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Microsoft has revealed the official details about the next Xbox One system software update, which brings plenty of improvements to the Snap mechanic, further increasing the multitasking abilities of the new console.
The Xbox One came out last November and it became clear that Sony's PS4, the main rival of the new device, was leading it in terms of sales and popularity, and according to some users, in terms of software features.
However, Microsoft has slowly but surely improved the new console in terms of features by delivering timely firmware updates designed to improve existing mechanics and plenty of all-new ones, depending on the feedback from fans.
September brings another major update
The month of September will see the release of yet another serious system software version, as Microsoft has detailed on the blog of its Community Manager, Larry Hryb, some of the many areas that will be improved with the upcoming launch.
One major aspect of the Xbox One software that's going to see improvements in the next update is the Snap system, which currently allows owners of the console to pin another application on the edge of the screen, besides the actual main application or game.
Snap is getting a lot of love
First up, the Snap Center has been updated to provide better and quicker access to many apps that are popular with players, such as the Friends, Messages, Game DVR, clock, or battery indicator, making it easier to summon them or close them when enjoying a game.
"A double tap of the Xbox button on your controller will bring up a menu that allows you to open a new app in snap mode, close the current snapped app, or switch focus between your game and your running snapped app," the explanation reads.
What's more, the Snap versions of the Friends and Messages apps have been optimized for such an experience and no longer require leaving the main game or other such things.
Friends and Achievements apps are also improved
Other standalone apps, like the Achievements or Friends ones, are also going to see improvements with the upcoming update.
"Achievements App: Updated to enable sharing of achievements you’ve unlocked with captions, see a list of friends who have unlocked specific achievements, and an updated achievements Snap landing page that that shows Achievements on recently played games, when a user is not actively playing a game."
"The new Friends section enables you to see at a glance what’s going on with your friends. You can stay up-to-date with their current activities, the most popular games your friends are playing, and a Gamerscore leaderboard to see who has improved their Gamerscore over the last 30 days."
Last but not least, the SmartGlass features have been augmented to show a list of a player's top games in their profile.
Expect to hear more about the new Xbox One firmware update soon enough.