Microsoft has released the October firmware update for the Xbox One, finally adding DLNA multimedia support to the next-generation console and streamlining its Snap multitasking abilities.
The update, which was detailed by Microsoft's head of Xbox Live Larry 'MajorNelson' Hryb on his official blog, was primarily designed to improve the Snap mode, which has been a source of frustration for Microsoft gamers moving across from the Xbox 360. The Snap Center now includes quick access to the Friends, Messages and Game DVR apps, plus it displays a battery indicator and clock. Double-tapping the Xbox button will open the Snap menu, letting you quickly switch between apps. Both Friends and Messages have been optimised for Snap mode.
The Achievements app has also been updated, so you can now share any earned achievements with captions explaining how tough (or easy) they were to unlock and see a list of friends who have also earned specific achievements. It too has been updated for Snap mode so you now see achievements on recently played games when you first open it up - whether you're actively playing one or not.
The update also finally adds DLNA support, eleven months after the console launched without any kind of local multimedia playback. You can now access music, photos and videos, including MKV files from any DLNA-compatible networked PC or NAS device. You can of course still play back files via USB if you prefer.
Other, more minor changes added in the update include a new Live TV MiniGuide in locations where OneGuide is supported (including the UK), the ability to hide apps waiting to be installed in the 'My games and apps' list, and a new Find my Controller feature that sets any connected controllers to vibrate until you can find them.
If you have an Xbox One, a prompt to download and install the update should appear the next time you boot up the console, or if you've set it up for automatic downloads it should be ready to install when you next come to play it.
