Microsoft is prepping for some changes to theXboxuser interface going into the release of the Xbox Series X console later this year. The Xbox One isn’t being left behind, though, as all of Microsoft’s planned changes will be coming to the current-gen platform as well. Today theXboxteam revealed yet another feature being added to the consoles' UI. Soon Xbox gamers will be able to see the status of their game installations from their console’s home screen.
The confirmation of the update came from the official Xbox Insider Twitter account, as the update is exclusive to Beta and Delta Xbox Insiders for the time being. Exact details aren’t clear and no images of the change were made available, and all that was revealed is thatXbox userswill be able to “monitor the installation progress of games directly from Home.” This may sound like a basic feature, which it is, but it’s new to Xbox.
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To be clear, Xbox users have always been able to check the status of their installations. Pressing on the Xbox controller’s Xbox button, going toMy Games & Apps, and then managing the user’s Queue will show active game downloads and installation. And as should be immediately clear, it’s quite a pain to deal with unless you know specifically how to access it. That’s assuredly why Xbox is making the change and also why it’ll probably be well-regarded by Xbox users.
The question many Xbox users are probably asking themselves is, “Why now?” The answer isn’t readily available. Obviously, it’s a feature that most Xbox users would want. Which makes it seem that Xbox wasn’t limited by what fans or the team wanted, but perhaps by a technical issue related to theXbox One’s UI. Suffice to say, it makes sense that something must have changed in order for Xbox to finally make this change.
It’s no coincidence that Xbox is currently making major changes to its consoles' UI. In mid-August, the team atMicrosoft revealed a unified UIthat will be used across Xbox One, Xbox Series X, as well as on PC and mobile devices. Not only does the new UI make navigation much simpler with what it calls “The Guide,” but it’s also making the UI much faster in the console’s shop. This update is rolling out to Xbox One users in waves, but will be on Xbox Series X at launch later this year.
The new Xbox feature isn’t available yet, as it’s still in testing. However, it’s probably safe to assume that the change will go live for allXboxusers in time for it to be available toXbox Series X usersthis holiday season.
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