Microsoft has been teasing the new customizable Xbox avatars since last year, and after numerous delays, they're finally available to Xbox Insiders.
Microsoft's New Xbox Avatars Finally Here
Xbox announced a revamp of its outdated Avatar Editor at E3 last year with a Fall 2017 release date. However, the new customizable avatars did not see the light of day.
Now, after several delays, teases, and leaks, the overhauled Xbox avatars have finally been made available to Xbox Insiders. On Monday, June 18, Xbox announced via an Xbox Wire post that the new Avatar editing tool would be rolled out to select Xbox Insiders on Tuesday, June 19, before Xbox One users get a taste of it.
The app will first be available to Alpha and Alpha - Skip Ahead members before it is pushed to more Insider rings. Microsoft did not specify when the new Avatar Editor will be available to all users. Given that the feature has already reached the testing stages, it shouldn't be too long.
New Customization Options
Anyone who has ever played a game where they can create their own character, like The Sims, would be familiar with what Xbox's new Avatar Editor has to offer.
Users will be able to create their character from scratch by choosing everything from the character's gender and body shape to other customizations such as clothing, face, hair, make-up, and even fingernails.
They can also use the Editor's extensive color picker, available with each option, to make sure they get the shade they are looking for, and they can also purchase additional items from an avatar store.
Since Xbox is not ready for a full release yet, there are only a few customization options right now. Additional accessories, moods, appearance, props, and clothing categories will be available to users in the weeks to come, and new content will regularly be added once the feature rolls out to all Xbox One users.
Users will have the option to use their avatar as their Gamerpic by using the new Photobooth feature. Users can choose from a number of different backgrounds, poses, angles, and emotes to create a personalized Gamerpic. Users will also have the option to apply the new Avatar system or go back to the original avatar they created back on Xbox 360.
For the time being, only the Xbox Editor app is available, but Microsoft noted that dashboard integration would be coming soon to Insiders.
