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Xbox One Finally Gets Voice Messaging Next Month

New feature will roll out via April system update; Check out a video overview here.

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Microsoft has announced another new feature coming to Xbox One via the platform's upcoming April update, and it's something users have been requesting since the console arrived in November 2013.

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April's Xbox One update will introduce voice messaging support, one of the "most popular requests" from fans, according to Microsoft. Not only will the Xbox One's voice messaging system let people send messages to other Xbox One owners, but Xbox One-to-Xbox 360 is also supported.

The Xbox One voice messaging supports "Snap" functionality, meaning users can double tap the Xbox button to bring up the menu when they're doing something else, such as watching a movie or playing a game. As users know, typing out messages using the Xbox One controller, or even the SmartGlass app, can still be kind of a pain. Voice messaging aims to offer a faster solution.

Voice messages on Xbox One will be limited to 15 seconds. Check out the video above, from Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, to see the Xbox One voice messaging feature in action.

Xbox One owners who are part of the invite-only Xbox Preview program can try out voice messaging right now.

The Xbox One's April update also introduces dedicate servers for party chat, with the aim of more reliable chatting experiences, and a new "What's On" area. This will highlight popular videos, movies, TV shows, and game broadcasts. In addition, the update improves Achievement notifications and makes further tweaks to game hubs.


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