Microsoft has announced it’s plans for a Spring update to the Xbox Live service for owners of the Xbox 360. The most notable new feature will be the addition of Windows Live Messenger which will allow Xbox 360 users to chat with their PC friends and view their Xbox Live Gamertags.

If you are worried about communicating through the on-screen keyboard, then don’t worry. Microsoft also announced an upcoming keyboard attachment for the 360 which will attach through the headset plug on the handset and offer a small keyboard which can be used for typing. USB keyboards will also be supported.

Other updates to the Xbox Live service will be improvements to the Marketplace service and updates to downloading content. The Spring update is set to launch in May. As a frequent user of Xbox Live the Messenger addition really doesn’t excite me much. I play my Xbox 360 to kind of “get away from things”, but for someone who always wants to be in contact, I’m sure this will be a welcome addition.

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Tags: microsoft, xbox 360, xobx live, live messenger, games