Xbox One April Update Bringing Voice Messages, Party Chat

Microsoft has previewed the features coming up in its April update.

Members of the Xbox One preview program will be able to create and playback voice messages using the console’s messages app. You can easily access snapped voice messages by double tapping the Xbox button, and voice messages will be compatible between Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Party chat is getting dedicated servers, again currently only available under the preview program. This has been enabled particularly for users who have had NAT issues and cannot for direct peer-to-peer connections on their own. The change will ensure they can communicate reliably and more steadily.

Finally, changes are coming to the What’s On area. What’s On feeds you the most popular videos, movies, TV shows, and game broadcasts. Very soon, the preview program for this feature will expand from the US to Canada and the UK. If you pay attention, you may notice the changes to recommendations as well.

Nothing particularly game related, but if you have been using your Xbox One with friends, these should be interesting to you. What would you like Microsoft to work on next for their console? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.