Microsoft is introducing a new Xbox app for PC that launches “up to 60 percent faster” than before, with a revamped design to accommodate new Xbox Cloud Gaming updates on the web and smart TVs. Xbox Insiders will be able to start testing the updated Xbox PC app today, and the updated Xbox Cloud Gaming interface will begin rolling out in the coming weeks. Since Microsoft launched its Xbox Ally handheld devices last year, it was clear that the Xbox app for PC still needed a lot of work to feel more like an Xbox console experience on Windows. Microsoft has greatly simplified the app now, with a layout that no longer feels like you’re clicking your mouse when using a controller. “The app now launches up to 60 percent faster,” says Jason Beaumont, vice president of experiences at Xbox. “Pages like Home, Store, and Game Pass load up to 50 percent faster and in-app windows open up to 65 percent faster.” The Xbox app for PC also has simplified navigation that should make it easier to use on a controller, and the library section now has updated filters and better ways to organize installed games. Microsoft has also improved the social parts of the Xbox app for PC, with friends now listed on the main page and quick buttons to start a chat or join a group. The overall app now looks less web-like, with what appears to be a mix of native and web elements. Microsoft has also updated the game card user interface, as well as the startup and settings sections. Even the animations have been updated to make it feel more like an Xbox dashboard experience. I’ve been using this new Xbox app for PC for the past few weeks and it’s noticeably faster on a variety of devices I have. I found it’s much easier to navigate with a controller and the search interface no longer tries to appear when you move between sections. However, this redesign makes the Game Bar interface on handhelds feel a little out of place now. I understand that Microsoft is looking to improve that in the coming months, and there should be design updates to better match this updated Xbox app for PC. This new user interface will also come to Xbox Cloud Gaming. “We’re also bringing the refreshed Xbox web experience to more players and rolling out updates to the Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on compatible TVs and VR headsets,” Beaumont says. “These changes are part of our work to make Xbox faster, simpler and more familiar wherever you play.” The updated web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming looks similar to the Xbox app for PC. A new library tab highlights cloud games in your own library and Xbox Game Pass. A desktop mode makes better use of larger screens, and you can choose between dark and light modes, as well as five new high contrast options designed to improve accessibility support. A similar design will also be available soon on smart TVs and VR headsets, but these designs are not exactly the same on PC, web, and smart TVs as they have been customized by Microsoft. “Playing on a PC, TV or VR device is different and each experience needs to work well for the screen you’re using,” Beaumont says. “Wherever you play, the basics will be familiar: finding your games, knowing what you can play, and accessing a game quickly.”
