Xbox to get IM

Microsoft has expanded the communications options for Xbox 360 users by making Windows Live Messenger available on the games console.

Consumer can now instant message each other across the Xbox 360, Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile device platforms, opening up a community of more than 260 million active accounts, the Redmond Giant said.

Beginning the week of May 7, users of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360 will be able to text chat using the virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360, or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console. This summer Microsoft will launch a QWERTY text-input device, a new accessory that will connect directly into the Xbox 360 controller to support text and instant messaging.