#microsoft_xbox

The developers have introduced a new compact mode Microsoft has begun testing a fresh update to its Xbox app for Windows 11 that improves the experience on handheld devices and smaller screens. [caption id="attachment_76676" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Xbox app for Windows[/caption] Microsoft is testing an Xbox app for Windows portable consoles In the Xbox test app, the developers introduced a new compact mode that significantly reduces the size of the left sidebar. Microsoft says the compact mode is designed to improve "the experience on portable devices and small screens." However, the compact mode works on screens of any size. This is a relatively minor UI change but will prove very useful on devices like the Asus ROG Ally gaming console, which only has a 7-inch display.

This is Series S and a three-month subscription to Game Pass Sony recently introduced the updated PlayStation 5 gaming consoles, which are unofficially called Slim due to their smaller dimensions. It makes no sense for Microsoft to particularly reduce its Xbox Series consoles, but the company decided to at least somehow respond to the competitor’s announcement and introduced the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle.  [caption id="attachment_68078" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Xbox Series S Starter Bundle[/caption] Xbox Series S Starter Bundle Unveiled As you can guess from the name, this is just an Xbox Series S console with some kind of bonus. In this case, we are talking about a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which itself costs $50. The console costs the same $300 as the regular Series S without any bonus.  Microsoft usually offers a monthly subscription as a gift, which is three times more. However, Game Pass, although a tangible advantage of the Xbox ecosystem, is still not needed by everyone. There are no other reasons to buy the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle. It is worth clarifying that we are talking about the Series S version with 512 GB of memory.  Let us remind you that today Microsoft finally closed the deal to purchase Activision Blizzard, but the latter’s games will not be included in the Game Pass subscription yet.