Microsoft introduced a compact mode for its Xbox app on Windows last year to improve the handheld experience. Initially focusing on UI improvements for small screens, Microsoft is now addressing challenges of navigating the app with a D-pad and sticks. In a new update for Xbox Insiders, a “Jump back in” feature has been added to quickly launch recently played games on a Windows handheld. This feature will list up to nine games on the main screen, allowing users to launch a game directly with the press of a button. The update is intelligent enough to switch to already running games and will navigate to the game hub for additional information.
The friends panel within the Xbox app has also been improved to make it easier to access with a handheld or controller. Quick access from the sidebar to a slide-out friends list with large buttons for party chats has been added. However, navigating the Xbox app on devices like the ROG Ally without touching the screen can still be difficult. Accessing the sidebar can be challenging if you’ve scrolled down a page, and the app may get stuck in certain sections, preventing access to the sidebar by navigating left. Despite these challenges, Microsoft is making progress in improving the handheld experience for PC Game Pass subscribers who own Windows handhelds.
While some difficulties in navigating the Xbox app on handheld devices persist, Microsoft continues to make improvements for PC Game Pass subscribers. The new “Jump back in” feature allows for quick access to recently played games, and the friends panel has been updated for easier access to party chats. However, accessing the sidebar on devices like the ROG Ally without touching the screen can still be challenging, with the app sometimes getting stuck in certain sections. Microsoft still has work to do to improve the overall handheld experience on Windows, but early improvements are being made for Game Pass subscribers with Windows handhelds.
The introduction of a compact mode for the Xbox app on Windows aimed to enhance the handheld experience for users, with a focus on improving UI for small screens. Now, Microsoft is taking steps to improve the navigation experience for users using a D-pad and sticks. A new “Jump back in” feature has been added in a recent update for Xbox Insiders, allowing users to quickly launch recently played games on a Windows handheld. The feature will display up to nine games on the main screen, enabling users to launch games directly with the press of a button.
In addition to the “Jump back in” feature, Microsoft has made improvements to the friends panel within the Xbox app to make it easier to access with a handheld or controller. Quick access from the sidebar to a slide-out friends list with large buttons for party chats has been implemented. However, navigating the Xbox app on devices like the ROG Ally without touching the screen can still pose challenges. Accessing the sidebar may be difficult if you’ve scrolled down a page, and the app can get stuck in certain sections, hindering access to the sidebar by navigating left. Microsoft is making progress in enhancing the handheld experience on Windows for PC Game Pass subscribers who own Windows handhelds.
Overall, Microsoft’s updates to the Xbox app on Windows have aimed to improve the handheld experience for users, with a focus on enhancing navigation with a D-pad and sticks. The new “Jump back in” feature allows for quick access to recently played games, and improvements to the friends panel make it easier to access party chats. While challenges in navigating the app on devices like the ROG Ally without touching the screen persist, Microsoft is making strides in improving the overall handheld experience for PC Game Pass subscribers with Windows handhelds. There is still more work to be done, but early improvements are being made to enhance the handheld gaming experience on Windows devices.