The Xbox 360 dashboard is set for a revamp on May 7th. Updated features will include a low-power mode useful for overnight downloads (which will also turn off the console upon download completion), built-in messenger for in-game chatting, separate “Marketplace” blade and integration of contacts into Windows Live Messenger.



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Also at the announcement of an update, images of a keyboard attachment have surfaced. Rumour? Perhaps. Although with the new update coming soon to the Xbox 360 dashboard which will integrate Windows Live Messenger among other things. It is more than likely this accessory will be coming to a store near you in the near future.




EDIT: I can now ensure you this nifty gadget is in fact real! Looks pretty good too!










Via TechEBlog, Gizmodo, Engadget.

That low power mode for overnight downloads sounds a bit like WiiConnect24 :P Only since its on the 360 it would be used for some more meaningful downloads, instead of the weather/news updates and messages from friends you get on Wii.

On another note, things from MS seem to get leaked a fair bit :huh:

I love that little keyboard!

Even though I don't own a 360, I want to buy a controller just so I can play with the little keyboard...

I wonder if it'll work if I buy a wired 360 controller for my pc...

OMG that keyboard rocks. I'd get it for sure bu I don't have a 360 :( Does it attach or is it a seperate controller altogether?

It attaches to an existing controller by the looks of it

Yeah it attaches to the same spot that you would normally attach your headset to and now if you want to use your headset while this thing is plugged in, there's a hole for it on the bottom of the little keyboard.

The most interesting thing about this new keyboard thing isn't what it will be used for as such, but for me it's whether it will be comfortable or not. At the moment the 360 controller is one of the most comfy ones I have ever used and if this peripheral changes that in any way it would kinda suck.

As for the update as a whole, it seems like it will be another decent one. I like the idea of a Marketplace Blade now, although I had no issues with the old 'way'. Definitely liking the idea of achievements telling you what you've unlocked now, rather than you not knowing until you check manually. It'll be handy for those moments when you unlock more than the one achievement. :)

Haha, that's quite cool actually. I dislike Xbox but that is 10/10 :P

Apparently some sites are reporting that there is a new headset which is going to ship with the keyboard. Realistically, it should be around $39, but knowing Microsoft the price will be $49+.

So, what happens to all the themes? The only have4 background pictures, not 5.

independently skinned?