Microsoft has officially launched the Xbox One controller firmware update for some Xbox One users on Jan. 26. While it hasn't yet been launched for all console gamers, the update is currently available for Preview Program members to experience early.

By downloading the latest firmware update (OS version > 1502.150120) for the Xbox One controller, Xbox Preview Program members will be able to experience new controller features including a much quicker connect as well as multiple stability improvements.

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Xbox One controllers typically take about five seconds to power on, but once they're updated with the latest firmware, it cuts that power-on time to just two seconds. In the world of gaming, those three seconds could be the difference to whether a gamer gets killed or not when their controller turns off for any reason.

The updated firmware also improves controller stability while implementing a number of fixes and addressing several issues that have been submitted by Xbox users as well as Preview Program members.

Although, Xbox Preview Program members have the opportunity to test out the latest controller firmware, the only way to become a member is by invite only. Xbox users must first have a friend that's already on the preview program list, and would become a member by simply receiving an invitation via the Xbox Preview Dashboard app.

For preview members seeking details on how to download the update, here are the complete instructions courtesy of Microsoft:

• Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable.  Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
• Connect to Xbox Live.
• Press the Menu
• Go to Settings > Devices & accessories.  Select the controller.
• Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller ... progress screen
• When you see the Controller updated screen, press 'B' to go back to the Devices & accessories main page
• Reselect the controller, the Firmware version, should now be: 1.2.2236.0

TagsXbox One, Firmware update, Xbox controller improvements, Gaming