The first main update for the Xbox ecosystem including Xbox One, Xbox Series  and Xbox Series X is already being deployed as a test phase and Xbox gamers volunteers will help Microsoft to parametrize a default Saving Mode on their Xbox consoles.

January Xbox Insider update will have Xbox consoles, mainly the Xbox Series S/X to have the Saving Mode as a default option.

Despite being called the equivalent of “Sleep Mode”, the Instant-On of Xbox console is a quasi on mode and the “Saving Mode” is actually where the console is mainly off and the announcement of today, means that Microsoft is investing in ways to have the console be more smart on energy consumption.

And of course, energy consumption being done smartly, means less usage of electricity and likewise less dependency on energy grids that are not environmentally friendly like coal or fossil fuel.

According to Microsoft, having Saving Power by default (can be changeable, btw) cuts power use by up to 20X when it’s off compared to Sleep and for every two consoles that switch to the energy-saving mode will save the carbon equivalent of one tree planted and grown for a decade and with this, Microsoft justified the move as it is one of the many big company and tech industry member doing big effort to meet a 2030 deadline for its environmental goals of zero carbon emission. 

Here is what the Xbox Insider version, Alpha 2302.230109-2200 includes:

System Update Details:

  • OS version released: XB_FLT_2302NI\22621.3362.230109-2200
  • Available: 2 p.m. PT – January 11, 2023
  • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – January 12, 2023

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by navigating to Settings > System > Updates.

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Settings – Power Options

Users will notice new options related to their power settings on the console with today’s update. You can learn all about these changes here: Xbox Is Now the First Carbon Aware Console, Update Rolling Out to Everyone Soon.

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

System

  • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
    • Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console, for more information go here.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps.
    • Note: If you experience issues with audio, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option and include the following:
      • When did the issue start? After a console update, reboot, resume, etc.
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup look like? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Controllers

  • We’ve received some reports that users’ controllers are randomly losing sync or disconnecting from the console. If you encounter this behavior, please be sure to report this issue after reconnecting.

HDMI-CEC

  • We’ve received some reports that HDMI-CEC is not working correctly.
    • Note: Ensure that your TV supports HDMI-CEC and is also enabled before filing feedback.

My Games & Apps

  • Titles in collection may incorrectly appear with a “trial” tag.

TV/Display

  • Some users have reported that the console is displaying at the incorrect resolution on boot.  We are aware and investigating.
    • Note: If you encounter this behavior, please ensure that you submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately. Please include the make/model of you TV/Display in the description.
    • Workaround: Restarting the console via the Power menu (Holding down the Xbox button displays the power menu) should resolve the behavior.  If not, ensure you are looking at the troubleshooting here, specifically the section about ensuring your TV firmware is up to date.