Microsoft has just enabled the Xbox app for Windows in a new update that brings a lot of useful changes, on the accessibility front for beginners, and also with game cards, better filtering of your game library games to find what you want, and more.
Windows Central reports that the May update for the Xbox app on PC is now live, reworking accessibility settings to make them more accessible, bringing all of these options together in a new menu.
Essentially, this acts as a one-stop hub where you can access the Xbox app’s accessibility settings – for example, turning off animations or background images (these are actually two new features designed to remove which might be unnecessary distractions for some people). Additionally, the menu offers handy shortcuts to other accessibility options (for Windows in general, for example, or the Xbox Game Bar).
Another important change has been introduced for game cards, which offer more information. So you can now see at a glance how long a game takes to complete (typically), pricing details, and relevant information about when the title is coming to Game Pass (or even in the process of being released). deletion).
There are also new options for filtering your game library. So, for example, it’s possible to search for games you can beat in a few hours (under five) if you just want a quick fix for your next PC gaming adventure. It is also possible to sort games via accessibility features.
Microsoft has also implemented changes to the social side for the Xbox app, allowing you to bring up your friends list (or a chat) in a separate window. If you have two desktop computers, you can have a full-screen game on one and your social content appearing on the other.
Analysis: impressive progress
There are some very useful things added here, with additional details on game cards, and additional filtering options that might come in very handy (especially the idea of searching for quick fix games, or even l opposite end of the spectrum – games that will consume your life for the next month or three, maybe). Note that playtime estimates are taken from a website (HowLongToBeat.com).
Additionally, Microsoft continues to do its best with new efforts on the accessibility front. We’ve seen a lot of work like this in Windows 11 on a broader level – with a lot of progress with Voice Access especially lately (courtesy Moment 3 update) – and it’s great to see this happening. produce the games side of the equation in the operating system, too.
Finally, one thing PC gamers might have missed is that Windows 11 live subtitles also work in games – and the feature does a pretty good job for titles that don’t have subtitles. native titles.