LOS ANGELES — The Xbox One's user interface isn't ugly; it just looks too much like Windows 8.
At E3 this year, Microsoft took the wraps off a new Xbox One user interface called "The New Xbox One Experience" with new features and improvements made for better navigation and faster loading.
The new UI, which will be released as a software update this fall, lets you see which of your friends is online, send messages and receive notifications — all without exiting a game.
There's a new vertical menu bar positioned on the left side of the screen, which is reminiscent of Sony's award-winning Cross Media Bar (XMB) interface that it used on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.
The makeover doesn't mean the Xbox One is ditching its Windows DNA, though. Cortana, Microsoft's voice assistant is weaved into the UI, and you can ask questions like "Hey Cortana, is John online?" or "What's the next quest I can do?" while playing a game -- and Cortana will try to provide some help.
Customizable avatars, a cool feature from the Xbox 360, will also make a return.