Microsoft has announced that Xbox Insiders will be getting early access to a few interesting new console features including 1440p resolution support.
Microsoft has announced that Xbox Insiders will be getting early access to a few interesting new console features including 1440p resolution support.
As Microsoft notes, 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, or « QHD, » is one of the more popular resolution choices for PC gamers. Rolling out the option to Xbox One users is a pretty smart move and one that should serve to fill the gap between standard 1080p and 4K resolutions.
According to Microsoft, the company’s « Mixer » livestreaming platform will be getting some additional functionality as well. Specifically, streamers will be able to share controller functionality with an audience member, essentially allowing a viewer to operate the game remotely by either connecting a physical gamepad to their system or by using the controls provided on-screen.
Instead of handing over the controls entirely, it sounds like this feature is intended more for collaborative use – for example, a streamer may choose to control a character’s movement while an audience member opts to take over shooting and aiming.
Naturally, this sort of shared control experience opens up the door to a fair bit of trolling but Microsoft doesn’t seem too bothered by the possibility. Indeed, it seems to be something the company encourages, saying « Viewer and streamer can work together in the game, or the viewer can cause trouble – resulting in hilarious chaos. »
In addition to Mixer’s new shared controller feature, streamers no longer have to end a broadcast to switch the game they’re playing. Rather, the stream temporarily pauses until a new game has been launched.
If you aren’t a member of the Xbox Insider program’s « Alpha Ring, » you may have to wait a while to get your hands on these new features as Microsoft hasn’t yet announced a specific release date for the upcoming Spring Update.
