With Microsoft’s next-gen console set to launch soon, an Xbox One UI update closer resembles the new machine’s interface and adds unifying features.
Going forward, Microsoft has plans to bring it’s operating system families closer together in order to make it easier to access cross-platform information.
For example, the mobile app can display messages sent to your Xbox One avatar while Xbox One game libraries can be viewed or accessed via Windows 10.
Not all features are available yet but rather they are being rolled out sequentially to coincide with the Series X release.
According to Microsoft, the aim is to provide a unified experience across different devices.
Some of the improved features include customizable tabs, quick access buttons and a new next-gen dashboard.
A key feature of the new look is to provide a cleaner feel so that everything is understandable at a glance.
This means clearer text, improved on-screen elements and cleaner tile layouts.
Microsoft’s new “Velocity Architecture” and “Quick Resume” technology are set to be implemented which means up to 40% quicker loading times for the Home Screen.
The improved Home Screen shows relevant information clearly and concisely such as game tiles, Game Pass, friend activities and relevant ads.
Social media integration is also a key upcoming feature, so in-game screenshots from your connected Xbox accounts can be shared straight from the mobile app.
Messages, launch parties and chat features will also be integrated into the mobile and PC experience.
Activities done on one device of the connected Xbox family will instantly update across the others.
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The community feature is an important aspect of Xbox gaming and the relevant pages have been overhauled.
One key aesthetic is that all posts are now the same size and the relevant content blocks have been improved with engagement features and shortcuts.
As the future of gaming becomes more and more diversified, cloud gaming has become more accessible to people with multiple devices.
Many people now have multiple devices such as mobiles, consoles and PCs, and an Xbox account can now be logged in to from as many devices as you need.
For example, your partner can watch Netflix on your upstairs account while you play on the downstairs account.
The improvements to the Xbox One UI are welcome since it has remained largely unchanged for some time.
Given that Microsoft develops its own mobile phones, have a great Android relationship and hold 51% of the PC market with Windows 10, now is a great time to address device unification.
This could give the Xbox brand a great user experience advantage as we move into the next generation.
Community is a key part of the experience for most gamers and something that Sony seems to have dropped the ball with.
For example, last year, Facebook support was removed from the PS4 image sharing feature.
Also, the PS4’s interface is slow and clunky.
That being said, we have yet to be given any details or images of the PlayStation 5 operating system.
One can only hope that given the machine’s impressive specs that the PS5 user experience has been greatly improved over the PS4.
The full Xbox family revamped UI is set to launch this holiday season when Xbox Series X is released.
Michael is the sole writer and owner at chartxgames.com.
Many thought that his youth (and adulthood) playing video games was a waste of time but here he is writing about them for a living.
Michael has a background in IT and enjoys (apart from video games) building and repairing PC’s, digital artwork (Photoshop, 3DS Max) and has interests in too many subjects to mention.
