Xbox One summer update will bring PC and console gaming closer together

Microsoft is bridging the gap one update at a time

A man plays on the Xbox One at E3 2013 (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

There hasn't been a truly significant update to the Xbox One since November, with the Xbox One Experience which aimed to make the console faster and more social. But now Microsoft is gearing up for another update this summer that will see the console become more unified with the PC platform.

The update is to be rolled out to the Xbox Preview audience for beta test over the coming weeks, with regular Xbox users not expected to get access to the new bag of tricks until summer. But that’s not stopped Microsoft releasing details on what the update will include.

The most notable addition is that the new update will include support for Microsoft’s AI assistant Cortana on headsets and Kinect. This means that instead of saying “Xbox” to initiate voice commands, users will say “Hey Cortana” followed by their command. There will be console-specific commands for Cortana as well as standard search commands, including turning the console on, finding new games, and launching Xbox Live parties, with Microsoft planning to release even more functions in the future.

Aside from bringing support for its digital assistant, Microsoft’s update will bring a new more streamlined Game Collection interface that will make it faster and easier to launch games; Facebook Friend Finder from the Xbox app to make it easier to connect with players you know; a more personalised Activity Feed; and improved sharing of screenshots, Game DVR clips, and achievements.

As much as it's about improving the Xbox One, the update is also very focused on improving its integration with PC. The biggest move towards doing this is unifying the Xbox and Windows Stores. Players will be glad to know this will result in a more streamlined store with clearer pricing and improved search navigation with filtering, searching by genre, and access to user reviews.

The update is also bringing the biggest PC games to Xbox Live. Soon big titles such as League of Legends and XCOM 2 will have their own Game Hubs on Xbox Live and you’ll be able to watch your friends play whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or mobile, as well as share your own clips and screenshots.

Like the Xbox One Experience update, Microsoft are taking an opt-in approach to this one, allowing users to choose how they’d like to participate when the features have been refined and launched from the Preview stages.

Many of these changes will massively improve Xbox user experience, but it’s the steps being taken to bring together the console and PC platforms that are most interesting and could help Microsoft keep a firm hold on its reputation as a household gaming name.