Xbox One update adds USB media support, pre-downloads starting with FIFA 15

In the coming weeks, Microsoft will be rolling out a new Xbox One update with the ability to stream media through attached USB devices along with giving users the option to pre-load upcoming releases.

Pre-loading a game will be made available on a game-by-game basis and it starts with FIFA 15 and Forza Horizon 2.

Other games with this option will be announced at a later date.

Through the Xbox One Early access beta program later this month, participants will be able to try out new social features via the new Friends Section, the Snap Center, the ability to stream TV to SmartGlass - first those in Europe via the Xbox Digital TV Tuner, Boot to TV, live TV mini guide and the launch of the console in 29 new markets.

The new Media Player app will be available soon and enables users to play media files from either an attached USB device or from a network connected home media server that supports DLNA protocols.

"The preview version of the Media Player app will initially only support USB devices, with DLNA support coming soon," said Microsoft.

"Xbox One will support more formats than Xbox 360, including support for dozens of new file formats like mpeg 2 TS, animated gifs and mkv which will be added by the end of the year. See below for additional file formats."

Major Nelson has all the details.