12-person Xbox party chat comes to everyone as new features roll out to preview program

Xbox's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb took to a blog post this evening to announce that party chat is expanding to accommodate 12 people for all Xbox users. This means whether you're using the Xbox One or the Xbox app on Windows 10, you'll be able to take advantage of 12-person party chat. Do note that this is a server-side change, and you won't have to download an update to enable the larger party chat size.

In addition, people testing the "New Xbox One Experience Preview" will receive an update this evening that adds the following features:

• Party text chat adds more communication options. In the New Xbox One Experience, text chat joins voice chat as a way to communicate with your friends. At the bottom of the 'Your Party' page, you will see a button to 'Show text chat.' This will let you participate in the conversation. Party text chat will also come to the Beta Xbox App for Windows 10.
• A streamlined Game DVR experience. We have combined the functionality of the Game DVR snap app and the former Upload app into one easy-to-use app called Game DVR. In full screen mode, you can use this app to view your game clips and screenshot captures. When snapped, you can use Game DVR to start or stop recordings.
• New animated avatars. They are back and better than ever. You showed us that you are passionate about Avatars with many requests on Xbox Feedback. The new avatars will be animated on your profile and will start showing up in other new places in the new experience. If you prefer a gamevpic, you can easily switch your image.
• Updated menu for quick access to common actions. The menu button on your controller lets you pin an app or game to Home, launch a recently played game, or quit an app or game with just the touch of a button.
• Access new settings in the Guide. Adding to settings already included in the guide, like adjusting the headset volume, you can now turn your console off or restart your console directly from the Guide.

Are you excited for the latest changes across the Xbox platform? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Source: Major Nelson Blog