Starting this past weekend, Microsoft began rolling out the February 2014 System Update for Xbox One, its third major update for the new entertainment console. The firm had previously explained a few of the new features and functional changes coming in this release, but now we have a more complete picture.
Microsoft announced the update in early February and at the time said it would deliver it to customers on Tuesday, February 11, which was timed to this month's Patch Tuesday. However, Microsoft ended up delaying the release of the update for still-undisclosed reasons, and started talking up next's month's system update too.
Well, it's here now.
You'll know it's installing if you power on your Xbox One and you're greeted by a green progress bar instead of the normal welcome message. As you may recall, Xbox One will automatically download system updates if you're using the normal "Instant on" power management functionality rather than manually turning it off on. The next time you power up after having downloaded this update in the background automatically, it will install.
Microsoft previously announced the following new features coming in this update:
See and manage storage space. You will find it easy to find how much space your content takes up and better manage your content.
More easily manage your download queue. This was an issue I ran into with the Xbox One when I first got it, and while it is possible now to manage this queue, it's very well hidden.
Battery power indicator for the controller(s). Available right from the home screen, you can easily track how much battery life is left on your controller(s). The indicator appears to the left of the clock in the lower-right corner of the screen.
USB keyboard support. You will finally be able to use your USB keyboard with your Xbox One.
But now we know that it also includes the following other new features.
- Ability to delete game and application save data
- Improved installation and DLC management
- Improved UI for accessing friends, achievements, messages, and party chat
- Game DVR app to be included in the Xbox OneGuide as an app channel
- Update to the boot progress indicators for system update
- Improve consistency of UX for update & install progress
- Separate game, application, and install queue lists
- Improved NAT detection
- Network Troubleshooter improvements
- Blu-ray quality improvements
- Significant performance and stability improvements
