New Xbox One Insider Preview Alpha Build Available; Vital Update Information

Microsoft detailed a slew of new features that will be rolling out to Xbox One Insider members for testing, last week. One of the first updates containing some of the new features has been released into the preview program and it comes with a major warning.

One of the known issues in the update is that the loading screen may get stuck. Microsoft has issued a warning stating that if you download the update and become stuck at a loading screen and only see a spinner, that you do not try to factory reset. In addition to not factory resetting, Xbox owners should not reboot the console.

The issue will eventually resolve on its own, as it is a problem with the update service.

The preview update brings new features, including inactivity shutdown options, do not disturb, and mini-game hubs. It also brings a fix to the Home and Guide (additional fixes to address an issue which could cause Home and Guide to fail to display or crash) and fixes to Installation and Achievements (Resolved an issue which caused the progress bars for downloads/installations and achievements to display incorrect information).

Check out the new features below.

NEW FEATURES:

• Inactivity Shutdown Options

We’ve added additional inactivity shutdown options to the Power mode & startup menu. In addition to shutting down the console after one or six hours of inactivity, you’re now able to select options for two, three, four and five hours. To enable the inactivity shutdown options:

1. Navigate to Settings > Power & startup > Power mode & startup.
2. Under Options, select the “Turn off after” drop-down menu.

• Do Not Disturb (enabled 1/17 via Xbox Service setting)

Sometimes all you want to do is avoid all distractions and focus entirely on your game. We’ve included a “Do not disturb” online status, which will suppress notifications and let your friends know that you’re not available for another game or activity right now. To enable Do not disturb status:

1. Open the Guide and select your profile icon to the far left.
2. Select My profile.
3. From the Appear online dropdown to the right, select Do not disturb.

• Mini-Game Hubs (enabled 1/17 via Xbox Service setting)

With Mini Game Hubs you can access great content for the games you’ve played recently from a Game Hub without ever having to leave the action. Mini-Game Hubs provide an easy way to see friends who are currently playing, upcoming Achievements, Looking for Group posts, and more.

To find the Mini Game Hub, launch the Guide and look for a new icon to the right of all Game tiles in the Home section.