Xbox Releases Major New Console Update for April 2024

11.04.2024 - 19:37 / gamerant.com / John DiCarlo

Xbox's April update for consoles has begun to roll out and includes improvements to Discord, game captures, and guest privileges. The Xbox app on PC has also received a substantial update that introduces Game Hubs to all users.

Xbox's newest patch is available to everyone and not limited to the Insider Program that tests features early. Earlier this month, Insider members received a patch that improved the Xbox's controller calibration tool and fixed various bugs. In March, members were also given early access to an upgrade for the Xbox Store's search function that added AI support so that users could search for games more easily. Xbox fans interested in helping Microsoft test features like these early can sign up for the program on Xbox's website.

All Xbox users should begin to see the benefits of the console's newest update, which started to roll out on April 10. Its Discord improvement allows Xbox owners to hear soundboard audio from others. This can be disabled by going to Discord Voice options, then Options, then Mute soundboard. Additionally, users who use OneDrive to back up their game captures should now receive a notification when running low on space on Microsoft's cloud service. The console's final upgrade for this update is a guest pin that restricts unauthorized users from installing or uninstalling a game or app. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then System, then Access restrictions.

The Xbox app on PC received a significant improvement on April 10 that added Game Hubs for all users, following an Insider update in February that tested the same feature. To check out Game Hubs, PC users can navigate to any game in their library where they will see a redesigned user interface that aims to present a range of useful information in a pretty succinct manner, including HowLongToBeat statistics, friend activity within said game, achievement info, and more.

As for console news, Xbox fans recently heard a promising update regarding the brand's next flagship device. Xbox's president confirmed that Microsoft is «moving full speed ahead» with work on its next-gen console, which will apparently bring «the biggest technological leap» ever seen between two generations. The executive confirmed that more news should be released during the 2024 holiday season.

Microsoft is also expected to release a new Xbox Series X model later this year. Leaked images show it as an all-white Xbox with no disk drive, suggesting an exclusively digital approach. Insiders say that the Series X refresh will not feature any major hardware upgrades, but will include some minor ones like an improved heatsink.

Using Discord on your console? You can now hear soundboard audio effects from the other people on the call or voice