December 2016 - last edited May 2019
Origin Spotlight is a series highlighting new updates coming to the Origin client. In this archive you will be able to read all previous Spotlights in a single thread, or find links to the original posts.
November 2017 - last edited November 2017
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - SILENT BACKGROUND DOWNLOADER
UPDATE: We've answered your remaining questions.
Hello everyone,
As recently announced, today we are ready to share our first sneak peek into the future of Origin with you! In this post, we will be taking a look at at our upcoming feature: The Silent Background Updater.
What is the Silent Background Updater?
We have received feedback from you that the Origin client updates too often, and that this process can be disruptive of your playtime. We realize that your time is valuable, and that frequent Origin updates can keep you from playing when you want to. We also understand that it is important that you can jump directly into your favorite games whenever you launch Origin.
To help you dive straight into the action, we've added a function that enables Origin to download and apply its updates when your system is idle. This means that Origin can now perform these tasks when you are not actively using your system.
Ready to play your favorite games? Origin is now ready when you are.
How does the Silent Background Updater work?
Previously, Origin had the option to download and update while you were playing. This however wasn't helpful to those of you who didn't play often or long enough to have this process completed during playtime.
To smooth the update process for everyone, we have set the preference for Origin to perform this task when your system is idle.
How do I enable the Silent Background Updater?
To make use of the Silent Background Updater, you need to enable the following two options in the Origin client, both of which can be enabled via Application Settings in the Origin menu:
The Silent Background Updater is currently scheduled for release in late April. Once released, you will be able to utilize it during the next available Origin update. If you would like to try out the Silent Background Updater during early April, then be sure to turn on the Participate in Origin client betas option.
This update is just one step in the process of making sure that Origin can provide you with a continuously great gaming experience. We would like to once again thank all of you for your continued feedback, as that drives us to create an amazing gaming environment for you, our players.
We are happy to answer any remaining questions that you might have. And lastly, we would love to hear your thoughts on this update!
Thank you,
November 2017 - last edited November 2017
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - PARTY INVITES
Hello everyone,
You’ve asked us to make it easier to join your friends’ session while playing the same game. In this Origin Spotlight, we’ll be taking a look at how we're making that happen with upcoming improvements to Origin Party Invites.
We’re updating the Party, and you’re Invited!
Previously, responding to a Party Invite within the same game required you to pause and exit your game. But every moment counts when you’re deep inside the action. We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear, so we’re making it possible for you to accept or decline an invite with a single click or keystroke. It’s never been easier to join your friends!
How does it work?
While in-game, just press Y or N to respond to a Party Invite. On your desktop? We’ve made that easier too. Simply click Accept or Decline. Your friend will be notified of your decision, and you’re on your way to join their session. Withdrawing from the Argonne Forest to aid a friend in the Sinai Desert? It’s only a click away!
Here’s what the new in-game and desktop invites look like:
How do I enable the new invite windows?
Simple. Just make sure that you’ve turned on notifications for Game invitations via Origin -> Application Settings -> Notifications. Prefer the old invite system? You can turn this option off via the same menu.
When does the party start?
Starting on April 17th, you can opt-in to the Origin beta via Application Settings -> Participate in Origin client betas, to try out the new Party Invites. Come May, the update will be made available for everyone. And as a bonus, we’re also looking at making it easier to join your friends that are playing another game.
With this Origin update, we’re excited about giving you the power to seamlessly party up with your friends. No matter which Battlefield you’re on.
Thoughts or questions? Let us know!
November 2017 - last edited November 2017
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - DOWNLOAD SPEED MANAGEMENT, AND MORE!
Hi all,
Welcome to another edition of Origin Spotlight!
This Origin update is all about making things easier for you. And to do that, we’ve taken suggestions directly from the community. Let’s take a look at what’s been added.
Managing your download speed
As a community, you’ve passionately shared that being able to manage your download speed is a must have. You’ve also shared that it’s long overdue to make an appearance on Origin. We've got good news—it’s here.
Check it out in this video:
Origin being able to manage your download speed? They said it was just a myth!
How it works:
Monitoring your frame rate (FPS)
If you’re playing on Origin, then it’s likely you’re all about pushing your system to the limit (looking at you, PC master race folks). We’re here to help. Origin can now display your fps so you can measure your performance.
See what it looks like on this screenshot:
Note: it’s frames per second, not frags per second. You’ve got skills, but nobody’s that awesome!
How it works:
Cross-game party invites
The recent party invite update allowed you to instantly join your friends while playing the same game. But what about friends playing a different game? Well, now that’s possible too—cross-game invites are here.
Check out a cross-game invite in action:
Get ready to jump into another galaxy with a single click or keystroke!
How it works:
Note: This feature may not work with some games like Titanfall 2 because of its unique launcher.
When can I try these updates?
Now! These three updates are currently available in the Origin beta. Want to try ‘em out? Opt-in to the Origin beta via Origin → Application Settings → Participate in Origin client betas. Be sure to restart Origin to download the beta update.
As always, we’re on the lookout for your feedback. These updates are just the start to show you we’re listening. So, anything on your mind? You’re invited to drop by for a chat on the Origin Community forums. We’ll be there.
Thank you for playing.
November 2017 - last edited November 2017
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - LOGIN VERIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS
Welcome to another edition of Origin Spotlight! In this edition, we’re focusing on Login Verification, and how it’s improved to make sure you’re fully in charge of your account security.
KEEPING YOUR ACCOUNT SECURE JUST GOT EASIER
Login Verification helps keep your account safe. Whenever you log in from a new or unrecognized device, we’ll send you a one-time verification code so we know it’s you.
Can’t access your verification code? No worries! We’re solving that problem by giving you more verification options to choose from.
WHAT’S CHANGING?
Instead of having just one method to verify yourself, it’s now possible to choose from multiple methods, on the fly:
Sounds good? First log in to your account settings page, and enable the options you want to use via the Security tab. Got your preferred methods set up? You’ll be able to select any method you’ve enabled next time you login.
And while you’re at it, be sure to View and store your Backup Codes. You can use them as an emergency login.
Client login:
Locked out of your account? Ain’t nobody got time for that! With multiple verification methods, you’re always ready to login, and your account is secure too!
Web login:
WANT TO TALK TO US ABOUT THESE CHANGES?
Check out the full Origin Patch Notes, and drop us a comment on the Origin forums to let us know what you think - we would love to hear from you!
November 2017 - last edited November 2017
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - IMPROVING THE DOWNLOAD EXPERIENCE
Welcome to another edition of Origin Spotlight! Today we’ll focus on how we’re improving your experience while downloading your games.
YOUR DOWNLOAD JUST GOT SMOOTHER
Downloading your favorite game? It’s never been easier! We’re making sure you know exactly what’s going on, every step of the way. To do that, we’ve shortened the download process into three simple steps:
If you do want to make any changes during your download, that’s also still available via Pause, Resume and Cancel in the same progress bar.
EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE
Making the download process simple is just step one – there’s more! When downloading a game, we made the most helpful options available to you, right there and then:
WHEN CAN I CHECK OUT THE NEW UPDATE?
Right now! The next time you launch Origin it will automatically update for you – smooth downloads be waiting!
Do you have feedback? Check out the full patch notes, or hit us up for comments via the Origin forums – we would love to hear from you.
February 2018 - last edited February 2018
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - NOTIFICATIONS AND HOMEPAGE UPDATES
Hi all,
Welcome to another edition of Origin Spotlight! Today we’ll be taking a look at a new notification system, and updates to Origin’s homepage that have just become available.
SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW INBOX
A new notification system has been added so you’re always up-to-date on important events taking place on Origin. Just keep an eye out for the new notification symbol:
With this new system you’ll be able receive a notification in the event of:
New game release? You'll be the first to know!
Receiving a gift is exciting - we're making sure that you're notified!
NAME YOUR NOTIFICATIONS
We’ll be expanding the types of receivable notifications in the near future. In the meantime, we would love for you to let us know which types of notifications are important to you – drop us a comment on the forums and we’ll be there to check ‘em out!
WELCOME HOME
My Home has received an update! But what is My Home, you ask? Good question – it’s your very own homepage in the Origin client.
To make sure that your homepage is relevant to you, we’ve given it a fresh new look and added a recent games menu – your homepage now shows the last four games that you’ve played, installed or downloaded. No more browsing through your library to try and find that one game. Just click and go!
Check out this (silent) video on how to jump straight from the homepage into your favorite games.
INTERESTED IN NEW ORIGIN UPDATES?
We’ve got more updates on the way, so if you’re curious about coming Origin updates, remember that you can try them out early in the Origin beta via Origin -> Application Settings -> Participate in Origin client betas.
Up for a chat? We’re available for any further questions or comments you might have via the Origin forums. See you there!
February 2018
Hello Origin friends,
Being well into 2018, we're kicking things off with a review of Origin updates we've added in the new year. Let's check it out!
No time to chat with your friends because you're fully immersed in an action-packed gaming session? No worries — with the new Origin chat-to-speech function, received chat messages are read aloud. Here's how it works:
Bioware fans, rejoice! By popular demand, we've made Origin DLC bundles available for the following games:
What does this mean for you?
Origin's user interface for redeeming a product code was sooo 2011. We've given it a makeover and added helpful new options:
We're throwing some troubleshooting love at our Mac gamers. You now have access to the Origin Error Reporting function to help highlight issues. Here's how it works:
Do you have feedback about any of these changes? Check out the full Origin patch notes, or hit us up for comments via the Origin forums – we would love to hear from you.
June 2018 - last edited June 2018
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - MAY UPDATES
The May Origin updates make it easier for The Sims 4 fans to pick up new content. We’ve also given our game pages a fresh new look. Let’s check it out!
BUILD YOUR OWN THE SIMS 4 BUNDLE
Grab your favorite content with the new The Sims 4 Build Your Bundle function on Origin. Now you can start building before you’re even in-game. And the best part? Bundling means you’re always getting the best deal... sweet!
How does it work?
You can bundle an Expansion, Game and Stuff Pack to save on The Sims 4 content you don’t own. Here’s how:
Don’t own the Sims 4 yet? No problem! You can bundle the base game with one Expansion pack to get started on your Sims adventure.
Want to know more about bundling? Check out our full Build Your The Sims 4 Bundle article.
FRESH NEW GAME PAGES
Discovering a new game is exciting! You want to learn everything about it as quickly and easily as possible. Our newly redesigned game pages should help you do just that.
You’ll find the refreshed game pages whenever you browse a game!
WANT TO TALK TO US ABOUT THESE CHANGES?
Check out the full Origin Patch Notes and drop a comment in this thread. We would love to hear from you!
December 2018
ORIGIN SPOTLIGHT - MOVE OR LOCATE YOUR INSTALLED
The December Origin update added two new options to help you manage your installed games:
How does it work?
With a simple right-click in your Origin My Game Library, back up your games so you do not have to redownload them. Click your game tile of choice and you'll see one of the following options:
Click Locate Game to tell Origin where on your system your game is installed
Click Move Game to choose your new desired install location
That's it! But if you're looking for more info on this feature you can check out our full Back Up and Restore Your Games With Origin article on EA Help.
WANT TO TALK TO US ABOUT THESE CHANGES?
Check out the full Origin Patch Notes and drop a comment in this thread. We would love to hear from you!