Xbox One System Update for May Now Available; Here's What We Know About the Update

Xbox One

Microsoft has unveiled the details of the May update for the Xbox One console.

The update, which is now live, includes features that were developed based on the users' suggestions on the Xbox Feedback site.

The feature that received the most number of votes from users is the ability to send and receive voice messages through the Xbox messages app. By simply double taping on the console's Xbox button, users can access the voice messaging feature which will allow them to send voice recordings to their contacts.

Microsoft noted through the Xbox Wire that this feature can be used across the Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles.

Aside from the voice messaging feature, Microsoft also established dedicated servers for the Xbox One's party chat. Earlier this year, several gamers were not able to use this feature properly due to NAT traversal issues. As a solution, Microsoft set up relay servers to support the party chat for Xbox One preview members.

For the update, the company has expanded the availability of the relay servers to more Xbox One users.

Microsoft also introduced new power modes for the Xbox One console through the May update. For instance, the Instant-on options works with a voice command which will enable to console to obtain various system, app and game updates. Users can access this mode through the command, "Xbox on."

In addition, gamers can run their Xbox One consoles on a low-power state through the new energy-saving mode. This can be done by pressing down on the Xbox button of the console.

"This lower power state consumes less energy and can save customers an average of $6 to $15 in energy costs per year in the U.S.," Microsoft stated in a previous Xbox Wire post. "This mode does not provide the added value of background updating."