There are some quality-of-life improvements and small changes that can be found in the new software updates for the Xbox Series S and X and the Xbox app for mobile phones and tablets.

New options in the Audio and Music section of the Xbox menu could allow you to control the volume of your speakers from the console itself. If you don't see the volume down, up, and mute buttons, it's probably because your audio setup isn't all the way through.

Screenshot of the Xbox’s interface, showing a TV volume section with volume down, volume up, and mute buttons.
No need to find the remote when you have a controller.
Image: Microsoft

You can turn off the sound when you turn the console on. The feature has been available to members of the Xbox Insider program for about a month now. It can help you avoid a frantic dash for the volume controls when you turn on your console in the middle of the night. The option can be found by going to settings > general > volume and audio output Theute startup sounds is under the power and startup section.

The names for the power modes have been changed, as have the names for the passkeys and guest keys. When setting up a new console, Microsoft says it will be easier and a controller update will fix some bugs.

You can now trim and modify clips in the mobile app of the console. The process of cutting out a specific segment is shown in the interface below. Hopefully this experience will come to the actual console at some point in the future. The app will be available for everyone soon, according to Microsoft.