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Xbox One update out now, fixes multiplayer and SmartGlass

The update rolled out to always-online consoles at 1am UK time this morning, and fixes a bunch of minor bugs.

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The Xbox One has received its first update, fixing a variety of bugs in the new console -- but you might not know it if you don't have it in Instant On mode.

The update rolled out to Web-connected devices at 1am UK time this morning, Xbox spokesman Major Nelson announced. Downloading the update is automatic, but would have turned your console completely off, rather than in the low-power mode where it'll come on if you say, "Xbox on."

Power it on and you'll see the update being installed, then your fancy new gaming console will restart itself and you're good to go.

If you don't use Instant On, you'll be prompted to update manually after 10am tomorrow, Thursday 12 December. You don't have to install the update, but Microsoft warns you won't be able to connect to Xbox Live unless you do.

For more information on updating, check out Microsoft's FAQ.

The software behemoth says the update fixes the following problems:

  • SmartGlass issues for some users when coming in and out of connected standby
  • Multiplayer issues for some users when re-joining games
  • Issues with inconsistent notifications for some users
  • Dashboard performance for some users

The update also "offers improvements for Xbox One’s TV, system update, and content update services for scaling over time" -- meaning you may not see much improvement right now, but it'll make updates easier in the future. The box's wireless networking driver was also tweaked to improve Wi-Fi connections.

I've asked Microsoft if the TV improvements include a fix for a widely reported problem here in the UK, in which broadcast TV played through the Xbox's interface can look juddery, because our European PAL TV system still runs at 50Hz, whereas the Xbox uses the 60Hz refresh rate used in the US and elsewhere. I'll update this story if it has any comment.

Have you noticed much difference after updating? What problems has Microsoft yet to fix? Upload your thoughts to the comments below, or head to our constantly updated Facebook page.