Microsoft is testing the ability of TV remote controls to navigate the Xbox dashboard. With selected Xbox Insiders, a new version of Xbox Dashboard for Xbox Series S / X is being tested. It enables new HDMI CEC features that allow ordinary TV remote controls to navigate around the Xbox dashboard as well as control streaming apps such Netflix.
The Xbox Series S / X consoles had some HDMI-CEC features that controlled TV volume and turned on TVs when the Xbox booted up. However, these new additions will mean you don't need an Xbox controller if all you want is to stream content from Netflix, Twitch or other streaming apps.
these are the new Xbox controls in the dashboard pic.twitter.com/eY7HG8713i Tom Warren (@tomwarren) September 8, 2021
You can also use the new HDMI-CEC features to allow your TV to switch inputs to your Xbox by simply pressing the Xbox button on a controller. Although you may already have a remote control for your Xbox that uses infrared commands to control it, HDMI-CEC control will make input switching much more reliable.
These new options are available in the HDMI-CEC settings section of the Xbox dashboard. They are currently available for testers in Alpha Skip-Ahead or Alpha Xbox Insider rings. These new features will be available on all Xbox Series S / X consoles over the next few months.
Microsoft is currently testing a new Edge browser version, an Xbox night mode feature and improved firmware for older Xbox One controllers.
