Microsoft has unveiled a comprehensive November 2024 update for Xbox, enhancing the user experience across its platforms. The update reintroduces a revamped friend request system, incorporates AI-enhanced search capabilities, and extends personalization options, impacting both consoles and the Xbox app on Windows.
Revamped Friend Requests and Social Tools
A key element of the update is the return of friend requests. Unlike the follow system, which will remain as a one-way interaction, friend requests reintroduce mutual connections that require approval from both users.
This structure allows players more control over who can access their shared content and interact with their profiles. To manage connections, users can navigate to the People tab through the Xbox guide, where they can accept or decline requests, check their followers, and send new friend invites. The change streamlines the social experience and aligns Xbox’s platform more closely with other networks.
AI-Powered Search Capabilities
The integration of AI-powered search across Xbox consoles and the Windows app marks a significant shift in user experience. The new feature allows for more nuanced and flexible searches, such as using phrases like “farming games with fishing” or “zombie FPS,” and adapts to typos, synonyms, and emojis. The AI-driven engine improves the way users discover new games, related content, and other media, making navigation more intuitive.
Updated Windows Xbox App Interface
The Xbox app on Windows sees an overhaul with a new Home interface that was previously tested by Xbox Insiders in October. This redesigned layout consolidates content from Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store, presenting curated recommendations and quick access to recently played games through a “Jump” feature in Compact Mode. By integrating these elements, Microsoft aims to streamline the gaming experience for PC users, making it easier to discover new content and engage with their library.
Expanded Personalization Options
The November update enhances customization options, allowing users to create personalized gamerpics using in-game screenshots or achievement art. Additionally, the ability to zoom and crop images when setting a home background gives players more control over their console’s visual setup.
These changes cater to those seeking to make their gaming profiles and dashboard more reflective of their interests and gameplay style.
Controller Updates and Accessibility Enhancements
The Xbox Accessories app receives updates that focus on controller calibration. The thumbstick recalibration tool, available for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, helps address response issues, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Trigger calibration for the Xbox Wireless Controller and Elite Series 2 is also part of the update, offering a self-service solution for players looking to adjust their equipment’s responsiveness.
For the Xbox Adaptive Controller, used by players with limited mobility, there are now expanded mapping options. Users can assign joystick movements to buttons or keyboard inputs and set hat switch functions to work as alternative sticks. These changes broaden accessibility, supporting varied gameplay needs and setups.
Recent New Xbox Console Releases
The update follows Microsoft’s October 2024 release of three new Xbox models, which expanded the Series X|S lineup. The digital-only white Xbox Series X, priced at $449, offers a 1TB SSD for those who prefer digital game libraries.
The Series S, now featuring 1TB of storage at $349, caters to gamers seeking more capacity at an affordable price point. The standout model, the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition Series X, comes with a unique design and targets users with large digital collections, priced at $599.
Cloud Gaming Expansion with Project Lapland
Simultaneously, Microsoft is expanding its cloud gaming capabilities through Project Lapland, which enables users to stream their owned games rather than only those available through Xbox Game Pass. Set to begin testing with Xbox Insiders in November, the feature represents a major step after years of technical and licensing challenges.
Project Lapland follows earlier setbacks related to Project xCloud in 2020, where plans for personal game library streaming were delayed due to complex server infrastructure and publisher agreements.
Mobile App and New Purchase Options
An update to the Xbox app on Android in the U.S. will allow users to purchase games directly and stream them, capitalizing on a recent court ruling that mandates Google to permit alternative billing systems on its platform. This enables Microsoft to offer in-app purchases without incurring the usual fees, enhancing the overall user experience.
Microsoft’s strategy includes a browser-based Xbox store, which has been in testing since August, aimed at bypassing traditional app store restrictions and offering digital content directly. Integrations such as Xbox Cloud Gaming on Amazon Fire TV devices extend accessibility, allowing gameplay on devices like the $50 Fire TV Stick, showcasing Microsoft’s push to make its gaming services widely available.
