How To Use Xbox One Energy Saving Options
Microsoft recently released a new option of Energy-Saving, along with Instant-On mode as part of Xbox One's initial set up worldwide.
During initial set, the console would ask you to choose between two options - Energy Saving and Instant-on.
The move to add an energy saving option is in response to criticism about Instant-On mode's power consumption and the lack of a choice to opt out during initial setup.
The Natural Resources Defense Council released an article noting that the American Xbox One users are wasting $250 million (USD) a year in energy bills due to Instant-On's power consumption. The article criticized the lack of any option to enable Power Saving mode during console's initial setup.
"Although Microsoft reduced the power drain from its "Instant On" mode from 18 watts to 12.5 watts, the mode is still the default when it comes out of the box and the user is not even given the option to disable it during the initial setup. Users must go deep into the menus to do that, which few are likely to do. But Xbox Ones purchased in Europe arrive with the power-wasting "Instant On" deactivated by default, and present gamers with the choice of turning on this optional feature during initial setup if they really want to. That is a much more rational and environmentally responsible approach, and one that Microsoft should adopt worldwide."
"While we believe Instant-On provides the best experience for our fans, we also believe in providing consumer choice, which is why we offered the "Energy-saving" mode. This lower power state consumes less energy and can save customers an average of $6 to $15 in energy costs* per year in the U.S. This mode does not provide the added value of background updating. By providing multiple power states in Xbox One and empowering our fans with choice, we sought to balance energy efficiency and functionality. At the same time, we know many Xbox One fans are vigilant about their household's energy consumption; after all, environmental leadership often begins at home," Microsoft said.
