Microsoft Delivers the October Update for Xbox

Microsoft announced today that the October update for Xbox is now available. Among the improvements is a 4K dashboard, but only on Xbox Series X.

“Team Xbox is excited to continue bringing new ways to make Xbox better, with you at the center, as we refine the experience and deliver brand new features based on your feedback,” Microsoft’s Jonathan Hildebrandt writes. “This month’s update includes the natively rendered 4K dashboard on Xbox Series X consoles, Xbox night mode, Quick Settings, and more.”

Here’s what’s new.

4K Dashboard (Xbox Series X only). If you’re using a 4K TV, the Dashboard, Guide, and menus are all upscaled from 1080p to 4K. But this update, Xbox Series X users will experience these interfaces natively in 4K for the first time, with onscreen elements offering increased sharpness and improved text readability.

Night mode. I’m surprised this wasn’t a feature already, but Xbox now supports new night mode functionality via Accessibility settings. It’s described as “a suite of settings that adjusts light sources to help keep rooms dark at night and support gamers who are sensitive to light. You can dim and customize the light from the connected display, the power button on your controller, and the power light on your console. If you’re a movie fan, you can now enjoy theater-like total darkness while watching your favorite films.” You can also create a night mode schedule that will dynamically switch between Dark and Light themes.

Blue light filter. Related to Night mode, but only available on Xbox Series X|S, this new feature adds a customizable blue light filter for your display. It can also be scheduled for automatic use at night.

Quick Settings in Xbox Guide. Microsoft has added the Quick Settings menu to the Xbox Guide so that you can quickly toggle accessibility features without leaving a game or app.