In the month of November we had confirmed that Microsoft has introduced the Xbox Insider program to open the Xbox One Preview Program to everyone. However the Insiders could test the new updates for apps and games but would not receive any system updates.
That is now going to change, as Microsoft is releasing a first preview Creators Update for all Xbox Insiders which will be available via system updates. Microsoft will now be dividing the Insider Program into four rings, on similar grounds to the Windows Insider Program.
- Xbox One Update Preview Alpha – The first Preview ring, this group typically receives 2-3 new system updates per week during a Preview Update wave. Preview Alpha is the cutting edge, and users in this group receive access to new features and fixes as soon as possible at the expense of potential bugs.
- Xbox One Update Preview Beta – The second Preview ring, this group typically receives 1-2 new system updates per week during a Preview Update wave. Preview Beta users receive frequent system updates and early access to new features and fixes, with somewhat less risk of encountering bugs.
- Xbox One Update Preview Ring 3 – The third Preview ring, this group typically receives 2-3 new system updates per month during a Preview Update wave. Preview Ring 3 users receive infrequent system updates, and is suited for users who want early access to new features and fixes with less risk of encountering bugs.
- Xbox One Update Preview Ring 4 – The fourth and final Preview ring, this group typically receives new system updates about once per month. Preview Ring 4 users receive system updates which are almost ready for public release, and thus receive the fewest system updates and are least likely to encounter bugs. In some cases, Preview Ring 4 users may also receive updated versions of the current publicly released build incorporating new fixes.
Comparing these rings with the Windows Insider Program, they are classified as Preview Beta would be Fast, which is typically one a week, Preview Ring 3 would be a bit more frequent than Slow, which would usually be one per month, and Preview Ring 4 would be similar to Release Preview.
The Windows Insiders Program was open to all Windows Insiders who wanted to opt to the rings based on their choice but the difference with Xbox Insiders Preview – is that Alpha, Beta, and Ring 3 aren’t open to just anyone. Microsoft will be sending out invitations to “the most active Xbox Insiders.”
If you want to sign up for the Xbox Insider Program, just head over to the Store on your Xbox One console and download the Xbox Insider Hub. Run the app and follow the instructions to get enrolled.
