Back in the good ol’ days (the 1990’s for me), video game consoles and computers were largely separated. However, that all changed in 1999 when Microsoft revealed they were creating the Xbox. Gamers and techno-enthusiasts all over the country were gushing about the possibilities of a half-computer, half-console. When the original Xbox was released in 2001, many were disappointed that it was just another game system; and Microsoft listened to their cries releasing the Xbox 360 in 2005. The 360 can connect seamlessly with another computer to share photos and video and even has the power to download movies and games. However, no browser software existed that could be used for the Xbox 360, so checking your Facebook and Twitter from the comfort of your HD television has been impossible. Until now…
At this years Electonic Entertainment Expo (or “E3″, as it’s most commonly known), Microsoft revealed that Xbox Live members will be able to use Facebook and Twitter through their Xbox 360’s. Both tools will be downloaded and used directly from the 360’s interface as opposed to a browser. To give you a glimpse of what this will look like, here’s an example:
The new interface has been custom made for the Xbox 360 and seems to be very user friendly. Users will be able to view their friends, news feeds, photos, status updates, and wall-posts. They will also be able to add their own comments and updates, but I highly recommend investing in a keyboard that can be integrated with the Xbox 360, as using the contoller to type can be very frustrating and time consuming. It seems that the main feature Microsoft has been talking about is the Friend Linker which will allow players to link their Xbox Live profile with their Facebook; updating their gaming achievements directly to their Facebook profile. Also, if a player decides to go on Facebook through a taditional browser, they will be able to view which friends are playing online at that given moment.
And if Facebook isn’t enough for you, how about Twitter? Twitter for the Xbox 360 will be released the very same day Facebook is this Fall. This version of Twitter has been built from the ground-up to give users an experience like no other. Here is an example of what it will look like:
Any updates you make on Twitter 360 will be updated instantly to all of your followers, and vice-versa. Anyone you are following can update their status, and it will instantly be posted on the Xbox’s interface.
Both of these services are in early stages of development and the only information so far has come from the E3 Expo. Is it too early to think that this may be helpful to digital marketing? Or is it just another excuse to have an Xbox 360 in every digital agency in America? I’ll tweet you when I have the answer (and it won’t be from my laptop).
— Dave
