Microsoft is expanding the Xbox One’s streaming capabilities

Microsoft is still listening to fans when it comes to adding features to the Xbox One – a new update which will begin rolling out to people in the early access program this month adds a number of top requests, including media playback from USB or DLNA that will support a bunch of new file formats, including mpeg 2 TS and MKVs. The One will also gain the ability to stream TV on a local network to smartphones and tablets running the Xbox SmartGlass app. Streaming TV requires that users have the Xbox One Digital TV Tuner, which was announced last week and will initially be available to a limited pool of launch countries including the UK and France beginning soon and ahead of the full-scale launch in October. The Tuner will allow people to directly connect free-to-air digital broadcast signals on the Xbox One without requiring an intervening device, and to navigate channels and use the OneGuide on their console. Streaming will work with SmartGlass apps on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

The Xbox One will soon allow users to stream TV to a mobile device, Microsoft has revealed. Part of a number of updates to the game console unveiled at Gamescom, owners of the recently-launched Xbox One Digital TV tuner will be able to stream live TV from the console to smartphones and tablets running the Xbox SmartGlass app. The new tuner function will let SmartGlass users watch a live feed, pause and rewind playback, and change channels, all without interfering with gameplay. The tuner, set to ship in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain in October, will be required for the streaming function to operate, so users connecting their cable set-top boxes directly to the console will not be able to enjoy the feature. Alternative versions of the Xbox One will be available for purchase this holiday season, in three new bundles. A Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare bundle includes a custom console and controller, a copy of the game, a “limited edition exoskeleton,” and an expanded 1TB hard drive for $499, and will be out on November 3rd. A white version of the console, including the existing 500GB capacity drive, will be available in a Sunset Overdrive bundle for $399 from October 28th. In Europe, a FIFA 15-themed bundle is also being made available from September 25th for $399, though without the capacity increase.