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Forums - Microsoft Discussion - Xbox One Update to Bring Increased TV Functionality

EDITORIAL/TL;DWTR:

The April update will bring expanded TV viewing functionality, including access from Smartglass, support for the UK and other countries, as well as the ability to control your DVR.

In addition, the Xbox Video service will bring back the ability to rent/buy once and watch on any Xbox Video capable device.  The feature was available with Zune Video but didn't make it into Xbox Video when it was released.

AND NOW THE REST OF THE STORY:

Since the launch of Xbox One, it’s been our mission to keep improving – the games, the entertainment, the all-in-one experience. That’s why we’re bringing some updates to you this month across Xbox Video and Xbox SmartGlass, and it’s why we’re also exploring exciting new features to bring TV elements to more global markets and a new option for using OneGuide on multiple devices. Let’s take a look.

Xbox Video Adds “Rent Once, Play Anywhere” Across Platforms


Starting this week, you can rent (or buy) a movie on Xbox Video, begin watching on one screen, then pick-up right where you left off on another.* Perfect for movie junkies or anyone who loves marathon-watching TV shows, Xbox Video makes it easier than ever to watch whatever you like on Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, or even online at XboxVideo.com. This comes just in time for the blockbuster smash “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” which you can buy this week or rent starting Tuesday, 8 April. Or you can buy a Season Pass for season 1, 2, or 3, to catch up on “Game of Thrones” before season 4 starts.

*On Windows Phone 8 and XboxVideo.com, resuming playback where you left off on another device is coming soon

More SmartGlass Features Make Navigating Xbox One Experiences a Snap

In addition to watching your favorite content, we know you want a range of options for how you navigate Xbox One experiences. You can use the Xbox One controller, Kinect voice or gesture commands, the new Xbox One media remote, and Xbox SmartGlass on your smart phone or tablet.

We added a range of new SmartGlass features recently to make it easier for anyone around the world to navigate Xbox One experiences. With SmartGlass you can now:

 

  • Easily navigate game options so you can quickly get to the full list of Achievements, challenges, and game clips without jumping through multiple screens.
  • View recent players to find people you recently gamed with, easily add them as a friend, or issue a rematch challenge.
  • Sort the Friends list by online status for a quick view of what your friends are doing.
  • View your Activity Feed in a way that matches the view on your console
  • Launch an app in Snap from your mobile device, and when you’re done, simply unsnap it.
  • Receive Xbox Live messaging alerts on your mobile device, making it easier to stay in touch with friends when you’re on the go.

 


Previewing System Updates: OneGuide and SmartGlass Updates in More Markets


So in addition what you can do today, we also want to explore some new ideas. That’s why we’re making a range of new features available to select Xbox Live members by invite only in the U.S., Europe, and Canada. Designed to improve the TV experience on Xbox One, the features bring elements of OneGuide to new markets, and they add OneGuide and universal remote control to Xbox SmartGlass.



Those select Xbox Live members will see:

 

  • An enhanced TV watching experience (that’s already available in the U.S.), which sees TV listings added to OneGuide, alongside Favorites and App Channels. This will work for people in Europe and Canada who have their TV connected to Xbox One via HDMI-in.
  • More control over Xbox One, their TV, and set-top box, including setting new recordings and watching recorded content from their DVR, all from a tablet or smart phone. Xbox SmartGlass also adds a cool new feature to show the most recently-watched channels.
  • New Kinect voice commands in Europe and Canada (already available in the U.S.) which let you control your set-top box and other AV equipment.

 




These features will be available to select Xbox Live members while we get feedback, and launch them officially for everyone later this year.

[SOURCE]



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This is amazing news. Uk is included. Now I can change channels with kinect to. I dont need a remote at all. Ive beenwwaiting for this. This is one awesome multimedia device. I can watch tv while waiting for a game invite to pop up. Or answer a skype call whilst playing titanfall or switch between channels and gaming with my voice. Turn my tv on or off or even change volume. Hell I can snap view stuff. Its really impressive this.



selnor1983 said:
This is amazing news. Uk is included. Now I can change channels with kinect to. I dont need a remote at all. Ive beenwwaiting for this. This is one awesome multimedia device. I can watch tv while waiting for a game invite to pop up. Or answer a skype call whilst playing titanfall or switch between channels and gaming with my voice. Turn my tv on or off or even change volume. Hell I can snap view stuff. Its really impressive this.

I sense sarcasm, but I know the DVR functionality has been a widely requested feature.  The ability to access recorded content has been one of the top requests since day one.



Good god that TV guide menu is ugly as all hell xD

Anyway, cool stuff for anyone who wants it.



Adinnieken said:
selnor1983 said:
This is amazing news. Uk is included. Now I can change channels with kinect to. I dont need a remote at all. Ive beenwwaiting for this. This is one awesome multimedia device. I can watch tv while waiting for a game invite to pop up. Or answer a skype call whilst playing titanfall or switch between channels and gaming with my voice. Turn my tv on or off or even change volume. Hell I can snap view stuff. Its really impressive this.

I sense sarcasm, but I know the DVR functionality has been a widely requested feature.  The ability to access recorded content has been one of the top requests since day one.

That's not sarcasm, he always talks like that. His X1 could set on fire and he'd praise MS for saving him money on his heating bill :P



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Adinnieken said:
selnor1983 said:
This is amazing news. Uk is included. Now I can change channels with kinect to. I dont need a remote at all. Ive beenwwaiting for this. This is one awesome multimedia device. I can watch tv while waiting for a game invite to pop up. Or answer a skype call whilst playing titanfall or switch between channels and gaming with my voice. Turn my tv on or off or even change volume. Hell I can snap view stuff. Its really impressive this.

I sense sarcasm, but I know the DVR functionality has been a widely requested feature.  The ability to access recorded content has been one of the top requests since day one.


Sarcasm from Selnor about the Xbox One? Are you having a laugh?

 

OT. Great that the OneGuide is coming in full function to the UK and other countries. MS is kicking Sony's butt when it comes to real improvement updates.



Hey, improvements are always welcome.



Xbox: Best hardware, Game Pass best value, best BC, more 1st party genres and multiplayer titles. 

 

Thank god I bought an Xbox One! Best purchase of my life. Good time to be an Xbox owner for sure



I wish they had a fix for the DirecTV genie client.



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does the Xbox 1 replace the need for a cable box?