Microsoft is rolling out a new update for the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, adding a variety of new features.
The main highlights of this update include the ability to stream games directly from your Xbox console to Discord, enhancements to the variable refresh rate (VRR) functionality, and improvements to the Microsoft Rewards system, along with various other new features and changes.
Scanning the changes
Discord needs no introduction and after native support for it was added to Xbox a few months ago, it’s no surprise that the functionality is now getting a upgrade. After this system update, Xbox Series owners can seamlessly “stream gameplay directly from your Xbox to your Discord friends” by means of a click of the “Stream your game” button, as Team Xbox puts it.
All you have to do to make use of the Discord streaming functionality is to link your Discord account to Xbox and then it’s off to the races via the Parties & Chats menu.
As for VRR functionality, players can adjust when they want it to be enabled. The options are now “Always On”, “Gaming Only” and “Off.” With VRR enabled, the display will dynamically adjust its refresh rate according to the frame rate of the game you’re playing. The function specifies when it’s enabled/disabled to ensure that its effects don’t mess with multimedia uses of the console.
The changes made to Microsoft Rewards all involve navigating to the new “My Rewards” tab which is a part of the Profile & System sub-menu.
A total count of available Microsoft Rewards points can be seen at a glance from the sub-menu, but clicking into the category will show you available reward quests, as well as the ability to redeem reward points for various gift options.
One more small change to point out is a new way to pair Xbox accessories without the need to even touch the console. Accessories can now be paired wirelessly via the “Connect a Device” option in the Xbox Accessories app.
There are various other smaller changes in this update such as the implementation of Xbox voice reporting, party invitation changes, wishlist notifications, and even improvements made to the Xbox PC app. The full laundry list of changes can be found on the official Xbox news portal.
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