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<h1>First Impressions of the Xbox Ally</h1>
<p>Upon receiving the Xbox Ally, my initial action was to reboot it. I was eager to explore how Microsoft has intricately layered Windows beneath the new Xbox interface introduced for these handheld devices.</p>
<p>After a quick startup, I encountered the typical Windows login screen. What impressed me was the ability to enter the PIN using the controller, which is a notable upgrade from existing systems. Once Windows 11 launched, the interface swiftly vanished, replaced by the Xbox app in full-screen mode, keeping me engaged without needing to exit.</p>
<p>Having spent significant time with Microsoft's and Asus's Xbox Ally devices, it's clear that the integration between Windows and Xbox is evolving. Microsoft has developed what they term an Xbox full-screen experience tailored for these new handhelds, effectively concealing Windows. While this vision has been something I've anticipated for Windows-based gaming PCs, it still appears to be a modest first step towards an ambitious next-gen Xbox strategy.</p>
<p>The primary interface on the Xbox Ally mirrors that of the current Xbox app on Windows 11, which serves as Microsoft's answer to Steam. This app collaborates with the Game Bar, the gaming overlay for PC, creating this unified Xbox experience. A single press of the Xbox button activates the Game Bar, ensuring users remain detached from the intricacies of the Windows desktop lurking beneath.</p>
<p>Unnecessary elements of Windows 11, such as the desktop wallpaper and taskbar, are omitted, freeing up about 2GB of memory for gaming. However, returning to a standard Windows experience on these Xbox Ally devices is surprisingly straightforward. Users can exit the Xbox mode via the Game Bar or the Xbox button to switch tasks and access the desktop, although Microsoft advises that optimal performance is with touch controls or a mouse and keyboard.</p>
<p>While the handheld-friendly Xbox interface represents a significant improvement, I have concerns that Windows' complexity may still intrude during routine usage. Notifications and OS updates from Windows 11 could inadvertently disrupt the gaming experience. For instance, even though the Xbox app commandeers the left swipe for the Game Bar, the right swipe still triggers Windows 11's notification center, which feels disjointed within the Xbox UI.</p>
<p>Interestingly, a setting indicates the possibility of assigning a different default boot experience on the Xbox Ally, hinting at future flexibility for other launchers like Steam. Due to the limited duration of my experience with the devices, it's challenging to gauge how often users might toggle between Xbox and Windows modes daily. Although Microsoft consolidates any games from Steam into the Xbox app's library interface, maintaining a seamless handheld-friendly experience remains essential as improvements continue in the evolution to blend the best aspects of Windows and Xbox.</p>
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