New Xbox Cloud Gaming Features for Alpha Skip-Ahead Program Members
Players enrolled in the Xbox Insider Program have a new Xbox Cloud Gaming-focused build to check out, and it’s a pretty substantial update.
As detailed in an Xbox Wire post, Xbox players on the Alpha Skip-Ahead program now have access to the latest OS version in testing. It primarily introduces new social features for Xbox Cloud Gaming when it’s being used via a supported web browser, smart TVs, and even Meta Quest headsets.
The Ability to Start Xbox Party Chats
The standout feature in our books is the ability to start Xbox party chats through the aforementioned sources. What this means in essence is that you’ll be able to chat online when streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming without needing to rely on a third party app like Discord. However, this functionality currently isn’t available via the Xbox app for smart TVs; presumably this is still being worked on and will come later.
User Interface Overhaul
The Xbox Cloud Gaming interface on browser, smart TVs and Quest headsets has also seen something of an overhaul, and will now afford players access to features like sending messages, managing friends lists and viewing achievements. All in all, a bit more parity with the Xbox console dashboard, then. Lastly, a controller icon will be displayed in browser when an Xbox-compatible controller has been connected.
Full List of Updates
- Find and manage friends
- Start parties outside of playing games and continue party chats between game sessions (currently not available on Smart TVs)
- Send messages
- View user profiles
- View notification inbox and toasts
- View achievements
Note that you will need to have joined the Xbox Insider Program in order to enjoy these features before they’re rolled out to the public sometime in the future. Doing so is rather easy, and you can learn all about it in our guide to joining the Xbox Insider Program.