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News

Controller Firmware Update Required For Xbox One Chat Adapter And Stereo Headset Use

by Mike Futter on Feb 11, 2014 at 06:30 AM

 

Tucked away in the support documentation for the recently announced Xbox One Stereo Headset and Chat Adapter is a note about steps you need to take in order to use these new devices. Most people are familiar with updating console firmware, but you need to get your controller(s) up to speed for these new gadgets.

In order to use the new stereo headset or the standalone adapter, you need to:

  • Remove the batteries from your controller(s)
  • Plug the adapter in
  • Plug a USB cable first into the console and then into the controller
  • Install the update (be sure not to remove the cable)
  • Put the batteries back in
  • And then turn on the controller with the Xbox button

Simple… right? Microsoft also notes that the headset adapter won't tell the Xbox One if you're using it for stereo audio. It won't route the sound exclusively through the controller, so you need to manually mute your room audio.

Thanks to Anthony for the tip.

[Source: Microsoft]

 

Our Take
We knew that both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 shipped without being fully baked. I had no idea that the Xbox One controller wasn’t even completely ready for announced audio functionality, though.

This indicates that the adapter on the included chat headset is different than the one that Microsoft will be selling in March. This also means that if you’re picking up the limited edition Titanfall controller and want to use it right away on March 11, you’ll need to update it first. I expect a lot of frustration from gamers wondering why their new headsets aren't working before reading the instructions.