Xbox Series X|S: Update introduces six new features and upgrades

Microsoft has begun rolling out a fresh batch of features to Xbox Series X and Series S consoles via the Xbox Insider program, with wider availability expected before the end of the year. The new features or upgrades include improved Remote Play streaming, clearer voice chat, customizable startup animations, more profile badge controls, faster local search, and the ability to continue downloading games while using cloud gaming.

The most substantial upgrade is improved Remote Play streaming. Xbox Series X|S users in the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha Insider rings can test streaming at resolutions of up to 1440p, alongside higher video bitrates. Microsoft says this is intended to provide sharper visuals and smoother gameplay on supported devices, including PCs, phones and TVs. Remote Play does not require an additional subscription, although the actual quality remains dependent on the device and network connection.

A new Voice Clarity setting aims to reduce background noise during party chat and in-game voice communication, enabled by default for most titles released since 2020, although users can change the setting manually.

Microsoft is also giving Xbox owners more control over the console's startup experience. Insiders can select from startup animations dating back to the Xbox One generation through the current Xbox Series X|S era, rather than being restricted to a single animation. The setting is available under Settings > System > Startup, and users can also choose whether the startup animation plays with sound.

Profile customization also gets a small boost: players can now select up to five badges to display on their profile card, and can hide individual badges from public view. Although a minor change, it gives players more say over how they present themselves online.

Search functionality has also been reworked. A new local search tool lets players look things up directly, extending to official club achievement lists and personal achievement history. The search works alongside Microsoft's existing filtering and sorting tools, potentially making large libraries and achievement lists considerably easier to navigate.

Finally, Xbox now allows downloads to continue in the background while players stream games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. The feature builds on an earlier Insider capability that allowed users to stream while a game was installing or updating. Microsoft says the change should reduce waiting times, with Xbox Series X|S users expected to see the biggest gains.