More Xbox console personalization options and an outage notification are now in testing

Xbox console owners in the Alpha Skip-Ahead Insider rings have fresh features to try out starting today, with Microsoft rolling out personalization-focused changes and easier access to important information straight from the device.

Following the update, Insiders connecting their controllers to their console to configure it on the Xbox Accessories app should now see their exact model show up on the screen. This will make it easier for players to confirm which model they are selecting before remapping or adjusting settings. It will even show any special edition or Elite Series controllers accurately.

Next, Xbox players will be able to customize their console's color scheme with much more detail.

"Inspired by your feedback, we’re expanding how you can make your console truly yours," says the company. "You’ll soon be able to enter a specific hex color code for precise color selection or use the new “match my gamerpic” option to pull a color directly from your gamerpic."

Moreover, whenever an update hits an Xbox console, users will now be able to check out what exactly changed, what got fixed, and what the new features are with a new option. A link to the new release notes will now be visible on the Home menu after an update. Insiders will be seeing release notes specific to their preview versions too.

Lastly, this update is letting players find out whenever there is a server outage hitting Microsoft servers that might affect their gaming sessions directly from their Xbox consoles.

"When there’s a confirmed XBOX service issue, a new indicator will appear on the upper-right corner of the screen so you can quickly see what’s going on," explains Microsoft. "From there, you can jump straight to a status page with the latest updates on what’s affected and when things are expected to be back up and running, no need to check other sites or social channels."

Don't forget that Microsoft is also testing the new Xbox startup sequence and tiered Gamerscore badges amongst Xbox Insiders right now too. Head over here to find out how to join the Xbox Insider Program to get a chance to test these features and upcoming ones on both consoles and PC.