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19 Hidden Xbox One Features

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Microsoft’s Xbox One is an all-in-one entertainment power house. The console has everything from apps and services designed to extend Microsoft-owned services like Skype to games that seriously push the boundaries of what creators can make for gaming enthusiasts to enjoy.

Unfortunately, the user interface and software designed to empower the Xbox One can be a bit confusing for living room console newcomers and upgraders.

The Xbox One itself.

The Xbox One itself.

We’ve combed the Xbox One to find the features that users might not be able to find on their own. Here are 19 hidden Xbox One features that every Xbox One owner should know about.

Gestures

19 Hidden Xbox One Features (1)

Notice the hand print in the top center of the screen.

Users who are familiar with the way the original Kinect for Xbox 360 enabled that console to interpret hand gestures and movements instead of voice commands might be surprised to know that the Xbox One does them as well. Unfortunately, the console’s user interface doesn’t exactly make it obvious.

To activate gestures hold up your right hand to the Xbox One’s screen at any time. The Xbox One’s Kinect 2 sensor does have to be plugged in for this to work.

SmartGlass

You can launch apps, respond to messages and find out more about the programs you're watching through Xbox One SmartGlass.

You can launch apps, respond to messages and find out more about the programs you’re watching through Xbox One SmartGlass.

SmartGlass isn’t new. In fact, SmartGlass is so old that it was originally seen as a way for Microsoft to combat the then unreleased Wii U console’s touchscreen controller. SmartGlass has grown to enable users to interact directly with the Xbox One’s Internet Explorer app and more. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t actually volunteer any information about the SmartGlass app on the Xbox One dashboard.

To use Xbox One SmartGlass head to your device’s app store and search Xbox One SmartGlass. After it’s installed, go to the Xbox One’s Preferences menu in the Settings App and enable SmartGlass connections.

Read: How to Use Xbox One SmartGlass

Turning On Your Devices

The Xbox One's Kinect sensor can turn your home audio and video equipment on or off.

The Xbox One’s Kinect sensor can turn your home audio and video equipment on or off.

Most users don’t know this but the Kinect 2 sensor that every Xbox One comes equipped with includes technology that allows it to act as a remote control. This means that the Xbox One can turn on or turn off a television set and any extra home audio equipment.

To turn the functionality on plug in the Kinect 2 sensor to the Xbox One and head to Settings app. Once there you’ll find the option to enable Device and Power settings under the TV & One Guide area.

Read: How to Get Your Xbox One to Turn On Your Television

Using A Code

To use a QR code or pre-paid numerical code like those on pre-paid Xbox Live cards say "Xbox, use a code"

To use a QR code or pre-paid numerical code like those on pre-paid Xbox Live cards say “Xbox, use a code”

Have QR code that gives you a free game, downloadable content or free Xbox Live? Instead of heading to Xbox.com simply hold the card up to your Xbox One and say “Xbox Use a Code.” The Xbox One will automatically look at the code and translate it into numbers and letters that it understands. It’s incredibly useful for disc-based games that come with extra in-game content.

HDMI Pass-through

Here we're using the HDMI Pass-through port to look at the Xbox 360 dashboard.

Here we’re using the HDMI Pass-through port to look at the Xbox 360 dashboard.

When Microsoft first introduced the Xbox One last May it wanted to make sure that users understood that they’d be able to get all there entertainment with just one purchase. The company even hammered the message home with an HDMI pass-through port that can be plugged into an HDMI-equipped cable box. With the HDM pass-through port users can actually have the Xbox One act as a go between their television and cable box.

Ironically enough, that same port also allows users to plug-in almost anything with an HDMI cable and have it show up in the Xbox One’s TV app. In our example, we’ve connected an Xbox 360 to the Xbox One.

Adjust TV Volume With Your Voice

To raise the sound volume say "Xbox, Volume up."

To raise the sound volume say “Xbox, Volume up.”

Users who have set up the Kinect 2’s devices functionality can have the Xbox One change their televisions volume at any time. Simply say, “Xbox, Volume up.” “Xbox, Volume down” and “Xbox, Mute” work too.

Read: How to Get Your Xbox One to Turn On Your Television

App Snapping

Snapping on the Xbox One allows users to run two apps side-by-side.

Snapping on the Xbox One allows users to run two apps side-by-side.

The days of televisions coming equipped with picture-in-picture functionality are long gone. However, Xbox One users can still enjoy the fruits of watching television while gaming or playing music while browsing the internet thanks to a feature called Snap.

To use Snap, pick up your Xbox One controller and then leave the cursor over the app you’d like to Snap without opening it. Press the Menu button on your Xbox One controller and choose Snap from the pop-up menu.  Users who have their Kinect 2 sensor plugged in can say “Xbox, Snap…” and the name of the app. “Xbox, Snap” and “Xbox, unSnap” also work.

Play To

This video is streaming from a Windows 8 device's podcast app.

This video is streaming from a Windows 8 device’s podcast app.

Users with a large library of downloaded content aren’t happy that the Xbox One doesn’t yet allow them to playback files from a USB flash drive or hard drive. While everyone hopes that that feature makes it to the Xbox One at some point soon, there is a workaround. Users with a Windows 7 or Windows 8 device can select content from their PC and stream it from their device directly to the Xbox One.

To pull off the trick you’ll need to have your files in Windows Media Player on Windows 7 or in Xbox Video on a Windows 8 device. You’ll also need to have added the Xbox One to your computer’s list of devices.

Read: How to Play Your Content on the Xbox One

Xbox Record That

Clips recorded using the "Xbox, record that" command.

Clips recorded using the “Xbox, record that” command.

Xbox One users don’t have to rely on achievements to showcase their talents. The console can record small video clips of game footage and upload them to Microsoft’s SkyDrive service for sharing. To record your own video game footage simply say “Xbox, record that.” You can then open the Upload Studio and Game DVR apps to edit and mange that footage.

Blu-Ray Player Functionality

Users will need to download the Blu-ray app for the Xbox One separately.

Users will need to download the Blu-ray app for the Xbox One separately.

The Xbox One’s disc drive also does double duty as a Blu-ray player so that users who an extensive movie collection can ditch dedicated players for the Xbox One too. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t include the app to unlock that functionality out of the box.

To watch Blu-ray movies on your Xbox One, go the Store and Search for the Blu-ray player app.

Get A List of People You’ve Blocked

Use this pop-up menu option to see the users you've blocked.

Use this pop-up menu option to see the users you’ve blocked.

There’s an easy way to get a list of all the Xbox Live members who you’ve had to block over the years. With the Xbox One controller head to the Friends app. Then press Menu button on the center-right of your controller and select “People I’ve blocked” from the drop-down menu.

Favorite Friends to Keep Cut Down on Clutter

Make your Xbox Live friends favorites to cut through the clutter.

Make your Xbox Live friends favorites to cut through the clutter.

The now upgraded Xbox Live finally ditches all the shackles that kept its Xbox 360 brethren from being great for overly social gamers. Its Xbox 360 incarnation forced people to keep their friends list down to just 100 people. The Xbox One’s version of Xbox Live allows user to follow however many people they want and have up to 1000 friends. The trouble with this is that it also puts users in a situation when they can’t actually easily keep track of  their closest friends.

To remedy that problem Microsoft has added the ability for Xbox One users to favorite their friends and put their profiles front and center.

To friend someone head to the Friends app and select the Xbox Live user you would like to friend. Then select Add to Favorites from the menu.

The Menu button

Use the Menu button on the right of your controller to find more hidden options.

Use the Menu button on the right of the Xbox One controller to find more hidden options.

Simply put, the Xbox One’s interface is sometimes strikingly utilitarian. As such, there are options and features that one might never find if it wasn’t for the Xbox One controller’s Menu button. It isn’t a hidden feature in itself, but nearly every single option that isn’t on screen is accessible with the Menu button.

If you can’t find an option, hit the Menu button on the center-right of your controller, chances are that’s where it is.

See What Kinect Sees

See how the Kinect 2 sensor sees you to fine-tune your Kinect's performance.

See how the Kinect 2 sensor sees you to fine-tune your Kinect’s performance.

Having trouble with the Xbox One’s Kinect 2 sensor? If you worried that something might be block the sensor’s view of you on your couch or other things in the room check out the See What Kinect Sees option in the Settings app. It also includes a heat map of the things that appear closer to it and farther away. It’ll even attempt to identify anyone in the room by their Gamertag.

Guest Accounts

Turn on Guest Accounts to stop visitors from fiddling with your game saves and settings.

Turn on Guest Accounts to stop visitors from fiddling with your game saves and settings.

Have guests over who you want to be able to use your Xbox but don’t want them tampering with your Xbox Live profile and settings? Create a guest a count that gives them limited access to your Xbox One’s features.

To create a guest account go to the Settings app and scroll over to the right until you see Guest settings. Select create a Guest key using your Xbox One’s controller. You’ll need to remember the pattern you input so that you can pass it on to guests when they’re over.

How to See Who’s Online Now

19 Hidden Xbox One Features (16)

Want to see which one of your Xbox Live friends are online now? Go the Friends app and select Friends from the menu. Then select Change view to sort all of your friends by whose actually using their Xbox console at the moment.

Adjust TV Volume Without Your Voice

The Xbox One SmartGlass app allows owners to adjust their television's volume.

The Xbox One SmartGlass app allows owners to adjust their television’s volume.

Being able to adjust a paired television’s volume is handy, especially for gamers who like to play late at night but don’t want to accidentally wake anyone up – or at last it would be if the Xbox One allowed users to change their televisions volume using the controller itself.

Sadly, Microsoft hasn’t added that feature just yet, but those with Xbox One’s SmartGlass app installed on their phones, tablets and laptops can adjust the console’s volume. Simply open the Xbox One SmartGlass app and tap on the remote icon. Then tap or click on the plus or minus signs to raise or lower the volume.

Xbox Watch from Anywhere…

Say "Xbox, Watch..." to turn to your favorite stations.

Say “Xbox, Watch…” to turn to your favorite stations.

Sometimes you just want to quickly watch your favorite channels without having to pick up a controller or wave your hands in the air. Thanks to the Kinect 2 sensor and the Xbox One’s multitasking features that’s pretty easy.

If you’ve already setup television functionality on your Xbox One, simply say “Xbox, watch…” and the name of the channel. The Xbox One will immediately open the Xbox One’s TV app and turn to that particular channel. The feature is great for users who are about to settle in for a must-see film or want to catch the latest breaking news without fumbling for the remote.

SkyDrive Camera roll integration

Browse your pictures moments after you've taken them with the Xbox One's SkyDrive integration.

Browse your pictures moments after you’ve taken them with the Xbox One’s SkyDrive integration.

A lot of the Xbox One’s functionality is backed by other Microsoft-made products. Often, that means that these products combine for some pretty interesting scenarios across products. Take SkyDrive, users with the SkyDrive app installed on their iPhone or Windows Phone can take a photo with their phone and almost instantly view it on their Xbox One.

To check out the feature download the SkyDrive app from the Xbox One App Store. Once it’s installed and you’ve taken a few photos go the TV app and say “Xbox, OneGuide.” Say, “App channels.” The SkyDrive app automatically includes access to the user’s SkyDrive camera roll. You can also access this feature with your Xbox One controller by navigating to the TV app, then pressing the Menu button on the center-right of your controller. Select OneGuide and then select App channels.

22 Comments

22 Comments

  1. mememine69

    01/28/2014 at 8:02 am

    Saying; “Xbox on” turns everything on except the controller so WHATS THE POINT of having a voice command?

    • Travis Pope

      01/28/2014 at 8:29 am

      Some of us do other things than just play games with the Xbox One.

  2. mememine69

    01/28/2014 at 8:07 am

    The required extra hdmi out cable box needed to use the wonderful TV features is about another four hundred and ninety nine dollars and that’s only IF your cable provider allows it and not all do. Millions cannot use the TV features of Xbox One.

    • Travis Pope

      01/28/2014 at 8:28 am

      That’s not true. Millions of users already have cable boxes in their home that they simply pay an extra $5 a month for.

  3. mememine69

    01/28/2014 at 8:09 am

    The headset is SO bad people are adapting the old 360 headsets.

    • Joe

      01/28/2014 at 1:38 pm

      Headset works fine. And people are modding their expensive ones to work with the new Xbox. Quit posting things you have no clue about.

  4. mememine69

    01/28/2014 at 8:11 am

    A wrist phone has full voice support but the GIANT and all powerful Xbox’s voice search is only for Microsoft products.

    • Joe

      01/28/2014 at 1:43 pm

      What the hell is a wrist phone? And the Xbox has full voice support, even more so than a smart phone and the voice commands work better. And the voice search is not only for Microsoft products. Where are you getting your information?? Its not even that big.. Its big, but its a counter top machine that isn’t designed to be carried around. Again stop commenting on things u have no idea about. Or reading other peoples uninformed comments and regurgitating it on sites like this.

  5. She who walks alone

    01/30/2014 at 1:38 am

    Mememine69, stop being a troll

  6. 1d366b

    02/09/2014 at 12:04 pm

    also, regarding mememine69’s complaint about cable being too expensive, it works with other things that use an hdmi such as googles 35$ chromecast or your ps4. you just do not get the extra features such as pause and channel guides because they do not apply to those devices

  7. tgfde

    02/13/2014 at 8:38 pm

    I stopped reading when you spelled “their” as “there.” A reporter really should know how to spell the two, especially when they mostly communicate with people through text.

  8. Maxavelli

    03/08/2014 at 8:19 am

    @1d366b Microsoft blocked the ability to tether the ps4 through the xbox one and adding chromcast would do nothing since you can get all those features through the xbox and or the smart glass the only Benefit would be if you didn’t want to pay for a xbox live account

  9. FlapperAdapter

    07/31/2014 at 7:48 pm

    PS4 does everything better.
    Hdmi through has terrible choppy resolution
    Games are only in 720
    And ps4 let’s you use any usb, bluetooth or in line mic on ear buds or headphones as your mic along with their 3d camera
    Also you simple plug in your favorite 3.5mm headphones and you can select to hear all game audio right through those puppies. And when doing this the extra sounds from your controllers speaker;which xbones controllers don’t have btw, will also play through them as well and automatically turn off the controller speaker so as not to disturb others… Also xbone uses not always working perfect, outdated IR technology for both controller identification and tracking where as PS4 uses a 3d camera that can accurately track your colorful light bar down to the mm difference. People didn’t want the superior Ps3 cause 360 was cheaper. Here’s your chance to get a better console at a cheaper price next gen.

    • verus

      07/07/2015 at 7:26 am

      ..and on those rare occasions when the PSN isn’t being hacked the games are decent.

      The PS4 controllers are trash though.

    • Mark Anderson

      07/02/2016 at 11:40 am

      Thank you. We all know ps4 is WAY better than xbox one. I thought about getting an xbox one for a while then i played on a ps4 and realized how much better it is.

  10. FlapperAdapter

    07/31/2014 at 7:50 pm

    Oh and I posted this on break at work btw. While playing my ps4 at home via my vita at work. All these “hidden features” of the xBone were toted features by Microsoft at every conference whereas ps4 users found a slough of never before announce features day one of unboxing their console which released first by the way.

  11. patssb2015

    11/12/2014 at 11:43 pm

    When an article comes out about either console there’s always a ton of fanboys bitching about which one is better. Personally, I like the Xbox one. That’s just my preference. I had both the ps3 and 360 and thought 360 was much better. So when the next gens were released I got the One. They’re both awesome consoles but it comes down to the individual and what they prefer. It was always my opinion that the Xbox consoles had better games and online experience. Sure you didnt have to pay for Playstation network but I would rather pay for Xbox live because i find it much more enjoyable. Still, many people prefer playstation and thats ok. It’s what they like. So please stop with all this shit about which is better because they both have ups and downs and you’re not changing anyone’s mind. Of course there’s always gonna be trolls who live to try and upset people online.

  12. tarek

    10/22/2015 at 3:38 pm

    i agree i like my xb1 better i bought it because it was worth the extra 50 dollars over the ps4.
    the ps4 has a crappy layout and isnt good online. it has a 10% slower processer and has worse exclusives. i dont car about getting close to the screen and seeing a 1p resolution difference. i care about all the features games and the controller. so u better sell ur GasStation4 and buy and xb1

  13. Bob

    03/22/2016 at 2:26 am

    Realy stop fighting

  14. Matt

    10/27/2016 at 8:59 pm

    The kinect has absolutely nothing to do with turning the devices on and off, the hdmi is what’s controlling this. I feel like the person writing this article barely knows what the hell they are talking about.

  15. emyspot gaming blog

    01/20/2018 at 1:02 am

    Often need to use cellular data to play this game.

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