- Microsoft introduces an easy way for players to switch between application windows via the new Xbox PC app full-screen experience
- Players can use a long press of the Xbox Home button for the new task view
- It is now available through Microsoft’s Windows 11 Insider Program
Microsoft and Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally collaboration are on the horizon, and although I am not very excited about its launch or the device itself, one of the features that come from the new ‘full-screen experience’ must be beneficial to all PC players.
As reported by The Verge, the Microsoft Xbox button changes on controllers to get a brand new task switch after a long press, which helps users switch between application windows lightly. This is now available to Windows 11 Insider users and is set to be an integral part of the Xbox PC app’s new full-screen experience, a timed exclusive for ROG Xbox Ally.
Essentially, this sounds like an extension of the Xbox Game Bar, which in posterity has thought that I need a revision for a long time, considering its buggy and not responding. I have stated several times that I am questionable Microsoft’s new additions will pull me away from Steamos, but this is great for my stationary game -PC.
It seems that Microsoft is really trying to build a console-like PC experience, with a long press that essentially works in the same way as consoles do to access the home menu or dashboard.
Being able to quickly switch between applications without hitting the Windows key sounds like a breath of fresh air, ultimately helping to avoid irritations with the Windows process line -and I hope Microsoft’s inevitable roll -out of the entire new interface to other systems next year doesn’t take too long.
Analysis: The real concern is improvements of game performance
Seeing the gap in the performance between Windows 11 and Steamos, with the latter, providing better image speeds, leaving me to wonder how the full screen experience (I really hope they give it an official name) changes this.
I don’t intend to use Steamos on my desk yet as I await improvements when using Nvidia hardware, so I’m definitely fascinated by what Microsoft has to offer with his new game mode. We’ve seen how Windows 11 is for games with less bloatware using tools like Tiny11, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something similar.
It’s bad enough that players have to deal with poorly optimized PC ports, and Studio CEOS, accusing players of their own hardware configurations, so the last thing we need is background services that spoil game performance.
Hopefully, it’s the start of something important for Microsoft, competing with Valve to give a healthy competition.
