Summary

  • The latest Xbox update will let users choose specific game portions to save time and storage with new installation options.
  • Amazon Fire TV now supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, expanding streaming options for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
  • The Xbox Elite and Adaptive Controllers will get new features in the August 2024 update, adding toggle hold functionality.

The August 2024 Xbox update will roll out this week, and bring additional support for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Game Pass Ultimate to more Amazon Fire TV sticks. The Xbox update will also offer players the choice of what portions to install from certain games, which can improve system storage and performance.

Every month or two, Microsoft releases updates to all current Xbox consoles to improve the functionality of each system and give users some quality-of-life changes based on their feedback. In the June 2024 Xbox console update, Xbox users were given more customization options for their home screen backgrounds, as specific game art was included among the available options. Xbox consoles could also remember up to 10 wireless networks to make re-connectivity easier for users who constantly travel, and additional subscription management options were made accessible via the account menu.

glowing white Xbox Game Pass logo over green-tinted Star Trucker promo screenshot
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Two months later, another Xbox update will make the rounds in the coming days. According to Xbox, the August 2024 update will benefit more than just consoles this time. As part of Microsoft's previously announced collaboration with Amazon, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will now be able to access the Xbox Cloud Gaming app and stream their game collection on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st Gen) and Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), in addition to the 2nd Gen Fire TV 4K and 4K Max Sticks. Amazon Fire TV users can use an Xbox Wireless or Adaptive Controller, or Sony's DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers, to play on the Xbox Cloud Gaming app.

Xbox Console Update Details (August 2024)

  • Amazon Fire TV Support For Xbox Cloud Gaming now includes new devices.
  • Installation options for certain games are now available on Xbox consoles and the Xbox Windows app.
  • Xbox users can now watch Discord streams from their consoles.
  • Xbox Elite and Adaptive Controllers now have toggle-hold functionality.

A new file installation option was added to Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows PCs to give users a choice of what to download from specific titles and save time and storage space. For example, the Call of Duty franchise is notorious for its enormous file sizes on all currently available platforms. With the new update, Xbox users can choose whether to install Warzone, Multiplayer, or Campaign modes alongside the mandatory base game installation in titles such as Modern Warfare 3. Given that the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will include a texture streaming method, it remains to be seen how this will be used with Xbox's new installation methods.

Additional options for toggle hold functionality and turning off devices were added to Xbox Elite and Adaptive Controllers, and some Discord quality-of-life enhancements for watching streams were also part of this month's update. All in all, Xbox users will have plenty to look forward to as the end of summer draws near.