It was recently revealed by Xbox Insider Program Leader Brad Rossetti on Twitter that Microsoft is beginning testing implementation of TV remote support support on Xbox Series X/S consoles. The information came through TheVerge website, where Tom Warren says that the Windows developer is enabling HDMI-CEC on the Xbox, allowing the user to navigate the Xbox menus with the TV controller.
Microsoft has released a new update to Xbox Insider participants that brings a new menu to Xbox Series X/S consoles. In this new interface, it is now possible to use HDMI-CEC resources, which allow the use of a common TV remote control to navigate the video game menu. This functionality can be very useful, especially when using streaming applications such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, Deezer, among others.
1/2 Xbox Insiders in Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha we just enabled some new HDMI-CEC features for the builds today.
* Use your TV remote to control your Xbox –
- You can now use your TV remote to navigate the Xbox dashboard and control streaming apps like Netflix!
What do HDMI-CEC capabilities bring?
Through HDMI-CEC support on Microsoft's next-gen consoles, it's possible to switch between a current HDMI input for the Xbox by simply pressing a button on the Xbox controller, as well as using the TV controller to navigate the consoles' menus. These features are identical to what PlayStation video games have when plugged into Sony TVs.
How to use the novelty?
In case you are a tester on Alpha Xbox Insider, just go to the HDMI-CEC settings in the Xbox menu.
Launch and availability
The aforementioned features are believed to be rolling out to Xbox Series X/S consoles in the coming months.
Edge Browser Night Mode on Xbox
Another functionality that Microsoft is testing on its consoles is the Edge browser's night mode. Additionally, developers are implementing a higher resolution in the video game menu and applying enhancements to older Xbox One controllers.
