XBOX Starts Early Testing of New Console Features

Select XBOX Insiders in Alpha Skip-Ahead can now test several new XBOX console features ahead of broader testing.

“This latest update brings more ways to make your console feel more like yours and easier ways to stay informed,” XBOX senior product manager Alex Charters and principal software engineering lead Eden Marie write. “[It] adds more personalization with expanded color options, on-screen controller visibility, easier access to ‘What’s New’ after updates, and XBOX Service status on console.”

Here’s what’s new.

XBOX Accessories improvements. Now, when you view your XBOX controllers in the XBOX Accessories app, each will visually display its exact look, whether it’s a standard, special edition, or Elite series 2 controller. This makes it much easier to determine which controller you’re customizing.

More color options. Thanks to feedback, XBOX is adding more options for customizing the color scheme displayed in the XBOX Dashboard. Soon, you will be able to enter a specific hex color code for more precise color customization or use a “match my gamerpic” option for a more automatic choice. Once you pick the color, you can preview the look before applying it across your console.

What’s new after an update. After a console update, you can see the release notes in the top navigation area in the Home view. These release notes now include more information about the changes, new features, and bug fixes.

Service status. When there’s an issue with the XBOX service, a new indicator will appear in the upper-right corner of the screen so you can find out what’s happening. If you select the indicator, you can learn more about the issues and when a fix is expected.

XBOX says these features will roll out to more Insiders over time, and it plans broader availability to all players at a later time.