Summary
Microsoft has unveiled a range of new social-centric features forXbox Cloud Gaming, including the ability to discover and manage friends, initiate parties outside of gaming sessions, maintain party chats between game sessions, and more. These significant enhancements, along with fixes, are now available forXboxInsiders enrolled in the Alpha Skip-Ahead program.
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a service provided by Microsoft as part of the Xbox ecosystem. It enables players to stream and play Xbox games on various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs, eliminating the need for high-end gaming hardware. The service offers support forXbox Game Pass titlesand other games in the Xbox library.
In addition to therecently added major feature in Xbox Cloud Gaming, this new update now introduces exciting new social features. Xbox Insiders can enjoy an updated interface that includes several functionalities aimed at enhancing social interactions within the gaming community. Insiders will encounter a revamped guide that allows them to seamlessly discover and manage friends, initiate parties outside of gaming sessions, and maintain party chats across different game sessions (not currently available on Smart TVs). They can also send messages to friends, view detailed user profiles to learn more about fellow players, and check notifications and toasts conveniently. Furthermore, they can monitor achievements and track gaming accomplishments.
Additionally, users who are Xbox Insiders and play cloud games through xbox.com/play will observe a freshly introduced controller icon within the guide once they are connected and gaming on a web browser. This addition streamlines the process of connecting controllers, enhancing the overall gaming experience. To utilize these features on browsers, users must activate Preview features in their browser settings. This can be achieved by navigating to their profile picture at xbox.com/play, choosing Settings, and enabling “Preview features.”
Moreover, this update incorporates numerous fixes aimed at improving system stability and user experience whileplaying Xbox Game Pass titlesand other Xbox games. Various updates have been implemented to ensure accurate localization across the console, reflecting local languages properly. While the update brings several improvements, it also acknowledges known issues, such as intermittent audio problems reported by some users across the dashboard, games, and apps. Xbox’s engineers are actively working on resolving these issues.
As the Alpha testers explore these new Xbox Cloud Gaming social-centric features, it’s worth mentioning that the Insider program continues to play a vital role in shaping Xbox consoles and services. The program offers an opportunity for gamers topreview upcoming Xbox updates, test experimental software, and contribute directly to the development process of Xbox services.
New Features and Experiences
Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
Starting today, Xbox Insiders can preview updated social features when using supported browsers, the Xbox app for Smart TVs, and Meta Quest Headsets. Insiders will have an updated interface in the guide for the following actions:
Xbox Insiders playing cloud games via xbox.com/play will notice a controller icon in the guide when connected and playing on a browser. This supports users in connecting a controller when playing on a browser.
Note:Users on browser will need to enable Preview features on their browser to gain access to the feature. This is done by clicking on your profile picture at xbox.com/play and then select Settings and then enable “Preview features.”
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
System
While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.
OneGuide
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
