Spring Dashboard Update Adds IM to 360
There will also be a new blade for Marketplace and better background downloading.
As part of the next update for the Xbox 360 front-end dashboard software, Microsoft is bringing its instant messenger service to console owners the world over.
When the dashboard update starts rolling out in the beginning of May, the 6 million Xbox 360 owners who are online will be able to connect with the 260 million users of Microsoft's Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger) service. The update will allow Xbox 360 owners to chat with up to six PC or Xbox 360 owners at the same time.
To get past the limitations of the Xbox 360's on-screen keyboard, Microsoft is planning to release a new keyboard attachment that slots into Xbox 360 controllers this summer. Users will also be able to simply plug in a USB keyboard.
Text chat is just one of the new features Microsoft is adding in its latest update of the dashboard.
In addition to new parental control options and a new blade on the dashboard that brings together all the Xbox Live Marketplace content, the update also improves background downloading and playback of video content and gussies up Achievement notifications.
The spring dashboard update will be available as a free download for all Xbox 360 owners starting from 7 May.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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