Microsoft releases first major Xbox One update, fixes SmartGlass, multiplayer, notification, and wireless issues

Microsoft today announced the first major Xbox One system update, fixing a slew of issues for gamers who bought the new console. The company says the required update will be rolling out “later today,” so don’t fret if you don’t see it just yet.

This update’s changelog is as follows:

• Addresses SmartGlass issues for some users when coming in and out of connected standby.
• Addresses multiplayer issues for some users when re-joining games.
• Addresses issues with inconsistent notifications for some users.
• Addresses dashboard performance for some users.
• Offers improvements for Xbox One’s TV, system update, and content update services for scaling over time.
• Updated wireless networking driver to improve connectivity issues for some users.

Because this update is required, Microsoft has a very specific schedule it is following. If you are not using the Xbox One “Instant On” feature, you will be required to download and apply the update after 4:00 PM PST on Thursday, December 12.

If you are using the Xbox One “Instant On” feature, your console automatically checks for updates when you turn it off. You will thus get the update sometime after 5:00 PM PST on Tuesday, December 10 in the following way:

• Your console will automatically download the update after you turn it off. Once the update has been downloaded in the background, your console will power completely down. You will need to manually power your console back on after the update has been downloaded (the “Xbox On” voice command won’t be available until after the update is fully installed).
• When you turn the console on you’ll see the update being applied. After that, your Xbox One will reboot. You’ll know the update is installing when you see the Xbox logo on the green background. This can take anywhere from two to five minutes. Once the update has finished installing, you’ll boot to the Home screen and you’ll be all set.

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Lawrence ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb, Director of Programming for Microsoft, says the Xbox team has “quite a few updates planned for the next year based on the community feedback we’ve been seeing.” We’ll keep you posted as those roll out.

See also – Xbox One review: A multimedia extravaganza that also plays games and Overview: Here’s how Skype will work on the Xbox One