Fanpoll: will you use 360 instant messaging?
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Apr 11th 2007 at 5:30PM }
With all this hubbub over the spring update, we felt it time for a new fanpoll. Despite the revisions to achievement notifications and Xbox Live Marketplace, Live Messenger integration is definitely getting the most media play. As such, we thought it would be a good idea to gauge public interest in the concept. Obviously, the Xbox 360 already has voice chat, so IM seems like something of a step backwards. Of course, instant messaging promises cross-platform connectivity, allowing users to chat across the Xbox 360, PCs, and mobile devices. So, here's the big question: will you use instant messaging on 360? Is it something that appeals to you? Plug in your vote after the break and tell us what you think. We'll share the results during the next Xbox 360 Fancast.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Drdre74 @ Apr 11th 2007 5:36PM
doubt I'd ever use it. I just send voice messages to friends on 360.
Haqq @ Apr 11th 2007 5:38PM
I'm a huge MSN user so yeah this will be cool!
Justin U @ Apr 11th 2007 5:41PM
Same. And the fact remains that I never use it on my computer (AIM is frankly, a lot easier), so now I will have a reason for it!
TTL Jericho @ Apr 11th 2007 5:44PM
I would use this because with games like gears, it's easier to see a quick text message than to listen to voicemail, which means activating another blade. If getting messages were more seamless, the keyboard wouldn't be usefull.
Ashley @ Apr 11th 2007 5:42PM
I would rarther just buy an extra USB wireless keyboard...
Maybe bigger, but it will be easier to type on, and I can use it elsewhere if needed...
Muffin_man @ Apr 11th 2007 5:50PM
That's affirmative.
NomBomB @ Apr 11th 2007 5:56PM
why buy an new accessory or even a usb keyboard when theres a pc in the same room? we've been texting and IMing forever now.
KineticOnline @ Apr 11th 2007 5:58PM
I'll be using it to keep in contact with my non 360 friends. It will save me having to keep my PC running.
The only question i have is will it let me log into both at the same time?
beardsly43 @ Apr 11th 2007 5:59PM
@7
Because my PC is upstairs.
Peff @ Apr 11th 2007 6:01PM
I would def not use it. i dont even get the point. oh wait. there isnt one.
Josh @ Apr 11th 2007 6:05PM
When someone is on the computer, then obviously I will be.
DaStuph @ Apr 11th 2007 6:02PM
I'll definetly be using this new feature but I'll pass on the mini-keyboard attachment. Although it is very kewl, I've already been using a wireless keyboard for quite awhile now and it works great.
gascan @ Apr 11th 2007 6:16PM
Why IM when you can voice chat? Why use IM when you can use a telephone? Millions of people IM for a number of different reasons.
The ability for my buddies who are working on midterm papers on their PCs see me log on and start playing halo without me having to do a damn thing is priceless.
tapo @ Apr 11th 2007 6:24PM
Can't and won't use it. Everyone I know uses AIM.
THA1icarus @ Apr 11th 2007 6:27PM
I don't even use it on my pc....
So why use it on my 360??????
Derrick @ Apr 11th 2007 6:33PM
I would only use mobile to xbox or pc to xbox and I wouldn't use xbox to xbox IMs.
Tarl @ Apr 11th 2007 6:52PM
I'm actually looking forward to this one. I plan on pickin' up a little keyboard and trying it out.
aGGyMaN @ Apr 11th 2007 7:01PM
finaly talk to my girl on msn wile playing gears this is the life wen can i get the chat board i want it now lol
DeadPlasmaCell @ Apr 11th 2007 7:02PM
My wife will get a kick out of this.. As long as that little keyboard isn't more than $20 or $30. She has kinfolk that use MSN so she can chat with them while playing Bejeweled or something..
Tim @ Apr 11th 2007 7:07PM
Depends on how much it is and if I will be able to message my yahoo contacts. Since yahoo and Window messenger supposedly now work together, it sounds possible. But I don't get as much use out of the camera as I thought I would, so the last thing I need is another pricey peripheral not getting used.
un1qu3 n3wy0rk @ Apr 11th 2007 7:22PM
Yes.
AL7AIR @ Apr 11th 2007 7:27PM
I'll use it to send some "For how long will you be on?" or "Care to join my billiard game in the real world?" messages, if I don't wanna power up the console. I currently use the xbox.com message center for that, so I like the integration and therefore the quicker and easier way to send those messages from my IM client. If the 360 is running » voice chat/message.
Pat @ Apr 11th 2007 7:49PM
definitely NOT planning on using this.
Lucky @ Apr 11th 2007 8:59PM
Gives me a good resone to get a damn USB keyboard. Been meaning to get one for quick text messages. (voice is just too slow sometimes...)
Michael @ Apr 11th 2007 8:03PM
What I don't understand is why isn't there a predictive text feature? It would have complemented the new MSN feature well, as well as been useful even to those who aren't going to IM. It's also strange to me that they'd implement this, yet there's still no ability to host voice chatrooms with multiple people.
Blucuzzin @ Apr 11th 2007 9:59PM
this can be a new way to cheat in gears of war and when you die in certain games, hopefully they can disable it to the people you are in a room with.
z1g1 @ Apr 11th 2007 8:15PM
All i can say is using it for the next RTS on 360 would be perfect, now we can have all the keyboard shortcuts that PC players have
Smacksmackums @ Apr 11th 2007 8:17PM
Give me a browser and I'll buy this attachment.
Rij @ Apr 11th 2007 8:58PM
it would just be annoying while you play a game and if your not playing a game then you can just use your computer.
puhssy liquors @ Apr 15th 2007 8:07PM
When I get this, if I get the money, I can play games and talk to my MSN friends. This is great... 2007 is a truly great fucking year.
- New music
- GTA 4
- Halo 3
- Blue Dragon
- Awesome dashboard update
- This thing
ZeroCorpse @ Apr 11th 2007 9:25PM
I don't chat on the Internet. Why would I do it on 360? I don't get the appeal of typing lame things back and forth with people I only know on the net... Forums are better. I can type more complete thoughts, and the conversation doesn't break down to text-messaging shortcuts and emoticons like in chat.
I got over Chat back when I was on fricking Q-Link.
wako @ Apr 11th 2007 9:47PM
Its pretty cool how the Instant Messaging service(MSN) is being brought to the 360, however most of my friends all use AIM. Doubt I would use it...
Joe @ Apr 11th 2007 10:22PM
depends on how much the keyboard costs...if its over 20 then no
Grant @ Apr 11th 2007 10:46PM
Why text message when you can call someone?
exactly.
i'll get it if it's only $20, maybe 30, but thats pushing it. i have 2 usb keyboards sitting around unused, but they are just to bulky to hold in tandem with a controller. Not to meantion they are both wired, which is a huge step back after my 2 wireless controllers and wireless headset.
vid33nyc1 @ Apr 12th 2007 12:43AM
Once its on the system people will use it.There are times when im playing the game and someone IM me from my PC and i would have to get up to read it.Well with the update i wont have to get up.
magic whiskey @ Apr 12th 2007 1:09AM
Here's a sneaky idea...SCOOP! :)...Use instant messaging to send stealth comuniques to your buddies on the Halo 3 Beta! Gems like 'Watch me snipe this idiot', 'Where's the missile launcher?', or 'I have to go pee..cover me!'
Bennyishere @ Apr 12th 2007 1:25AM
Definitely. All my friends use WLM, so I'll totally use it. Now we just need a browser so I can go to the YouTube links people keep sending me...
I'm getting the keyboard, too. It's hawt :D
Luckie 1012 @ Apr 12th 2007 2:30AM
hmm we seem to forget the fact that the reason we got the S_type controller for the xbox was because of the size and the weight of original controller.y would i want to turn 360 controller into what we hated in the first place......a brick
Tom @ Apr 12th 2007 2:52AM
If MS buys AOL and absorbs AIM, then yes I will use this service... that means "no".
Mike @ Apr 12th 2007 4:22AM
I'd only get this if developers implemented it. So that for games that want you to use the onscreen keyboard can detect the attachment and provide an alternate way to enter text with it. I don't really care to use it for Messenger though. It might come in handy for regular text messages though, since I'm not into that whole voice message thing.
Maybe Typing of the Dead will come to XBLA now. ;)
NathanRandom @ Apr 12th 2007 5:57AM
I'll be using it for pure accessibility. Right now i have to switch between my 360 and my PC monitor leads whenever someone wants to talk to me. With this, its just a quick pause,text, un-pause. Simple.
BUT this will only work if the text input device isn't priced through the roof. I love the idea and the design (Raised a little too high, but meh) and as long as it weighs next to nothing i'm sold.
NathanRandom @ Apr 12th 2007 5:59AM
Oh, this is also great because you essentialy saving power if you keep the PC on whilst you game, just to chat.
Ciaran Gallagher @ Apr 12th 2007 7:29AM
yes yes yes! Now I've no need to go and leave xbox when I wanna talk to people or people want to talk to me :D
Talus @ Apr 12th 2007 7:46AM
If the 360 will be able to text, voice AND video chat with Windows Live Messenger users .. then I'm all in.
Nicholas Aronne @ Apr 12th 2007 9:27AM
It probably will all come down to price $29.99 verses $79.99 or I will just stick with my USB keyboard.
Nicholas Aronne @ Apr 12th 2007 10:18AM
Can't wait for this price point, its a must have for between $19.99 to 29.99. Not so much for $59.99 to 79.99. Might just stick with the old fashioned USB keyboard.
nojok3 @ Apr 12th 2007 10:36AM
None of my friends are on Live Messenger and so its pretty pointless with Xbox Live friends.
josh @ Apr 12th 2007 11:45AM
If I could add AIM contacts, no one I know uses MSN. I don't even use it. As for the IM scene to an extent you are stuck where your friends are, pull all you want some people won't leave. Thats why I have trillian, and those programs work for people.
lil killa @ Apr 12th 2007 1:16PM
i prolly will use the messenger but there is no need to buy the keyboard for the 360 controller cause so far all the usb keyboards i have used works fine while typeing and navagating the 360's XBM
John @ Apr 12th 2007 2:38PM
Yeah I will, like the idea of ppl being able to talk to me as I play games, hopefully it supports msn voice chat thatd rock, and i want one of those controller keyboard things, they are nifty.
does anyone know if the keyboard thing and the headset work in unison?
and also they should bring out a web browser (im thinking 1000 points for XBOX IE from the marketplace) im thinking the controller/keyboard thing would be cool for browsing the web
:)