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Microsoft responds to environmental criticism of Xbox One ‘Instant-On’

In a 2014 report by the National Resources Defense Council the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were highlighted as being particularly wasteful when in their standby modes. The NRDC was particularly critical of the Xbox One as it accounts for an additional $250 million USD worth of energy spending in the United States.

Both consoles rest or standby modes allow for the background updating of the system and applications among other functions like listening for users saying “Xbox On.” The rest/standby modes mean the consoles boot up more quickly, but the NRDC are more concerned with energy consumption than consumer convenience. Microsoft has responded to the criticisms in a post on Xbox Wire, explaining how it is improving the Xbox One’s energy efficiency.

According to the post, the Xbox One is now three times more energy efficient in standby mode thanks to a suite of updates since launch and new users in the US will have the option to choose between ‘Instant-On’ or energy saving modes upon setting up the console for the first time. This brings US Xbox Ones in line with their European counterparts which, due to European law, were required to have “Instant-On” as an opt-in by users.

Microsoft estimates that switching Xbox One’s energy saving mode will save consumers $6 to $15 in energy costs per year. Those users who already have an Xbox One can find the energy saving settings in the Power and Startup menu.

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