Microsoft has rolled out its September update for Xbox, bringing a suite of new features and improvements across PC and console. The update focuses on enhancing user experience with AI-powered assistance, streamlined library management, and several PC-specific enhancements. Key among these is the expansion of the Gaming Copilot AI assistant and a unified approach to accessing all gaming content.
Key Takeaways
- Gaming Copilot, an AI-powered gaming assistant, is expanding to PC and mobile.
- "My Library" now aggregates games and apps from various PC storefronts and Xbox services.
- The Xbox PC app receives visual and functional updates, including a Network Quality Indicator.
- Offer Wallet is now available on web and console for managing promotions.
- New special edition controllers and dynamic backgrounds are also part of the update.
Gaming Copilot Takes Flight
The AI-driven "Gaming Copilot" is now rolling out on the Xbox Game Bar for Windows PCs and will soon be available on the Xbox mobile app. Designed as a personal gaming sidekick, it aims to help players overcome in-game obstacles with recommendations and insights. New features include deeper in-game assistance and push-to-talk functionality for voice commands.
A Unified Gaming Library
Xbox is simplifying game and app discovery with the "My Library" feature on Windows 11 PCs and handhelds. "My apps" provides access to third-party applications, while "My games" aggregates titles from Xbox, Game Pass, and major PC storefronts into a single, easily navigable collection. Players can also now view cloud-playable games and their play history across devices.
PC Gaming Enhancements
PC gamers benefit from several updates, including visual overhauls for Game Bar’s social widgets, offering a cleaner interface and smoother controller navigation. A new Network Quality Indicator (NQI) tool in the Xbox PC app helps users troubleshoot connection issues affecting cloud gaming. Smarter game save syncing is also being implemented to better manage saves across devices, especially in offline scenarios.
Rewards and Offers Streamlined
The Rewards hub on PC has been revamped for a more intuitive experience across various screen sizes, featuring a new Goal Card for tracking progress and a Microsoft Rewards Level view. Additionally, users can now redeem Rewards points directly within the Xbox mobile app. The "Offer Wallet" is now accessible on both web and Xbox consoles, consolidating promotional offers and credits into a single, unified digital wallet.
New Accessories and Content
The update also introduces new Xbox Wireless Controller special editions, including the "Breaker" series (Heart Breaker, Ice Breaker, Storm Breaker) and a 10th Anniversary controller for The Witcher 3. New dynamic backgrounds for Xbox Series X|S consoles, including one for the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta, are also available. Over 1,000 games now support Xbox Play Anywhere, and the cloud-streaming library continues to grow with new additions to "Stream your own game" and Retro Classics collections. Xbox is also expanding mouse and keyboard and touch controls for a wider range of games.
