Microsoft is on track to improve the Xbox experience as the company outs new preview features across Windows 10 and Xbox One.
The Xbox app for Windows 10 will automatically get updated on PCs to the May preview version once it is available in the Windows Store. When the update is received by a PC the version will show as "5.5.20022.00000 or higher." Gamers can verify preview version number of the Xbox app in Settings.
This month's Xbox app preview on Windows 10 includes:
Avatars - Gamers can download and then launch the Avatars app directly within the Xbox app. Once the app is installed, a gamer has to select "Customize" and then edit their avatars such as dressing it or buy new items for it.
Friends - This feature makes it easier to add friends. A gamer can designate favorites and also share their name via the Xbox app. Gamers will also have the ability to block or report others via the Xbox app.
Game hubs - This feature allows viewing game-specific feeds, friends who have played a specific game and individual achievement progress.
Game DVR/Keyboard shortcuts - Gamers now have the ability to edit keyboard shortcuts that are used to open Game Bar, taking screenshots, stopping or starting recording and more. Gamers can now also manage and view their cloud-based game clips via the Xbox app.
Testing - Testing will allow the Xbox team to test streaming so that they can optimize streaming through Xbox Ones to Windows 10 PCs.
Turn on/off your console - The "Connect" menu has also been updated on the Xbox app that allows turning on/off the console from Windows 10, if they are on the same network.
The latest update brings some changes to Xbox One as well.
Xbox One Digital TV Tuner in 11 new European countries - The Xbox team will test the Xbox One Digital TV with the preview audience in Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Denmark, Belgium and Austria.
Wireless Display app -Xbox team will refine Miracast functionality with the help of Wireless Display app.
"We appreciate all the great feedback you've sent us and the team continues to make improvements to the Miracast functionality in the Wireless Display app based on that feedback," per Xbox Wire.
Photo: Marco Verch | Flickr
