This is the first release on the Alpha Ring since August 16 and brings the Xbox One software to build 16270.3006. Insiders will also see this update listed as rs3_release_xbox_dev_1710.170828-1900. Microsoft is continuing to prepare the Xbox One for the Fall Creators Update (rs3). The build number (1710) suggests the update will not be finalized until October. That is interesting in the wider scheme of the Fall Creators Update, because it is widely expected to arrive for Windows 10 PCs in September. However, looking back to the Creators Update (April) and the Anniversary Update (August, 2016), there is evidence to suggest the Fall Creators Update for PC will arrive in October. Those two previous updates came to Xbox before they came to Windows 10 PC. If Microsoft follows the pattern, the FCU will come later than expected. Back to the newest Alpha Ring release for the Xbox Insider Program, Microsoft has some changes in store. Among them is the first hints of Fluent Design, Microsoft’s new Windows UI aesthetic. Fluent Design is coming to Xbox One with a new Guide and overhauled Dashboard experience.
Full Changelog
As usual, Microsoft has listed all the changes for this new build:
Languages Right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, which means you can now change your console language to select right-to-left languages in the Xbox settings menu. Arabic and Hebrew language support will be enabled for Preview Alpha 8/31 @ 1:00 AM PDT. Note there is a known issue which affects the sign-in screen when signing in with a Microsoft account e-mail address (see KNOWN ISSUES below for details). Pins The Pin block on Home, as well as the pins flyout in the new Guide now support 40 pins. Home The two discovery slots next to the resume tile show more relevant content, have clearer descriptions, visual improvements and we’ve given you the ability to influence what is being presented via the upvote/downvote in the context menu. It’s easier to see your custom background images on Home. Mixer The Broadcast tab in the guide is redesigned and includes more info about your Mixer account including Level, Sparks, Total Views, Mixer channel pic, and more. Mixer broadcasters can now broadcast at up to 1080p. No need to change anything in settings, when you start the broadcast we automatically check your bandwidth to optimize quality. Guide Active parties and broadcasting sessions are now easier to manage than ever. Similar to background audio, active party and broadcast management now show up on the Guide landing page for quicker and easier access. Tournaments are now easier to find via Guide under the Multiplayer tab. Game Hub Going to the Game Hub for your favorite games now takes you to the new Game Hub Welcome tab. The Welcome tab features a summary of all the great content around the game in one page. See what achievements you’re closest to, which friends are playing, popular community content and more. General Navigation is clearer with new visual updates that include showing you a peek at what’s below Home, making the focus rectangle more visible in the Guide, and more.
There are also some fixes listed:
Home Fixed an issue which caused Home customizations to disappear after a console reboot. Fixed an issue which sometimes caused a console crash when adding or removing content blocks. Numerous small fixes and performance improvements for Home and the dashboard. Games & Apps Fixed issues which sometimes prevented games and apps from launching. Fixed an issue which sometimes prevented games and apps from transferring between hard drives.
And of course, there are a bunch of known issues:
Sign-in When using Arabic or Hebrew language and signing in with a profile using the “Lock it down” security preference, the sign-in screen which requests Microsoft account e-mail address and password is distorted. This does not affect the profile if it is set to use the “Ask for my passkey” or “No barriers” security preferences. Workaround: Set the console to use another language, sign-in, and set the profile’s security preference to “Ask for my passkey” or “No barriers”. Alternatively, you can still type in your password as normal using the virtual keyboard though the screen is distorted. Netflix When using Hebrew language, Netflix fails to launch. Pins Users in Preview Alpha who do not already have the Pins block added to Home, will need to add via the bottom of the Pins flyout in the Guide. Movies & TV Fast forward, rewind, and other media controls may not function. 4K UHD Playback When playing 4K or UHD content, you may encounter periodic crashes or black screens. This occurs with multiple apps which support 4K and UHD content including Movies & TV and VUDU. Minecraft Better Together Beta Other games fail to launch after launching the Minecraft Beta. Workaround: This occurs if the Minecraft Beta is the first game launched after powering on the console; launch another game before Minecraft to avoid this issue. If you are stuck in this state, hard reset your console. Blu-Ray Player 3D Blu-Ray content plays in 2D. Game Hub Game Hub isn’t accurately tracking Gamerscore and achievement unlocks for certain games.
