Xbox Series X Name Trashed by A Way Out Director Josef Fares

When it comes to the names of Microsoft's video game consoles, the Xbox Series X and Series S branding can be a bit confusing for the uninitiated. Between original consoles and the various remodels that Microsoft has offered for its systems over the years, it's clear that the company's branding lacks the simplicity that PlayStation's numbered offerings provide. In an interview with IGN, A Way Out developer Josef Fares weighed-in on the names of Microsoft's next-gen consoles, decrying how confusing it can be, both for newcomers to the Xbox brand, and even for those that actually work for Microsoft!

Regardless what console gamers prefer, it's hard to disagree with Fares' conclusion. The Xbox Series X branding is quite confusing, particularly given how close the name is to the Xbox One X, and how similar Xbox Series S is to Xbox One S. The naming convention is sure to confound some parents, and could even result in the wrong console being purchased.

At this point, it's too late for Microsoft to change things up, so gamers will just have to stick with the Xbox Series X|S naming convention this time around. Given some of the backlash against the name, it will be interesting to see whether or not Microsoft decides to go with something a little bit clearer in the future. While Microsoft couldn't mimic Sony's numbered branding, Nintendo has found success with most of its console naming; it would be easier for Microsoft to follow Nintendo's approach, offering catchier, simpler names. Sales of Xbox Series X|S seem to be pretty strong so far, so it might not make that big of a difference in the grand scheme of things!

Microsoft unveils new tablet experience for Windows 10

Microsoft is planning to redesign the tablet experience for Windows 10. The software giant has started testing a new design for 2-in-1 convertible PCs that will keep the user interface more similar to the existing desktop design. Currently, Windows 10 throws you into a more tablet-optimized UI that removes task bar icons and puts the Start menu full-screen when a device automatically switches into “tablet mode.” Microsoft is now walking back some of those changes, while keeping some touch-optimized elements for 2-in-1 PCs. In the new tablet experience, the desktop will remain in full view, with the task bar icons visible and increased spacing between them. If enabled, the search box will collapse into an icon, and the touch keyboard will appear when you tap on a text field. File Explorer will also switch to a touch-optimized layout. We’ll have to try these design tweaks fully to see how many other changes have been made.

Microsoft is testing this with Windows Insiders and has marked the design as beta, suggesting it will change and be shaped by feedback. Still, it’s hard not to see this as Microsoft walking back from a dedicated tablet experience in Windows 10. These new changes will trigger automatically when you remove a keyboard from a device like a Surface Pro, and Microsoft has confirmed that a dedicated “tablet mode” will remain but you’ll have to enable it manually. Microsoft already dropped a large amount of its Windows 8 tablet features that worked well on hybrid devices, and this tweak bring us back to the days of minimal Windows 7 touch improvements. These changes are only being made for 2-in-1 devices, so dedicated Windows 10 tablets will continue to have the full tablet experience that exists in the operating system. Microsoft is looking for feedback either way, and Windows tablet fans will definitely be ready to jump in and test these changes. Alongside the tablet experience changes, Microsoft is now testing a cloud download option to reset and restore Windows 10 PCs. It’s similar to what has existed in macOS for years and for some Surface devices, and it will allow Windows users to quickly reinstall the OS without needing it to be installed on the local disk or having a recovery USB drive.