Saturday, December 17, 2005

Gamers could soon be able to receive alerts on their mobile phones when their friends are playing on Microsoft's Xbox 360 games console.

The software giant is working on a system which would let players on its online gaming service, Xbox Live, send instant messages to a friend's mobile.

Microsoft UK mobility business manager Jason Langridge told the BBC the system should be live within six months.

The alerts would be sent over the internet via Xbox Live and come to a mobile over the air as an instant message.

At the US launch of the Xbox 360 in November, Microsoft boss Bill Gates talked about tying in its online gaming service with Windows Live.

Mr Gates announced Windows Live in early November, as part of efforts to compete with web-based services from rivals such as Google and Yahoo.

With Windows Live, Microsoft is aiming to provide a one stop shop that brings together a range of services, such as e-mail, search and other elements.