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Downloading large games from Xbox Game Pass has long been one of the most criticized aspects of the Xbox app on PCs. Many users complained that the app couldn't fully utilize the available internet connection, causing installs to take much longer than they should. Microsoft plans to address this with a new Smart Download Client. The feature has been made available in the Xbox Insider Alpha Skip-Ahead test build and, according to early reports, delivers noticeable benefits. Importantly, the solution is meant to work not only on consoles but also in the Xbox app on PC. If the tests succeed, it will be one of the most tangible changes for Game Pass users.
Smart Download Client automatically selects the fastest server
The new system starts the download by checking the availability of file servers. It then analyzes several groups of servers and picks the one offering the best performance at that moment. But that's not where it stops. Smart Download Client regularly monitors connection quality and can automatically switch the download to a faster server if one becomes available. That way the user isn't tied to a single source for the entire download. Microsoft expects the solution will help maintain higher and more stable transfer speeds. This is especially important for modern releases, which increasingly exceed 100 GB in size.
Microsoft also announces further improvements to the Xbox app
Smart Download Client is just one of the new features in the latest Xbox Insider Alpha Skip-Ahead preview build. Microsoft also prepared improvements to the game hub in the Xbox Store to make finding DLC easier. The update also includes fixes related to game installation, system updates, Remote Play, audio, and overall console stability. Currently the new download system remains available only to testers in the Xbox Insider program. Initial tests indicate, however, that the solution is also starting to appear in the Xbox app on PCs. The company has not yet revealed when the feature will be made available to all users, but if results meet expectations, it will be one of the most practical changes for people who use Xbox Game Pass regularly.
The new Smart Download Client is designed to solve one of the biggest problems with the Xbox app on PC: slow download speeds for games and updates. Intelligent server selection and dynamic switching during transfers can significantly reduce the wait time to install new games.
Source: Digital Trends
