Microsoft confirms that it's going to continue launching monthly firmware updates for the Xbox One platform throughout 2015, as it wants to keep bringing new features to the console while making sure that existing options function as intended.

The Xbox One may not have had the best start on the market last November when it was released in a select number of countries, but Microsoft managed, slowly but surely, to transform the device into a much more attractive one.

Through the use of bundles, lower prices, or great games, many gamers were attracted to the Xbox One. Existing owners, meanwhile, were treated to monthly system software updates that brought forth a series of improvements every time, from new features to fresh additions for existing ones.

Xbox One will receive new updates next year

The regularly scheduled firmware releases are set to continue in 2015, at least according to Microsoft's Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who talks with Community Manager Larry Hryb in the latest podcast about what gamers can expect for the future.

Spencer reveals that a road map for all the major features that will appear via the updates is being drawn out, and while it's a bit too early to tell, the monthly schedule will be respected throughout next year.

"As we roll into 2015 we definitely have a road map for monthly updates. When they'll start up again we'll watch. We're kind of working through the schedules on those things now but it's a commitment that we have as a platform team that we'll continue monthly updates."

December won't see a big update

However, for the month of December, Spencer highlights that Xbox One users shouldn't expect any big things, as the number one goal is to ensure that the console functions as intended and the games run without any problems, especially since many new users will get Xbox One consoles for the winter holidays.

"We usually don't do big updates in December. December I expect to be a time that we're just going to make sure people are turning on consoles and the games are playing well and everything's working great. That's job number one for us."

Among the many big features set to debut in 2015 is the ability to take screenshots during a game without having to record footage.

You can expect Microsoft to keep talking about the many other features it plans to bring to the Xbox One in the future as the actual firmware updates take shape.