Xbox gets HDMI CEC feature to control menu with remote

In a new Insiders build of Xbox, a function has appeared that makes it possible to link a remote control to the console. In this way, users without a controller can navigate through the menu and control streaming apps.

Xbox Insiders running the Alpha Skip Ahead or Alpha version have today got a new Xbox build for testing. In this new version, some HDMI CEC features have been added that relate to using a TV remote with the Series S and X consoles. For example, the Xbox menu can be controlled without a controller. Various streaming apps, such as those for Netflix, can also be navigated with a remote control after this update with support for CEC. Some users also indicate that they could use their TV remote for their Xbox before the arrival of the feature.

In addition, this test build adds another feature. By pressing the Xbox button on the controller, it becomes possible to immediately switch to the HDMI input of the Xbox. Previously, you still had to manually switch the TV input. In addition, Microsoft is testing a firmware update for Xbox One, Elite and Adaptive controllers simultaneously with this new build. This allows them, like the Series S and X controllers, to use Bluetooth Low Energy. This makes it easier to switch between paired devices, as the controller can remember multiple paired devices at the same time.

Currently, only members of Xbox’s Insiders Program can take advantage of these new features. Users who enroll in this program will be able to try alpha versions of future Xbox updates, both for console and PC, and then provide feedback to Microsoft. For example, last month Insiders were able to try the Cloud Gaming beta via the Xbox app on Windows. It has not been announced when the new build and controller update will be available to the rest of Xbox users.