Microsoft has began testing new updates to its Xbox app on Home windows 11 that enhance the expertise on handheld units and smaller screens. In an Xbox test app launched earlier this week, Microsoft has launched a brand new compact mode that enormously reduces the sidebar on the left-hand aspect.
Compact mode is designed to enhance “the expertise on handhelds and small screens,” in keeping with Microsoft — it additionally works on any measurement display screen. It’s a comparatively minor UI change, however very welcome on units just like the ROG Ally the place you solely have a 7-inch show. Home windows 11 is a fairly cramped expertise on the ROG Ally, and enhancements to the Xbox app are an encouraging first step in direction of what we hope shall be some sort of handheld mode for Home windows.
Asus’ ROG Ally is now rising because the transportable Xbox for PC Sport Cross. Even Xbox chief Phil Spencer is a fan of the ROG Ally, describing the hand held as his “Xbox on the go” in an interview with Eurogamer earlier this 12 months. There may be nonetheless a lot that Microsoft might do to enhance the expertise, although. “We’re targeted on making the Xbox and GP expertise nice on units just like the Ally … Extra to do,” admitted Spencer in a tweet in July.
Hopefully the Xbox app enhancements, albeit small proper now, are a primary step in direction of some larger enhancements for Home windows-based handhelds. Microsoft additionally hinted at bringing options like Quick Resume to Windows gamers earlier this 12 months, alongside commitments to work with publishers on the “experience layer” of resuming video games throughout units.