Microsoft's next major Xbox One system update rolls out on March 4, a week ahead of Titanfall, but you won't need to wait that long to see the changes in action. Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb today published a video highlighting the changes to the Party and Friends features coming through the update.
Xbox engineer Richard Irving said the "number one most-requested feature" is having Xbox One party chat turned on by default, and that's just what you'll find when you install the update.
The new update also tweaks the user interface such that you're able to tell who you're playing with and who you're chatting with. Once the update is applied, you'll also have new party invitation options, like the ability to invite friends to a party, game, or party and game.
Finally, the update also brings new Friends functionality. Chief among the changes is the speed at which you'll be able to pull up your Friends list. Irving said Microsoft research shows that players typically check their friends' online status immediately when they log in; and now, you'll be able to access your Friends list with three button presses or one voice command.
Check out the video below for a full breakdown of what the upcoming Xbox One update will introduce. And if you're lucky, you might be selected to preview the update as a beta tester. Invitations to preview the system update are going out this week to select users.