The New Xbox Experience was a software overhaul that was released for Xbox One consoles and the system software that launched with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The update included changes to the console's dashboard and guide as well as overhauls of the system's store, user profiles and mobile and PC app.
The update was announced on August 19, 2020 via a post on Xbox Wire[1]. The update was released in various parts across a two month period, with all parts being released before November 10, 2020, in time for the launch of the Xbox Series X and S.
The Microsoft Store console app overhaul was the first part of the New Xbox Experience to be made available to the public, with the new store being made available to all Xbox One owners on September 24. Updates to the console's dashboards and the overhaul of user profiles were released a few weeks later on October 14[2]. Testing for the revamped Xbox mobile app began for Android users on September 21, with the app being made available to all iOS and Android users about a month later on October 19.
Dashboard[]
Minor visual tweaks were made to the Dashboard as a part of the New Xbox Experience. Visually the dashboard will remain mostly the same, apart from tiles on the screen now being rounded. Under the hood the dashboard will now boot up 50% faster and will load 30% quicker when returning home from a game. These changes and improvements result in 40 percent less memory usage when compared to the previous dashboard version.
For Xbox Series X and S consoles, this update also brought the ability to change the dashboard background to one of many Dynamic Backgrounds. These backgrounds display a moving image that seamlessly plays itself over and over when displayed on the users dashboard.
Guide[]
The new Guide.
A handful of changes were also made to the Guide that improve speed and efficiency. A number of tabs on the guide were reorganized to allow for faster access to certain parts of console. For example the user's party can now been accessed instantly when opening the guide. Rather than having to navigate all the way to a specific tab.
Xbox app[]
The Xbox app for mobile devices was completely redesigned to include more features than ever when paired to a console. One of the biggest additions that came with the app overhaul was the ability to instantly remote play the users console on their mobile device, like the streaming feature present in the Xbox Console Companion App on PC. Another notable addition included the ability to view and download clips directly to the users phone as soon as the capture has have been uploaded to the Xbox network.
Other new features include more coordinated notifications and streamlined messaging between other players.
Store[]
New and improved Store navigation.
The console store app received a complete redesign, with a more streamlined, visually appealing design being the most notable change. The app also added easier navigation as well as performance improvements making the app much faster and more efficient than its predecessor .
Family app[]
A brand new app designed for parents was also launched with the New Xbox Experience in November. The app was made available for most smart devices and allows parents to manage their children's activity, play time and restrictions.
Profile[]
A long with the dashboard and store, each user's profile will be redesigned to match the rest of the updated software. Changes to profiles will be both visible from mobile devices as well as consoles and PC's. 17 different profile themes were made available on the New Xbox Experience's launch with more being added over time.
Trivia[]
- This is the third version of an Xbox firmware named the New Xbox Experience, with the first being for the Xbox 360 in 2008 and the second being for the Xbox One in 2015.
Gallery[]
Videos[]
Reference list[]
- ↑ The New Xbox Experience: Connecting You to Fun, Wherever You Want to Play. news.xbox.com. Retrieved 08-25-21
- ↑ October Xbox Update Rolls Out Broadly with A New Fresh Look, Profile Themes and More. news.xbox.com. Retreived 10-15-2020
| Xbox Gen 9 | |
| Consoles | Xbox Series X (Bundles) (Variants) • Xbox Series S (Bundles) (Variants) • Xbox Series X Digital Edition • Brooklin • Ellewood |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Xbox Wireless Controller (Variants) • Sebile • Seagate Storage Expansion Card • Console Wraps • Xbox Play & Charge Kit • Xbox Series X Launch Team controller |
| Games | All Games • Optimized for Series X • Available on Game Pass |
| Features | Quick Resume • Smart Delivery • Dynamic Latency Input • Xbox Velocity Architecture • FPS Boost • Dynamic Backgrounds |
| Software | New Xbox Experience (2020) |
| Services | Xbox Live • Xbox Live Gold • Xbox Game Pass • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate • Xbox All Access |
| Events | Xbox 20/20 • Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2021 • Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 |
| Refrigerators | Xbox Series X Fridge • Xbox Mini Fridge • ZOA Xbox Series X Mini Fridge |