Microsoft’s Xbox spring update adds 1440p support and new Mixer features

Microsoft today detailed its upcoming Xbox spring update, which is available now for those who are part of the Xbox Insider’s “alpha ring” group. The most notable addition in the update is support for 1440p video output, which is a popular resolution choice for PC gamers who prefer to keep high frame rates instead of prioritizing 4K visuals. With 1440p support on Xbox One S and X, those with compatible monitors should be to make the most out of 2560 x 1440, or “QHD,” displays.

Part of the update also includes new interactive features for Microsoft’s Twitch competitor Mixer, which Microsoft relaunched last year after rebranding the service Beam it acquired in 2016. Now, Mixer streamers broadcasting on Xbox One will be able to share their controller with a viewer who is watching the stream through Mixer.com, and the viewer will then be able to control the streamer’s gameplay either with a plugged-in Xbox controller hooked up to a PC or with an onscreen virtual gamepad. Mixer broadcasts will also pause instead of stop when streamers switch games, and Microsoft is adding the ability to start broadcasts from anywhere within the Xbox One’s interface.

Those are the big changes, but for the full breakdown of the software changes arriving later this spring for the Xbox One, check out Microsoft’s post.