Hands-on with the shiny new dashboard in Xbox build 18362

Before today Microsoft rolled out what it'due south calling a "Home Experiment," testing out a new dashboard for the Xbox 1. Xbox Insiders in the Blastoff and Skip Ahead rings are gaining access to the new dashboard equally part of Build 18362 in waves, and we were amid the lucky few able to requite it a expect.

The new dashboard is a lot less cluttered than the previous iteration, surfacing more of your recent games and reducing the amount of "dynamic" content like ads and suggested activities below the fold. At that place'south notwithstanding a big "resume" push button for the currently active app or game, and the balance remains largely the aforementioned. You lot can still attach pins, the guide menu works as usual, and yous can nevertheless change the background picture and and then on. The about noteworthy alter can exist found in the tabular interface, which is now gone entirely.

Instead of the tabs across the top, with a horizontal navigation for Mixer, the Store, Game Laissez passer, and the Community feed, Microsoft has placed four buttons beneath the large "Resume" tile. This gives you quicker access to the specific tab y'all want to access, without having to navigate through multiple pages. Anecdotally, it all seems a lot faster equally a result, with smoother transition animations and faster load times.

Another major change in this build is the way Cortana is handled. She'due south no longer present on the box itself, instead, you must use an app on your phone or speaker device similar an Amazon Repeat Dot or Harman/Kardon Invoke, or fifty-fifty your PC. The reality is very few users were accessing Cortana this way, meaning that she was taking up unnecessary resources which could've been allocated elsewhere. Xbox'south non-Cortana phonation commands will remain, yet. But if you want to use Cortana's more powerful features y'all'll need to grab the Xbox skill, which is currently only bachelor to a few markets. Alternatively, you can use the Amazon Repeat Xbox Skill which is bachelor far more broadly, due to Amazon's more than global focus on vocalisation control.

Personally, I remember this is a very positive change for the dashboard. It looks a lot more organized, and the more rapid access to other tabs is a welcome change. What do you think? Hitting the comments, let the states know.

Excellent and affordable Xbox accessories

Up your Xbox experience with one (or all) of these budget accessories, all of which are approved past the gamers of Windows Central.

PowerA Play & Accuse Kit for Xbox One ($xv at Amazon)

This charging kit keeps your Xbox I wireless controllers juiced upward, and information technology offers batteries for two controllers. At just $fifteen, this is hands-down our favorite upkeep charging companion.

ElecGear 4 Port USB Xbox One S Hub ($nineteen at Amazon)

This bright footling USB splitter hub attaches perfectly to the side of your Xbox One S panel. It'southward ideal for use with chargers, controllers, headsets, and more.

Controller Gear stand ($13 at Amazon)

Proudly display your Xbox gamepads with this stylish and functional stand. The licensed design is minimalist and black, and it has a hidden storage compartment, making the price of $13 a real steal.

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