Microsoft Providing 'Energy Saving' for Xbox One Consoles at Startup
In a bid to help users lower their electric bills, Microsoft has added an "Energy Saving" Mode to their Xbox One consoles during startup mode.
Just a few months after the Natural Resources Defense Council criticized Microsoft for their Xbox One console's "Instant On" mode they deemed an energy waster, the American multinational has made an effort to save gamers around the world an estimated $250 in electric bills by adding an "Energy Saving" mode to their consoles.
The new add-on gives users the option to use less electricity upon startup, saving them up to $6 to $15 a year, depending on their console usage.
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The Xbox One console's original set-up had no option for users other than the "Instant On" mode, allowing the console to download game and app updates automatically even when not in use. Consoles also turn on instantly with the voice command, "Xbox On."
While players may appreciate the convenience of the "Instant On," the main disadvantage had the console using generous amounts of electricity despite being on "sleep" mode, drawing power continuously around-the-clock while waiting for the user to activate the unit using voice command, or via the usual "On" button.
With the new power option, users can deactivate their console's "Instant On" mode and use the more power efficient shut-down system from their Xbox One's "Power and Startup" under the Settings menu.
This new option will be available for users who are setting up their new consoles for the first time.
According to a statement made on their blog, Microsoft said the continuous upgrades to the console's operating system have reduced the power consumption used up by "Instant On" by as much as 33 percent since the Xbox One was first made available to the public in November 2013.
While the company believes the "Instant On" mode can offer the best gaming experience and convenience for Xbox One owners, they also recognize the importance of giving users a choice over their power consumption.
It also added that owners of existing Xbox One consoles can also configure their units for the energy savings option under "Power and Startup" in Settings to find the relevant option to toggle "Energy Saving" mode on or off.
