Microsoft has confirmed that May 7 is the big day for their new Windows Live Messenger for the Xbox 360.

With many functions, users are going to be able to send messages to other 360 or Mobile Messenger users, or Messenger on PC.

The specially designed keyboard, which will snap onto the 360’s controller, is due for launch in the summer, and until then users will be able to plug in any USB keyboard.

To tie in with the 360’s functionality, Live Messenger users will be able to see if any of their contacts have Xbox Live gamertags.

Most exciting in the Spring upgrade of Xbox Live is the new content downloading content system to save energy. Now gamers will be able to create a download queue and then put their system onto a low-power mode while they are being transferred. And, when the queue is empty the machine will shut itself down.

"Bringing the largest IM community in the world, Windows Live Messenger, to Xbox 360 makes sense, as Xbox Live has really become the largest social network on television", said Jerry Johnson, product unit manager of Xbox Live.

"For our growing community of six million on Xbox Live, using Xbox 360 is a very social, connected experience. With this announcement we are simultaneously expanding the access of Xbox Live users to existing friends and family while introducing Windows Live Messenger users to the benefits of Xbox 360."