Revealed: Xbox 360 mini-keyboard, Xbox Live Spring update

by Vicious Sid
April 08, 2007 00:00 AM PST

Microsoft has officially announced a new text input add-on device for the Xbox 360 controller, as well as a host of tweaks and upgrades for the Xbox Live service. New features include expanded Achievements and real-time chat.

The "text input device" snaps right onto your 360 controller; yes, it has a microphone pass-through

First up, what Microsoft is currently calling the "text input device." This Blackberry-on-steroids-sized keyboard snaps directly onto your Xbox 360 controller, and leaves a one-plug microphone port on the bottom of the unit.

Microsoft isn't yet ready to reveal the exact release date (early summer is possibly) or price (likely inexpensive, given the unit's simplicity). But representatives did admit to GamePro that the company is exploring various bundling possibilities for the texting device, much as it did with the Xbox Vision camera. They gave no details on the bundle possibilities.

Note the darker-colored chat window, for real-time IM chats

The main draw behind the text input device? The new integrated Messenger functionality, which will be added this May as part of an Xbox Live overall. Xbox 360 owners (sorry, Xbox holdouts) will be able to link their Gamertag with their MSN Messenger / Live Messenger account in order to keep in touch with IM buddies through Xbox Live. Another new addition is real-time instant messaging, using the on-screen keyboard or the new text input device.

Marketplace will also receive its own dedicated dashboard blade, giving it far higher visibility to casual users. In addition, Microsoft is betting that a number of small Marketplace enhancements will suck in more Xbox Live users: these include images on the Xbox Live Arcade game download directory, optimized HD video downloads (progressive downloads said to start three times faster than before), a more detailed Achievement pop-up for games, and a bigger push for animated or video-based banners on the service.

Now you'll finally know WHAT you unlocked, WHEN you unlocked it

GamePro had the opportunity to try out the new features, and they seemed to be a helpful batch of upgrades but nothing earth-shattering in nature. Similarly, the text-input device felt snug and responsive but worked much like you would expect.

The big Xbox Live update is expected this May; check back Monday for exclusive hands-on video of the new interface.