XB1 Xbox background apps causing framerate issues - can this be improved?

v1.09 is a huge improvement in playability on the Xbox One, good job with the update.

Xbox apps running in the background such as party chat are causing a significant drop in framerate, enough that it can cause car control difficulties and in some cases momentary loss of control. The framerate drop is most noticeable when people join or leave the party chat. Also using Cortana or any of the Xbox video apps causes some slowdown too.

Clearly, these apps are not controlled by Kunos so I'm not seeking a miracle but I just wondered if there is anything that could be done to improve this background app situation. The PS4 apps and trophies etc do not cause the same issue buy that's a different system so may not be a good comparison.

I know we can switch off notifications and run the Xbox in energy saving mode as a workaround but it would be useful if they could be kept on, the social and sharing element of Xbox One is its best feature.

If future patches could improve the performance again that would be a bonus.

 

Cortana is MS's attempt at Apple's Siri, which by the way is also a novelty only to be used for a laugh by swearing at it. For me it brings nothing to the table. Why would I talk to my Xbox instead of just clicking a tile?
I turned it off.
Similar with notifications. I have no interest that GamerLadCOD74 has just started playing Minecraft. I'ts just extra fluff taking up resources.
Get rid

 

I don't own an Xbox One but in terms of Xbox apps outside the games isn't this common? It doesn't always suspend all other apps so you have to close them manually? I thought I read something about that, admittedly some time and a few software versions ago. Just like a phone and PC pretty much. Maybe devs can set the game up in a certain way to prevent that but I wouldn't expect it. In terms of in-game chat I guess they'll optimise it over time. I recall that being a CPU hog on PC too.

 

Yes, all fair points both.

Cortana is handy for "record that" and "take a screenshot" moments or snapping game DVR to capture the action, especially when the in-game recording currently captures only some of the race. Double tapping the buttons to record means you are no longer in control of the car which is an issue.

The Xbox Party Chat is great for racing groups and most decent groups require the use of a microphone, it avoids a lot of incidents. That app works well with most games and I've only noticed the framerate slowdown with AC. People leaving and joining chat sometimes through internet disconnection problems seems to be the issue, once people are in chat it works as well as in any other game.

Turning the apps off is one solution and I'll test if that actually makes the difference later. Being able to use them ,especially the party chat for race groups would be useful. I don't know how much Kunos can do but id they can find a way to improve the performance all well and good.

 

Haven't noticed this kind of problems, but I'm guy who always shut down everything like those "helpers". Same in pc-side, I only keep needed programs running.

 

After some online and offline testing with the apps on Xbox One S I can confirm that:

Party Chat is the cause of most of the in-game framerate slowdown issues. If you are using party chat, even if notifications are off, and someone joins or leaves the party by choice or due to disconnection there is considerable on screen slowdown. Sometimes it's just enough to be noticeable but in the worst cases, it means loss of control especially if you just happen to be mid-corner. The faster the in-game car the greater the issue.

Xbox Achievements popping causes minor disruption, no problem when notifications are turned off.

Recording of any kind via Cortana, DVR Snap or button press, with notifications on and off, causes huge framerate drop, to the point where the game will sometimes freeze completely for a second or two. Basically in game recording is not usable at this time.

If party chat performance could be improved ready for private/friends multiplayer rooms that would be a definite advantage for making the game more usable in future.

 

Assetto Corsa is the only racing game with that massive fps issues. i have other racing games installed and only assetto corsa cant handle a wheel and a gamepad at same time on the same profile. so there must be a solution. i mean project cars simulate a lot too and have rain and changing day and night.
but it´s true that assetto corsa is the only game that use for the AI cars the same physicmodel than player use. so it needs more cpu power than other racing games. graphics are not the problem because most of the time it runs okay. so i guess thats a cpu issue. maybe core managment?
when private lobbies starts the issue should be solved. because party chat is then a must imo.

 

You could also report issues with achievements and party chat causing slowdown in fps to Microsoft as it's something they can work on too. Just hold the Xbox button and report the problem

 

Microsoft had a question put up on preview program, insider hub about a week ago. Question do any of your games suffer from fps issues. They must be aware of it to ask the question. I did reply to the set questions which went with it. Things like does it happen in party chat, when background apps are active etc etc

 

I haven't had any real issues with frame rate since the update. I am happy

 

Odd little glitches here and there but to be honest I think it's background stuff now rather than AC.
1.09 has transformed AC for me. A huge leap forward in terms of performance and enjoyability.
Still a few niggles like the over-courteous queuing AI, but a great base to build on.
Cant wait for the Xmas holidays. GET THAT SECOND PORSCHE PACK OUT !!!!

 

Nearly everybody I know still have performance issues on the nordschleife. I read here from someone that there even on ps4.
This is by far my favourite track and I hope that kunos can make it possible that this track have a constantly framerate.
But in general I must say in case of fps the guys done a good job, when I keep in mind how many people work on the xbox version.