Xbox app gets new messaging UI and more on iOS and Android

Following the release of Xbox One update 1905 last week, Microsoft is updating its Xbox apps for iOS and Android today. Updates follow the latest Xbox Live messaging enhancements now available on Xbox One on Windows 10. First, new mobile apps now have the same “Message Requests” feature that places Xbox Live messages from strangers. in a separate section.

The messaging experience has also been updated with a new user interface, improved group messaging functionality, and faster performance. However, the Contacts section still won’t show if your online friends are on Xbox, PC, or mobile, which is now visible on Xbox One and the new Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10.

Here are the full release notes for iOS and Android:

This update kicks off a series of improvements we’re making to messaging in the Xbox Mobile app!

In this update, we’ve added:
-New, faster and more efficient messaging user interface
-Improved group messaging functionality
-Improved spam control in your inbox with the addition of “Message requests”

We’ve also made lots of bug fixes and stability improvements based on your feedback. Please continue to send us feedback as we roll out these new changes over the next few months!

Xbox mobile apps may soon play a bigger role as Microsoft prepares to launch public trials for its Project xCloud game streaming service. Microsoft has never brought Xbox One game streaming to mobile devices (which the Windows 10 Xbox app supports), but we expect Project xCloud to take advantage of existing Xbox mobile apps or have its own. dedicated applications on iOS and Android. We hope to hear more about Microsoft’s plans at the company’s E3 press conference on June 9.

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Microsoft plans to simplify Windows 10 Xbox app, first remove group messaging

Following the release of Xbox One update 1905 last week, Microsoft has started notifying users of the Windows 10 Xbox app that the Xbox Live Messaging experience will soon be revamped. According to the message shared by Windows Central, the Xbox app will get the same message request functionality that Microsoft is bringing to Xbox One consoles and the new Xbox Game Bar on Windows 10, as well as support for GIFs.

However, Microsoft is also warning users that the Windows 10 Xbox app will also lose its group messaging functionality, adding that “a desktop solution for group messaging will be available soon” (group messaging is already supported. in the new Xbox Game Bar). These changes to the Xbox app are apparently coming tomorrow, May 23, and you can read the full post below:

We will be upgrading our messaging services to introduce improved chat features (secondary inbox for non-friends, GIFs, etc.). Unfortunately, your old group messages will be lost during the upgrade, so copy any old chats you want to keep on Xbox.com.

After the transition, we will be removing group messaging from this app to focus on console settings and simplify our apps. But rest assured that a desktop solution for group messaging is coming soon, so be sure to update Windows to get the latest Xbox apps and experiences when they become available.

In the meantime, please use the Xbox app on iOS / Android to enjoy an improved group messaging experience. Upgraded Group Messages will be available on your Xbox console on May 23.

Thank you for your understanding. We continue to rely on you and your feedback to help us build the best Xbox apps, so let us know how we’re doing during the transition!

The part where Microsoft says it “will focus on console settings and simplify our applications” is quite interesting. The new Xbox Game Bar, which features dedicated widgets for Xbox Live messages and the social group finder feature, is already much faster than the Xbox UWP app, which has grown quite bloated over the years. Maybe it’s time for Microsoft to cut it down a bit and refocus it on some of its flagship features, such as streaming Xbox games to Windows 10 PCs.

Microsoft is expected to launch public trials for its Project xCloud game streaming service later this year, and we wonder if the Xbox app could also be used to manage xCloud streaming on Windows 10 PCs. It would make sense that the Xbox app can finally be used to play real Xbox games, even if they are streamed from the cloud. Otherwise, Microsoft may well launch a separate xCloud UWP app that would do the heavy lifting, similar to what the company has done with its Windows Mixed Reality portal for VR headsets.

It’s just speculation right now, but with the Xbox Game Bar getting really good at all things Xbox Live social features, maybe it’s time for the Windows 10 Xbox app to play a bigger role. “I know we’ve talked quite a bit over time about what we want to deliver to the PC gamer, but at E3 this year, and throughout 2019, you’ll start to see where we’ve invested to deliver to. across the store, services, in Windows and in big games. This is just the start, “Xbox director Phil Spencer said in February in an interview with PC Gamer. We hope to hear more at the conference release from Microsoft on E3 on June 9.

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Xbox messages to get GIF support, is the Xbox app from Windows 10 phased out?

While browsing the Xbox app on Windows 10, I received a pop-up message detailing the future of Xbox messaging and ultimately the fate of the Windows 10 Xbox app.

Microsoft appears to be preparing to phase out the slow Xbox Windows 10 app, which hasn’t received any significant updates for a very long time. The all-new Windows 10 Game Bar already packs the most critical features of the Xbox app on desktops, into a much faster, more engaging and, frankly, better in almost every way.

So it’s no surprise that Microsoft is announcing that after May 23, the Xbox app on Windows 10 PCs will no longer support group messaging systems as Microsoft moves its Xbox messaging mechanisms to a new platform. -improved shape, which will also include support for GIF “and more.”

We will be upgrading our messaging services to introduce improved chat features (secondary inbox for non-friends, GIFs, etc.). Unfortunately, your old group messages will be lost during the upgrade, so copy any old chats you want to keep on Xbox.com.

After the transition, we will be removing group messaging from this app to focus on console settings and simplify our apps. But rest assured that a desktop solution for group messaging is coming soon, so be sure to update Windows to get the latest Xbox apps and experiences when they become available.

In the meantime, please use the Xbox app on iOS / Android to enjoy an improved group messaging experience. Upgraded Group Messages will be available on your Xbox console on May 23.

Thank you for your understanding. We continue to rely on you and your feedback to help us build the best Xbox apps, so let us know how we’re doing during the transition!

Microsoft notes that the upgraded experiences will arrive on Android and iOS apps. Given the pace of updates on the Windows 10 Game Bar beta, new features shouldn’t be left out either.

The Xbox app on Windows 10, no matter how slow, served as a pretty decent bridge between the desktop and the Xbox for a few years, allowing you to access your Xbox cloud clips, manage your activity feed, and even stream your Xbox games to a PC over a local WiFi network.

The new Windows 10 game bar.

While Microsoft isn’t categorically saying that the Windows 10 Xbox app is being phased out, the fact that it doesn’t get the new chat features likely paints the handwriting on the wall. The new Windows 10 Game Bar, accessible via Windows Key + G, appears to be where Microsoft will be putting its Xbox efforts on the desktop going forward. And that’s a good thing, as long as it gets functionality to match, that is.

You can test the new Windows 10 Game Bar by joining the Gaming Flight Ring through the Xbox Insider app on your PC, click the link below to find out how.

How to join the Windows 10 game trial flight ring


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Xbox One News: BIG Xbox Live Free Game Update Following Shock PlayStation Reveal | Games | Entertainment

Xbox Live Gold subscribers have new free games and rewards to download on Xbox One and Xbox One X, following a shock announcement from Microsoft and PlayStation earlier in May.

This includes new Games with Gold titles launching this week, as well as the latest Microsoft Play Days trial.

One of the latest freebies to be added to Xbox Live is one that was announced by the tech giant in April 2019.

Following the mid-month Microsoft Store update, Gold subscribers can now download and play Golf Club 2019 with PGA Tour.

This went live on May 16 and will be available to add to your digital collection until the same date in June.

The Golf Club has a pretty average rating on the Xbox Store, but it’s not a game that’s going to eat up valuable hard drive space.

So if you’re an Xbox Live Gold subscriber and have some free time this weekend, this might be a title worth downloading and trying out.

free download mars surviving

If golf isn’t your game, you can always try out your survival skills on Xbox One. If you missed the announcement, you only have a short time to download and play Surviving Mars this weekend.

The survival management game developed by Haemimont Games allows fans to build a colony capable of supporting human life on the Red Planet.

Here’s more from Surviving Mars Senior Producer Nikhat Ali, who writes, “The mission begins the moment you land on the Red Planet. Using your drones, you’ll gather resources, uncover mysteries, and build domes to house your colonists.

“Since humans like to be able to breathe, we recommend building life support systems that can keep domes filled with breathable air.

“You’ll also need to figure out how your colonists will eat, because no one wants hungry colonists. If building shelters and growing food were all there was to colonizing Mars, then surviving the Red Planet would be easy…right?

“Beware of natural events, like dust storms that can knock out power generators and wreak havoc on your colony. But don’t forget to also take care of the mental state of your settlers; they each have their own personalities and mental states that you will need to watch out for.

As mentioned above, Surviving Mars is available to play for free if you have an Xbox Live Gold membership. But that trial is only for a while, with the Surviving Mars event set to end on Monday, May 20 in the UK.

Business sims are usually time-consuming but the good news is that you won’t waste a lot of time downloading them. Weighing in at less than 8GB, Surviving Mars shouldn’t take all day to install on your Xbox One.

It’s also worth noting that Surviving Mars is currently discounted and part of Xbox Game Pass, meaning you can extend your free trial if you’ve never tried the service before. And if you don’t have an active Xbox Live Gold account, you can still download experiences like Zaccaria Pinball from the store.

It follows the shock announcement of a new partnership between Microsoft and PlayStation in connection with Cloud Gaming. Details remain vague on the new agreement between the companies; however, it will be connected to new cloud-based solutions for gaming experiences.

“Under the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties, the two companies will explore the joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their respective gaming and content delivery services,” Microsoft said in a new statement. Press. “In addition, the two companies will explore the use of current Microsoft Azure data center-based solutions for Sony’s gaming and content delivery services.”

Fans will have to wait for more information on the new partnership between the two console rivals and how it will shape the services on the PS5 and Xbox Two going forward.


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Xbox LIVE Free Games WARNING – Download THIS Xbox One Hit Before It’s Too Late | Games | Entertainment

Xbox One owners better hurry if they want to take advantage of an amazing free games offer this holiday weekend.

Xbox One users can download and play Ghost Recon Wildlands for free, but not for too long.

The Ghost Recon Wildlands Free Weekend ends at 6pm UK time on May 6, which is good news if you’re off on Bank Holiday Monday.

Best of all, the entire game is playable during the free weekend, including new Operation Oracle content.

“Not only will you be able to try out Operation Oracle, but you will also have access to all the free content that has been released since launch, including new campaign modes; new missions with Rainbow Six and Splinter Cell cameos; and new maps, modes and classes for the dedicated PVP arena, Ghost War,” says Ubisoft.

As a bonus, the game is on sale on PS4 and Xbox One, just in case you’re looking to upgrade to the full version.

Ghost Recon Wildlands can be picked up for just £12.99 on PS4 and £12 on Xbox One.

Progression will continue to the full version if you decide to upgrade.

As mentioned, the launch of the free trial coincides with the release of the Operation Oracle update.

“Adding two new missions that you can take on solo or with up to three friends in four-player co-op, Operation Oracle will task the Ghosts with rescuing a Skell Tech engineer being held hostage by Unidad forces,” we read in an article from Ubisoft.

“What begins as a simple rescue mission suddenly takes a complex turn when you meet Cole D. Walker, a ghost team leader who will have you questioning the difference between friend and foe.”

Fans will be able to access the new story quest after completing the first mission in Wildlands.

“You will find the start of the operation in the province of Montuyoc, which is indicated by a symbol on your TacMap”, confirms Ubisoft.


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Xbox Live Free Play UPDATE: Download These Xbox One Bonuses NOW | Games | Entertainment

New Xbox Live games and bonuses are available to download this weekend, courtesy of Microsoft.

Xbox One gamers have the official Games With Gold range to choose from, as well as a number of new demos that have been released on the Microsoft Store.

Angry Mob Games has released a new free demo for one of its latest gaming experiences, which can be downloaded today from the Xbox Game Store.

Brawlout, originally released in 2018 for Xbox One, is a colorful fighting game that earned average review scores after its console launch.

And while it’s not popular with everyone, Xbox Live Gold subscribers have little to lose by trying it out.

Downloading the new Brawlout demo will cost nothing; however, it has some limitations.

While the normal version of the game allows up to four players to compete in Timed, Stock, Team Battles, FFA, or Party modes, the demo version doesn’t have the same options.

DOWNLOAD THE BRAWLOUT DEMO FOR FREE

Each week, the Brawlout demo will feature three playable fighters, per rotation, and comes with the notification that all online modes are only available in the Full Brawlout version.

It has an age limit of 10+ and also has a small download size, which makes it easy to install on your console.

Players will only need 2GB of space on their Xbox One hard drive and will also need Xbox Live Gold for multiplayer gaming.

For those who need a refresher on Brawlout’s unique combat experience, you can read more below:

“By balancing the growing competitive scene with the board game roots of the genre, Brawlout hopes to cater to battle platform veterans, casual fans, and newcomers looking to make their mark.

“Each character in Brawlout has their own unique playstyle, responding to specific character archetypes seen in other fighters.

“Combined with familiar movement techniques like wavedashing and aerial dodging, Brawlout adds a few extra mechanics seen in other fighting games. The Rage Meter builds up as you deal and take damage, allowing you to either smash combos with Rage Burst or unleash hell with Rage Mode.

“The Rage Burst knocks back opponents, breaking their combos and allowing players to build headroom at the cost of half their Rage Meter. If the meter fills up, you can activate Rage Mode, increasing the knockback you inflict while reducing the amount you take.

If Platformer combat isn’t your thing, then Xbox Live Gold players also have access to 70 other free games that can be downloaded on Xbox One.

These include titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and World of Warships: Legends, all of which can be found in the Xbox Game Store.

And if none of these stand out as a great option, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can also take advantage of the recently added Games with Gold May lineup.

These went live earlier this month, replacing The Technomancer and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2. Xbox Live Gold owners can now download Marooners and Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon.

Marooners offers an open board game experience for up to six players on Xbox One. There are 25 different games and arenas to try, with Marooners also benefiting from a small download size.

The Marooners will be joined by The Golf Club 2 with PGA Tour on May 16, alongside Comic Jumper on Xbox 360.

For those who haven’t used it before, Games with Gold is available to all Xbox Live Gold members and can be redeemed from the Gold widget on the Xbox One home screen.

When you select a game, it’s stored in your account and ready to download when you log in to your console.


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