Microsoft is rolling out a refreshed Xbox PC app that launches up to 60 percent faster, alongside a new cloud gaming interface for PC, web, TVs and VR. Xbox Insiders can start testing the updated PC app today. The wider Xbox Cloud Gaming redesign will follow over the next few weeks.
Jason Beaumont on speed gains
Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox experiences, said, "The app now launches up to 60 percent faster." He added, "Pages like Home, Store, and Game Pass load up to 50 percent faster, and in-app windows open up to 65 percent faster." Those figures matter because they point to shorter waits before a player reaches the library, the store, or the social tools inside the app.
XBOX PC app navigation changes
The Xbox PC app now has simplified navigation for controller use, which makes the interface less dependent on mouse clicks for players using a pad on PC. The library section also has updated filters and better ways to organize installed games, so the app should take fewer steps to sort a larger collection.
Friends now appear on the main page with quick buttons to start a chat or join a party. That puts social actions closer to the front of the app instead of hiding them behind extra menus. Microsoft said the redesign is part of its work to make Xbox faster, simpler, and more familiar wherever people play.
XBOX Cloud Gaming on web
The refreshed web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming adds a new library tab that highlights cloud games across a user's library and Xbox Game Pass. It also adds a desktop mode that makes better use of larger displays, plus dark and light modes and five new high-contrast options. Those choices are aimed at making the same service easier to use on different screens, even if the layouts are not identical.
Microsoft is also rolling out updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets. The designs are not exactly the same across PC, web, and smart TVs because Microsoft has customized them. That means the rollout is broader than the PC app test, but the experience will vary by screen rather than landing as one uniform interface.
Jason Beaumont said, "We’re also bringing the refreshed Xbox web experience to more players and rolling out updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets." Which supported TVs and VR headsets get the updated apps first is not specified, so players on those devices will have to wait for Microsoft’s phased rollout to reach their screen.
