If you’re a regular reader of XBLG (and if not, why not?) then you will already be aware of some of the forthcoming goodness that Xbox One owners will get with the March system update, which appears to be due around 11th March just in time for a little game called Titanfall! You’ll probably already know about the improved multiplayer experience, the enhanced friends and party options as well as the pretty awesome looking Twitch integration. But that’s not all, far from it! There are enhanced wifi drivers to make wireless connection smooth and robust, as well as adding additional audio options for the output via the optical channel.
Cunningly placed between the HDMI In/Out ports is the optical output labelled S/PDIF which allows you take optical outputs to sound systems. If you happen to be in possession of an audio receiver and a multi speaker set up, currently your Xbox allows both stereo and 5.1 outputs via the optical channel, and this makes a significant difference to the listening experience, both in games and watching video. As part of the next update, the system will now also provide Dolby Digital and 7.1 sound via this channel, which ought to satisfy the naysayers out there complaining about this. Incidentally many people have been moaning about the stereo only output via the optical cable, and they are WRONG! I can confirm I happily get 5.1 sound on my home system.
What makes the update important is that the next generation of headsets are about to be released for Xbox One in March, including the latest offerings by Turtle Beach, Polk Audio, Astro and Microsoft themselves, and the wireless versions of these headsets will take advantage of the new audio goodness. It seems that chat will still need to be achieved by a cable from headset to controller, using the headset adaptor which is also coming out in March, however it’s entirely possible this may yet be superseded by future developments with the Xbox One system.
All in all March looks like it’s going to be a very exciting time for Xbox One gamers!
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