Microsoft remains committed to introducing functionality to Xbox One that lets you take screenshots, but the company now says getting this up and running is proving tricky. As a result, Microsoft isn't going to roll this feature out until sometime in 2015, Xbox boss Phil Spencer says.

"As we come back into the new year, we'll see new stuff, and screenshots is on the list," Spencer told IGN.

Shadow of Mordor has a photo mode, but it's limited on Xbox One

Back in May, Spencer revealed that the ability to take screenshots on Xbox One was one of the features Microsoft engineers were working to deliver through a future update. One of the reasons why we haven't seen this feature yet is because it's "a little more technically challenging" than Spencer first imagined.

"Two weeks ago, [Microsoft engineers] think they've found a good solution for screenshots. They're working on it. They know people want it," he said. "The team has a path to getting it done, and now it's just prioritizing."

By comparison, the PlayStation 4 has allowed users to take and share screenshots since launch in November 2013. The Xbox One's lack of screenshot functionality has put a damper on some game functionality, as Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Photo Mode is significantly limited on Xbox One.

Also in the interview, Spencer said Xbox One owners should expect December's system update to be smaller than previous ones. "In December, it's probably a time for us to pause for a little bit and settle just as all the new consoles are coming online," he said.

Finally, Spencer stressed that Microsoft is still looking to improve install times for Xbox One games, noting that this is a personal priority of his.

October's Xbox One update launched last week, bringing with it new features such as a Gamerscore leaderboard for friends and smoother Snap Mode navigation. Meanwhile, November's update will introduce custom background support and will let you post video clips directly to Twitter.