Microsoft Refreshes iOS 'Xbox' App Ahead of E3 Press Conference

[MacRumors]

Microsoft has overhauled its Xbox app for iOS, bringing new features and a look that's more in line with its Windows 10 range of mobile apps.

The "Xbox One SmartGlass" app, which is now titled simply "Xbox", enables an iOS device to function as a remote control to maneuver through the Xbox One's dashboard. It also displays information on the device when playing music or TV through the console, and can be used to browse the web.

As part of the refresh, the Activity Feed now becomes the main home screen of the app and gains a more personalized feel, with screenshots and game clips appearing in it that have been shared by friends.

Trending content has also been added to the feed, for users to find out what is popular on Xbox Live.

Other social media changes include the ability to add Facebook friends to a user's Xbox players list, a Contacts friend finder, real name sharing, the addition of Game Hubs, and redesigned user profiles.

Microsoft has also updated the Xbox One navigation and media controls within the app.

Microsoft is expected to unveil a new Xbox One S console, new games, and more today at E3 2016, the annual game conference and show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Xbox is a free download for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Microsoft Refreshes iOS 'Xbox' App Ahead of E3 Press Conference

 

[MH01]

Better news is the leaked picture of the Xbox one s

 

[ILikeAllOS]

a look that's more in line with its Windows 10 range of mobile apps

Why do other companies always do this?

On Android companies stick to material design for their apps but on iOS they are always trying to push their own design language onto us through the iOS version of their apps!

 

[Speedman100]

Microsoft E3 and Apple WWDC on the same day! My heart can hardly take all the excitement!

 

[jarodlee88]

Do people even use these Xbox apps?

 

[TrueBlou]

Do people even use these Xbox apps?

You'd be surprised, before I sold my Xbox one because it gathered dust, I was using the PS4 much more, I downloaded the Xbox app and used it, well, almost never. Ok, you might not be that surprised

In fairness I also have the PlayStation app on my phone as well and it gets used just as often. Or not as the case may be.

 

[555gallardo]

Yes. It's a must when it comes to messaging and browsing Store.

//EDIT: But the iPhone isn't since it died 5 seconds ago when sending a picture to Mac via AirDrop.

 

[btbam91]

Do people even use these Xbox apps?

Yes. Check the reviews. Over 40k reviews and the majority are 5 star.

 

[a0me]

You'd be surprised, before I sold my Xbox one because it gathered dust, I was using the PS4 much more, I downloaded the Xbox app and used it, well, almost never. Ok, you might not be that surprised

In fairness I also have the PlayStation app on my phone as well and it gets used just as often. Or not as the case may be.

With the PS app on iOS, I use to go the PS Store and buy / add games to my download queue and also sometimes the message feature to plan multiplayer sessions with friends. It's useful when you're not home or when your kids / wife is watching TV.

 

[Speedy Dingo]

Do people even use these Xbox apps?

I personally use it to message friends on Xbox live as it's quicker with the app keyboard. I use it to capture video or screenshots from within the app rather than the Xbox menu, I browse my and friends videos, check achievements, make purchases on Xbox live, use it to control Netflix/videos. It's a very useful app and I'm surprised people aren't using it more.

 

[djeeyore25]

I like the new interface, but the TV to tablet streaming doesn't work. That's the only feature I use the app for.