Xbox Insiders can now test two new quality-of-life features that will soon go live for all Xbox Cloud Gaming and console users once testing is done.
Highlights
- Xbox is testing new features like managing Cloud Gaming save files on the go and easier switching between multiple Wi-Fi networks.
- Insiders can test these updates now, with a public release expected soon after a brief testing period.
- Xbox users can also enjoy new features like game hubs on the Xbox app for PC and advanced access restrictions on consoles.
After a round of improvements, Xbox Cloud Gaming and console users will soon be able to manage their save files on the go and manage more than one Wi-Fi network in the OS settings. The changes are now available for Xbox Insiders to test on compatible Xbox Cloud Gaming devices and Xbox Series X/S, with a general release to the public likely happening after a short testing window.
The news of these changes came after Xbox released a console firmware update in April. Among the changes were improvements to Discord functionality on consoles, including the ability to toggle soundboard audio from other users on or off. Xbox console users can now prevent guest accounts from installing or removing games and apps from a console by using a new option to set up access restrictions in the Xbox system menu. Plus, PC users saw the addition of game hubs on the Xbox app for Windows 10 and 11, which gives users information about a game such as HowLongToBeat statistics, achievements, and a list of friends playing the same title.
Although a previous Xbox Cloud Gaming update improved its social features, Microsoft was far from done with giving Xbox users more features to utilize. According to The Verge's Tom Warren, Xbox Cloud Gaming users will soon be able to manage game saves from a compatible web browser or smart TV. This change would allow users to "get out of a bad spot" that would otherwise force them to make a new save file. The Xbox Cloud Gaming update is live for users enrolled in the Xbox Insider program. But, other Xbox users responded to Warren's social media post and claimed the change was live for them as non-Insiders.
Xbox Users Are Getting Cloud Gaming and Console Wi-Fi Improvements
In addition to the Xbox Cloud Gaming changes, Warren reported that a new Xbox console update would allow the system to remember and swap between multiple Wi-Fi networks. In a short video, Warren stated the change is aimed at players who regularly take their Xbox console with them on a trip or if they use multiple home networks for different purposes. This feature can be accessed in the system's wireless network settings, and by picking the option to manage remembered wireless networks. In response, some Xbox users pointed out such a feature could be handy on a potential Xbox handheld console.
Between these updates, and planned changes to the Xbox dashboard interface, Microsoft users will have even more options to customize their experiences. It remains to be seen what other features Xbox users will see next.
Brand Microsoft Original Release Date November 10, 2020 Hardware Versions Xbox Series X Original MSRP (USD) $499 Weight 9.8 LBS See at Official SiteSee at WalmartSee at Best Buy$487 at Amazon
