Earlier this week Microsoft rolled out an in-progress version of its next major update, to a limited subset of Xbox One owners in the Xbox Insider Program. Accessible exclusively to those enrolled in the invitation-only "Alpha Preview," the update focuses on delivering a new user interface, ahead of its public release later this year. Following its debut, a wave of invites is now being distributed to join the program's Alpha Preview ring, alongside the removal of inactive members.
As detailed in a post on the Xbox Insider (opens in new tab) forums, the refresh gives consistently active Xbox Insiders the chance to experience the latest updates, while revoking access to those no longer active. For those hoping to move up to the top-tier ring, a list of criteria has been outlined. Eligible Insiders must have at least one console enrolled in the Xbox One Update Preview while having provided detailed "Report-a-problem" feedback in the past 90 days. "Significant Xbox Insider XP gains" must also have been made, although it's unclear exactly how much is required to qualify.
For those who no longer have a console enrolled, or haven't provided feedback in the past 90 days, your ability to access Alpha Preview builds may have been removed.
Several users have already received their invites to join the Alpha Preview update ring, via Xbox Live messages. If you weren't among the lucky few, Microsoft has reassured Insiders more invites will be sent out in the future, based on the same criteria. At least those on lower rings now have a clearer idea of how invites are allocated in the meantime.
An effort to revise the Xbox Insider Program has been seen this week, through various changes under the hood. Delta and Omega rings were recently added to the program, alongside more transparent criteria to access each of the four Insider groups. Have you received an invite to join the Alpha Preview ring? Or were you one of the unlucky few to be removed? Let us know your experience in the comments.
