Xbox One October update improving Snap, friends functions, and TV experience

The October system update for the Xbox One is bringing some big improvements and features that will make multitasking so much easier. The biggest changest come to Snap, where they've updated the Snap Center for quick access to friends, messages, game DVR, clock and battery indicator, all while playing a game. A double-tap of the Xbox button brings up a menu that lets you open a new app in snap mode, close it, and switch focus between the game and the snapped app. The Friends and Messages Snap apps have also been optimized for Snap mode, so you'll be able to access both without leaving a game. 

The Achievements app has been updated so you can have a list of achievements you've unlocked, as well as friends who have unlocked specific ones, and a landing page that shows achievements on recently played games. The Friends section also allows you to stay up-to-date with your friends, their Gamerscore, and what games they're playing. 

TV is getting some new updates to make the viewing experience better. Based on your country and OneGuide settings, you will be able to see what Live TV is trending. There will be a new tab in OneGuide that displays the top 10 most-watched TV shows. OneGuide is coming to 12 new countries, and in those 12 countries you will be able to use SmartGlass on your mobile device to control your Xbox, TV and cable/satellite box. 

For a list of the full update and details, visit Xbox Wire. 

You can follow Editorial Director Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. Or you can email him at LLiebl@GameZone.com.