Windows 10 anniversary update is all set to release on August 2nd, and Xbox team has started rolling out the August Update for Xbox One already. In an official post in the Xbox Forum, “OS version: 10.0.14393.1018 (rs1_xbox_rel_1608.160725-1822) fre” is the official version of the August Update.
This is the first wave of the update, and a second will follow up this fall bringing it close to Windows 10 features. In this update Xbox team is rolling out Cortana, Background Music Support ( this is huge for those who want to listen to music while browsing or even playing game), you get My games and apps, option to change Language and Region ( this will help you get Cortana on Xbox One), New Store, and lastly get to see Top PC games on your console.
How to Download & Update your Xbox One to August Update:
- Double tap the Xbox Guide button to bring up the Guide.
- Navigate to Settings icon > All Settings > System > Console
- Any available update is shown right there. You should see an active Update Available option right there.
- Tap on it, and it will start downloading, and then upgrade your console.
Cortana available in the U.S. and UK:
- Talk to Cortana on your Xbox One with your headset or Kinect. To start, just say “Hey Cortana” or launch the Cortana app. If you’re not sure what to say, try “Hey Cortana, what can I say?”
- If you’re using Kinect, turn on your console by saying, “Hey Cortana, Xbox on.”
Background music:
- Music apps will now be able to play music in the background. In an app that supports background music, just start some music. You’ll be able to switch to other apps and games while the music plays.
- After starting your music: To play, pause, skip, and adjust music volume from anywhere, double-tap the Xbox button to open the guide, choose Multitasking, then select your music controls.
- The app must support background music. An updated Pandora app in the U.S. is the first app to support background music—and more are coming soon.
My games & apps:
- Your stuff is closer. From Home, move right and select My games & apps.
- In My games & apps, there are new sorting options.
- “Ready to Install” has its own area, so you can quickly find the games and apps you’ve purchased but haven’t installed.
- Game and app updates will show up in their own area, when available.
- The queue area now tells you what’s been recently installed in addition to what’s in your queue.
Language & location settings:
- You can now choose your location separately from your system language. To change your language and location, double-tap the Xbox button to open the guide, select Settings > All settings, then choose System > Language & location.
- All languages aren’t available for all locations. When you choose a language that isn’t usually associated with your location, most of the system will be in your chosen language, but you may see a mix of languages in areas like Store or online content.
Top PC games on Xbox Live:
- Top PC games now have game hubs on Xbox Live. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or mobile, you’ll see what PC games your friends are playing, share PC game clips and screenshots, and message friends on Xbox Live. On Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, you can join a party chat with your friends no matter what they’re doing.
New Store:
- Xbox Store and the Windows Store have come together, making the shopping experience more streamlined. From Home, move right to Store to start browsing all content.
- Preorders now get charged closer to game launch instead of at time of purchase. You can also cancel and change your payment option for preorders anytime at account.microsoft.com.
- Customers in the U.S., Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Finland can now use mobile operator billing to make purchases. Customers in China can now use China Union Pay.
Find Facebook friends:
- Live accounts. In the guide, go to the Friends tab, then choose Friends > Suggestions. Select Find Facebook friends and follow the steps. Your Facebook friends that have done the same will start showing up in your suggestions.
Control automatic sharing:
- You can now choose to automatically share your achievements, screenshots, and game clips to your activity feed. To change your sharing settings, go to Settings > Preferences > Activity feed.
