Windows Live Messenger released for Xbox 360

John A 0 292 Views

Microsoft has just announced the release of a Windows Live instant messaging client for its Xbox 360 game console, giving gamers the capability of chatting to their PC friends.

There was already a video and voice chat feature via Xbox Live, but this feature enables players to connect with up to 6 people at a time on their Windows Live contact lists. Microsoft says there's currently 260 million people using the Windows Live instant messaging service.

One hitch remains: just how in the world are users going to be able to enter text with their controllers? Microsoft says they're going to release a QWERTY device, which is basically a regular Xbox 360 controller with a keyboard added onto the bottom, that will allow users to type normally, when Microsoft releases the software on May 7.

Dani AI

Generated

Quick clarification for and : the Spring dashboard update supported using a standard USB keyboard with the 360 (you could also use the on‑screen keyboard), so a separate controller add‑on was not the only input option. Microsoft press release (April 2007). (news.microsoft.com)

About the controller keyboard that mentioned: Microsoft later shipped the controller‑mounted Chatpad as part of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit in early September 2007. The Messenger Kit bundled a small backlit QWERTY thumbboard plus a wired headset, and its suggested retail price was about US$29.99. [Destructoid coverage; accessory list]. (destructoid.com)

Practical tips / gotchas (useful if anyone digs this up years later): make sure the console has the dashboard update (the system prompts you to accept it when signing into Xbox Live), then plug a USB HID keyboard into any USB port — most basic USB keyboards work, multimedia keys usually do not. The Chatpad plugs into the front of the controller; early firmware caused a headset‑priority quirk that was fixed via software updates. If a keyboard isn’t recognized, try a different USB port, a different keyboard, or reboot after the update. [Xbox Wire update; accessory notes]. (news.xbox.com)

Important historical note: Windows Live Messenger (the PC service referenced in this thread) was retired and migrated into Skype in 2013, so the PC↔console Messenger bridging described here no longer functions today as it did in 2007. For modern console messaging, refer to current Xbox support and Microsoft’s modern communication services. [TechCrunch summary; MSN/Windows Live Messenger history]. (techcrunch.com)

Member Avatar for RwCC
RwCC 56 Junior Poster

Microsoft says they're going to release a QWERTY device, which is basically a regular Xbox 360 controller with a keyboard added onto the bottom, that will allow users to type normally, when Microsoft releases the software on May 7.

Of course they are, and they will add a nice large price tag to it no doubt.

Member Avatar for jbennet
jbennet 1,618 Most Valuable Poster

why not just add support for a usb keyboard?

silly ms

Member Avatar for Dani
Dani 5,664 The Queen of DaniWeb

There is already, no?

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.

Edit Preview