Once the update is installed, Xbox Series owners will notice that their console automatically chooses the Off (power saving) option. Also available on Xbox One, this power setting reduces power consumption while the console is off and does not affect console performance, gameplay, or the ability to receive updates overnight. However, remote wake is not available and it may take up to 45 seconds for the console to start. Users can adjust power settings at any time to choose the one that best suits their needs.
The other power option is Sleep. When Xbox is asleep it uses more power compared to Off, but supports remote wake and fast boot. At the energy level the difference is remarkable. The Off (power save) option consumes 0.5 watts, while Sleep requires 10 to 15 watts. “For every 2 consoles that switch to Off (power saving) over a year, we can avoid the equivalent amount of carbon removed by a tree planted over a decade,” Microsoft says.
Beyond power settings, another new addition to the update is the option to hide game art when selecting tiles on Start. “Some gamers find the game’s art distracting or prefer a more simplified background while navigating their home screen,” Microsoft says. “With this new feature, you will be able to hide game art so that it no longer replaces the Start background every time you move to select a game tile. Instead, the Start background will always be the color of your choice.” To adjust the background you have to go to Settings> General> Personalization> My background> Solid color and game art.
Finally, with this update you can also start using the Google Home app as a touch remote control for Xbox consoles. Its functions include turning the console on/off, navigation, play/pause, record audio clip, and volume controls.
