Microsoft has given Xbox 360 owners additional features to use, adding Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Video apps to the Xbox Live service.
The Facebook Xbox app allows users to update their status, revealing what games, music, movies, or other entertainment the Xbox 360 is being used for. Similar to the regular version of Facebook, users also can view photos, read status updates, and see which Facebook users also are on Xbox Live.
The new Twitter feature allows native access to read, reply and post new tweets online. Users can also search for tweets, follow conversations, view lists, or look at profiles.
"We're delivering some truly exciting social entertainment experiences to our membes," Xbox Live manager Marc Whitten said in a statement. "Xbox Live's differentiator has always been our community. It's the community that drives us forward and allows us to pioneer new ways of connecting people through the entertainment they love."
Anyone interested in using the new apps must have an Xbox Live Gold account, which carries an annual subscription fee.
Microsoft has chosen not to adopt Blu-ray, instead choosing to increase the number of streaming services and other online entertainment options available to gamers. The company is rolling out various new apps in organized groups, hoping to increase the amount of time people spend online through Xbox Live.
