Xbox And Instant Messaging

Microsoft have just announced that they will be introducing their Windows Live Messenger service to Xbox 360 consoles, allowing gamers to "I.M. directly from their couch" and consolidating what have traditionally been two distinct friend lists.

The NYT's writes:

In the second week of May, those two worlds will begin to converge. Xbox Live members will be able to link their “gamertag,” the online identity they use within the Xbox community, to an existing Windows Live Messenger account. Players will then be able to chat with their instant-messaging contacts using a virtual on-screen keyboard or a U.S.B. keyboard plugged into the game machine.
For more:http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/09/technology/09microsoft.html?ex=1333771200&en=de55381c10972fc4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss