14 DAY TRIAL // The team at Microsoft in charge of the Xbox One is at the moment getting ready to deliver a new major firmware update for the home console for those who are in the Preview program at some point in late May or early June. This, in turn, suggests that a launch for all users will take place after the E3 2016 briefing of the company.
The information comes from Mike Ybarra via Twitter, and he is saying that the new features that the company is working on will be linked to the Anniversary edition of Windows 10, which is set to be launched at some point during the summer and will add gaming functionality to the operating system.
Microsoft has already said that it wants to add a unified store that will work across all devices that use the OS, with new ways to shop for content and get access to unique video games, as well as making tweaks to the way the UWP system works.
The company has often said that it wants to add more functionality with the Xbox One via firmware updates, working with the user community to find out which the most interesting new ideas are and how they can be used to add more social elements and to make it easier to watch and share content.
Xbox One might get a Slim version in 2016
The problem is that firmware updates for the home console might not be enough to boost its sales numbers, which Microsoft has been unwilling to share but third-party observers are estimating to be somewhere just over the 20 million unit mark.
FCC documents are suggesting that the plan is to announce a new Slim version of the platform at some point around E3 2016 and deliver it before the end of the year, offering some upgraded hardware and a more efficient device.
The Xbox One has just received a firmware upgrade this month, and Microsoft has also launched its first major title of the year, Quantum Break from Remedy.
The arrival of new features linked to Windows 10 Anniversary will give the home console a boost over summer, and the launch of the Slim version might be paired with the release of Gears of War 4, which is planned for October 11.
Sony is also rumored to be working on its hardware upgrade, currently known as the PlayStation 4K, set to offer support for PlayStation VR and a new GPU made by AMD that doubles the processing power when it comes to graphics.
Win10 Anniversary Update announced at //build will have key gaming features, so next Xbox system update goes to preview end May/early June. — Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) April 12, 2016