14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just offered some more details about its upcoming June system software update for the Xbox One, revealing that the firmware will also bring a better OneGuide feature with support for SmartGlass and for more countries besides the United States of America.
The Xbox One has received a variety of new system software updates in recent months, as Microsoft is adamant about improving the new console and showing fans that it's listening closely to their feedback about features like party chat and much more.
After confirming that the next update is going to debut in early June and that it will bring things like external storage support and real names for the Friends application, Microsoft has shared a few of the entertainment-oriented features coming in the firmware on the Xbox Wire.
First up, the OneGuide feature, which provides a great way of interacting with TV content, will receive some serious improvements, especially when it comes to interacting with it via the SmartGlass companion app.
"After getting great feedback from our SmartGlass beta, we’re thrilled to be bringing the entire OneGuide experience and Universal Remote Control to SmartGlass. Now in supported markets you can view all of your TV listings on your SmartGlass device and set and view your favorite channels and app channels on your smart phone, tablet or PC."
Universal Remote Control support is also included, meaning you can switch channels, set new recordings, and see videos stored on the DVR. Pin reordering is also going to be allowed via SmartGlass, so that you can organize your favorite things.
SmartGlass will also offer more stats about the activity of your friends, showing achievements, challenges completed in Xbox One games, as well as many other things.
OneGuide and TV features are also going to debut in more countries next month, in the form of Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
"The update will bring OneGuide, alongside Favorites and App Channels, for people in these markets who have their TV connected to Xbox One via HDMI-in. Additional features in these markets include Kinect voice commands for controlling your set-top box and other AV equipment. We’ve also updated TV and OneGuide settings to provide better power management and control of your devices and improved compatibility with more devices."
Expect the new Xbox One firmware to launch ahead of Microsoft's June 9 E3 2014 press conference, as the company wants to make sure Xbox One users are enjoying their console.