Microsoft has started rolling out the Xbox July console update, introducing 13 new features and several bug fixes for Xbox users. The update, released on July 15, carries OS version 10.0.26100.8866 (xb_flt_2607ge.260630-2200) and began reaching consoles yesterday.
One of the biggest additions in the Xbox July console update is support for unique gamertags of up to 15 characters, an increase from the previous 12-character limit. Gamertags that are not unique or contain non-Latin characters will continue to support up to 12 characters with a suffix where required.
The update also expands console personalisation with poster-style artwork for game libraries, the option to choose which icons appear on game tiles, custom profile colours using hex codes or a “match my gamerpic” option, and more offline personalisation features, including themes and dynamic backgrounds.
Microsoft has also added release notes directly to the Home screen’s top navigation, making it easier to view new features after installing an update. A new Service Alerts indicator will notify players of confirmed Xbox network issues without requiring them to visit external websites.
Social features have also been improved. Players can now view mutual friends on another user’s profile, subject to privacy settings, while games can be added directly to a Wishlist from their Game Card before they are available to purchase.
The Xbox Accessories app now displays an image of the connected controller, making it easier to identify supported standard, special edition and Elite Series 2 controllers when adjusting settings.
Cloud gaming has received several usability improvements as part of the Xbox July console update. Players will now see game artwork while streaming sessions load and will be taken directly into games instead of first seeing the Xbox logo.
The update also reorganises personalisation settings into separate sections within the Settings menu and improves the appearance of upscaled Xbox 360 achievement artwork by rendering it with crisp pixel blocks.
Alongside the new features, Microsoft has fixed several issues, including crashes in My Games & Apps during update installations, unexpected navigation focus resets, and a bug that caused the game list to reload after viewing achievement details.
