Microsoft continues to improve the experience in Xbox Cloud Gaming. The tech giant announced yesterday that Xbox Insiders can now preview an updated UI that adds new social-centric features to the cloud streaming service.
In a new Xbox Wire blog post (spotted by The Verge), a new UI in Xbox Cloud Gaming adds social features that were initially found on the Xbox console dashboard. Specifically, the new interface allows users to access a web browser version of Xbox Party Chat instead of using a mobile app like Discord or the Xbox desktop app.
the new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface is also available on mobile https://t.co/W2GYQu927y pic.twitter.com/sUD5W2uq2J
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) April 11, 2024
More interestingly, the Xbox Wire post notes that most of the new features for the new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface will be available on the web browser, in addition to Smart TVs and Meta Quest headsets. However, according to Microsoft, the party chat feature is not yet available on Smart TVs.
This is a long time coming as Microsoft's cloud gaming service has already taken a page from the Xbox console's handbook, and both have similar user interfaces. The social features for Xbox Cloud Gaming's UI come weeks after Microsoft began testing mouse and keyboard support for the service, though only a small handful of games like Fortnite and Age of Empires 2.
In our review of Xbox Cloud Gaming, IGN wrote: "A slippery selection of games and frustrating technical issues hold Xbox Cloud Gaming shy of greatness – but just barely."
Microsoft allows Xbox Insiders with the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring access to the new UI before releasing it to the broader public. However, Microsoft did not reveal a release window for when all users will have access.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
