Major Nelson on Xbox One shortcomings: ‘Things will get better’

By Adam Rosenberg December 3, 2013

microsoft xbox one review system — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Xbox One is a great machine with a lot of problems. Microsoft is aware that a lot of users aren’t happy with the backwards step taken as the new console’s operating system shifts in the direction of the Windows 8 ecosystem. The app-ifying of basic functions like Friends list and Achievements creates unnecessarily time-consuming obstacles to viewing basic information. We’ve assembled our own “top five” list of must-improve features, and Reddit has been busy doing the same thing. Check out XboxFeedback.com for an organized list of items pulled from the Reddit thread (via Eurogamer).

The good news is, Microsoft is tuned in. Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb has been relatively active in communicating with the Reddit community, assuring fans that people who matter know what’s up and steps are being taken to address the big issues. “I had a meeting today about much of this and I can say that things will get better,” Hryb wrote in a December 2 Reddit comment. “I can’t offer a timeline of a list of what will be addressed first, but we are aware of the issue and things will get better.”

The new OS on Xbox One is supposedly better able to handle a regular stream of updates. Traditionally, Microsoft’s approach on the Xbox 360 was to release yearly updates that revised or completely changed the dashboard, interface, and overall user experience. We’ll hopefully see a more regular schedule for updates on the Xbox One. Things like cross-game party chat and easily accessible Friends & Achievements lists are taken for granted at this point on the 360 side, and users aren’t likely to accept a year-long wait for that content to work right on the Xbox One.

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Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…

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