Microsoft Adds Xbox 360 Messaging

Microsoft Adds Xbox 360 Messaging

Microsoft Corp. on Monday detailed a free update to its Xbox 360 gaming console that will let users exchange instant messages with other gamers and those with Windows-based PCs and wireless devices.

The move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to transform the Internet-connected console into an all-around entertainment device. The vendor previously detailed plans to integrate IPTV software into the console by this year’s holiday shopping season.

People can use the new messaging feature on the Xbox 360 by connecting with Windows Live Messenger, a network that Microsoft said consists of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts. Users will be able to text chat with the virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360 or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console, and by the summer Microsoft will release a QWERTY text-input device that will connect directly into the Xbox 360 controller.

The free update will be available beginning May 7.

Adding communications capabilities to the console represents a move by Microsoft to drive social networking. One industry expert hailed the news as a wise move by Microsoft and a telling new trend for the market.

“It’s clear that gaming is becoming a very significant online social activity, and that therefore game consoles are increasingly important as elements in social networks,” said Tom Nolle, president of CIMI Corp. “That has tremendous significance for such carrier issues as FMC. It’s also an indication that Microsoft realizes that the broader the mission of the gaming console, the more PC-like it is, and the more likely that Microsoft has the tools and credentials to be a leader in the market.”

Microsoft said current relationships on Windows Live Messenger and Xbox LIVE will be unified on Xbox 360.

Users can use Windows Live Messenger to text chat with up to six people on their contact list at one time, while playing games, listening to music or watching movies. Gamers can already use voice and video chat on Xbox LIVE. Microsoft said there are 6 million users in the Xbox LIVE community.

“With this announcement we are simultaneously expanding the access of Xbox LIVE users to existing friends and family while introducing Windows Live Messenger users to the benefits of Xbox 360,” said Jerry Johnson, product unit manager for Xbox LIVE, in prepared comments.

The update also includes an Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade that lets members access the content such as game content or TV shows and movies from one place.

Microsoft Corp. www.microsoft.com

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