Xbox has released a new update for Alpha Skip-Ahead members that increases download speeds while a game is running. Xbox users report that the new upgrade makes a massive improvement to download times.

Xbox's Alpha Skip-Ahead program is part of the larger Xbox Insider program, which allows users to help test new features before they are released to the public. Alpha Skip-Ahead is an invite-only ring that often receives features well in advance of their general release. Recently, Xbox released an update for the Insider program's Alpha ring, which is one tier below the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring, that included slight improvements for local languages, audio, and networking. While those were certainly meaningful improvements, Xbox's latest Insider feature is a bit more exciting.

One Xbox Alpha Skip-Ahead member, Twitter user IdleSloth84_, shared their improved download speeds thanks to the new update. They revealed that games are now downloading at up to 380 mb/s while a game is running, compared to his old speeds which were around 40 to 80 mb/s. They also shared that his max download speed with no game running is usually 480 mb/s, so games are now downloading at nearly 80% of his network's top speed while a game is running. This is a massive improvement that will hopefully roll out to all Xbox users in the near future. However, fans should try to keep their hopes in check for now, given that the new improvement is only available to Alpha Skip-Ahead members and Xbox has not shared when it plans to roll out the feature for all users.

New Xbox Insider Feature for Alpha Skip-Ahead Members

(FYI) I've done some tests and games are now downloading at 380mbs while games are running.

Usually games download at 480mbs with no game running in the background.

What a great improvement from 40-80mbs, well done to the Xbox engineering team 👏 https://t.co/2ZfCCByINO pic.twitter.com/EA9yHLSVbh

— Idle Sloth💙💛 (@IdleSloth84_) February 12, 2024

Significantly improves download speeds while a game is running

One user's Xbox now downloads games at nearly 80% of his full download speed while a game is running

The patch notes of the new Alpha Skip-Ahead update also mentioned that the team is working on further improvements for local languages, network connectivity, audio bugs, in-game graphical issues, and more. If fans wish to sign up to become an Xbox Insider, they can do so by simply downloading the Xbox Insider bundle on their console or by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on their PC through the Microsoft Store. If users wish to receive new Xbox features early, they will need to sign up for Insider Previews within said apps. Users should remember that the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead tiers are invite-only, though.

In other exciting Xbox news, the company confirmed that a special edition Xbox podcast will air on February 15th. The podcast will address widespread rumors that some Xbox exclusives are going cross-platform soon.

A respected insider claimed that the first Xbox titles to release on competing consoles will be Hi-Fi Rush and Pentiment. Reportedly, Sea of Thieves has also been greenlit for a cross-platform release.

Posted: Feb 17, 2024 1:13 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: https://gamerant.com/xbox-game-downloads-fast-update/