Microsoft Introduces Compact Mode, Game Management Tools, and More for Windows PC Users; Beta Release of New Mobile App Features

Xbox has recently rolled out a nifty feature called compact mode, which initially was exclusive to Xbox Insiders. Now, they’ve thrown the gates wide open, making it available for all PC gamers. Along with this, they’ve included new management options and some other exciting features.

According to the announcement on Xbox Wire, the compact mode can now be accessed by any PC player. What’s the benefit, you ask? This mode gives you a more streamlined path to widgets and navigation tools. You can flip through these widgets effortlessly using the RB and LB buttons on your controller. Plus, they’ve introduced support for a virtual keyboard, making the whole experience even smoother.

Game Management Options

In terms of managing your games, there’s more good news. You now have the ability to download and install all game add-ons in one fell swoop, letting you view all your add-ons at once. How to use it? It’s simple. Just right-click on any game that’s in your library, hit “Manage,” and navigate to the spanking new “Add-ons” section.

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The Xbox Mobile App

On the mobile front, Xbox is bringing some well-loved features from the PC app over to the mobile app. However, these updates will initially be exclusive to Xbox members using mobile devices, with a broader release planned for later. The announcement also mentioned that "we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November."

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The Xbox App on mobile arms you with some solid features: managing your membership, exploring your library, and more. Those who hold the Ultimate Tier of Game Pass can claim and check out perks. Ultimate Game Pass users also get the nifty ability to stream selected games via Xbox Cloud Gaming on their iOS or Android devices through a compatible browser.

And that’s not all. The app comes loaded with functionalities like sharing game clips, snapping screenshots, comparing progress, making video calls while gaming, and so much more. You can even install games on your console remotely through the app, so you’re always ready to dive back in.

Xbox Consoles Pre-Download Feature

One long-standing gamer woe has been waiting for updates, and Xbox seems to have addressed this. Players can now jump into their games right when updates become available. What’s more, there are wish list notifications, which alert you right on your console when a game from your wish list launches.

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And that’s just scratching the surface! Keep exploring to find fresh titles like Trials of Mana, Legend of Mana, and the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, all hitting Xbox now.