Microsoft has announced that the June for Xbox One and Xbox 360 users will start rolling out globally this week. This will bring features to Xbox One that include external storage to Xbox One, deeper integration with SmartGlass, and the ability to use real names on Xbox Live.
The external storage feature means that players will be able to connect two external hard drives to their system, increasing the console’s capacity to store video games, media and apps — which could come in useful when playing content at another person’s house.
Meanwhile, Xbox One players will now have the choice to share their full name with people on their friends list. This move comes as Microsoft makes a bid to be on par with Sony, which has pushed to make real names a differentiating factor for the PlayStation 4. Other than enabling close friends to find each other easily, it also helps to discourage strangers from displaying negative behavior.
With this update, Microsoft is also dropping the Xbox Live Gold subscription requirement for entertainment apps on the Xbox One and Xbox 360, thus opening up the catalogue of more than 180 apps and experiences to more users — including gaming apps, video services, sports experiences and Microsoft’s own apps.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
The latest announcement comes as Microsoft today launched its Games with Gold promotion for the Xbox One, offering Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault for free to Xbox Live Gold members.
On top of these changes, in the “coming days” Hulu will also introduce a free three-month trial of Hulu Plus for all Xbox Live Gold members in the US. Any Xbox Live Gold members who haven’t subscribed to Hulu Plus can simply sign up from within the Hulu Plus app for that.
➤ Available Starting Today: External Storage, Real Names, Gold Benefits and More
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.