Microsoft is set to roll out an all new dashboard UI for Xbox next year. While we don't have an exact date as of yet, a select few of those enrolled in the Xbox Insiders program are able to access the revamped dashboard. The new UI isn't only different in the way it looks and feels, but also includes some brand-new features. Xbox is experimenting with a number of new ideas, and some of them sound familiar.
Similar to the PS5, the new UI comes with a “Jump back in” feature which will allow you to – as the name suggests – jump back into whatever game you were playing as quickly as possible (thanks, VGC). Settings, Store, Search, and My Games & Apps, which are some of the most important apps on the dashboard receive their own dedicated tiles on Xbox Home. Scrolling down will provide you with a recommendation of games curated as per your taste. Despite all these additions, the team will be looking to keep a "consistent design and visual identifiers" in order to "keep the experience familiar."
Of course, since this is a testing round, the final version that's set to launch in 2023 will possibly look quite different, and will include – or exclude – features based on feedback from the Insiders.
"We know the Xbox homepage is where our gamers spend a lot of their time, and it’s a space that’s very personal," says Ivy Krislov, senior product manager lead for Xbox Experiences. "We also know we can always be listening and learning how we can do better here while keeping your experience fast and familiar. With that, we’re kicking off a multi-month series of experiments to learn how to create a more personalized home screen experience and address some of the top trends and fan requests."
Access to the new UI will only be available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring. In addition to the above mentioned features, the team will be offering more than just recommended games – it will also feature information like "how to make the most out of your Game Pass subscription."