Microsoft’s Xbox 360 boasts of the Xbox Live service attached to the console, with which users can connect to the internet and download a variety of things, from games to demos to accessories for their Avatars. Now at the NewTeeVee Live conference, the General Manager of Xbox Live, Marc Whitten confirmed that the next wave of social entertainment will be available to Xbox 360 owners starting next week. Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and instant on video from Zune are coming to Xbox Live on November 17, 2009.
“We’re delivering some truly exciting social entertainment experiences to our members,” Whitten stated. “Xbox Live’s differentiator has always been our community, and we’ve already seen a tremendous response to these features in our public preview. It’s the community that drives us forward and allows us to pioneer new ways of connecting people through the entertainment they love.”
In addition to bringing all these features to service, Xbox Live will be debuting “News and More” as a new section of the “Inside Xbox” channel, which will transform the service into a full-fledged media portal. “News and More” will deliver the latest in current events, arts and entertainment.
“From the launch of Xbox Live nearly seven years ago, to milestones like Video Marketplace, Netflix and the New Xbox Experience, we’ve continued working toward our vision of connected entertainment for everyone,” Whitten added. “I’m proud to say that next week marks another great stride in fulfilling that promise, and we’re already imagining what the future has in store.”
From November 20, 2009 12 pm ET, up until November 23, 2009 12 pm ET, Xbox Live Silver members can avail of the latest Gold features for free, such as Facebook, Twitter, Halo 3: ODST online multiplayer, and 1 vs. 100.