Microsoft has rolled out an update for users on its Xbox One console which allows 12 people to party chat. The feature is being enabled for all Xbox One users, including its members using the Windows 10-based update for the console, dubbed as the "New Xbox One User Experience". There are several other minor improvements including new animated avatars and a streamlined Game DVR experience in the update as well.
Microsoft"s Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb states:
- Party text chat adds more communication options. In the New Xbox One Experience, text chat joins voice chat as a way to communicate with your friends. At the bottom of the ‘Your Party’ page, you will see a button to ‘Show text chat.’ This will let you participate in the conversation. Party text chat will also come to the Beta Xbox App for Windows 10.
- A streamlined Game DVR experience. We have combined the functionality of the Game DVR snap app and the former Upload app into one easy-to-use app called Game DVR. In full screen mode, you can use this app to view your game clips and screenshot captures. When snapped, you can use Game DVR to start or stop recordings.
- New animated avatars. They are back and better than ever. You showed us that you are passionate about Avatars with many requests on Xbox Feedback. The new avatars will be animated on your profile and will start showing up in other new places in the new experience. If you prefer a gamerpic, you can easily switch your image.
- Updated menu for quick access to common actions. The menu button on your controller lets you pin an app or game to Home, launch a recently played game, or quit an app or game with just the touch of a button.
- Access new settings in the Guide. Adding to settings already included in the guide, like adjusting the headset volume, you can now turn your console off or restart your console directly from the Guide.
It is important to note that the update won"t be available on your Xbox One console as an optional download, it will be rolled out automatically as it"s all server side. It is also notable that even though Xbox One updates are being rolled out consistently, Microsoft has also hinted that it will be updating its previous-gen Xbox 360 so gamers can gift money to their friends.
Source: Microsoft