Xbox Insiders are getting yet another batch of new features to try this month. Starting in September, Microsoft says several new features are coming to Xbox gamers, including new customization options, a way to get clearer voice communication in party chats, and even updated game streaming functionality. Previously, Microsoft rolled out additional features like better controller recognition, as well as UI customization for Xbox Insiders, allowing those users to test them before they go live for everyone.
The company detailed these new changes in a blog post shared on the Xbox website and says these features will begin rolling out on September 9. Some will only be available to Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha on Xbox members of the Xbox Insiders program, although the rest should hit the main Insiders branch.
If you haven’t joined Xbox Insiders yet, but want to try out these new features before receiving their official Xbox release, you can always learn more about Xbox Insiders through Xbox Support. Keep in mind that Xbox Insider registration is completely free.
Better quality remote playback streaming
Remote Play is one of the most important features Xbox gamers can enjoy, allowing users to stream their titles directly from their Xbox Series X or Series S to phones, TVs, and an assortment of other devices. Starting in September, Xbox says members of the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha Insider rings will be able to preview higher quality Xbox Remote Play streaming. The new streaming feature will fully support resolution up to 1440P, as well as increased bitrates for video streaming to deliver smoother gameplay and higher quality visuals on devices that support it.
Xbox says that during the testing period, not all devices will support separate streaming settings, but that if your stream is set to auto quality, it should select the highest resolution and bitrate allowed by your device and network.
To use up to 1440P or 4K UHD, make sure these settings are enabled in your Xbox settings under the Display Resolution section found in Settings > General > TV & Display Options. The Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha programs require an invitation to join, so users on the traditional Xbox Insider track won’t be able to use this new feature yet.
Improved voice clarity in chat
This upcoming update appears to be a big step toward improving Xbox gaming overall, especially since Microsoft has named a new Xbox CEO and the company has shifted its focus toward improving the brand and its dedication to the Xbox console.
The new Voice Clarity features will now be available to Xbox Insiders under Settings > General > Audio Volume & Output > Additional Options. Here, users will be able to enable Voice Clarity, a new feature that provides “enhanced audio” to help reduce background noise and make it easier for you to hear your teammates.
Xbox says the new feature will be enabled by default for most games released since 2020, and the feature will also be enabled in this group chat. As online gaming becomes an increasingly important part of the gaming world, the need to provide high-quality voice communication has only increased, and it appears that Xbox is trying to significantly improve its offerings with this feature.
Customizable startup animations
Another change coming to Xbox Insiders in September is the ability to customize your startup animation. We’ve seen this feature on other consoles before – like the highly acclaimed Steam Deck – and it’s essentially a way to make your console a little closer to your own machine. You’ll be able to choose from several different startup animations, including the default We Are Xbox animation, the Xbox Series X/S animation, and even the old Xbox One animation.
To customize your startup animation, make sure you have the latest Xbox Insider Update installed, then go to Settings > System > Startup. From here, you can select the startup animation you want to see when you turn on your console.
You’ll also have the option to turn off the startup sounds, which is ideal if you just want to enjoy the visuals without the added noise. This and some of the other customization features Xbox is introducing are a good way to configure your console to fit your style more closely. In addition to letting you change the startup animation, Xbox also says you’ll now be able to customize the five badges featured on your profile.
Faster local search functionality
If you like exploit hunting or just tend to browse through lots of different games, you may need to go back and search for the game you were playing before. Or maybe you just want to regain that hard-to-get achievement you got during your last gaming session.
Regardless of the search, Xbox says its improved local search will now make it much easier to find the items players are looking for. Xbox players will be able to search directly in the My Games & Apps section, as well as official club achievement lists and even their achievement history on their profile.
The company says the new local search feature will work with the existing filters it offers, while still giving players the sorting options they need to find what they want to search for. It’s a small addition, but it should hopefully make it easier to find that game you wanted to finish last year but never quite got around to. Of course, you’ll still have to remember the name.
Keep downloading while streaming games via the cloud
The last new feature we want to highlight is the ability to continue downloading games even when you’re streaming to the cloud. This builds on a previous update that allowed Xbox Insiders to stream a game while it was installing or updating.
Now you will be able to continue downloading titles in the background even while streaming, if your network conditions allow it. Xbox says this should help reduce wait times to play new games, while also helping you enjoy your other titles. While this works with all Xbox consoles that support cloud gaming, Xbox says Xbox Series X/S players will see the biggest improvements. This isn’t a huge surprise, especially since the Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful console to date.
To make sure this new setting is enabled, go to Settings > Cloud Gaming > Streaming Preferences, then enable Allow downloads during cloud gaming. You can also customize other streaming preferences here, like enabling a network quality indicator, as well as enabling an overlay that lets you view your live streaming stats.
