Xbox One June update brings external storage support, real names, and more

Microsoft has fully detailed the upcoming Xbox One June update and, as expected, it's as jam-packed with features as we originally thought it would be. The star of this update is, of course, external game storage support, but there's also a number of other features designed to improve your Xbox One quality of life. This includes new SmartGlass features, expanded TV and OneGuide in more markets, and new Xbox LIVE Gold membership benefits. Though you can find a more in-depth explanation of every new feature coming in the June update, below is a video walkthrough provided by Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb.

Easily Increase Games Capacity with External Storage Support

With the update, your Xbox One will support up to two external hard drives at once. You'll simply need to plug in your 256GB or larger USB 3.0 external hard drive and once formatted, copy and move games, apps and game add-ons to increase your storage capacity at home.

"This is also a great way to take your content to a friend’s house and get straight into a game directly from an external drive," Microsoft's Larry 'Major Nelson' Hrby explained. "You’ll need to sign in to Xbox Live if you’ve purchased your content digitally or insert a disc to verify your game ownership when you take your content on the road. The great benefit here is there’s no need to wait to re-download your game and all the DLC. With external storage support in June, you can also choose to copy full games and all of the associated content in one easy step."

Real Names Makes it Easier to Identify Friends

Remembering whose Gamertag is what can be quite difficult, especially when you have 1,000 friends. With real names, you can recognize people on your friends list more easily and find people you already know. Additionally, you'll be able to share with all of your friends, a subset of your choosing, friends of friends, or no one. Xbox will still use your Gamertag for in-game, however.

SmartGlass Provides Access to full OneGuide and Universal Remote Control, Pin Reordering and More

You'll be able to view all of yoru TV listings on your SmartGlass device and set and view your favorite channels and app channels on your smart phone, tablet, or PC. With the Universal Remote Control, you can change channels, set new recordings, and select and control recorded content from your DVR. You'll also be able to reordering and reorganize your pins into categories or favorites with a simple touch of a button on your SmartGlass.

Expanded TV and OneGuide Soon Available in More Markets

"The TV and OneGuide features we began sharing with select Xbox Live members in April will be available in June to everyone in Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy," Nelson said. "The update will bring OneGuide, alongside Favorites and App Channels, for people in these markets who have their TV connected to Xbox One via HDMI-in. Additional features in these markets include Kinect voice commands for controlling your set-top box and other AV equipment. We’ve also updated TV and OneGuide settings to provide better power management and control of your devices and improved compatibility with more devices."

New Gold Membership Benefits, Access to Apps for All and More

Lastly, the update will add a new hub in Xbox One that shows you all of the benefits to Xbox LIVE Gold members. This includes Games with Gold and Deals with Gold. Remember, June is also completely revamping the Xbox LIVE system, allowing all Xbox owners access to entertainment apps, even without a Gold membership.

Automatic Sign-in

The last major feature of this update will enable you to choose an account for automatic sign-in on your Xbox One.

[Major Nelson, Xbox Wire]