Remote downloading confirmed for Xbox One

Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One will retain the touted feature detailed at the console’s announcement, allowing users to remotely initiate game downloads and updates while in standby mode and connected to the internet.

Microsoft Executive and General Manager of Xbox Live, Marc Whitten, confirmed on Twitter that the console would support remote downloads in the same manner as the PS4. Currently its possible on an updated Xbox 360 to remotely start downloads as long as your console is left powered on.

Xbox One also supports remote standby downloads

Whitten did not confirm if the feature would work with Windows Phone devices connected through Smart Glass, or through any other mobile device. Its possible that Microsoft has plans for including more integration on the Xbox Windows 8 app as well.

Microsoft initially had planned to make the Xbox One an always-on device offering a digital games service much like Steam. Game purchases would be done in-store and if you were eager to start playing it once home, you could scan a QR code using your smartphone, activate the game on your console and it would begin to download.

With the removal of several features tied to their always-online vision, including family sharing, a completely digital games library and complete Smartglass integration, many Xbox One fans feared that the console would be too dumbed-down to make the remote download features accessible.