It's been a while since I've edited my Xbox avatar. If you're in the same boat, today is a good day to change it up. I've been playing with the Avatars app that has just been released for Windows 10 Technical Preview. It isn't quite finished yet, but you can still play around with the app and provide feedback. Want to see it action? Watch my hands-on video.
When you open Avatars, your current character shows up in the middle, with menu buttons to the left. Tap the hamburger button to understand what the icons mean. The Dress Up section is where you want to go. This lets you change your clothes and accessories.
You can also change your appearance by selecting Edit Avatar. You can customize your character's shape, skin, hair, facial features, and more.
Tapping the marketplace icon opens the Avatar Store in a web browser. There are a few items that are free to download, but many of the items have prices similar to mobile apps and games.
An interesting section is called the Photobooth. When you try to open it, you get a message that says it is coming soon. Perhaps it's a section where you can take a screenshot of your avatar, which can be shared on your social networks.
There's a settings button on the lower left corner, but only one option is currently available. You can turn off the background music from here.
What are some improvements I'd like to see in an update? I'd like to be able to spin the avatars around. I'd also like the marketplace to be within the app itself instead of forwarding us to a web browser.
Go play with your Xbox avatar today and let us know what you think of the new Avatars app for Windows 10 Preview!
- Download Avatars for Windows (opens in new tab) (Free)
Mark Guim is Video Editor at Windows Central. He switched to Windows because the MacBook Pro isn't Pro enough. You can follow him on Twitter at @markguim.
