Microsoft brings social networking to Xbox LIVE

Posted on 16 Nov 2009 at 13:13

Microsoft has announced that from tomorrow, Xbox LIVE Gold members will be able to access Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm from their Xbox 360 consoles.

A new Facebook application will let users share photos, status updates and gaming exploits via their TV from the comfort of their living room. The new Twitter application will let you keep up with the latest updates from friends and family, and even includes the ability to Retweet, a feature that's only recently been added to the Twitter site itself.

Meanwhile, the Last.fm player gives Xbox LIVE Gold members access to over 3.5m songs, and has the same functions as the PC version of the player. You can skip tracks, add them to your "Loved" tracks collection, or ban them from ever being played again. You can create custom radio stations based on similar artists, and share favourite tracks with fellow Last.fm users.

The update also brings Microsoft's Zune service to the Xbox 360, although this doesn't include the entire Zune Marketplace as the Zune media device isn't yet available in the UK. Zune on Xbox LIVE will let you buy or rent high-definition movies and TV shows, and with the Xbox LIVE Party feature you can share this content simultaneously with up to seven friends anywhere in the world, as long as they also have Xbox LIVE Gold membership.

Author: Barry de la Rosa

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