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Xbox One update brings external storage support, real names in Xbox Live

The update for Microsoft's console also adds SmartGlass improvements, as well as access to Netflix and Hulu without an Xbox Live Gold membership.

Luke Westaway Senior editor
Luke Westaway is a senior editor at CNET and writer/ presenter of Adventures in Tech, a thrilling gadget show produced in our London office. Luke's focus is on keeping you in the loop with a mix of video, features, expert opinion and analysis.
Luke Westaway
2 min read

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CNET

Those struggling to manage their Xbox One storage, never fear -- the latest update to Microsoft's games console lets you boost your available space, with support for external hard drives.

The update, which is rolling out now, also lets your Xbox friends use your real name when signed into Xbox Live, Microsoft says. You can choose who exactly sees your real-life name, so if you want to remain anonymous to certain folk, you can. The update also lets you access popular apps like Netflix or Hulu without having to be a paid-up Xbox Live Gold member.

External hard drive support

To set up external storage on your Xbox, you'll have to jump through a few hoops. You'll need a USB 3.0 compatible drive, with 256GB. Your Xbox will then ask if you want to format the drive, and having done this the console will use the new drive as the default location for new downloads. You can have two external hard drives set up to use at once.

OneGuide for the UK

British Xbox One owners will be interested to learn that the Xbox One June update also brings UK support for Microsoft's OneGuide, which takes over your existing TV set-top box, letting you surf channels using your Xbox controller, or by shouting commands at Kinect. OneGuide is also coming to Microsoft's SmartGlass app, letting you control your TV from your tablet or smartphone.

Have you installed the update yet? What do you think of the changes? And would you rather own an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4 ? Let me know in the comments.