Gaming —

Fall Update for Xbox One aims to look better, be more customizable, and faster

The new system software also lets you prepare to upgrade to Xbox One X.

The Fall Update for the Xbox One system software is now rolling out. It brings a redesigned and more customizable Home tab, a quicker and more convenient Guide, and new Community features that make keeping tabs on what your friends are up to easier.

The Home tab is built around a new concept called a "block." Each block—which can be a game, friend, Xbox Live Gold, or Xbox Game Pass—gives access to a range of related content. Friend blocks, for example, show recent achievements or Game DVR captures from your friends; Game blocks will give you info about game updates, your GameDVR captures, and so on. Regular pinned games and apps are still there, too, with up to 40 pins.

A redesigned Guide makes it easier to see which friends are playing the same game as you, and it also provides access to tournaments and invitations.

The new software is also smarter about things that happen when you're away from your controller. The screen is dimmed more effectively to combat screenburn, and the new Community feed provides a place to catch up on all the things your friends are up to.

The Xbox One X will launch with this software when it arrives on November 7. For those who'll be upgrading, today's update brings some upgrade-specific functionality. With the new software, you can copy all your games and settings to an external hard disk. You'll be able to plug in to your X when it arrives and avoid having to download everything from scratch. Network-based transfers are also supported.

Listing image by XBox

Channel Ars Technica