Subj : It looks like typing in Windows 11 with an Xbox controller is abo To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu Sep 05 2024 18:45:06 It looks like typing in Windows 11 with an Xbox controller is about to get easier as Microsoft gives it a boost Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:39:21 +0000 Description: Microsoft is testing a new on-screen keyboard layout for Xbox controllers in Windows 11, hoping to improve typing and navigation functionality. FULL STORY ====================================================================== If you've ever tried to type using a gamepad or gaming device, you know it can be tricky, especially with this new generation of handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X , so its good to see that Microsoft is currently trialling a new and improved gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers in Windows 11 . The Verge reports that the new layout isnt the only thing PC gamers with Xbox controllers can look forward to - they will also be able to use the X button for backspace, the Y button for spacebar, and the menu button of a connected Xbox controller to hit enter (as you would on a physical keyboard). Microsoft is also adding vertical alignment (consideration for the arrangement of keys in the vertical direction) to make it easier to type with the on-screen keyboard. The new on-screen keyboard is currently in user testing in the Windows Insider Program s Beta Channel, which means we expect it to roll out to all eligible users pretty soon (unless Microsoft changes its mind). (Image credit: Getty Images) The bigger picture of Windows handheld gaming I think its smart for Microsoft to continue developing Windows 11 to improve its gaming abilities while also working on other things like its AI -powered Copilot tool. Windows 11 is now the most-used operating system by PC gamers (at least according to a recent Steam survey), and while it performs fine for gaming laptops and desktop PCs, the operating system isnt quite as well suited to gaming handhelds, which have smaller screens and rely on controller inputs, rather than traditional keyboards and mice, which Windows was originally designed for. While the new gamepad-friendly on-screen keyboard has been well received by many so far, theres more work that can be done - and handheld PC gaming is an exciting, and growing, market. As The Verge points out, Microsoft can still improve things like being able to log into Windows with an Xbox controller, as well as ensure that the on-screen keyboard automatically appears when you select text fields to write in them. I could see Microsoft addressing these in the near future, as we recently wrote about Microsofts improved Windows Game Bar with Compact Mode , making it easier to control your device while youre playing a game - even on a smaller screen. The Xbox app has also gotten controller improvements to make it easier to navigate the app while using an Xbox controller, so its good to see that Microsoft isnt completely distracted by adding AI into all parts of Windows 11. If Microsofts handheld gaming offerings continue to improve, I think it could make Valve, the company behind the Linux -based SteamOS operating system that the Steam Deck uses, sweat a little bit. Im certainly excited to see what else Microsoft has up its sleeve when it comes to Windows on handheld devices, which is something I havent felt in a long time. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... Xbox's November update adds new compact UI for Windows devices Microsoft has just launched a brand new Xbox Series X dashboard Why Windows 12 needs to go all in on Xbox Game Bar to stay ahead of macOS ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/it-looks-like-typing-in-windows-11 -with-an-xbox-controller-is-about-to-get-easier-as-microsoft-gives-it-a-boost --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .