Microsoft has started testing new updates to the Xbox app on Windows 11 that improve the experience on handheld devices and small screens. In the Xbox Test app released earlier this week, Microsoft introduced a new compact mode that significantly reduces the left sidebar.
According to Microsoft, Compact mode is designed to improve the “experience on mobile devices and small screens,” and works on screens of all sizes. This is a relatively small change to his UI, but very welcome on a device like the ROG Ally, which only has a 7-inch display. Windows 11 is a very cramped experience on his ROG Ally, but improvements to the Xbox app are an encouraging step towards what we hope will be some kind of handheld mode for Windows.
Asus’ ROG Ally is now available as a portable Xbox for PC Game Pass. Xbox head Phil Spencer is also a fan of his ROG Ally, describing the handheld in an interview as his “his Xbox on the go.” eurogamer earlier this year. However, there’s still a lot Microsoft can do to improve your experience. “We’re focused on making the Xbox and GP experience great on devices like Ally… There’s still work to do.” Spencer admitted In a tweet from July.
We hope that the improvements to the Xbox app, while small for now, are the first step toward major improvements for Windows-based handheld devices. Microsoft also hinted that it would be working with publishers to bring features like Quick Resume to Windows gamers earlier this year. “Experience layer” How to resume games across devices.