Microsoft invited players to join its exclusive Alpha Skip-Ahead testing ring, which allows them to try out builds and features that aren't available yet.
It's typically a testing ring with very high criteria for joining, but now the Microsoft Xbox Insider Team revealed that it is expanding its Alpha Skip-Ahead ring and every Xbox Insider is encouraged to volunteer.
The Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring
According to the announcement on the official Xbox blog, the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring features the latest OS build, the 2004.190918-1920, which is reportedly among the next major releases for Xbox One. This ring's builds usually have different features from other rings.
"Alpha Skip-Ahead is part of a different development branch from the other preview rings ... This ring serves as a building block for changes for Xbox One that have a larger impact on the functionality and stability of the system, overall," the company explained in the blog post.
Some of the issues that players can expect from the ring are problems with starting the Home dashboard and being asked for a password even with the PIN setting disabled.
When encountering these issues, players are requested to report the problem and to reach out to the Xbox team by messaging them on Reddit or Twitter. Attempts at troubleshooting, even by those with experience, are discouraged.
We’ve got exciting news! The Xbox Insider Team is opening enrollment to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring to all #XboxInsiders! Read our post for info on how to join: https://t.co/ZzAXpnVUdW — Xbox Insider (@xboxinsider) September 20, 2019
Microsoft Hunting For New Volunteers To Join Alpha Skip-Ahead
According to the team, Microsoft typically has a "closely guarded criteria" in selecting the members of the Alpha Skip Ahead testing ring, but now players are welcomed to volunteer.
All Xbox Insiders are eligible to join the ring as long as they follow the steps shared on the subreddit.
While on the Xbox One, players are instructed to press the power button until the power menu appears. Select "Report a problem," then "Add New Problem." A new sub-category titled "Future Build" should be among the selections. From here, users can share why they want to be part of the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring.
Xbox will confirm the new Xbox One Alpha Skip-Ahead members by sending them messages on the week of Sept. 23. Once players have received a message, they can start participating in the ring by launching Xbox Insider Hub on the Xbox One and getting the required console update.
