Microsoft about to fix one of the Xbox Wireless Headset’s biggest flaws
Mic monitoring is about to get better on the impressive Xbox Wireless Headset.
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What you need to know
TheXbox Wireless Headsetis about to address one of its most noticeable flaws. The latest Xbox Alpha Skip-Ahead build includes a firmware update that increases the mic monitoring levels of the headset. As it’s in an Alpha build at the moment, it might be some time until we see it roll out generally, but when it does, it should improve the budget-friendly headset.
The Xbox Wireless Headset delivers excellent value for its price tag. It has an impressive feature set that combines Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless audio for dual-source mixing. It quickly earned a spot as one of thebest Xbox Series X and Series S headsets. That being said, it isn’t perfect.
In hisXbox Wireless Headset review, our senior editor Jez Corden explains how the headset’s microphone arm limits the effectiveness of mic monitoring:
Another minor gripe I have is the microphone arm, which doesn’t extend further than your cheek. Even with the mic monitoring boosted to maximum volume, the mic will be too far away from most adults' mouths to register any side-tone whatsoever, giving the feature reduced effectiveness.
Hopefully, the increased mic monitoring levels that Microsoft is testing will help this issue. It won’t fix how short the microphone arm is, of course, but it could minimize the limits caused by its length.
The same Insider build alsoremoves the free-to-play paywallfrom Xbox consoles.
Best-value Bluetooth Xbox Wireless combo.
If you’re a gamer who wants to combine Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless audio into a single headset’s audio stream, this is the best-value option on the market right now.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
