The Xbox One will release a mandatory update to the console within the next few days, and some consoles may have already received the update thanks to their system settings. If this all sounds a little confusing or unexpected, don't worry; Microsoft's made the update process as easy as possible. Even if you have powered off your Xbox One when the update is expected, the console will turn itself on to download the new update.

Microsoft's Major Nelson wrote a blog post detailing exactly what sort of fixes users can expect from the update. One big issue being fixed is for Smartglass owners who experience problems when going in and out of standby. Another fix will come to users who have problems rejoining multiplayer games. Inconsistent notifications will also get repaired for the Xbox One. Dashboard performance will be improved, and general fixes for the Xbox One's TV, system update, and content update services for scaling over time will be addressed. Finally, the wireless networking driver will be improved to ensure users can connect to the i=Internet.

Nelson revealed how some users have already received the update even if the Xbox One has not been on due to their power setting for the Xbox One:

"If you are using the Xbox One "Instant On" (the low power state that allows you to instantly power up your console by saying "Xbox On"), your console automatically checks for updates when you turn it off. Once we make the update available (on Tuesday, December 10th, 5:00 PM PT) this means the following will happen: Your console will automatically download the update after you turn it off. Once the update has been downloaded in the background, your console will power completely down. Please note: You will need to manually power your console back on after the update has been downloaded. Because the update will power your console completely down, the "Xbox On" voice command won't be available until after the update is fully installed. When you turn the console on you'll see the update being applied. After that, your Xbox One will reboot. You'll know the update is installing when you see the Xbox logo on the green background (like at the top of this post.) This can take anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Once the update has finished installing, you'll boot to the Home screen and you're all set.Don't worry, if you are out of town for the holidays, you console also does regular checks for updates and will download it in the background even if you have not used you Xbox One in a couple of days."

If you're not using this mode then the update will be available on Dec. 12 at 5 a.m. EST. Users will have to download the update before they can take the console online.