Microsoft has released the Xbox 360 Spring Update, which includes Windows Live Messenger along with several other new features. Under the update, Windows Live Messenger will be available on Xbox 360 to text chat with up to six people using the virtual keyboard, while playing games, listening to music, or watching movies. According to Jerry Johnson, Product Unit Manager of Xbox Live at Microsoft, said, "Bringing the largest IM community in the world, Windows Live Messenger, to Xbox 360 makes sense, as Xbox Live has really become the largest social network on television. With this announcement, we are simultaneously expanding access of Xbox Live users to existing friends and family, while introducing Windows Live Messenger users to the benefits of Xbox 360." In addition, this summer, Microsoft will launch a Qwerty text-input device that will connect directly into the Xbox 360 controller to support text and instant messaging. The Spring Update includes a gamut of new features, including a richer achievement notification pop-up for showcasing the name of the unlocked Achievement, gamerscore value eliminating the need to leave the game for checking the list, enhanced family settings features, etc. The updates to Xbox Live Arcade allow players to have a quick look at what their friends are playing, and join in. Besides, a new option has been introduced in the auto downloads, providing faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox Live Arcade games. Meanwhile, 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 the Xbox Live Marketplace. Further, using the extended background download functionality, users get to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete. Apart from these, there are several other minor feature upgrades that have been made. The Spring Update is available for free, beginning this week, and will be easily accessible through Xbox Live or on Xbox.com.
Article and photo courtesy techtree.com
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