Xbox Testing Direct Discord Voice Chats via Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring

Xbox is currently testing a long-requested feature regarding the Discord party chat integration across consoles. Thanks to the latest update, Alpha Skip-Ahead ring members can try the ability to connect to direct Discord voice party chats.

Release notes for the latest Xbox Update Preview were revealed earlier this week. Xbox introduced the new system update to Alpha Skip-Ahead ring members. XB_FLT_2411GE/26100.2843.241021-2200 is now available, allowing those who are within the ring to test new features before a wider, global rollout across Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Looking into the patch notes of the latest update, Xbox announces that Direct Voice Chats is available. For those within the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring looking to test it themselves, the feature can be used by going through the Xbox Guide button on the controller. Navigating to ‘Parties & chats’, users can then select Discord.

Thanks to the latest update, the Discord menu now features the Direct Voice Chats function. Selecting this, players can find a list of direct message channels that can be joined from the Xbox. It’s worth noting that Xbox is only enabling the ability to join voice chats of servers players are a part of. However, that’ll change as Xbox will allow peer-to-peer calling without needing to go through a server with a voice channel. However, when this will become a function is currently unknown.

Xbox’s Alpha Skip-Ahead ring program is the company’s way to allow console players to test new features and functions before launch. In most cases, members of the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring are used so the development team can find bugs and other glaring issues and address them. It’s also a great opportunity for players to give feedback to the company. The Insider Program offers several “rings” to join. The Alpha Skip-Ahead ring is typically reserved for players who have worked their way up through other available levels and provided usable feedback to the development team.