Xbox November Update introduces compact mode for handheld systems

We've reached the last day of the month and to wrap things up, Microsoft has now detailed its big Xbox platform update for November. The Xbox app is getting updated with new features on PC to improve the experience on desktops, as well as some new updates geared towards handheld devices. 

The Xbox App's compact mode is now available on all Windows devices, including gaming handhelds. This new feature is designed to improve your gaming experience on smaller displays by simplifying the user interface. In compact mode, the sidebar folds into icons, giving you more screen space to view information. Microsoft is collaborating with handheld gaming device makers to ensure that Compact Mode is the default setting for the Xbox app on these systems. Still, while we wait for that, you can enable this feature by simply going to your profile in the app's top-left corner and turning on “Compact mode”.

This update also introduced the Gaming Services Repair Tool, which might be useful for diagnosing and troubleshooting. This tool addresses any issues with Gaming Services or missing content when starting the Xbox app on PC. To access this feature, go to your profile in the app's top-left corner and select “Support”.

Other welcome additions brought by this update include tweaks to notifications, like showing only unread alerts in the notification picker on the Xbox app for PC and notifications of any games on your wishlist featured in Xbox Free Play Days. In addition, you can now use phone authentication to claim your console rewards via the My Rewards. Lastly, there's a new wireless controller firmware update that includes bug fixes, enables Shift mode for keyboard mapping on Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers, and a workaround for users whose controllers previously failed to accept a firmware upgrade. Japanese keyboard users will also find new settings to better support their keyboard layout as well.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried the new update? What's the most interesting feature it brings?

Become a Patron!