Microsoft has announced a major update to its Xbox app for Windows 10 and Windows 11, introducing a range of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and game discoverability. The update is part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve the Xbox ecosystem on Windows PCs.
Improved Game Discoverability
One of the key updates is improved game discoverability. The Xbox app now features updated game cards across the entire app, providing users with more detailed information about each game. “We've updated game cards throughout the app to give you more information and convenience. Now, you can see the game's title along with contextual metadata like publisher, pricing, HowLongToBeat time, coming to Game Pass date, leaving Game Pass date for those games leaving soon” said Jason Beaumont, Partner Director of Product Management, Player Experiences and Platform at Xbox.
Additionally, the app now offers new filter options for accessibility tags, game ratings, and game lengths. This, coupled with the introduction of new curated game collections based on different criteria, is expected to significantly enhance game discoverability.
Enhanced Accessibility Options
The Xbox app update also introduces a new dedicated section in settings for accessibility options. This centralized location allows users to customize their accessibility settings, such as enabling or disabling animations and background images, or customizing the ability to browse for games by accessibility features. “Another important update focuses on unifying your accessibility settings, ultimately elevating your PC gaming experience”, Beaumont added.
At-a-Glance Social Features
The update also brings new social features to the Xbox app. Users can now pop out different social features like friends lists or message threads into a separate window that can be moved independently from the main Xbox app. “Now, you can keep your friends list, chat, and party windows up even while you're in game! If you have two desktops, simply drag these windows onto the desktop that's not in a full-screen game and continue to stay updated with your friends, all at-a-glance”, Beaumont detailed.
The Xbox app update is a welcome development for PC gamers, offering a host of improvements to discoverability, accessibility, and more. It's not a dramatic redesign, but these changes should make the Xbox app just a little bit better for its users.
