Xbox can turn off automatically based on set times

Microsoft gives the Xbox Series X and S the option to turn itself off when the console is not likely to be used. This is based on ‘active hours’ that the user sets. The search function has also been improved.

Microsoft states that outside these active hours the console will ‘completely shut down’ itself and when these hours come again, the console will start again and be ready in sleep mode. In sleep mode, the console consumes 10 to 15 watts and after a complete shutdown it should be 0.5 watts. That 0.5 watt is in any case used to keep an eye on the time for the next boot-up. The feature is optional.

Microsoft has used a similarly named function in Windows since Windows 10. However, it does not refer to automatic shutdown and standby in sleep mode, but to updates. Within those hours, of which Microsoft allows 18 per day, the computer will not automatically reboot to complete update installations. That’s a bit different than what the Xbox now offers.

The search function has been expanded and should be easier to use. The results will be shown in a ‘gallery style’, filter categories will be added that can be set with RB and LB and you can search directly on YouTube.

Microsoft reports that the update will begin “rolling out” this week. The company previously also came up with ‘CO₂-conscious updates’. According to the manufacturer, this allows consoles to automatically perform updates and downloads at specific times when a relatively large amount of low-carbon energy is available on the grid. This works if the console is plugged in, connected to the internet and ‘local CO₂ intensity data’ is available.