Microsoft rolling out first update for Xbox One console

REDMOND, Wash., May 19 (UPI) -- Microsoft released its first update for the Xbox One console that includes a a new sound mixer for snapped apps and chat volume controls via Kinect.

The update which was applied to members of Microsoft's early access program, also includes fixes to Party Chat and a DVR audio recording glitch. Another major change is the highlighting of the System Update button every time an update is available to the user.

"Remember: The 'System Update' button will appear (under Settings>System) if there [is] a new update available for you," tweeted Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hryb. Updates will now automatically download with "no action required."

"But if you want to get to be sure you have the latest System Update and get it RIGHT NOW you can check [with] the button," he added.

Using the new sound mixer for snapped apps, users can control the volume of two apps and control the volume levels of the Kinect while it is being used for chat purposes. Users can also opt-in to a new speech data collection that will help improve speech recognition software.

This program is optional and Microsoft said that users' voice data will only be used to improve the voice recognition algorithm and not for other purposes.

"Being able to control your Xbox One with voice commands can be a magical moment and we want to continue making this great for all Xbox One owners worldwide," Hryb wrote in a May 2 blog post. "The more voice samples we have to input into our algorithms, the better and more responsive Xbox One can be to our fans."