The Xbox One is slated for some updates and added features which have recently been revealed by Microsoft. But it was noticeable that external storage was not part of the official list.

Major Nelson of Xbox has recently confirmed this feature which was much in demand by Xbox owners and PS4 owners will be officially coming to the Xbox One. According to Gearnuke, there's no release date yet, but Major Nelson did say it was "coming soon." This was spotted in a Reddit Q&A thread, where Major Nelson also added there will be more "good work" coming to the console to make it even better. This may have been pertaining to the grand list of additional features and improvements for the Xbox One, which involves adding DVR Control, OneGuide in SmartGlass and more.

One additional and new function of the Xbox One may be the ability to run new universal apps for the Windows Phone 8.1, which will also run on the PC, laptop and smartphone.

GameSpot reported this functionality has been confirmed by Microsoft during the Build 2014 conference, where the tweaked UI and features have enabled the apps to run on different platforms. For the Xbox One, there's even the ability to add in Kinect support once the app is ported on the Xbox One.

Layoffs Now Starting at Microsoft

In the previous week, Sony was hit with waves of layoffs and hiring, as a supposed restructuring is taking place in the Sony headquarters. It has assured the public that projects will not be affected by the departures. If anything, it's a necessary step toward more efficient production and workflow.

Now Microsoft Studios is becoming the focus of layoffs, as reports said some employees have been let go. VG 24/7 has managed to get in touch with a representative from Microsoft regarding the matter and this is what he has to say:

"At Xbox, our goal is to constantly create new fun, social and interactive entertainment experiences. As part of our commitment to this goal, we are always evaluating our development priorities, and there are times when decisions need to be made to realign plans and refocus our efforts."

Presumably, none of the projects will be affected by the departures like in the case of Sony, but it does make one wonder why the sudden layoffs are being put into effect. Restructuring may be an explanation, but considering how the console wars are now shifting toward the games rather than the hardware, it may become an experimental and adjustment time for Microsoft (and Sony) for now.

It would be interesting to see what all the refocusing will bring about in terms of next-gen games, especially with the E3 2014 coming in close.

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