Microsoft has started rolling out its latest Dashboard update, this time with a redesigned home screen that gives your background far more room to breathe.
The update is already available to Xbox owners in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead test rings, and will filter out to everyone else in the coming days.
I have the new version myself, and it’s a real upgrade. Not only is there more room to see your background, the number of instantly available game and app tiles has also been increased.
Scrolling through the list of tiles will magnify the tile that you have selected (as in the image at the top of the ori page). A central top navigation has also been added, providing easy access to the Xbox’s game library, Store, Game Pass hub, search functionality and the Settings app in just a few taps.
This redesign was made following fan feedback on previous tweaks to the Xbox Dashboard that didn’t pan out either.
“We’ve heard you tell us that the changes to the top of Home felt crowded and didn’t leave enough room for you to enjoy your backgrounds,” Xbox’s Ivy Krislov wrote in a new blog post introducing the changes. ”
“So, we designed hundreds of options, then refined with prototypes and finally user-tested in our research labs until it’s one we hope you’ll love. It’s our community’s experience, reach, work and needs.” balances out. We’re excited to hear what you think!”
The update also adds functionality to the “My Games & Apps” tile, which will let you know if “something is new or needs your attention”, for example if a game on your wishlist is on sale.
I had a play with it last night (finally finishing Resident Evil 4 Remake, what a game!) and thought it was a huge improvement. If you already have it, what do you think?