Microsoft has unveiled a new experiment for its Xbox dashboard, addressing user feedback and introducing a redesigned interface. The changes aim to provide a better user experience, improved accessibility, and increased functionality for Xbox users. The revamped dashboard includes a new quick access menu at the top, allowing users to easily navigate to their game library, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, search options, and settings. One notable improvement is the increased space for the background, which dynamically changes when hovering over different game tiles in the first row.

Refined Design Based on User Feedback

The Xbox team took into account the feedback received from users regarding the previous experimental dashboard design. They acknowledged the concerns about the top of the Home screen feeling crowded and not leaving enough space for the background. To address this, the team designed numerous options, created prototypes, and conducted user testing in their research labs. The result is a balanced design that considers the community’s needs and preferences.

Enhanced Functionality and Features

The new Xbox Home design introduces a quick access menu, providing easy navigation to essential features and services. This menu aims to streamline the user experience and save time when accessing games, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, and settings. Additionally, the “Browse your games” tab, previously known as “My games & apps,” now provides updates on the user’s library and the Microsoft Store. For example, it may notify users when a wishlisted game is on sale, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Availability for Xbox Insiders

The redesigned Xbox dashboard is being rolled out as an experiment to select Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings. Xbox Insiders are a community of players who participate in testing and providing feedback on upcoming features and updates. Their insights and feedback help shape the future of Xbox consoles and services. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of user feedback, indicating that the team will continue to refine and improve the dashboard based on user responses.

With this new dashboard design, Microsoft aims to deliver a more intuitive and visually appealing interface that enhances the gaming experience for Xbox users. The quick access menu, improved background space, and updates to the game library browsing feature are expected to provide greater convenience and accessibility. As Microsoft continues to iterate on the dashboard based on user feedback, Xbox users can look forward to future enhancements and refinements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Xbox Insiders?

  Xbox Insiders is a community of players who voluntarily participate in testing and providing feedback on upcoming features, updates, and experiments for Xbox consoles and services. They help Microsoft gather insights and make improvements before releasing them to the wider Xbox user base.

• What is the purpose of the Xbox Game Pass?

  The Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft for Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs. It provides members with unlimited access to a library of games, including both first-party titles and a selection of third-party games. Subscribers can download and play any game from the library as long as their subscription is active.

• What are the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings in Xbox Insiders?

  The Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings are categories within the Xbox Insiders program. These rings represent different levels of access to early builds, features, and updates for Xbox consoles. Alpha Skip-Ahead usually provides the earliest access to experimental features and updates, while Alpha ring follows closely behind. Participants in these rings get to test and provide feedback on upcoming changes before they are released to the general Xbox user base.

• What is the Microsoft Store?

  The Microsoft Store is a digital platform and marketplace where users can browse, purchase, and download various software applications, games, movies, TV shows, and other digital content. It serves as the official store for Microsoft products and services, including apps and games for Xbox consoles and Windows devices.