Which Xbox feature would you like to see improved next?

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S (Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

While Microsoft is known to remove some features from its consoles as they age, it's also known to improve them over time. Microsoft sprinkled software updates, improved home screens, and additional features throughout the lifespan of the Xbox One. That trend continues with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. For example, Microsoft is testing audio passthrough and new features for Quick Resume right now.

Recently, Microsoft also released a nice surprise for its Xbox Alpha Ring Skip-Ahead Insiders, a capable browser. Microsoft began testing the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge last month. Late last week, it even added mouse and keyboard support, which greatly expands the usefulness of the browser.

With a capable browser on the way, we wanted to know what other improvements you'd like to see to the latest Xbox consoles and the Xbox platform.

Improving achievements

Xbox controller achievements — Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Our senior editor Jez Corden recently discussed how Microsoft needs to upgrade the Xbox achievements system. Corden explains that the entire system is "long overdue for some love and development" and that "other achievement systems are passing Xbox by."

A little love could go a long way for the Xbox achievement system. Microsoft paved the way for gaming achievements, but as explained by Corden, Microsoft has dropped the ball a bit:

Xbox achievements are one of Microsoft's crowning gaming innovations, adapted and remixed by PlayStation, Steam, Battle.net, and various other games and storefronts. Alas, cheevos (as they're often lovingly called) have fallen by the wayside a bit.

Integrating with Discord

Discord Windows Lede 1 — Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Microsoft may have failed to purchase Discord, at least according to the latest reports, but that doesn't mean it can't work with the communication platform. People have begged for Discord integration with the Xbox family of consoles for years.

Discord has a vast range of communities dedicated to different types of gaming. Seamless integration with Xbox consoles would boost the social aspect of gaming by allowing people to bring communities they're already in over to their consoles.

Some third-party developers have made Discord clients that work with Xbox consoles, but official support from Microsoft would bring a smooth experience that can directly integrate with Xbox hardware and software.

Bringing more Edge features from Windows 10 to Xbox

Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature — Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

I love that Microsoft is testing the new Edge on Xbox consoles, but I want to see the company take it even further. Mouse and keyboard support opens things up greatly, but I'd also like to have PWA support and some other features. Edge is one of the best browsers on Windows 10, and Microsoft is in a unique position to make a browser actually useful on a console.

Over to you

Is there something else that you'd like to see improve? Let us know in the comments here, or jump on Twitter and respond to our poll.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.