Microsoft Corp. on Monday announced the launch of Windows Live Messenger on its popular entertainment platform Xbox 360.

Microsoft said this service will allow people to connect and chat directly from their television with other Messenger-enabled users on Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft Windows-based PCs and Windows Mobile-powered devices.

Windows Live Messenger currently has more than 260 million active accounts, the company said.

Users can text chat with up to six people on their contact list at one time while playing games, listening to music or watching movies, according to the company. Individuals can already communicate via voice and video chat with Xbox Live.

The Messenger capability will be available beginning the week of May 7. Microsoft said it will launch a Qwerty text-input device over the summer to support text messaging.

Source:Xinhua/Agencies