There is exciting development happening at Microsoft as the company announced that it will be expanding its Xbox Insider program. Microsoft has made changes to the four tiers, namely Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omega (formerly Ring 3 and 4) which determine how early you’ll be able to test forthcoming system updates.
The Omega tier, which Microsoft has made open to all, members will receive the update, that’s almost ready for the general public, however, with minor testing. As one moves up the tier system, updates will be made available as users get to test features Microsoft isn’t ready to implement ahead of lower tier users.
These changes to the tier system will give Microsoft, firstly, the necessary feedback regarding features tested and system updates and in return, users get to receive these updates early in the schedule before being rolled out to the general public.
The table below carefully explains the difference between each tier and the process involved within these tiers and how to move to the next tier.
With these updates, many new Xbox Insiders – previously limited to Ring 3 or Ring 4 – will be able to join the Xbox One Update Preview Beta and Delta groups, which expands the types of updates and features they’ll be able to test right away. Source: Windows Central (online)
However, for those in the Delta have to keep in mind that only a select few will gain access to preview builds via a lottery draft. This means that this group will receive the console updates before the rest of the Delta members.
In addition, Microsoft will provide Xbox Insiders more flexibility regarding system updates. This means if you gain deeper access to the rings, depending on bandwidth, you can move down to the lower rings.
This provides the average numbers of updates per ring together with a rough estimate bandwidth per month. Source: Xbox Wire (online)
Xbox Insiders will gain early access to playtests of unreleased games for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, most recently Sea of Thieves where thousands are set sailing across the (virtual) open seas. Along with games, Insiders will have the latest console apps which include the music streaming service Spotify.
You can join the Xbox Insiders program from the Insiders Hub on the Xbox One console. Source: Windows Central (online)
If you haven’t joined the Xbox Insiders program, download the “Xbox Insider Hub” on the Xbox One console, search for “Insider Content” and then “Xbox One Update Preview.”
