Microsoft will roll out a new version of the Xbox Home screen to testers this week, it’s said.
The platform holder has been experimenting with changes to the Xbox home screen on consoles for several months. The updated design rolling out to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings this week is said to incorporate feedback gathered from these earlier tests.
“Starting this week, users in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings will be able to preview a new version of their Home experience,” wrote Microsoft’s senior product manager lead, Ivy Krislov.
“This updated design incorporates the feedback we’ve heard from you along with all the learnings from our earlier experiments.”
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Krislov specifically highlighted feedback on previous experiments, stating that the top of Home felt crowded and didn’t leave enough space “to enjoy your background”.
“So, we designed hundreds of options, then refined with prototypes and finally user-tested in our Research labs until we found one we hope you’ll love,” he explained. “It balances the experience, accessibility, function, and the needs of our community. We are excited to hear what you think!”
According to Microsoft, this new version of Home provides easy navigation to library, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, search, and settings by introducing a new quick access menu.
It also simplifies the layout and makes more space for users to see their backgrounds by reducing the size of some of the tiles and moving them to the bottom of the screen.
Finally, it adds a responsive game art feature to update the default background and show off the art associated with each title when you hover over the tiles.
“We’ve also updated the tile that opened ‘My games & apps’ (the first tile in the second row) to let you know when there’s something new or needs your attention,” Krislov wrote.
“As the experience is not final, you may see updates either from your library or the Microsoft Store. For example, if there are items from your wish list on sale, you may get an update that shows up on your Home in that tile.
“We want to thank all the selected Xbox Insiders who have taken part in the experiments for the feedback you’ve shared with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process, and our team will continue to work hard to tweak and grow these experiences based on what we hear from you.”
