Microsoft has been fairly consistent when it comes to enhancing the functionality of their new console, and this month won’t be an exception. Of the many features set to be addressed in the system’s next firmware update, one of the more noteworthy additions will make downloading and installing future system updates much easier – a process we see quite a few of you seem to be having whenever a new OS patch is available.

In addition to easier updates, other features include improvements to the friends system, an audio mixer for in-game Kinect chat, Blu-ray 50Hz video output support and the ability to automatically redeem any license codes you’re sent, rather than having to meticulously reenter them.

Here’s a full list of the update’s current features, courtesy of IGN.

• Game and app saves and updates. A game save progress bar will show you the status of your game saves. You will also be able to easily tell what games and apps are being updated or have been updated recently.

• Friends improvements. Notifications will be added to see when favorites and friends sign in to Xbox Live. This actually was one of the most frequently requested features from the first preview wave and we made it a priority to include it in the April update. Also, friends who are in multiplayer will be identified in the friends list. We’ll also add the ability to view friends’ most popular apps.

• Blu-ray 50 Hz video output support for content recorded at 50 Hz will resolve video playback issues some Xbox Live members in Europe are experiencing.

• Kinect voice and motion improvements will continue to fine tune the quality and reliability of Xbox One commands.

• Improved GameDVR video quality through compression algorithm improvements.

• Updates to Xbox One device management to address issues controlling TVs, set top boxes, and receivers that our customers have reported.

• New audio settings to tune how much volume is lowered when Kinect is used in communications.

• Silent system update installation: Initial OS changes are present that enable consoles to take a system update overnight when in standby, and the console will now complete the installation, then boot back into standby. This feature will bypass the green installation progress bar currently seen when starting a console that needs to finish installing an update started in standby. This feature will already work with some consoles in this update.

• OneGuide expansion in new markets. Participants in Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy will begin to explore additional live TV features, including TV listings in OneGuide and using voice to change the channel directly from any activity in Xbox One.

• OneGuide and Universal Remote Control in SmartGlass. SmartGlass will become the ultimate remote control for your living room bringing all the features of OneGuide – TV listings, Favorites, and App Channels – to user’s tablets and smartphones making it easier than ever to watch their favorite TV shows and movies from their cable of satellite services or from Apps. Additionally, SmartGlass will have a Universal Remote Control that enables users to control their cable or satellite box directly from SmartGlass, including setting new recordings and watching recorded shows on their DVR. OneGuide and Universal Remote Control in SmartGlass will be available to preview participants in US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

• Manually install available updates. If a new system update is detected as available, a button will appear under ’Settings,’System that will display “Apply Available System Update.” Note: this feature is being enabled after this current update completes installation. This feature will be available to preview when the next update is made availableA new ability to automatically redeem a license code from console messages. For future console messages that include a 5×5 license code, a new option will appear to allow you to automatically redeem the license, versus having to copy and paste the license code.

When we get more details regarding the future update, you’ll be the first to hear it!