Social networking and movies come alive on Xbox 360

Xbox 360 New Zealand confirmed the next wave of social entertainment is coming to Xbox LIVE on November 17th.   Facebook, Twitter and Xbox Movies on Demand will be available on Xbox 360 consoles, transforming Xbox LIVE into the largest social network connected to the TV with exclusive features custom-designed for the living room.

 “We’re delivering some truly exciting social entertainment experiences to our members,” says Tom Hunt, category manager for Xbox New Zealand. “The difference for Xbox LIVE has always been our community and we’ve already seen a tremendous response to these features in our public preview. It’s the community that drives us forward and enables us to pioneer new ways of connecting people through the entertainment they love.”

• Update your status to share what movie, game or entertainment you’re enjoying, connect with friends and view their Facebook stream, status updates and photos on the big screen – all seamlessly integrated and custom-built for Xbox 360. You can even compare your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists to see which of your friends are on LIVE.

• Movies on Demand** – Movies on Demand on Xbox LIVE offers a continually evolving catalogue of movies that can be purchased with Microsoft® Points at the press of a button. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen – it puts a whole new spin on “movie night.”

• Twitter*– Stay in-the-know by discovering, posting and replying to Tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who’s tweeting about your favourite game.

Only on Xbox 360 can you find many of the best in movies, games and great social networking all in one place, tailor-made for the TV and connected to more than 20 million people around the globe.

“From the launch of Xbox LIVE nearly seven years ago, we’ve continued working toward our vision of connected entertainment for everyone,” continued Hunt. “I’m proud to say that this week marks another great stride in fulfilling that promise, and we’re already imagining what the future has in store.”

So what are you waiting for? On November 17th, turn on your Xbox 360, log onto Xbox LIVE and enjoy the world of social entertainment at your fingertips.

Not an Xbox LIVE Gold member? Starting from 6am November 21st NZ time until 6am November 24th NZ time, Xbox LIVE Silver members can enjoy the latest Gold features for FREE – including Facebook and Twitter***. There’s tons more to experience with Gold as well.  Play the latest game titles like Halo 3: ODST online multiplayer, host an Xbox LIVE Party or even video chat with friends. All of these Gold-only features will be available all weekend long for Xbox LIVE Silver members to try.

- ends -

* Xbox LIVE Gold adult account (18+) required to use Facebook and Twitter features. Broadband Internet service (sold separately) required for Xbox LIVE.  12-month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription available for RRP $79.95 NZD.

** Broadband Internet service (sold separately) required for Xbox LIVE.

*** Xbox LIVE Silver members under the age of 18 will not be able to access Facebook and Twitter as part of the Free Gold Weekend. Downloads of content from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace are only available for Xbox LIVE adult accounts (18+). Broadband Internet service (sold separately) required for Xbox LIVE.

About Xbox 360

The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox LIVE

Media content, game downloads and add-ons sold separately; Microsoft® Points (sold separately) required for purchase. Available content subject to change. HD cable (sold separately) required for high-definition video. For New Zealand, only adult accounts(18+) can download or stream content from marketplace  Xbox LIVE® Gold Membership (sold separately) with adult account (18+) required to use Facebook and Twitter features.  Paid subscription required for some available online multiplayer; some LIVE services and downloads require additional hardware and/or fees. LIVE is not available in all countries, visit www.xbox. com/live/countries for more information. Features and system requirements may change without notice. Broadband Internet service required (sold separately -some broadband services may not work with LIVE- performance may vary). Under 13 requires parental consent. Subject to Terms of Use (atwww.xbox.com/live/termsofuse), see www.xbox.com/live for full details.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.