Facebook, Twitter and more coming to Xbox 360

Stephen Withers
Friday, 10 July 2009 12:12

Your IT - Entertainment

Microsoft is set for a significant increase in online content for the Xbox 360. The company is promising access to Facebook and Twitter by Christmas.

Although Microsoft plans to provide access to Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites on the Xbox 360, apparently this won't be done by adding a general-purpose browser to the console as Sony did with the PlayStation 3.

Instead, it seems Microsoft will add additional channels to Xbox Live, reformatting the content for the so-called 'lean back' view associated with consoles.

"Before Christmas, Xbox 360 users will have access to high definition movies-on-demand, Facebook, Twitter and a host of other features through our console," said David McLean, head of Microsoft Entertainment.

Those "other features" may include the Last.fm online music service and content from TV companies.

"This will give families even greater freedom to share, socialise and interact online, as some of the world's largest social networks move from the PC to the TV, and into the heart of the family living space," added McLean.

The Xbox owners we contacted were underwhelmed by the news, so please post a comment if you can see the advantages of Facebook and Twitter on your console.