It was totally like Christmas for me too. I hate the frequent updates....always getting notified of updates, installing, downloading, restarting....and it would happen of course when I wanted to play a game. I was pulling all my hair out (and I succeeded).

[Skiver Veteran]

I am the same way, I preferred the huge SPRING and FALL release back when they did those. It was totally like Christmas for me too. I hate the frequent updates....always getting notified of updates, installing, downloading, restarting....and it would happen of course when I wanted to play a game. I was pulling all my hair out (and I succeeded).

I think the problem at the moment is that the features they are introducing are largely stuff that you could do on the 360, so in a way these aren't "new". I would be happy if they got to a point where we stop comparing what the the 360 could do that the one can't we might see a slip back to Spring and Fall updates with the big new features.

[George P Global Moderator]

I think the problem at the moment is that the features they are introducing are largely stuff that you could do on the 360, so in a way these aren't "new". I would be happy if they got to a point where we stop comparing what the the 360 could do that the one can't we might see a slip back to Spring and Fall updates with the big new features.

 

I have no doubt that the rate of updates will slow down once it's at that point, like you said.  But the key thing here is how much if at all they open it up, like with it's own app store for example.   Once you have that and developers can put their apps on there then it starts to do lots of things the 360 couldn't.

[TAZMINATOR]

Just got the update...

[Skiver Veteran]

I have no doubt that the rate of updates will slow down once it's at that point, like you said.  But the key thing here is how much if at all they open it up, like with it's own app store for example.   Once you have that and developers can put their apps on there then it starts to do lots of things the 360 couldn't.

Yes, I think if that happens, and dev's adopt it then you will start to see this becoming a massive selling point for the XB1 which will have the affect of more dev's jumping on board and will just compound its own success. I really really hope this happens!

[dead.cell]

Personally I prefer the smaller more frequent updates. Waiting for Q4 to group eveything became tiresome. If something is ready, ship it (Y)

The problem with that is you have people complaining on the forums for some reason talking about the updates not being "noticeable" enough, as if the developers are updating the software to impress people. See Firefox and Chrome for example.

 

That also brings me to something I've always wondered: does sitting on a release until the goals are met really mean more testing was involved? I often see people associate slower updates with there being "more testing to ensure it's done right", but without any transparency, we really don't know that...

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

The problem with that is you have people complaining on the forums for some reason talking about the updates not being "noticeable" enough, as if the developers are updating the software to impress people. See Firefox and Chrome for example.

 

That also brings me to something I've always wondered: does sitting on a release until the goals are met really mean more testing was involved? I often see people associate slower updates with there being "more testing to ensure it's done right", but without any transparency, we really don't know that...

 

Sure, I can see their point, I'm one of them :laugh: These latest X1 updates aren't exciting at all to me. It's adding stuff that should never have been left out because it was perfected before on 360. They're necessary though and I wouldn't want to wait until November 2014 to see them added back in.

[trooper11]

Sure, I can see their point, I'm one of them :laugh: These latest X1 updates aren't exciting at all to me. It's adding stuff that should never have been left out because it was perfected before on 360. They're necessary though and I wouldn't want to wait until November 2014 to see them added back in.

Well I think the X1 and ps4 updates are good news even if most of the updates so far are adding in features around last gen.

Good news I say! Bah! :laugh:

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Well I think the X1 and ps4 updates are good news even if most of the updates so far are adding in features around last gen.

Good news I say! Bah! :laugh:

 

I'm a hard man to please :p

 

Strangely, they have discontinued the invite friends option for the preview. Maybe they've just got enough testers now? So much effort for something they once did without hoops before. Mention it because someone asked me to put their GT forward today and couldn't find it.

 

Also, I can't remember which member asked, but there is also an option in the X1 forum to back out of the preview program. Should help you communicate with friends who aren't in.

 

Will be updating later.

[RageOfFury]

Sweet. The preview update is installing on my Xbox One as I type this!

[RageOfFury]

A new build of the April update preview has rolled out. Here's what fixed compared to the 1st April update preview build:

 

We have started to deploy the latest 1404 build (xb_rel_1404.140319-2200). Consoles that are in standby mode will be able to install the update starting at 6:00PM PDT on 3/21.  Consoles that have not received the update in standby mode by 1:00AM PDT on 3/23 will be prompted to install the update when they connect to Xbox Live. This update will be larger than most (over 1GB). We expect that future updates for the 1404 update will be closer in size to previous updates (~600mb or smaller).

 

The following changes are contained within this build:

 

Issues Fixed

• Several fixes and tweaks to the user interface.
• Initial fixes to address audio crackling sound encountered when Dolby Digital is enabled (additional fixes are pending and will be deployed with a later build).
• A fix to address issues where game resume could fail when a console comes out of standby, causing the game to restart rather than resume from its previous state.
• Initial fixes for Blu-ray issues where the drive may not be responsive, requiring full system power down to resolve (pressing and holding the power button on the console for 5 seconds).

New Additions

• Underlying OS changes required to enable planned 1404 features.
• *NEW FEATURE* Silent system update installation: Initial OS changes are present that enable consoles to take a system update overnight when in standby, and the console will now complete the installation, then boot back into standby. This feature will bypass the green installation progress bar currently seen when starting a console that needs to finish installing an update started in standby. This feature will already work with some consoles in this update!

Known Issues

• An issue has been identified in the current 1404 build (xb_rel_1404.140313-2200) where some consoles with wired connections aren?t taking system, app, or game updates when in standby. Consoles connected via wireless are not affected. To test the silent update with a wired connection, you can work around this issue by connecting wirelessly when putting your console in standby overnight.
• When performing the new silent system update, the following issues may be encountered:
  • The Blu-ray drive may spin up during silent startup.
  • The Kinect sensor may light up during silent boot.
  • During shutdown from standby to install the update, the power light will flash showing that it is shutting down.

• Work is still being done to fix all Blu-ray drive issues that were introduced in 1404. There are still some instances where the Blu-ray drive may not wake up from an idle state, resulting in errors that a disc is not present. These issues should be resolved by ejecting and re-inserting the disc to wake up the drive.
• When turning off your console with the ?Xbox, turn off? command, Kinect does not respond to a command of ?yes? or ?no?, requiring the controller or remote be used to select ?yes? to turn the console off.

Reported Update Issue

 

We have received some reports of participants encountering an issue with installing this update. The issue being reported is that some consoles get stuck in a loop trying to install the update, or some are hanging at a black screen during the update. This issue has occurred with consoles that are configured with optical audio enabled, and is caused by an invalid audio setting being configured during the update process. If you encounter this issue, please follow the steps below as a workaround. The developers are investigating a fix for this issue occurring during system updates.

 

1. Unplug the network cable or disable the wireless network and start up your console.

2. If the update screen is not displaying, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable until update screen appears. 

3. At update screen, select Cancel. (Cancel only appears when network is disconnected.)

4. Go to Settings > Display & Sound.

5. Switch HDMI Audio and Optical Audio to Stereo Uncompressed.

6. Plug the network cable back in, or re-enable your wireless network, and connect your console to the network.

7. The update screen should now appear and update should proceed successfully.

 

[xendrome]

Any word on Blu-Ray 3D?

[George P Global Moderator]

That silent system update feature is what people have wanted from the start as well, good to see them add it in, now when you wake up it'll have updated and be ready to go without you knowing or doing anything, or most of all, having to wait.

[TAZMINATOR]

Any word on Blu-Ray 3D?

 

No idea... I don't have 3DTV.....

[trooper11]

Silent system update installs is a nice improvement, so I'm happy to see that added.

[Showan]

Wow, nice update there.  Will there be a notification pop-up to let people know that there was an update and that it's all finished? Or are we to assume that it was done?  Just asking, because one can assume they have the latest update and not have it at all,

 

Looks like Microsoft is getting a lot of things in order as of late.  Which is very good going into E3-2014

[Anthony Tosie Veteran]

I wish they'd open up the preview program to more people as the updates go on. I didn't make it in, but I want to get the improved video recording codec :(

[Hedon]

Nice update...but dang...it sure sounds like a mess of things that need to be fixed.