Microsoft says it is going to release some new software for the Xbox 360 within the next six months. It will be used to send and receive text messages within the existing MSN mobile phone network. Apparently, there will be no fee for this service. So, the 18% of smartphones and PDas in Europe that use Windows Mobile as their operating system will soon be able to talk with X360s at not charge.

Sony and Nintendo may have trouble keeping up with Microsoft's ability to link various services and media into its console, since Microsoft already has its fingers in so many pies.

Is this what they really mean by "next-gen"? Not just better graphics and faster processors, but endless connections to other devices and services?

Source: theinquirer.net