Microsoft is unveiling a new Xbox PC app that launches “up to 60 percent faster” than before, with an overhauled design to match new updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming 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 start rolling out over the next few weeks.
Ever since Microsoft launched its Xbox Ally handheld devices last year, it was clear the Xbox PC app 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 design that no longer feels like you’re clicking a mouse when you’re using a controller.
“The app now launches up to 60 percent faster,” says Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox experiences. “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 PC app 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 your installed games.
Microsoft has improved the social parts of the Xbox PC app, too, with friends now listed in the main page and quick buttons to start a chat or join a party. The app overall feels less like a web one now, with what appears to be a mix of native and web elements. Microsoft has also refreshed the game card UI, as well as the home and settings sections. Even the animations have been updated to make this feel more like an Xbox dashboard experience.
I’ve been using this new Xbox PC app for the past few weeks, and it’s noticeably faster on a variety of devices I own. I’ve found it’s much easier to navigate around with a controller, and the search interface no longer tries to pop up when you’re moving between sections.
This redesign does make the Game Bar interface on handhelds feel a little out of place now, though. I understand Microsoft is looking to improve that in the coming months, and there should be design updates to make it match more closely to this updated Xbox PC app.
This new UI is also coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming. “We’re also bringing the refreshed Xbox web experience to more players and rolling out updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming apps on supported TVs and VR headsets,” says Beaumont. “These changes are part of our work to make Xbox faster, simpler, and more familiar wherever you play.”
The refreshed web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming has a similar look and feel to the Xbox PC app. A new library tab highlights cloud games across your own library and Xbox Game Pass. A desktop mode makes better use of larger displays, 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 on smart TVs and VR headsets soon, but these designs aren’t exactly the same across PC, web, and smart TVs as Microsoft has customized them. “Playing on a PC, TV, or VR headset is different, and each experience needs to work well for the screen you’re using,” says Beaumont. “Wherever you play, the basics should feel familiar: finding your games, knowing what you can play, and getting into a game quickly.”