Andronix of PlayThree.net, ponders if PlayStation owners should feel green - an Xbox 360 shade of green to be specific - that the Xbox 360 is set to integrate further with Windows via the Xbox LIVE MSN Messenger feature. Andronix notes that Sony might want to look towards Yahoo Messenger, which already has inter-connectivity with MSN Messenger and Xfire.

Anyhow, since July 12, 2006, both Microsoft and Yahoo have allowed limited inter-connectivity between their messaging services. For now it's pure speculation on Andronix's part, but he sees a possible connection between the PS3 and the Xbox 360 via Yahoo. That is, IF Microsoft chooses not to block it and Sony does attempt to use Yahoo, or at least allow Yahoo to work with the PS3.

Xfire by the way, has already been assessed by Sony for use with the PS3. Will they allow Yahoo Messenger too? Hmmm...

Speculation aside, Sony is already working on their own messaging system, that's set to promote their much touted Game 3.0 philosophy.

 

Incoming Easter egg barrage! Major Nelson confirmed that keypad attachment thing that's been bugging everyone since GameSpot pulled their article. (By the way, his provided picture matches Engadget's pictures, so they're clean on this one). So, why the keypad? Let's see, on the first day of Christmas, the Dash Update will send to thee:

• MSN Messenger integration (Windows Live Messenger) which explains that keyboard in the first place
• Redesigned Achievement toasts which tell you the Achievements and its Gamerscore value
• Enhanced family settings features for Xbox Live voice and video chat which enable different default settings for each
• New Xbox Live Marketplace blade - one stop shop (er... blade) for non-stop shop... or free demo downloads
• Xbox Live Arcade update tells you what XBLA games your friends are playing - and jump in. Also compare Leaderboards and Achievements directly with all friends, and expanded Tell-a-Friend capabilities.
• New Auto-Download option for XBLA provides faster access to the entire collection of free trial-version XBLA games
• Progressively-downloaded and watched videos can now be fast-forwarded, rewound, paused, and resumed
  
• One new option for Background Downloading: Auto-Off Console After Downloads Are Complete

Er, nothing about using the keyboard for in-game functionalities, but trust some dev to be coming up with The Game Of A Gazillion Hotkeys just to try... er, forget we said that. Other than that, the only thing we fear now are the IM-hoggers hogging our beloved 360 consoles... just to chat. Come on (insert chat-hogger's name here), I've got Locusts to fry!!!

Thanks to Macca for the heads-up!