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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 'Skip Ahead' ring tests features months before release
The Insider program on Xbox One is a few years old now and just keeps rolling out new features for testing by early adopters. Now Microsoft has announced that it's giving participants a chance to try features that are even further away from their scheduled release date with a new "Alpha - Skip Ahead" ring of testers. There's no word on exactly which features people will be able to test, but there's traditionally one or two new items coming in a Winter-window update, and isn't there some kind of event just around the corner where Microsoft might make such an announcement? If you value life on the bleeding edge over stability -- or just have multiple consoles and can afford to have one that's running far-future test builds -- you will see the option to enroll "in the coming weeks" if you're an Alpha tester already, and later by invitation for others.
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.
The next round of Xbox One tweaks include custom avatars
The next update for Xbox One Insiders doesn't have any one huge feature defining it. Rather, the collection of them outlined on Xbox Wire add up to something noteworthy as a whole. Perhaps the addition that's most emblematic of that is Captive Portal support. With it, you'll be able to use the built-in browser for logging into WiFi networks at places like college campuses and hotels. Finally.
Now Microsoft's Twitch competitor has an Xbox One app
Microsoft bought livestreaming service Beam last August to fold its advanced viewer interactions with its gaming services on Windows 10 and Xbox. They finally opened testing up to select users at the end of January, but today, they're taking the next step in competing against Twitch by launching the Beam app for Xbox One. As with the previous trials, only certain members of the Xbox Insider Program get first crack at it, but you'll now be able to watch our favorite streamers right from your console.
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.
Xbox Insider Program opens its previews to everyone
The Xbox Preview Program has been helpful for gamers who want to see the future of Microsoft's console software before it's finished, but Microsoft thinks it can do better. It's renaming the offering to the Xbox Insider Program, and instituting key changes both to the software as well as availability. For most people, the biggest change is simply who can access the program -- it'll "soon" be open to anyone with an Xbox. Access to system updates is still limited to those already participating, but that won't preclude you from getting sneak peeks for apps and games so long as you meet qualifications (such as your region or tenure in the program).
