Recently, Microsoft introduced a new "Compact Mode" in the Xbox app for PC, a move that marks a major step forward for Windows 11 in the field of handheld gaming. According to reports, this new model was introduced as part of the November update and aims to simplify the interface for small-screen devices. In other words, the mode is specifically aimed at handheld gaming devices running Windows, such as the Asus ROG Ally (a significant drop) and the Lenovo Legion Go. Of course, it may also play a role in other scenarios of portable devices, and it is worth going further**.
In compact mode, the app sidebar is compressed into icons, and the labels on the icons are removed, reducing the size of the interface in that section by a quarter. While this is a small interface change, it has a big impact as it frees up a lot of screen real estate for compact displays on small screens, like various Windows-powered Steam Deck competitors.
Microsoft says it's working with device makers to turn on compact mode by default on handheld gaming devices that benefit the most. This is really reasonable, as users will definitely want to use this feature on gaming hardware.
Currently, users can turn on the new mode by opening their profile in the top left corner of the Xbox app. Previously, Windows-powered Steam Deck competitors such as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have been criticized for their cumbersome UI and Windows 11's experience on small screens lagging far behind SteamOS. Although, as mentioned earlier, the compact mode is only a relatively minor change, it is very important.
In addition, it shows Microsoft's commitment to improving the Windows 11 experience in the field of handheld gaming. "We'll continue to focus on updates to bring a great Xbox app experience to Windows handheld screens," Microsoft noted. "There have been previous rumors that Microsoft is secretly discussing a full-blown rollout of Handheld Mode, and this recent move seems to signal that we're moving in that direction.
We'll have to wait and see if a full-fledged handheld-friendly desktop mode will be introduced in the future. But if Microsoft wants to make Windows 11 portable devices a stronger competitor, then this feature will greatly enhance its competitiveness. In addition to improving the user experience, the new mode has the potential to improve the performance of games on small-screen laptops, or offer Valve-like Big Picture mode instead of the cumbersome operation of a traditional desktop when connecting a PC to a large-screen TV for gaming.
post by tech