Xbox Revives Friends and Followers Experience After Over a Decade

Microsoft has introduced the new Xbox Friends and Followers Experience, set to launch for Xbox Insiders this week. This program allows select Xbox users to test new features and provide feedback prior to their wider release.

The updated Friends and Followers Experience simplifies how users send, accept, or delete friend requests, enhancing the process of connecting with others on the platform.

In this new framework, friends will engage in a two-way relationship that must be approved by both parties, giving users greater control and flexibility regarding their connections. Conversely, following another user remains a one-way connection, which helps users receive updates on shared content from friends, clubs, or games.

Microsoft has also unveiled new privacy and notification settings, empowering users to determine who can send them friend requests, follow their accounts, and what notifications they wish to receive.

The update will be rolled out to Xbox Insiders across all devices, including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices, with hopes of a broader rollout to all users “soon.”

Xbox had originally deprecated the Friends and Followers experience over ten years ago due to user feedback regarding unsolicited connections from strangers and bots, along with a subpar notification system.

However, the current initiative presents Xbox with an opportunity to revive the Friends and Followers experience in a manner akin to Twitch, enabling users to create public profiles and foster connections with fellow gamers.

In the meantime, Xbox is committed to allowing players to manage their experience, privacy, and security effectively.

Xbox on Twitter: We’re re-introducing friend requests! You will be able to send, accept, or delete friend requests, in addition to following or being followed by others. by u/Turbostrider27 in xbox

This update includes additional privacy and notification settings, granting users greater authority over who can send friend requests or follow their accounts, as well as the notifications they receive.

As a result, the Xbox Friends and Followers experience is expected to be more stable and less intrusive. This lays the groundwork for further social feature experimentation, potentially mirroring Twitch’s model.

While some Xbox users express excitement over this capability’s return, many view it with skepticism, citing issues with the previous notification system. On Reddit, numerous users have voiced frustrations about this aspect.

In related news, Xbox has finally made the Game Pass Standard model accessible to all users.

What are your thoughts on the new features?

We’re re-introducing friend requests! You will be able to send, accept, or delete friend requests, in addition to following or being followed by others. We are testing with Xbox Insiders now and look forward to sharing more later this year on a full rollout. pic.twitter.com/dQCNEtGBtk

— Xbox (@Xbox) September 11, 2024

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