Xbox One Finally Receives Windows 10-Inspired Makeover, Backwards Compatibility
Microsoft's mission is to have one core operating system to rule them all. That OS is Windows 10, and whether you're using a traditional PC like a laptop or desktop, a mobile device like a smartphone, or even a game console like the Xbox One, Microsoft's goal is to deliver a consistent, cross-platform experience by way of a singular ecosystem. As part of that mission, Microsoft has begun rolling out its "New Xbox One Experience" (NXOE) update today to Xbox One owners.
This update has been a long time in the making and is the result of Microsoft's vision combined with feedback it's received from Preview members. But it's finally here, bringing with it a complete transformation of the Xbox One, both in terms of looks and functionality, and speed and performance.
One of the biggest and most anticipated changes that the NXOE update brings is backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games. At present, there are over a hundred Xbox 360 games that you can unlock on the Xbox One, provided you own a copy, whether it's on physical media or a digital version.
"To start playing your Xbox 360 games on Xbox One after 12 PM PST today, refresh your Game Collection to see your pre-purchased, digital Xbox 360 titles from the Backward Compatible title list in your ready to install queue or simply insert the disc for a supported Xbox 360 title and download the game to start playing it on Xbox One," Microsoft explains.
Playing Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One is neat in and of itself, but Microsoft ups the ante by incorporating Xbox One features such as screenshots, in-home streaming, and Game DVR. And for a limited time, all Xbox One owners can play backward compatible games with multiplayer benefits that normally reserved for Xbox Live Gold members.
The redesigned dashboard is supposed to make navigation easier, faster, and generally just more intuitive. It's also about making the Xbox One a more social platform with a new Community section that lets you see what your friends are up to and keep track of games you follow.
The update is rolling out to Xbox One owners right now, though not everyone will receive it right away. You can either hang tight -- everyone will be updated by November 23 -- or check your Xbox One's settings to see if it's available to apply manually.
This update has been a long time in the making and is the result of Microsoft's vision combined with feedback it's received from Preview members. But it's finally here, bringing with it a complete transformation of the Xbox One, both in terms of looks and functionality, and speed and performance.
One of the biggest and most anticipated changes that the NXOE update brings is backwards compatibility with Xbox 360 games. At present, there are over a hundred Xbox 360 games that you can unlock on the Xbox One, provided you own a copy, whether it's on physical media or a digital version.
"To start playing your Xbox 360 games on Xbox One after 12 PM PST today, refresh your Game Collection to see your pre-purchased, digital Xbox 360 titles from the Backward Compatible title list in your ready to install queue or simply insert the disc for a supported Xbox 360 title and download the game to start playing it on Xbox One," Microsoft explains.
Playing Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One is neat in and of itself, but Microsoft ups the ante by incorporating Xbox One features such as screenshots, in-home streaming, and Game DVR. And for a limited time, all Xbox One owners can play backward compatible games with multiplayer benefits that normally reserved for Xbox Live Gold members.
The redesigned dashboard is supposed to make navigation easier, faster, and generally just more intuitive. It's also about making the Xbox One a more social platform with a new Community section that lets you see what your friends are up to and keep track of games you follow.
The update is rolling out to Xbox One owners right now, though not everyone will receive it right away. You can either hang tight -- everyone will be updated by November 23 -- or check your Xbox One's settings to see if it's available to apply manually.
