Zombie Ninja will own you.
Xbox Live has officially launched it’s early release update to allow it’s users onto Facebook and Twitter when connected to Xbox Live Gold. While the features are pretty dull and outdated, this can open up new doors to having “apps” on the Xbox 360. The quick update will take less than 5 minutes to download, with an additional download needed for Facebook. Although currently it just lets you post your status and see basic updates there is obviously room for advancement. Twitter keeps all of it’s functionality with the exception of the explanation of why trending topics are trending topics (honestly our favorite thing on there, whoever writes those snarky brief explanations rocks).
Sadly there are no options at this time to update your status automatically by what game you are playing, even though over a year ago a Facebook app was made just for that. There will probably be an update in the not so distant future to automatically update your status with what you are doing on the Xbox and also boast about achievements and other nerdy gamer things. Perhaps this could lead to another form of parental control, where mommy and daddy can ensure little 12 year old billy is in fact doing homework and not playing Grand Theft Auto while acting like a bad ass (it’s happened to you and we all hate them kiddies). Obviously any half minded person can turn these features off but still, there is quite a bit of potential available.
Obviously Microsoft is a bit behind as the Wii and PS3 both have Web browsers in them, which means you don’t need to download apps just to get on Facebook or Twitter. PS3 also is a bit nicer as you can watch streaming videos on your TV rather than a smaller computer monitor (sorry tiny HD monitor, I love your big sister more).
More likely than not these custom apps will start to be more prevalent on the Xbox 360 and by time Project Natal is completed some form of a Web browser will be installed onto the console. Speaking of, around the time Natal is complete an accessory add on for Blu-Ray will in fact be available.
