Xbox Tests Return of Classic Startup Animations Alongside Search and Remote Play Upgrades
Microsoft is testing new Xbox Insider features, including selectable startup animations from Xbox One onward, local search, 1440p Remote Play and background downloads during cloud streaming.
Testers will be able to choose among four boot animations: the original Xbox One boot screen, the Xbox One X startup animation, the original Xbox Series X and Series S boot, and the newer "we are Xbox" boot animation. The selection stops at Xbox One, so the startup sequences of the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 are not available.
The test also introduces a local search feature designed to help players find games and achievements inside long lists. According to the Xbox team, local search is available in My games & apps, official club achievement lists and profile achievement history, and works alongside existing filters and sorting options "to help players find what they're looking for faster." Expanded personalization options for badges form part of the same test group.
Remote Play is being upgraded on Xbox Series X and Series S consoles with support for up to 1440p resolution and improved bitrates. Players who use Xbox Cloud Gaming will additionally be able to let downloads continue in the background while they stream games, although downloads will still throttle automatically "as needed," the Xbox team said.
A separate addition concerns voice chat. Xbox Series X and Series S owners can test Voice Clarity, which the Xbox team says "helps reduce everyday background noise" and will be enabled by default in party chat and in most games released since 2020. The Verge reported that the feature closely resembles the Voice Clarity option included in Windows 11, which removes echo and other background noise.
The features are being distributed through the Xbox Insider program, which Microsoft uses to test console software with volunteers before wider release. The company has not said when the features might reach all Xbox owners.
【Editor's Summary】Microsoft is testing a batch of Xbox Insider features that let players pick startup animations from Xbox One onward, search games and achievements locally, and use Remote Play at up to 1440p. Cloud Gaming users can also keep downloads running in the background during streaming, and Voice Clarity is being tested for party chat and recent games. No timeline has been given for a general release.