Microsoft is starting a new beta program that will allow certain Xbox One users to receive updates to the console earlier than everyone else to make sure that these updates are up to par.

Major Nelson announced this news in an official blog post that revealed the details of this new program. Microsoft will begin selecting certain users to be a part of this program and the participants can continue to receive early updates every time that Microsoft plans to update the system settings found on their marquee machine.

"Xbox is inviting select Xbox Live members to preview new features coming to Xbox One in a March system update and future system updates as they become available, asking them to provide valuable feedback before the updates are implemented worldwide, " Nelson wrote. "Selected participants will receive an Xbox Live message with a token to register. The next system update will begin rolling out next week to those who will preview the new features. Once registered, participants will be able to test the early features included in the update and provide feedback on a private forum and can opt out of future waves."

This is an interesting strategy from the company, but it makes sense considering the nature of these updates. Microsoft has to make sure that these updates roll out properly and do not add problems for users as opposed to deliver the new features promised. For example, the latest Xbox One update brought to users in February lead to a minor bug that caused some users to experience a black screen. Problems such as this, while not incredibly widespread, are reported on often and stick in the mind of gamers. By beta testing the updates before they are released Microsoft is reducing the chances these errors occur and help the Xbox One's overall reputation.
The March update for the Xbox One will introduce several key changes to the multiplayer and party chat options for the console. Users will be able to access their friends list much easier thanks to the new update and players will now have the option either through navigating the menus or using voice commands to bring up their online friends and start a party. Many are speculating that this multiplayer focused update was planned for March due to the release of the highly anticipated Titanfall so that users have a streamlined multiplayer experience on the console before the game is released.