Xbox One Preview program members got a sneak peek this week at some of the goodies that all users can expect in the console's April update.
That includes the ability to compose and play back voice messages. Record audio to send to friends through the snapped messages app, accessible via a double-tap of the controller's Xbox button. And don't fret if your gaming buddies haven't upgraded to the latest console: Voice messages can be exchanged between Xbox 360 and Xbox One ($200.00 at eBay).
"Thanks to suggestions from our fans, we continue to focus on finding great ways to bring the Xbox community closer together," Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox, wrote in a blog post.
Other improvements include dedicated servers for party chat, enabling users with a history of Network Address Translation (NAT) issues to party chat more reliably.
Redmond also promised troubleshooting guidance for Xbox One owners. "The Party App will help you get your microphone enabled and show you when privacy settings or networking issues are blocking communication with particular party members," Hryb said in a separate blog post.
At this point, these features are only available for those in the Xbox preview program. They will reach all next-gen consoles next month, when Redmond pushes out the regular update.
Additionally, the What's On preview—which highlights popular games, movies, TV shows, game broadcasts and clips, and is already available to U.S. users—is being expanded to Canada and the U.K., along with more personalized "Staff Picks" based on recent game activity.
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Microsoft is also introducing new experiments with Twitter Trending TV and Game Clip for subsets of the preview audience.
One thing Xbox One owners won't have to wait for: Sling TV's live, over-the-top service. As part of last week's launch, Xbox Live members will receive one month of free Sling TV—a $20 value.
Dish Network's new service, which debuted early this year, offers access to ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, TNT, TBS, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, IFC, El Ray, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, ABC Family, Disney Channel, CNN, A&E, and Galavision. History, H2, and Lifetime are coming soon.
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