What you need to know
Microsoft has unveiled an exciting new feature for the Xbox app on Windows, aptly named “Home.” This addition transforms the app into a more user-friendly experience, offering a dedicated Home screen that showcases a variety of gaming content.
- The Home menu prominently displays featured game releases, new additions to Game Pass, and upcoming events. It also highlights top game deals currently available, along with a personalized list of game recommendations tailored to your gaming history.
- For those who prefer a more compact view, the app includes a Compact Mode that allows users to see recently played games, making it easy to dive back into their favorites.
- Currently, the Home menu is exclusive to Xbox Insiders, who can easily join the Xbox Insider Program for free. Detailed instructions and links for enrollment are available below.
- This update comes in response to long-standing criticisms of the Xbox app, which has faced scrutiny for its performance issues and cumbersome navigation. Microsoft aims to enhance the overall user experience for PC gamers with this latest iteration.
Since its launch, the Xbox app for Windows has been a topic of debate among users. While it serves as a platform for discovering new Xbox and Xbox Game Pass titles, many have expressed frustration over its sluggish performance, installation bugs, and the challenge of navigating its menus. In response, Microsoft has been diligently working on improvements, culminating in the introduction of the new “Home experience.”
The Home menu mirrors the familiar Xbox dashboard found on Microsoft’s consoles, a feature many believe should have been included from the start. It offers a curated selection of content, showcasing new game launches, Game Pass updates, and special events. Additionally, it provides users with a list of the best current game deals and personalized game suggestions based on previous play history. The Compact Mode enhances usability by displaying tiles of recently played games, allowing for quick access with the aptly named “Jump back in” feature.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
At present, the Home menu is accessible only to Xbox Insiders as part of its testing phase. Signing up for the program is straightforward and free, requiring only the download of the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Microsoft Store. As the rollout begins today, all Xbox Insiders can start using Home immediately upon enrolling in the PC Gaming Preview, even if they are new to the program.
To gather user feedback, a brief survey will be available for those who explore the Home screen, encouraging them to share their experiences. Fans are also invited to engage on the official Xbox Insiders subreddit for any issues encountered, with direct support available through Xbox channels.
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(Image credit: Microsoft)
The introduction of a dedicated Home tab is a welcome development for the Xbox app, which has seen significant improvements over the past couple of years. With a focus on enhancing design, addressing bugs, and optimizing performance, this latest update marks a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to create a more enjoyable experience for PC and Game Pass users. As the rollout continues, anticipation builds for the positive impact this feature will have on the gaming community.
