Due to popular demand Microsoft has just rolled out 12-person Party Chat feature for Xbox One, also available for Xbox App on Windows 10. It was previously limited to eight people. This may have caused problems for people playing games such as FIFA, where it’s necessary to field eleven players. Users of the New Xbox One Experience (NXOE) Preview will also receive the update, but testers now have a bunch of other new features.

It should be noted that not all previewers will receive the updates at first. Those who have offered the most feedback, Microsoft says, will be the first to get the updates. Over time, more people in the Xbox One preview program will also be updated.

Improvements to expect:

• Party Chat will enable better communications. Users will now see a button that says ‘Show text chat’, which will allow them to easily join in conversations.
• An improved Game DVR experience now allows you to watch game clips and view screenshots in full screen mode, as well as stop and start recordings.
• According to feedback Microsoft also says that users have been clamoring for new avatars. From now on there will be a selection of animated avatars that will show up on your profile and at other points in the gaming experience.
• The menu has also been updated with quick access to common actions. Apps and games can be pinned to Home so that players can quickly find a game recently played, while apps and games can also be easily quitted.
• As part of new settings in the Guide users can now turn off and restart their console straight from the Guide. You can also adjust the headset volume in the Guide.

According to Mike Ybarra, the Director of Program Management for Xbox, more invites to NXOE will happen soon. In a Twitter post Ybarra said, “More invites are going this week. We will scale to a lot of folks soon. Thanks for being patient as we develop this!”

Photo credit: Max Male via Flickr