Xbox One August update turns console into Facebook, also adds 3D Blu-ray playback

It’s Xbox One update time again and this August the new Xbox Feedback portal has been put to good use, according to Larry Hyrb and Jeff Rubenstein.

Painstakingly sifting through these suggestions and complaints, Microsoft’s Xbox crew is now tending to its customers needs, improving the gameplay, social experience and user-friendliness of the Xbox One and its backend, in the forthcoming patch.

Alongside the console’s new 3D Blu-ray playback superpower (turning it into the all-conquering media player it ought to be), users can look forward to a social-centric, Facebook-inspired experience complete with “Likes” and all. The new activity feed updates, a dedicated friends area on Home and a Whatsapp-like “last seen” time update stating when last and what game the friend was last seen playing, transforms the Xbox One experience into the defacto social gaming network.

Humourously, the blog practically describes the UI of Facebook while describing the Xbox’s social changes:

“The interface will change to a single column scrolling list that is longer and includes more content. We’ll add the ability to post text to your feed, and to “like” and comment on feed items.[…] You’ll also be notified when anyone likes, comments on or shares your items.”

The Xbox team will also add the “highly requested” Mobile Purchases options via SmartGlass, allowing users to remotely purchase games, and the console to remotely download them. Low battery warnings, and the option to disable in-video notifications takes care of two annoying gameplay and playback gripes, while Brazilians, Mexicans, Austrians and the Irish can look forward to OneGuide listings availability in their respective nations.

Although the update date has not been set as yet, come September, the console will be available in 29 more nations, including South Africa. Have a look at the video above for a complete visual rundown of the expected upgrades.