MSN Messenger to Interact with Xbox Live

[Redlum08]

Good news for Xbox 360 peeps, you can interact with your friends on MSN Messenger from Xbox Live come May, and a new Qwerty keyboard attachment for the 360 controller to be released in the summer to do it with, or if you like connect a USB keyboard to the 360 and interact that way. In any event, looks like Microsoft is making it easier for people to communicate with friends and family while in the living room...check it out>

http://www.xbox.com:80/en-US/community/news/2007/0408-im.htm?WText.camp=TS1-InstantMessaging&WText.campSrc=Home

 

[SPK]

Damn, I coulda imagine if a man sweating GoW, and suddenly he friend who losing, start spamming nudges to distract him .....

[camrE]

It's text chat added via msn messenger. not exactly msn messenger via xbox 360. no nudges from the fottage I've seen.

[Arcmanov]

This is genius.  Everyone on Xbox Live is already on MSN Messenger, so this is really the next logical step.

M$ is slowly making me their b!tch.....

[TheApprentice]

The "text input device" snaps right onto your 360 controller; yes, it has a microphone pass-through

First up, what Microsoft is currently calling the "text input device." This Blackberry-on-steroids-sized keyboard snaps directly onto your Xbox 360 controller, and leaves a one-plug microphone port on the bottom of the unit.

Microsoft isn't yet ready to reveal the exact release date (early summer is possibly) or price (likely inexpensive, given the unit's simplicity). But representatives did admit to GamePro that the company is exploring various bundling possibilities for the texting device, much as it did with the Xbox Vision camera. They gave no details on the bundle possibilities.



Note the darker-colored chat window, for real-time IM chats

The main draw behind the text input device? The new integrated Messanger functionality, which will be added this May as part of an Xbox Live overall. Xbox 360 owners (sorry, Xbox holdouts) will be able to link their Gamertag with their MSN Messanger / Live Messanger account in order to keep in touch with IM buddies through Xbox Live. Another new addition is real-time instant messaging, using the on-screen keyboard or the new text input device.

Marketplace will also receive its own dedicated dashboard blade, giving it far higher visibility to casual users. In addition, Microsoft is betting that a number of small Marketplace enhancements will suck in more Xbox Live users: these include images on the Xbox Live Arcade game download directory, optimized HD video downloads (progressive downloads said to start three times faster than before), a more detailed Achievement pop-up for games, and a bigger push for animated or video-based banners on the service.



Now you'll finally know WHAT you unlocked, WHEN you unlocked it

GamePro had the opportunity to try out the new features, and they seemed to be a helpful batch of upgrades but nothing earth-shattering in nature. Similarly, the text-input device felt snug and responsive but worked much like you would expect.

The big Xbox Live update is expected this May; check back Monday for exclusive hands-on video of the new interface.


Pretty straightforward chat interface

[Arcmanov]

Sorry, MasterChief08 beat you it.  I think the link he provided pretty much covered all this.

[vivman1107]

Anyone know if you can chat via MSN while in a game?

[TheApprentice]

Sorry, MasterChief08 beat you it.  I think the link he provided pretty much covered all this.

Shux! lol...

Merged my topic with the first...

[Redlum08]

It's not that detailed Viv, but I don't see why not, you would receive a message from a friend and I guess you would have to pause the game so you don't get killed to respond.

[W1nTry]

I was now gonna post this too.. but I guess waiting till I was at the office would be too long :p that aside this is a logical step as arc said and I think its a good thing. It would be better if it was voice chat... but then not everyone on msn uses that option. Cause man cyah stop in the middle of a GOW sweat to reply.... but even so, this is just that next step towards making the 360 or console as a whole the media center of the digital home.

[vivman1107]

I was reading more on it and found out that you can receive and send messages while in a game. The really nice thing is that people on MSN will see your gamertag and what game you are currently playing.

[W1nTry]

Sweet... oh btw viv redlum08 kicking ur @R$3 in gamer score now... if your handle is up to date that is!

[vivman1107]

I giving him a little break. Next time he see my Gamerscore, he will be more than a little confused. I working on a really hard to get and time consuming achievement.

[disciple]

hmm this is genius,if they allow ads, like regular msn

 prob. gonna make a killing selling adspace to game publishers..

[W1nTry]

I giving him a little break. Next time he see my Gamerscore, he will be more than a little confused. I working on a really hard to get and time consuming achievement.

Man doing underhand-sweatage-offline-no-jutsu.... dirty man!

hmm this is genius,if they allow ads, like regular msn

 prob. gonna make a killing selling adspace to game publishers..

Yup...

[camrE]

Anyone know if you can chat via MSN while in a game?

Yes, that's what it's for. All communication always works at all times. No matter what mode you're in.