Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Every Friday
GamesRadar+
Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.
Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!
Xbox owners, did you just feel a shiver go down your spine? Well that's because an update rolling out today is adding (among other things) the ability to use custom pictures are your Gamertag icon, and deep down you know that there's no way this will end without someone getting suspended for exposing their genitals. Either that or you have the AC on too high.
Along with custom Gamerpics, the update adds co-op streaming, controller sign-in, and expanded options with the Xbox app on iOS and Android - all additions that Microsoft says are based on fan feedback. The ability to use custom Gamerpics is pretty self-explanatory (just go to your profile on console, PC, or the Xbox app and customize it with whatever pic you want), but let's run down the other new features real quick:
Co-op streaming is handled via Mixer, Microsoft's proprietary streaming service. Up to four player can join in and be part of a single stream, which will give those who tune in a multi-view experience. Just go to the player profile belonging to the person you want to stream with and select "Invite to co-stream." Or, form a party beforehand and invite the entire group to a co-stream.
Do you have a controller that you always go for whenever multiplayer comes up? A gamepad close to your heart that you consider sacred and one which no one else must use? Well good news, you'll be able to assign that controller to your profile, so that every time you turn it on, you're instantly signed in. Go to your console's settings menu, choose "Sign-in, security & passkey," select "This controller signs in," and lastly, choose "Link controller."
Lastly, if you have the Xbox app on your iOS or Android device, you're getting some increased functionality as well. From the app, you can now create and share Looking For Group postings to your Activity Feed and via Messages. In other words, you won't need to be glued to your TV while you're waiting for someone to complete that Destiny raid - you'll be able to coordinate it all from your phone. Android users get the bonus of being able to still receive and interact with Xbox chat messages while using their phone without having to jump back and forth between apps.
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar+. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.


