Nearly two years after its release, Microsoft’s Xbox One entertainment console is on track to mend a severely broken relationship with gamers. Potential buyers, demoralized by Microsoft’s early decisions, turned to other consoles for their fix. A mix of clever marketing, exclusive games, new software, and a plan to bring Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One are what Microsoft hopes to bring users back this holiday shopping season.
Looks like Microsoft’s plan is working. According to the company, there are more people than ever buying an Xbox One entertainment console. Two years later, there are many nuances to owning an Xbox One. Here are some key tips to speed new Xbox One owners up with new living room companions features.
Create Multiple Accounts for Multiple People
One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing their new console in the living room is creating a single account for it. For consoles aimed at a single person, one account is one thing. Don’t do this if the Xbox One is designed for the whole family. Parents should create one account for themselves rather than creating child accounts for everyone who will use the Xbox One. This helps prevent many headaches down the road.
Use Your Microsoft Account
You will need to create a Microsoft Account to set up your Xbox One. Make sure you’re using the Microsoft Account you use on other company platforms. If you have an Outlook.com account or a Windows PC, simply use the username and password for them.
Mute Microphones & More from Guide
The new software that Microsoft released for the Xbox One last month includes a new Guide that lets you make quick settings changes with a few keystrokes. Quickly double-press the Xbox logo on your controller to open the guide. Here you will find a list of all your friends, ways to create an Xbox One Party, and settings for adjusting the Chat Headset volume.
Get Xbox Live Gold
Xbox Live Gold subscription required to get the most out of your Xbox One console. Storing game clips online is a necessity for playing with other Xbox One owners around the world and getting huge discounts on new games.
Xbox Live Gold costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year. GameStop, Target, Wal-Mart, and more have prepaid cards for purchase. You can also get the service directly through your console in the Store. You only need to purchase Xbox Live Gold for one account on your console. Even if you’re not logged in, everyone else on that console can use your subscription.
Check Xbox.com for Status Updates
Sometimes, the influx of people trying to log into Xbox Live at the same time causes service issues. If something on your console is not working properly for you, go to: xbox.com and check the status of the service. All service related issues are posted there in real time.
Keep an App
Xbox One lets you play games or watch videos with another app on the right side of your screen. Triggering it with the Kinect sensor is as easy as saying “Xbox, Snap..” and the name of the app you’re trying to capture.
Double-tap the glowing Xbox logo on your controller to open the Xbox Guide. Use the joystick to scroll to the last available option labeled. From this menu, select an application to be pasted to the edge of your screen. You can unlink an app by returning to the Xbox Guide.
Use Triggers and Buffers to Navigate Faster
Trying to quickly navigate the Xbox One interface? All menus on the main screen can be navigated quickly with the buttons on the remote. Press the RB and LB buttons on your remote to switch between Home, Community, OneGuide, and Store. When at the bottom of the list of options, press the LT button to quickly go up. Press the RT trigger to go down fast.
Watch This Week on Xbox Videos
Sometimes Xbox Live can feel very isolating. See the latest status updates from the games you follow in the Community area to connect with your friends. There’s also a video show called This Week on Xbox to keep you up to date with the latest games, updates, features and sales.
Unlock Some of Your Games From Xbox 360
With the Xbox One Backward Compatibility Program, Xbox One upgraders can continue some of their Xbox 360 games for free. Plug a compatible Xbox 360 into the Xbox One and unlock the digital download from the Xbox Store running on Xbox One. All games saved from the Xbox 360 version will be transferred with the download.
Microsoft plans to continue adding regular Xbox 360 games to the Xbox One Backward Compatibility Program.
Install Xbox SmartGlass
Microsoft’s Xbox companion apps are your gateway to the Xbox One, whether you’re at home or on the go. Available for iPhone and Android, these apps let you buy games, read status messages, browse Achievement progress, and control Xbox One. It will even stream broadcast televisions for users with Xbox One TV Adapters. Separately, there is the Xbox app for Windows 10 devices. This app includes everything SmartGlass does as well as Party Chat and video recording for PC gaming.
Adjust TV Controls If You Have A Kinect
Besides video games, Xbox One lets you interact with your cable or satellite box using voice commands and a streamlined OneGuide. You’ll have to configure it with some details about your subscription, but it’s much better than using the built-in guides from Comcast and other carriers. Moreover, you will be able to watch TV and continue playing your games.
Congratulations on your new Xbox One console.
