Instant Messenger Part of Spring Xbox 360 Update

Microsoft announced the launch of Windows Live Messenger on the Xbox 360, which will connect 360 consoles, Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices.

On May 7, 2007, the Xbox 360 spring update will provide owners access to Windows Live Messenger features, which allows text chat with up to six people on a user's contact list while playing games, watching movies or listening to music, using the 360's virtual keyboard or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console. This summer, Microsoft will launch a new QWERTY text-input device that will connect directly to the 360 controller.

The other features of the spring update include:

• A new Achievement pop-up notification that will include the name of the unlocked Achievement and Gamerscore.
• Enhanced family settings features that enable different defaults for video and voice chat.
• Xbox Live Arcade updates that allow owners to see which Xbox Live Arcade games friends are playing so they can join in. Xbox Live members can also compare progress of leaderboards and Achievements directly with friends, and Tell a Friend capabilities have been expanded.
• Auto Downloads will have a new option that provides faster access to the entire collection of free trial-version Xbox Live Arcade games.
• New progressive download controls, which include the ability to fast forward, rewind, pause and resume as videos are downloading will be added.
• Finally, owners will be able to set their 360 consoles to shut off automatically after downloads are completed.