Summary
Xboxhas begun rolling out its February update, which includes touch-control support for Xbox Remote Play, a new calibration tool for controllers, and more.Xbox’s newest update applies to both Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.
Xbox releases monthly updates for its consoles that usually implement performance and stability improvements while also addressing various bugs. However, these updates can sometimes include entirely new features, likeXbox’s November updatethat introduced wish list notifications for Free Play Days, support for redeeming rewards using a phone, and Japanese-language keyboard layouts. Since the November update, Xbox’s monthly patches have mostly focused on the usual performance and stability improvements, but its newest patch is much more exciting.
One of the most notable features inXbox’s February updateis that Xbox Remote Play now supports touch controls for over a hundred games, such asMinecraft Dungeons,Psychonauts 2,Sea of Thieves, and many more. This will allow Remote Play users, who are streaming games from their console to a mobile device, to play these titles using their phone’s touchscreen. This feature is supported on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Xbox’s February update also includes a new calibration tool for controllers. Available through the Xbox Accessories app, the new tool allows users to fix thumbsticks with inconsistent responses. Additionally, the update introduces auseful feature previously seen in Xbox’s Insider Program, which is new filtering and sorting options for the My Games and Apps section. Now, users can sort their games by technical capabilities (including touch support), accessibility options, and supported languages. Also, subscriptions can now be sorted by “recently added.”
Xbox’s February update also implemented additional support for players who use a console on a public network, such as when hospitals provide Xboxes to children. For these purposes, users can now restrict automatic sign-outs, Edge access, and setting a home console. In addition to these exciting features, Xbox fans have more updates to look forward to in the future.
TheXbox Insider Program recently introduced an impressive updatethat massively increased users' download speeds while running a game. One user reported that his background download speed went from 40 to 80 mb/s to 380 mb/s. However, this feature is currently only available to the Insider Program’s Alpha Skip-Ahead tier, which usually receives features well in advance of the general public.
In other exciting news,Xbox recently confirmed that it would addressthe rampant rumors of some of its exclusive titles going cross-platform. This will be done during a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast tomorrow on February 15.
Patch Notes for Xbox’s February Update
Xbox remote play with touch controls
Away from your console and controller? No problem - you’re able to now game remotely on your PC or mobile device by using touch controls. A growing number of games feature custom-designed touch layouts that enhance your remote gaming experience. And even if your game doesn’t have touch controls specifically designed for gameplay, most games give you access to basic touch controls, which mimic the standard Xbox controller layout.
New filtering and sorting options for My games & apps
We’ve added more ways to filter and sort through games and apps, making it easier for you to find the content and features that you’re looking for. In addition to our existing filters, you’re able to now filter by Accessibility options, Technical capabilities, and Supported languages. Subscriptions can be sorted by Recently added, as well. View these new options by going toMy games & apps>Full library.
Recalibrate your thumbsticks with our new recalibration tool
If your Xbox Wireless Controller’s thumbsticks have gotten a bit wonky, now you can take a shot at fixing them with our new thumbstick recalibration tool. Available for the Xbox Wireless Controller and accessed through the Xbox Accessories app, the recalibration tool can help with minor issues such as inconsistent response. Just follow the guidelines in the Accessories app, but note: If you’re performing a self-repair of your controller, this recalibration tool should be used after you’ve replaced the controller’s base and circuit board.
Access restriction settings sign you out and more
For players wanting to use their consoles on public networks, such as when hospitals provide consoles to children, you’re able to now set up restrictions for actions such as automatic sign-out, allowing access to Edge, and setting a home console.
To set your access restrictions, go to Settings > System > Access restrictions > Access restriction options, and then choose the restrictions you want to set.
Known Issues
Audio
Some players have reported intermittent audio issues across the dashboard or when launching games or apps.
If you encounter this behavior, report this issue and choose the Report with advanced diagnostics option. Make sure to include information like audio setup, when this issue occurred, troubleshooting steps tried, and other relevant info.
Workaround: Reboot the console and games should launch normally.
Networking
Some players may see an issue where their console doesn’t connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
Provide feedback to Team Xbox
Workaround: Wait a minute for the console to establish a connection. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center by holding the Xbox button down and selecting Restart console > Restart.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s ninth-generation console, the Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that can support 4K resolution and 60 fps, depending on the game. Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Series X has a Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.
