Xbox August Update: Enhanced PC App Controls, Cross-Device Play History, and More

Xbox August Update: Enhanced PC App Controls, Cross-Device Play History, and More
Xbox August Update

Microsoft Unveils Exciting Updates for Xbox in August

As August comes to a close, Microsoft has rolled out a significant update for Xbox users, including both regular players and dedicated Insiders. This comprehensive update introduces a range of enhancements, such as a revamped play history feature, improved controller navigation on the Xbox PC app, and new game additions for platforms like Xbox Play Anywhere, alongside mouse and keyboard support on consoles.

Revamped Cross-Device Play History

Following successful trials with Insiders, the cross-device play history feature is now available across all Xbox platforms. This functionality allows users to effortlessly view their gameplay activities spanning PCs, consoles, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Accessing this feature is straightforward, as it is located in the Play history tile on consoles and the Most Recent section on the PC sidebar.

Enhanced Xbox PC App for Controller Navigation

The Xbox PC app has also undergone substantial improvements to its controller input design. Inspired by console navigation, the new setup allows users to utilize familiar commands—such as “A” to select, “B” to backtrack, and “Y” to search—making it particularly advantageous for those using handheld PC devices.

“You’ll notice smoother trigger and bumper behavior, faster scrolling, and smarter focus memory between pages. Keyboard navigation also got a boost, ” continued the company.“Visually, things are cleaner. Focus indicators are clearer, animations are subtle but purposeful, and everything feels more polished.”

Microsoft’s Play Anywhere Initiative Gains Momentum

In yet another promising development, Microsoft announced that over 1, 000 games now support its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative. This program allows gamers to purchase a title on one platform and gain access to all Xbox versions, complete with cross-progression capabilities. In conjunction, the Stream Your Own Game program has expanded its library to include over 450 supported titles, introducing new games like Mafia: The Old Country.

New Additions to Retro Classics and Mouse/Keyboard Support

Additionally, this month saw the release of several new titles on Xbox and Antstream Arcade’s Retro Classics platform, adding games like Caesar 3, Climber 5, and more to the vintage library. Furthermore, support for mouse and keyboard controls has been broadened to include popular titles such as Grounded 2, Heretic + Hexen, War Thunder, and F1 Manager 2024, enhancing the gameplay experience for console users.

Notably, Grounded 2 has now integrated touch control support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, providing a more versatile gaming environment.

Looking Ahead for Xbox Insiders

For Xbox Insiders, fresh innovations are in the pipeline, including testing for a Gaming Copilot AI assistant accessible via the Game Bar. Additionally, users will now be able to install third-party storefronts directly through the Xbox PC app, marking a notable shift in accessibility. Xbox Cloud Gaming is also expanding its offerings, moving away from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate exclusivity model, which promises to broaden its audience even further.

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