The latest preview build is available for Xbox Alpha Insiders to test new Spring update features
Can you feel the wave of Xbox updates arriving on the horizon? Well, we can, sort of…Last week, Xbox Alpha Insider Ring members got a first hands-on with features arriving to all Xbox One owners as part of the Spring Update. Based on player support feedback, the team at Xbox developed a new set of features to further our gaming and Xbox experience which include a few surprises.
Pixel Boost
A new video output of 1440p will now be supported on Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles. Source: Xbox Wire/online
“2560×1440”, “OHD”, an output popular amongst PC users will now be supported on Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles at 1440p resolution for gaming and media formats. This now fills the void between full HD and 4K displays with a million and half more pixels than 1080p. Now, that packs a punch!
Sharing is indeed caring on Mixer
A new Mixer feature will be arriving as part of the Spring update that will make Mixer more interactive: share controller!
Streamers can now share their controller with a Mixer viewer watching on Mixer.com. Minus the Guide button, the viewer can literally take control using the touchpad or by plugging a controller to their PC. Viewers can play side-by-side with their favourite streamers or completely wreaking havoc, the choice is ultimately yours.
Staying with Mixer, good news for streamers which is included in the Spring update is that broadcast will no longer stop between switching games. Now, you can switch or exit to the dashboard knowing that your stream won’t stop, instead it will pause. A pause screen will be seen by the viewers as streaming will resume once you’re back into the game and you will be able to see an indicator on your broadcast that your stream has been paused automatically.
BONUS: You can start your Mixer streams anywhere on Xbox One from in-game to the dashboard.
Crankin’ up the volume
If you’re like your music blasting and pumping to the backdrop of you playing your favourite games, then this feature will rock your socks.
Players will now have the option to choose to balance game audio against background music via Spotify within the Guide. Whether it’s turning the in-game volume down or up, players can now rock on and get their game face on, but there’s more audio features for the audiophile gamer. Your Xbox One now supports spatial audio meaning auido cues will match up with on-scren screens, no delays.
Other feature Alpha Insider members will get to test out including an update for Microsoft Edge on Xbox One consoles, filtering options for Club admins, smarter Xbox feeds, open tournaments for all and revamped experience for Xbox Live Gold.
