Xbox's new PC app is up to 60% faster, with a few teething problems

[Nomad22]

Microsoft has given its Xbox app for Windows a big speed boost. Pure Xbox reports that Xbox boss Asha Sharma showed the updated app reaching its home page in 5.2 seconds, about 10 seconds faster than before, and Microsoft claims it is up to 60 percent faster overall

The app now runs smoothly on a first generation ROG Ally handheld in its 15 watt mode, which matters for PC handheld owners. A new sidebar puts the friends list next to Home, Library, Game Pass and Store, making it feel closer to the console experience

Not every change has been welcomed. Cloud Gaming has been removed from the sidebar, so playing a game through the cloud now means going into the Library and choosing Play on Cloud, while Remote Play has moved into a dropdown menu

Users have also reported some early bugs, including low quality icons for Battle.net and GOG games, and a delay of around 60 seconds when choosing which drive to install a game on. Bugs like these usually get patched quickly

A faster launcher makes a real difference on handhelds, where every second and every watt counts. Burying cloud gaming seems an odd choice when Microsoft is pushing it elsewhere, so that may change after feedback. The bugs sound like the kind that get fixed quickly

Have you noticed the Xbox app speeding up? And should cloud gaming be easier to find, not harder?

Xboxs New Pc App Update Is Impressive Even If Theres A Few Teething Problemswww.purexbox.com