Xbox One 'Skip Ahead' ring now open to select Xbox Insiders

PowerA Stand
PowerA Stand (Image credit: Windows Central)

Earlier this month Microsoft announced a new "Skip Ahead" ring for the Xbox Insider Program, promising members access to the latest Xbox One features ahead of other rings. Similar to the existing Skip Ahead option for the Windows Insider Program, enrolling shifts to the next development branch, with the compromise of decreased stability.

Enrollment to the Skip Ahead ring has now open to Alpha ring Xbox Insiders, allowing those on the program's previously cutting-edge ring to pre-register updates. Although joining the ring won't provide access new builds right now, Microsoft plans to split the two rings at a later date. Once this fork occurs, Skip Ahead users will receive Redstone 5 builds while Alpha members stay on Redstone 4.

Microsoft also plans to extend the Skip Ahead ring to more users in the coming weeks, with invites scheduled to hit users who provide "quality feedback." Beta, Delta and Omega rings will all be eligible, provided users meet the criteria. For now, Alpha ring members can enroll through the Xbox Insider app on your console.

Xbox One 'Skip Ahead' ring now open to select Xbox Insiders

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.