Xbox is bringing back startup animations from its console history

Microsoft is starting to test some new Xbox console features with Insiders. Testers will be able to try out custom Xbox boot animations from the past, more personalization options for badges, a new local search feature, improved Remote Play quality, the ability to download while you play on cloud, and clearer voice chat.

Xbox testers will be able to pick between the original Xbox One boot screen, the Xbox One X startup animation, the original Xbox Series X / S boot, and the new “we are Xbox” boot animation. Unfortunately you won’t be able to select the original Xbox or Xbox 360 boot animations, it’s only Xbox One onwards.

The new local search feature is designed to find games and achievements in large lists. “Available in My games & apps, official club achievement lists, and profile achievement history, local search works alongside existing filters and sorting options to help players find what they’re looking for faster,” explains the Xbox team.

Xbox Remote Play is getting support for up to 1440p resolution and improved bitrates on Xbox Series X / S consoles. If you use Xbox Cloud Gaming, you’ll also be able to allow downloads to continue in the background while you stream games. Downloads will still automatically throttle “as needed,” though.

Xbox Series X / S owners will also be able to test Voice Clarity, a feature that “helps reduce everyday background noise.” It sounds a lot like the Voice Clarity feature that’s part of Windows 11, which eliminates echo and other background noise. “Voice Clarity will be enabled by default in party chat and in most games released since 2020,” says the Xbox team.