The Xbox One system update for May 2015 has been officially launched on May 10, with a number of great features.
IGN reported that gamers of the Xbox One can currently send and receive voice messages. Voice messaging used to be offered to preview members only. Now, players can even forward voice messages between the Xbox One and Xbox 360. To send a voice message, players have to launch the messages app through a quick double tap of the Xbox button. Next, choose the microphone icon. The message can be reported using Kinect or a headset. Audio can then be recorded then sent to friends via the app. In the video presented by Xbox.com, voice messaging was the number one feature requested by users.
The site added that the new May system update will also feature dedicated servers for party chat. In March, there were dedicated chat relay servers available for preview members with NAT traversal issues. In the following weeks, Microsoft revealed that they will be increasing party chat availability to more people. They will still continue to develop the feature and assess the servers for relay services.
Also, according to Xbox.com, the Xbox One SmartGlass app was also updated for Windows, Windows Phone, Android and iOS to allow gamers to turn their Xbox One on and off, provided that the devices belong to the same home network as the console. Over 4,000 votes were garnered from the Xbox Feedback site, requesting for this particular feature. To use the feature, gamers have to tap the Connect button in SmartGlass then turn the console on or off.
Finally, the user selectable power mode was included in the May system update, Xbox.com added, and players can choose the power mode that they want to save on energy. There is the "Instant-on" where the voice command "Xbox on" can be used to turn on the console and get game, background and app updates. The energy-saving mode lets the console run on lower power after players press the Xbox button to start the console.
Overall, there are four exciting features to look forward to in the Xbox One May system update, namely voice messaging, dedicated servers for party chat, turning the power on and off via the Xbox One SmartGlass and the various power modes. These are expected to improve user experience, as well as boost communication and interactivity.
Xbox reminded users that their opinions and feedback are important, so they encourage gamers to continue sending them to the Xbox Feedback site to help in their future updates.