Xbox’s February update introduces new energy saving features

Microsoft has detailed Xbox’s February update, which is rolling out today.

Headlining the update are new energy saving features which were first made available to Xbox Insiders last month.

According to Microsoft, these make Xbox “the first console to offer carbon aware game downloads and updates”.

Following the system update, Xbox consoles will automatically be placed in the Shutdown (energy saving) power option, which Microsoft said cuts power use by up to 20x when consoles are off compared to Sleep.

Xbox will then attempt to schedule console updates at times when a larger proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid.

“This decreases fossil fuel dependency and CO2 emissions and could potentially save you money,” Microsoft said in an Xbox Wire post.

The system update will also enable players to hide game art when selecting tiles on the Xbox home screen.

Rather than replacing the home background each time players move to select a game tile, the background will remain a solid color of the player’s choosing.

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And Microsoft said it has partnered with Google to let players use the Google Home app as a touch remote control for Xbox consoles.

After adding their Xbox to the Google Home app, players will be able to switch their console on and off, navigate on-screen, control media playback, record game clips and more remotely.