The latest system update coming in April for the Xbox One will let users enjoy a new voice messaging feature.
The feature aims to improve the Xbox chat function and will be available for Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles, IGN reported.
According to Larry Hyrb, the programming director for Microsoft' Xbox division, the update will allow users to leave messages for their contacts. They will be able to record or compose voice messages and send them to their friends. These can then be played back by simply double tapping the Xbox button on the consoles' controllers.
For now, the feature is only available to members of Xbox One's Preview Program but other users can expect to utilize the voice messaging mode once the update is officially unveiled next month.
Aside from this, the upcoming update will also bring other improvements and features for the Xbox system.
One of these is the arrival of dedicated servers for Xbox One users. This update aims to eliminate a connectivity-related issue, also known as Network Address Translation (NAT), which prevents users from creating direct peer-to peer connections for the console's party chat feature, according to PC Mag.
In addition, Xbox has expanded the What's On feature of the console. Previously, this feature, which shows users the most popular clips, movies, television programs and games, was only available for those residing in the U.S.
But in the upcoming update, users from Canada and the U.K. will also be able to enjoy What's On. A "Staff Picks" section will also be added to provide more personalized recommendations based on the user's gaming activities.
According to Hyrb, the features of the April system update were developed based on the feedback from Xbox owners.
"Thanks to suggestions from our fans, we continue to focus on finding great ways to bring the Xbox community closer together," the executive wrote on Xbox Wire. "Over the past few months, we've introduced several features to make it easier to connect to friends and meet new people."
