Aug 02, 2016 10:10 AM EDT By Sarene Mae Butao, UniversityHerald Reporter

Xbox One summer update arrived and Microsoft's digital assistant, Cortana, is now available for US and UK. Some more features such as controlling the media playback and setting up parties via Kinect or headset can be accessed using Cortana.

The new Xbox One update released this summer sports Cortana, the digital assistant developed Windows. The Xbox One version of Cortana looks and feels just like the version released in Windows 10. Most of similar queries answered by the 'Windows 10 Cortana' also works on the Xbox version. This new feature replaces the old Xbox voice command with "Hey, Cortana." However, Microsoft kept the old voice command available for users who would like to use it. The users would just disable Cortana feature and the old voice command will work still, Digitatrends reported.

Using Cortana, the players can now set up parties through the headset or Kinect. The players will also be able to see the games that their friends are playing. They can also control the media playback using Cortana.

The Xbox summer update also supports background music. Users of the console can now play music while playing using the first app that supports background music, Pandora. Changing volumes and pausing the music is easy by using the quick controls available which are easily accessed by opening the Xbox dashboard guide. The background music will continue playing even after the user starts a game.

Furthermore, the summer update is the beginning of the merge of Xbox Store and Windows Store. This allows the Xbox users to gain access to some of the aps that are available on Windows 10. However, it is still in its early stage and there are only few apps available. Microsoft will open up the store to more developers in the upcoming months. Also, the Xbox Play Anywhere launches with the summer update. This means certain titles for the PC would include the Xbox version of the titles and the user does not need to pay additional charges, The Verge reported.

Also, there is now region independence in the Xbox One. All languages are now available regardless of the location.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is updating the Xbox App in windows 10 for the operating system's Anniversary Update launched on August 2.

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