Although we can't tell for sure if the update includes the rather controversial Live Dashboard update we covered recently, we're definitely sure that an update is coming. According to the announcement on Xbox.com, we can expect the update within the week of May 7, which will expand the reach of social networking over to users of Windows Live Messenger.

Jerry Johnson, product unit manager of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft, said, "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." Microsoft will be creating a more social experience for Windows Live and Xbox Live users with the new update.

In addition, Windows Live users will be treated to features that would entice them to grab an Xbox 360, while connecting them to an online community of over six million. Expect the QWERTY input device to make a debut this summer to streamline the IM experience.

Click on Full Article to view a list of features to come with the update.

The Xbox 360 Spring Dashboard Update is coming soon. If reports are to be believed, it will be available on May 7 give or take a few days. The fact is that an update is indeed coming but the point of discussion here is what improvements console owners will be getting. The most talked about new feature is the addition of Windows Live Messenger.

Now, On10.Net's Tin Wood was able to sit down with Microsoft's Group Marketing Manager for Xbox Aaron Greenburg and Group Program Manager for Xbox Live Jerry Johnson to discuss the same. The video of the said interview and demonstration can be viewed via the Read link below. Some highlights of the demo include:

• A richer Achievement notification pop-up will showcase the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value without needing to leave the game to check the Achievements list.
• Enhanced family settings features for Xbox Live communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
• A new Xbox Live Marketplace blade lets Xbox Live members access the content they seek—whether it is game content or TV shows and movies (available in the United States)—from one place on Xbox Live.
• Updates to Xbox Live Arcade allow owners to quickly see which Xbox Live Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox Live members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list. Expanded "Tell a Friend" capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
• Expanded "Tell a Friend" capabilities make it easier than ever to boast about Achievements and high scores.
• A new option in Auto Downloads provides faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox Live Arcade games.
• New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace.
• Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.