Xbox overhauls its PC, web, and cloud apps with a faster design

Microsoft has unveiled a faster, redesigned Xbox PC app, launching up to 60 percent quicker than its previous version. The revamped design aligns with the recent updates to Xbox Cloud Gaming on both the web and smart TVs. Xbox Insiders can begin testing the updated app today, with the new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface set to roll out over the next few weeks.

The Xbox PC app's design overhaul aims to create a more console-like experience on Windows, addressing the need for improvement since Microsoft introduced the Xbox Ally handheld devices last year. The simplified app now feels more aligned with controller usage, featuring simplified navigation, and an organized game library with enhanced filters and installation management.

Microsoft has also enhanced the social aspects of the Xbox PC app, positioning friends on the main page and providing quick chat or party join buttons. The application now feels less web-centric, incorporating a blend of native and web elements, and boasts updated animations to create a more Xbox dashboard-like experience.

Xbox Insiders have found the new app notably faster across various devices, with improved controller navigation and a more intuitive search interface. However, the redesign has created a mismatch with the Game Bar interface on handhelds, which Microsoft plans to address in the coming months.

The refreshed web version of Xbox Cloud Gaming mirrors the Xbox PC app's design, offering a similar look and feel. The library tab now highlights cloud games across personal and Xbox Game Pass inventories, with desktop mode optimizing larger displays and customizable high-contrast options for better accessibility. This design will soon extend to smart TVs and VR headsets, though the implementations might vary across platforms, with each tailored to its respective screen.