The Xbox One hub is getting a makeover with Microsoft removing Cortana and simplifying the over UI. The UI has been a topic of contention since the Xbox One launch and since then has gone through many changes, none of which actually seemed to help ease of access. Now it looks like that’s changing because Microsoft is getting rid of some of the messier components while also making the UI much easier to navigate.
The newest hub changes are geared towards a better voice experience as well as a faster home system. The Home screen when the system is turned on has been tweaked for a more streamlined user experience, including the removal of the Twists from the top of the Home screen and those have been replaced by separate buttons that allow ease of access to particular gaming experiences. This move will make it easier to sift through the Xbox Game Pass, Mixer, and much more with more natural fluidity while allowing for more room for future additions.
This is an experiment, so the “experimental Hub” is rolling out this week for select Xbox Insiders in the Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead rings. Microsoft expects this to change quite a bit based on player feedback, so your reaction will be vital to making sure the Hub receives the necessary changes.
The Xbox Skill with Alexa has been a huge hit for those that like having voice commands. Cortana? Not so much. It’s because of that mixed reception that Cortana is being removed for headset correspondence, though the Cortana feature can still be accessed via the mobile app and via Alexa should players decide to keep using her.
Microsoft added, “Starting this week, this update will roll out to our Alpha Skip Ahead ring and will fully rollout to all users this fall. As part of these changes, this update will temporarily disable dictation for the virtual keyboard on Xbox One. Don’t worry though, our team is working to provide an alternative solution and will have more details to share soon.”
