Microsoft today revealed (opens in new tab) details on some new features coming to the 1905 update for Xbox One. Set to hit the Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha rings tomorrow, the new updates incorporate several changes for Game Pass, friends lists, and messaging.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Play Later: Xbox Game Pass (opens in new tab) subscribers will now be able to create a list of games they want to play later from the Game Pass library. The feature is meant to make the growing Game Pass catalogue a little easier to manage based on your priorities.
- Where your friends are playing: An updated version of your friends list will now show where your friends are playing games in addition to what they're playing. The feature will display a PC icon when a friend is playing on PC, an Xbox icon for Xbox, and a mobile icon for mobile devices.
- Message requests: Messaging will now prioritize message requests from "friends and anyone you want to communicate with." Messages from those you don't know will be filtered out into a separate "message requests" tab. There is a downside to this process, however, as Microsoft says previous group messages will be lost in this transition.
- Better game and app sorting: Microsoft previously described this feature, but games in your "My games & apps" section will no longer be sorted according to articles like "a," "an" and "the" if they are at the beginning of the game's name. "The Witcher," for example, will now be sorted alphabetically under "W" instead of "T."
In addition to the above features, Microsoft says that there will be some other experimental features that may appear for certain Insiders to check out.
Xbox Game Pass Three-Month Code
More games than you can handle
Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service serves over 100 varied titles for a monthly fee. From hit franchises to experimental indies, Xbox Game Pass has value for all.
Xbox accessories you'll love
Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One (opens in new tab) ($20 at Amazon)
PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.
Talon PDP Xbox media remote (opens in new tab) ($20 at Amazon)
The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.
Xbox One S vertical stand (opens in new tab) ($10 at Amazon)
Stand your console upright with this accessory.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the Editor in Chief for Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. Got a hot tip? Send it to daniel.thorp-lancaster@futurenet.com.
