[img]http://www.snackbar-games.com/images/news/2007/04/xbox360_qwerty.jpg[/img]

Microsoft has confirmed the [url=http://www.snackbar-games.com/n2539.html]earlier rumored text input device[/url] for the Xbox 360 by announcing the coming launch of console’s Windows Live Messenger service, which boasts the ability to connect console, PC, and Windows Mobile gamers under one unified chat service.

Set to debut on May 7 with the Xbox 360 spring update, the patch will provide Xbox 360 users worldwide with access to Windows Live Messenger features, including text messaging and chatting over Windows Live Messenger with up to six people on their contact list at one time, while playing games, listening to music or watching movies.

According to Microsoft, existing relationships on Windows Live Messenger and Xbox Live will be unified on the Xbox 360, and users will see at a glance if their existing friends on Windows Live Messenger have Gamertags.

In addition, Microsoft plans to release the earlier rumored QWERTY text-input device this summer, which will plug directly into the Xbox 360 controller. Prior to this device’s release, and beginning the week of May 7, Xbox 360 users will be able to text message and chat using the virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360 or by connecting a USB keyboard to the console.

[b]Other enhancements expected the upcoming spring update include:[/b]

– A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.

– Enhanced family settings features for Xbox Live communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.

– A new Xbox Live Marketplace blade lets Xbox Live members access the content they seek A

This morning Gamespot had a story up about an upcoming keyboard attachment for the 360 controller. Shortly after going live they pulled the story, but left the pictures up. The fine folks at Aeropause snagged a copy of the picture for everyone’s enjoyment.

Why the need for a keyboard attachment? A rumored upcoming update to the 360 Dashboard is going to incorporate Live Messenger IM functionality. The keyboard attachment fits in the mic port of the controller. It sports 47 keys including a full QWERTY keyboard.

The question remains… Do you want people on Live Messenger hitting you with IMs during your gaming sessions? I personally don’t know that I do.

A posting on the forums over at Nintendo.com is saying that if you are one of the people that got a Twilight Princess disc that has the Sky Cannon Glitch that you can call up Nintendo and request a replacement disc.

To get your disc replaces simply call NoA’s Customer Service at 1-800-255-3700. Explain that you are experiencing the TP glitch and when you have authorization to send in your copy of the game mail it to:

NINTENDO OF AMERICA
ATTN: CS ADMIN
4900 150TH AVE NE
REDMOND WA 98052-5171

If anyone has issues getting this resolved, let us know as we’d like to hear about it.

No question that BioWare’s Mass Effect is one of the most anticipated Xbox 360 title on the horizon, a fact not lost on the game’s marketing team who just sent over a bit of tangible viral marketing for the upcoming action RPG. Earlier today a nondescript package showed up containing an equally unassuming black box and an “unsigned letter” describing a galactic threat. The package held a 128MB thumb drive holding a video containing a new, and dare I say awesome Mass Effect video, as seen below. Enjoy.

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