Xbox One Could Have Big Software Changes Soon
There could be some big software changes for Xbox One owners in the near future. Although nothing has been confirmed, sources are stating that these changes are currently in development. It is said that there will be three things the changes will focus on, making the xbox menu easier to use and maneuver. This may just make the Xbox One entertainment features that much better!
Improving Usability With a New Guide Menu
Sources close to Microsoft have stated that a new tab for the guide menu will provide instant access to your most recent games and apps. This new menu will display pins, instead of having them on a separate screen, and allow for easier customization of your most-used applications. Microsoft has also been testing a different button guide menu, looking at a single button press to access the guide menu, instead of the double-tap that Xbox One owners are currently using.
As a way to reduce the number of steps required to navigate the dashboard, the idea is to have more of the dashboard available on the guide itself. While the full dashboard will remain intact, this new feature could be giving users access to more features on a single menu screen, drastically improving accessibility  and speed of important features.
Removing Snap Mode to Introduce New Multitasking FeaturesÂ
Maybe due in part to the fact that the current snap mode is a design from the original Windows 8-based dashboard three years ago, Microsoft wants to update this to better reflect their newer technology. If the snap mode is eliminated, the menu could become more akin to the Windows 10 look. While the snap mode is arguably very useful on the computer, it does not translate very well for controller use.
Because of this, it makes sense if the snap mode is being removed. As an alternative to the snap mode, Microsoft seems to be exploring the possibility of a picture-in-picture multitasking implementation. This keeps the idea of the snap mode, and the “snapped” app would hover in the corner of your game, rather than taking up a larger portion of the screen with an empty bar.
Streamlining for Scorpio
For those of you who may not know, Project Scorpio is set to be the newest xbox console, and while it will retain all functionality of the other xbox consoles, it will rival the PS4 Pro for 4K visuals, among other capabilities. The rumoured changes to the Xbox One menu will help streamline things like app functionality, multitasking, and general navigation as a way to ensure a smooth launch for the Scorpio console.
Although the changes to the menu are only rumors at this time, it is certainly exciting to hear that the Xbox One menu could become easier to use. Stay tuned for updates!