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'Crackdown 3' multiplayer test begins February 7th on Xbox and PC
You won't have to wait until February 15th to see if Crackdown 3 is worth its protracted development process, although you might want to temper your expectations. Microsoft is launching a stress test for the game's Wrecking Zone mode at 3PM Eastern on February 7th (installations are available at 12PM) to see how well its cloud-based destruction fares in real-world conditions. It's "not a beta," Microsoft emphasized -- this is about collecting data and feedback based on a slice of the finished game. You'll be limited to the Agent Hunter mode on one map, but there will be multiple play sessions, including two on the 7th and others on the weekend.
Xbox One mouse support is available in preview
An important part of the Xbox One's mouse and keyboard support is now in place for some players -- namely, the mouse part. Members of the Alpha Skip Ahead and Beta programs can try mouse support through a Quest in the Xbox Insider Hub. You'll be limited to Warframe, but this gives you a chance to see how the full mouse-plus-keyboard combo works in practice ahead of the finished release.
Microsoft is finally launching its new Xbox Avatar Editor
Microsoft has been whetting Xbox users' appetites with the promise of new, customizable avatars since last year, and after several delays, they're finally becoming available. Xbox Insiders can get a taste of the Avatar Editor app starting tomorrow.
Xbox One adds 'do not disturb' mode for distraction-free gaming
Just over four years later and Microsoft is still adding features to the Xbox One that existed on its predecessor, the Xbox 360. Next up is a do not disturb mode that will "suppress" notifications and tells your friends list you don't want to be bothered, according to a post on Xbox Wire. This should be especially nice for when you just want to kick back and watch a movie or video, or hell even play a game, in peace.
Xbox One will save your console's settings in the cloud
Microsoft is about to make life easier if you're upgrading to an Xbox One X or just want to play on a friend's Xbox One. It just released alpha firmware for Xbox Insiders that focuses in large part on easier setup. The preview version now saves your home console's settings to the cloud, not just your saved games. If you need everything just so, you don't have to spend ages configuring a new-to-you console. Your system will also backup TV and OneGuide settings to external storage, and the Xbox mobile app will help you set up an Xbox One X while it's still downloading its initial update.
Game gifting comes to the Xbox One's online store
If you've ever wanted to gift an Xbox One game but didn't want to saddle the recipient with a physical copy (or an impersonal gift card), you're in luck. So long as you're part of the Xbox Insider Program, Microsoft's promised game gifting feature is now available for Xbox One titles through the console's online store, including some Windows 10 games that support Play Anywhere. You can either send a title directly to one of your Xbox Live friends or to an email address. The recipient only has to redeem a code to claim their game.
Xbox makes it easier to preview new games and features
If you want to preview upcoming Xbox One user interface changes, you need to be an Xbox One Insider. The tiered program also allows members to check out early alpha and closed beta games on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy to move between tiers or even really know what you were getting in each one. Microsoft is aiming to fix this issue with a much clearer tier-naming system along with an easier way to opt-in to the different tiers.
Microsoft's first self-published Xbox indie games are here
Microsoft has quietly launched the Xbox Creators Program on Xbox One. Finding it and its wares on the Xbox Store may prove tough, however. Back in March, Microsoft said the self-publishing program would exist in its own subsection of the marketplace, but that's only gone live for Alpha ring Xbox Insiders according to Windows Central. Currently, there are a quintet of games on offer: puzzler Whispers in the Dark, rhythm game Stereo Aero, multiplayer party game with a sloth lead star Animal Rivals, space shooter Derelict Fleet, Star Fox clone Space Cat and Solitaire HD.
Xbox One gets its first taste of Creators Update features
You don't have to wait long to try some of the big Xbox One upgrades that Microsoft has been promising lately. The company is trotting out an Xbox Insider preview update that includes a few of the bigger improvements that will come alongside the Creators Update. Most notably, you'll get a faster and decidedly more intuitive interface. The new home screen is both speedier and will promote the "most valuable content" in your games. You'll have quicker access to the game hub, groups and achievements, too. A refreshed Guide, meanwhile, includes a new home page based on common tasks (such as recent games and pinned apps) and fast access to background music controls.
