Microsoft continues to enhance the Xbox user experience, introducing an improved home screen for Xbox Series/X and One players that promises quicker access to games and a more personalized touch. The redesigned dashboard now features a quick access menu, streamlining your pathway to your game library, Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, and frequently used functions. Additionally, users can pin their favorite games and explore curated game lists for new discoveries. This update is expected to be available to all users in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, the revamped design allows for a more expansive display of custom backgrounds. Players now have the choice to auto-set their background to mirror the artwork of their most recently played game, similar to PlayStation’s dynamic backgrounds. The enhanced community row showcases your friends’ activities, and spotlight sections direct you to fresh content.
Purchasing games has also been simplified. In a new collaboration, PayPal has announced that soon, players in the US will have the option to use Venmo for their transactions in the Microsoft Store on Xbox. This not only offers a means to utilize any residual Venmo balance but also provides a convenient method to split payments.
This interface update arrives following eight months of Microsoft’s open testing of potential Xbox UI changes. Notably, while Microsoft often revisits and revises its UI, rival Sony tends to retain its PlayStation interface throughout a console’s life cycle. While these frequent changes might challenge those desiring a static UI, they underline Microsoft’s commitment to incorporating player feedback and maintaining a distinctive edge in the gaming landscape.
