Xbox Series X|S tests new features over HDMI-CEC like TV remote support, input switching
Your Xbox Series X or S and TV is about to get a little closer
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What you need to know
TheXbox Series XandXbox Series Sare in a constant state of improvement, as Microsoft works tirelessly to add new features and improvements over time. The Xbox Insider Program is picking up new builds today, as both theAlpha branchandAlpha Skip-Ahead branchare being lit up with new builds, both of which include new features for Xbox Series X|S owners.
The builds enable additional features for Xbox Series X and S consoles connected to TVs over HDMI-CEC, which effectively allow a greater level of communication between the devices. With the new features, users will now be able to control their Xbox Series X|S in the Dashboard or streaming apps using their TV remote, which helps mitigate the dwindling list ofbest Xbox Series X|S media remotesfor many. Additionally, users will be able to automatically switch the input on their TV by pressing the Xbox button on their controller, which is useful for users with multiple devices connected to their TV.
HDMI-CEC is already partially in use on Xbox Series X and S, depending on your TV, and is also present on older Xbox One consoles. However, it’s great to see the feature improve on Xbox Series X|S. For the best experience, pair your Xbox Series X or S with one of thebest Xbox Series X|S 4K TVs, many of which fully support HDMI-CEC and can take full advantage of your console’s capabilities.
In case you missed it, the same Xbox Insider flights that include the aforementioned HDMI-CEC features also include afirmware update that adds new features to older Xbox controllers, including Bluetooth Low Energy and Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) support.
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Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter@BoddyZachary.
