14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft confirms that participants in the Xbox One Preview Update program can now download the latest beta firmware for their console, which allows them to take screenshots, get friends suggestions, and much more.
The Xbox One has been around for quite some time, and while it spent some time with not-so-great financial figures, things are looking very good for the Microsoft console in recent times.
Even during the lackluster periods of last year, the corporation remained responsive to the feedback from fans and rolled out a wide array of patches and updates that were designed to improve the console's features, while unlocking more power and other such things.
The March firmware is now available as a preview
The next big system software update for the Xbox One is set to debut next month, in March, and now Microsoft's Larry Hryb confirms on his blog that the firmware is available as a beta preview download for select Xbox Live members.
The new software enables a wide array of long-awaited features, chief among which being the screenshot mechanic that allows players to easily capture images from their games. All players have to do is double-tap the Xbox button on their controller to capture a screenshot and then press Y to save it to their hard drive. If you have a Kinect sensor, just say "Xbox Take a Screenshot" to take and save an image.
The preview version of the firmware doesn't allow for screenshots to be shared just yet, but the final edition that's set to debut next month will have such options. For now, those who install it can just use the screenshots as backgrounds for their dashboard interface.
Lots of other options are included
Besides the ability to take screenshots, the new firmware also provides friend suggestions based on your location and existing friends list, and allows for new ways to share your real name with all of your friends or the whole Xbox Live community.
Other settings relating to the Tile transparency, the privacy settings, the report spam option, and more are also available.
As of right now, the beta firmware is available for participants in the Xbox Live Preview program. Expect the full version to debut for all Xbox One owners in March.
Until then, check it out in action in the video below.
