Xbox PC App Overhaul Improves Speed and Usability

Microsoft has given its Xbox PC app a major makeover, significantly improving its speed and usability. The revamped app is set to launch "up to 60 percent faster" than before, making it more responsive for users who play games on their Windows PCs.

Xbox Insiders can start testing the updated app today, while the rest of the user base will have to wait a few weeks for the changes to roll out. The new design is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to modernize its Xbox Cloud Gaming interface, which will also receive an update in the coming days.

The Xbox PC app has long been criticized for feeling like a separate entity from the console experience on Windows. However, with this overhaul, Microsoft aims to bridge that gap and provide a more cohesive gaming environment for users. The company's goal is to make it easier for players to switch between their PCs and consoles without feeling like they're using different systems.

The app now features simplified navigation, making it easier to use with a controller. Jason Beaumont, VP of Xbox experiences, notes that the library section has also been revamped with updated filters and improved organization options for installed games.

The revamped Xbox PC app has undergone significant changes to its social features, making it easier for users to stay connected with friends. Friends are now prominently displayed on the main page, allowing users to quickly access their profiles and initiate conversations.

In addition to these updates, the overall design of the app has been reworked to blend native and web elements seamlessly together. This effort is part of Microsoft's broader plan to create a more cohesive experience across different platforms.

The game card UI, home section, and settings area have also received refreshes, aligning with the new design language. Furthermore, animations throughout the app have been updated to mirror those found on an Xbox dashboard.

Navigation has become significantly easier with this redesign, especially for users who prefer to control their devices with a controller. The search interface no longer intrusively appears when moving between sections, providing a more streamlined experience.

The revamped Xbox user interface (UI) is now being rolled out to various platforms beyond its PC app, including web and cloud gaming services. According to Microsoft, this means that more players will soon be able to enjoy a faster and more streamlined experience on the Xbox website.

Key features of the refreshed UI include a new library tab that highlights cloud games across users' own libraries and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Additionally, a desktop mode has been introduced to make better use of larger displays, offering options for dark and light modes as well as five high-contrast settings designed to enhance accessibility support.

The updated design will also be available on smart TVs and VR headsets in the near future, with Microsoft tailoring each experience to suit its respective screen.