Microsoft announced yesterday the May launch of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360, allowing subscribers of the Xbox Live online service to connect with Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices.

Already, the six million strong Xbox Live community can voice- and video-chat with other players; the added messaging features will connect the Live community with 260 million active Windows Live Messenger accounts.

To use the service, Xbox Live members can text using a virtual keyboard accessible on Xbox 360, or through a new USB QWERTY keyboard that will connect directly into the controller.