A year ago Microsoft declared that they would become carbon negative, water positive and reach zero waste by 2030. Ambitious goals and they have since taken various steps to begin the journey there. Now they have presented a new green feature for Xbox.
It’s essentially a new default setting with changes to the power-saving shutdown mode. Instead of doing scheduled updates and downloads at set times, this will cause the console to automatically use local data to do all this maintenance and installations during times when it results in the least emissions while maximizing the use of renewable energy.
Microsoft claims that this initiative makes the Xbox “the first gaming console to offer carbon aware game downloads and updates” and also adds that it “will not affect performance, gameplay, or your console’s ability to receive overnight updates to system, games or apps”.
There are also other things in this update, as you can also adjust your active hours. With this new setting, you can turn on between the hours you want your Xbox to start up immediately, and go into a deeper sleep (saves power) at times when you’re sleeping, at school/work, and so on.
This environment update is already available to Xbox Insiders, but Microsoft says everyone should get it “soon.” Read more about it and what it does for the environment and your wallet at Xbox Wire. There is also a short Twitter video below for a quick introduction.
What do you think of this initiative to reduce the gaming world’s carbon footprint?
