Microsoft says the new update makes Xbox the first ‘carbon aware’ console
Microsoft accelerates one step ahead towards its goal to become sustainable by 2030 by making Xbox the first ‘carbon aware’ console. Read on to discover more about this new update.
Microsoft, the leading tech giant releases a new update for Xbox that makes it a ‘carbon aware’ console. Microsoft has released this update to advance its goal of becoming a carbon-negative and zero-waste company by 2030. For now, this update will be available to Xbox insiders across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. However, it would be accessible to all Xbox gamers in the near future.
Now, instead of your Xbox waking up at random times between 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM, the console would wake up at a time when the most renewable energy is present in your local grid.
Xbox becomes the first ‘carbon aware’ console
Microsoft has always been coming up with innovative ideas to minimize environmental impact while also giving the best features in gaming. This time, the company has made Xbox carbon aware, which means that updates and downloads are optimized to run at a time when the console can utilize the maximum renewable energy.
We know it takes a team to make a substantial impact, so here's how you can contribute! pic.twitter.com/LTzizmWiEP
— Xbox (@Xbox) January 11, 2023
This new update would not only help in reducing carbon emissions but also in delivering lower electricity bills.
According to a recent blog post by Xbox, when the console is turned on and the carbon intensity data is available, Xbox will schedule game, app, and OS updates during the nightly maintenance window, resulting in fewer carbon emissions.
The Shutdown (Energy Saving) option
The Xbox Series X|S consoles of Xbox Insiders will be automatically updated to the shutdown (energy saving) option in the power settings. This update would reduce the power consumption when the Xbox is off, using up to 20 times less power than the Sleep power option. This has no bearing on performance, gameplay, updates, games, or apps.
As for Xbox One consoles, they will soon see new power mode options, including shutdown (energy saving). The console would receive system, game, or app downloads overnight, just like the Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft stated, “For every 2 consoles that switch to Shutdown (energy saving) for one year, we will save the equivalent amount of carbon removed by 1 tree planted and grown for a decade.”
The “Active Hours” and Sleep Settings
By choosing the Sleep power option, Xbox Insiders can now modify the console's active hours. The console will start up instantly and be available for remote throughout the chosen active hours.
When the Xbox's active hours are completed for the day, according to Microsoft's statement on Xbox Wire, the device would completely shut down and would use 0.5 W as opposed to 10-15 W while active.
What should the Xbox Insiders do?
- Choose the settings wisely - Select the ‘Shutdown (energy saving)’ as the power option for your console. It would enable carbon-aware updates and help with power conservation.
- Get carbon aware - You may make your Xbox environmentally sustainable by selecting 'Shutdown (energy saving)' and enabling automatic updates.
- Shutdown sooner when inactive - Of course, you can modify the settings, but try to select a shorter duration for when your Xbox will turn off while functioning. This will limit the amount of time your console remains on when inactive before shutting off.