In about a month, instant messaging will be coming to Xbox 360. This isn’t jusy any IM service, either; it will be Windows Live Messenger. Xbox 360 owners will now be able to communicate with each other, as well as any Windows PC or handheld device. Microsoft is even in the process of releasing a keyboard that will attach directly to the Xbox 360 controller via the headset port.
The addition comes as part of a Spring Update to Xbox 360, which in addition to Messenger, includes the following enhancements:
- A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.
- Enhanced family settings features for Xbox LIVE communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
- A new Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade lets Xbox LIVE members access the content they seek — whether it is game content or TV shows and movies (available in the United States) — from one place on Xbox LIVE.
- Updates to Xbox LIVE Arcade allow owners to quickly see which Xbox LIVE Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox LIVE members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list. Expanded Tell a Friend capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
- A new option in Auto Downloads provides faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox LIVE Arcade games.
- New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
- Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.
I am personally very happy to see the improved achievement notification, because leaving the game to check my newest achievements was quite annoying.
For those eager to get their hands on the update, it will be made available on May 7.
