Exciting Updates Unveiled for Xbox Alpha and Beta Testers

Xbox has shared details about recent console updates for Alpha and Beta testers, with the goal of improving the user experience and addressing reported issues within the Xbox community. These updates not only focus on background enhancements for stability and quality but also bring about significant changes and fixes across the Xbox ecosystem.

Xbox offers a wide range of video games for users to enjoy, including popular titles and indie gems. The Xbox console lineup consists of different versions like the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, each featuring upgraded hardware capabilities and unique features. In addition to gaming, these consoles also function as entertainment centers, allowing users to access streaming services, apps, and online multiplayer gaming via the Xbox Live platform.

The latest update for Xbox Insider Program members was released on March 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. PT, with mandatory installation set for March 5, 2024, at 3 a.m. PT. Following some issues in February, Xbox announced on the Xbox Wire that this update focuses on fixing accessibility features for beta testers. These fixes specifically address problems with narrator readout in the guide and unexpected errors when viewing recent captures in the Capture & Share section. Additionally, system-wide enhancements have been implemented to improve localization on the console for users worldwide.

xbox-logo-green - However, Beta testers may encounter some localized text anomalies, which Xbox advises investigating further to understand the impact of such changes

Beta testers may come across some localized text anomalies, which Xbox recommends investigating further to understand the impact of such changes. Despite improvements in enhancing the user experience, certain known issues persist, such as intermittent audio glitches and occasional networking connectivity delays upon boot. Xbox's engineers are actively working on resolving these issues and encourage users to report any encountered instances via the Report a Problem feature.

For Alpha testers, exciting new features are on the horizon, including a toast notification system for users running low on OneDrive storage space after uploading screenshots or game clips. Fixes have also been made to address game save accessibility issues caused by lengthy names and delays in checking for recent updates in My Games & Apps. Xbox offers some of the top games of the decade, and this update is designed to further streamline the gaming experience.

New Console Updates Notes

Are you interested in shaping the future of Xbox updates, features, and games? Join the Xbox Insider Program as an alpha or beta tester! By completing quests, surveys, and reporting issues, members can unlock previews tailored to their interests and level of activity. Actively participating in the program allows players to test new features and updates, helping to evolve the Xbox ecosystem.

Notes for Beta Testers

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2403ZN\25398.3848.240229-2200

Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 4, 2024

Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 5, 2024

Fixes Included

Accessibility

Fixes to improve narrator readout in the guide when viewing friends and making changes to the friendship.

Capture & Share

Fixes to address an unexpected error in the guide when viewing recent captures.

System

Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

Audio

Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.

If you encounter any problems, make sure to check if your TV and other devices have the most up-to-date software. If you're not sure, reach out to the manufacturer for help. You can also find more troubleshooting tips at Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.

If the issues persist even after updating the firmware and trying other solutions, you can provide feedback by using the Report a Problem feature when the problem occurs. Select the "Reproduce with advanced diagnostics" option and then choose the categories "Console experiences" and "Console Audio Output Issues".

Having trouble with your networking setup? Let us help you troubleshoot the issue. Start by providing as much information as possible about the problem, such as when it started and your current setup.

Once we have a better understanding of the issue, we can guide you through the troubleshooting process. Have you tried any troubleshooting steps on your own? Let us know what you have done so far to help us narrow down the possible causes.

The more information you can provide, the better equipped we will be to reproduce the issue and find a solution. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance with your networking concerns.

We are currently looking into a problem where your console may not connect to the network right away when you turn it on. If you encounter this issue, please make sure to report it using the Report a Problem feature as soon as you can.

If you are facing this issue, you can try waiting for a minute or two to see if the connection establishes. If the problem persists, you can restart your Xbox using the Power Center or the guide, and then provide feedback through Report a Problem. For more information on how to restart your Xbox console, you can learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Notes for Alpha Testers

System Update Details

OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.3978.240228-2200

Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 4, 2024

Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 5, 2024

New Features and Experiences

Capture & Share

Users will now see a toast notification after uploading a new screenshot or game clip to OneDrive if they’re running low on space.

Fixes Included

Games

Fixed an issue where game saves could become inaccessible if the name was very long.

My Games & Apps

Fixed an unexpected delay that could occur when checking for recent updates for games and apps.

System

Various changes have been made to ensure that local languages are accurately represented on the console.

Users who are part of the Preview program may notice some unusual text while using the console. To find out more information, you can visit the "What's This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview" section.

Known Issues

Audio

Some users have mentioned having occasional problems with the sound on the dashboard, games, and apps.

If you encounter any issues, make sure that your TV and other devices have the most up-to-date software. If you're not sure, reach out to the manufacturer for help. You can also check out more troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.

If you're still having problems even after updating the firmware and trying to fix the issue, please give us your feedback using the "Report a Problem" feature. When the problem occurs, choose the "Reproduce with advanced diagnostics" option and pick the categories "Console experiences" and "Console Audio Output Issues".

Remember to provide detailed information about the problem, when it began, your setup, the troubleshooting steps you've taken, and any other details that can help us understand and replicate the issue.

We are currently looking into a problem where the console may not connect to the network right away when it is turned on. If you come across this issue, please make sure to report it using the "Report a Problem" feature as soon as possible.

Try this workaround: Give it a minute or two for the connection to set up. If your console is still not connected, try restarting your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. If the issue persists, submit feedback using Report a Problem. For more information on restarting, check out: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

Editor's P/S:

This comprehensive article provides valuable insights into the recent Xbox console updates for Alpha and Beta testers. The focus on improving the user experience, addressing reported issues, and implementing new features is commendable. The detailed notes for both Beta and Alpha testers outline specific fixes and improvements, highlighting the commitment to enhancing the overall Xbox ecosystem.

The inclusion of known issues and workarounds demonstrates transparency and a willingness to acknowledge and resolve any potential problems. The encouragement for users to actively participate in the Xbox Insider Program to shape the future of updates, features, and games is a testament to Microsoft's collaborative approach to improving the platform. Overall, the article effectively communicates the progress and efforts made to enhance the Xbox gaming experience.