Xbox One owners can now send and receive voice messages, turn their console off with the SmartGlass app, and easily enable a new power-saving mode when first launching their device.
The May system update rolls out today to Xbox One gamers and includes some much-requested features.
Users can now use the Xbox One messages app to send and receive voice memos to both Xbox One and Xbox 360 gamers.
There is also a new way to turn your console on and off with the SmartGlass app for Windows, Windows Phone, iOS, and Android when the Xbox One is connected to the same home network as the app.
Speaking of power, Microsoft is making it easier for people to select an energy-saving power mode during the initial console setup. When powering-up an Xbox One for the first time, gamers will now be prompted to pick the “Instant-on” or “energy-saving” mode.
As GeekWire highlighted last month, “Instant-on,” which lets owners use voice commands to wake the console up and automatically receive background updates as they become available, was previously the default mode. Some people criticized Microsoft for this decision, noting the extra energy costs associated with the default power-up mode.
“Energy-saving” mode, meanwhile, requires gamers to press a button to launch the Xbox One, but can also help people save up to $15 per year on energy costs, as Microsoft noted last month after the backlash.
The May update also includes dedicated servers for party chat. More details about the update are here, or watch the video below from Major Nelson.
