Xbox Insiders Can Test New Customization Options, 1440p Remote Play, and Chat Improvements
The latest testing wave adds selectable startup animations, local search, badge controls, downloads while cloud gaming, and chat and party improvements.
What we know
Xbox has made a new batch of console features available for testing through the Xbox Insider program. The update covers personalization, content search, remote play, cloud gaming, voice chat, and parties.
One of the additions lets players choose the animation shown when the console powers on. Users can select animations spanning the Xbox One era through the current generation under Settings > System > Startup, which still includes the option to play the animation with or without sound.
Profiles are also gaining more control over earned badges. Insiders can feature up to five badges in their profile card showcase and hide individual badges from their public profile.
Local search for games and achievements
A new local search tool is designed to help users locate particular games and achievements in larger lists. It is available in My games & apps, official club achievement lists, and profile achievement history, working alongside the existing filtering and sorting tools.
Xbox Series X|S users in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings can also preview Xbox Remote Play improvements. On supported devices, streaming from a console to PC, phones, TVs, and other devices can reach up to 1440p resolution, with higher video bitrates intended to provide sharper image quality and smoother play.
Remote Play does not need an additional subscription because it uses the player’s own console. During testing, some devices may not yet separate Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play streaming settings. When streaming quality is set to Auto, Remote Play will choose the highest resolution and bitrate supported by the device and network connection. Xbox says players should set their console display resolution to 1440p or 4K UHD under Settings > General > TV & display options to use these improvements.
Background downloads and clearer voice chat
Games installing or updating can now continue downloading in the background while a player uses cloud gaming, provided network conditions allow it. The setting is located under Settings > Cloud gaming > Streaming preferences and can be switched off. Xbox says Series X|S players will see the largest benefits.
Voice Clarity is also entering testing on Xbox Series X|S. The audio feature reduces everyday background noise to make communication easier. It will be enabled by default in party chat and in most games released since 2020, while players can manage it through Settings > General > Volume & audio output > Additional options.
Finally, Xbox is testing behind-the-scenes changes intended to improve party reliability and security. The company is asking Insider participants to submit feedback if they encounter unusual behavior. Players who want early access to such tests can join through the Xbox Insider Hub app on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC.
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