The Xbox One is about to start acting a little bit more energy-conscious.
Microsoft is updating the Xbox One with new features, and that includes a new option that will ask people setting up their system for the first time if they want to use an energy-saving mode. Previously, the first time you booted up an Xbox One, the console would automatically default to the instant-on mode that lets you power it up with your voice. The Natural Resource Defense Council criticized this and said that failing to present this option up front was causing the Xbox One owners to waste millions of dollars in energy every year. Microsoft said it would do something about that, and now it has. This new option is in addition to several other new upgrades to the Xbox One.
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Microsoft is also rolling out an update for the Xbox app preview for Windows 10. These include basic features that Xbox One owners have long grown accustomed to, like Game DVR, Avatars, and more. This is one of the first big feature upgrades for the Windows 10 Xbox app, and this goes a long way toward getting that experience ready for the new operating system’s eventual consumer launch later this year.
All of these additions and patches are part of Microsoft’s emphasis on supporting its products with regular updates, and now it’s bringing that concept to Windows 10 as well. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said in the past that he wants gamers to know his team is listening, and he wants them to show up to the Xbox Feedback website to suggest more changes.
In terms of the new stuff for the next month, here’s some more details on what you can expect:
For Windows 10’s Xbox app
- GameDVR that enables you to instantly record clips of your play session.
- Screenshots empowers players to grab quick screen captures.
- The Xbox app is now a Live Tile and will show information on the Windows 10 home screen.
- An Avatar app is now in the Windows Store.
- User profiles are now live on the Xbox app.
- Real-name sharing now enables you to request your friend’s actual names instead of just their Gamertags.
For Xbox One
- The over-the-air TV tuner will now work in the U.S. and Canada.
- Xbox One’s SmartGlass app for phones and tablets can now turn the system on and off.
- A new Wireless Display app will let you stream photos from your phone to your Xbox One.
- The setup process will now ask if you want to set your Xbox One to Instant-on or Energy-saving mode.
- Microsoft will also continue testing voice messages this month.
All of these features are available now for anyone who is in the Xbox One Preview Program. Everyone else should get them next month.