Microsoft has begun to proactively work on improving the quality of gaming on handheld devices, particularly focusing on Windows 11. The tech giant has recently rolled out a test version of its Xbox app, introducing a new compact mode designed to optimize the user interface for smaller screens and handheld consoles.
The update, identified as version 2311.1000.41.0, comes with a slew of features aimed at refining the user interface. This includes a refreshed UI in the installation queue, updated buttons, fonts, and game channel styles, and an improved notification UI with the option to display only unread notifications.
This update is a game-changer, especially for devices like the ROG Ally, which boasts a 7-inch touchscreen LCD display. The compact mode significantly reduces the sidebar, providing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Most gamers will appreciate the subtle yet impactful change that seeks to address the often cramped feel of Windows 11 on smaller devices.
The ROG Ally, in particular, is quickly shaping up to be the go-to portable option for PC Game Pass, with even the Xbox chief Phil Spencer dubbing it his “Xbox on the go.” The Asus device, alongside others like Lenovo’s Legion Go, is part of a new frontier for gaming on the go, and Microsoft is well aware of the potential here (though, to be fair, the portable Nintendo Switch has already been on the market for 7 years).
Although the updates to the Xbox app are a step in the right direction, they also highlight a broader issue with Microsoft’s approach to software development. The PC version of the Xbox app, for instance, leaves much to be desired.
Users have reported sluggish performance, particularly when managing a large number of screenshots, leading to load times that can stretch into minutes. This lack of optimization is a stark contrast to the sleek, streamlined experience Microsoft is striving for with its handheld devices.
This begs the question: why is there such a discrepancy in user experience across different platforms? After all, the PC app feels like a hastily assembled web app, shoehorned into a desktop environment without proper consideration for performance or user experience.
If Microsoft wants to stay relevant in the space of handheld devices, it’s crucial that it does not lose sight of the basics. A seamless, responsive user interface should be the foundation of any software, regardless of the platform.
Given the substantial improvements required on the PC front, it is imperative for Microsoft to actively consider and incorporate user feedback into its development process this time around.
