What is an Xbox 360 world without anticipating our beloved dashboard updates twice a year?  Nothing.  So, I bring to you a few images and details of what to expect the week of May 7 with the next Xbox 360 System and Dashboard Update.  Instant messaging, richer Achievement details and a new accessory highlight the latest announcement for the Xbox 360. 

 
Spring Dashboard Windows Live Chat Notification - click for full view

Here you can see the way that instant messaging will be showcased when you send IMs to a Windows Live Messenger friend.  You’ll be able to engage in a chat with all of your messenger friends.  You can control whether or not these notifications appear while watching a movie or playing a game through your privacy settings on the console.

 
Spring Dashboard New Achievement Details - click for full view

One other cool thing about the new update is the improvement of the Achievement Unlocked notification.  You can see in the image above that the Achievements are now detailed, including the point total and the specific Achievement you’ve unlocked.  No more hitting the guide button to see what you’ve just unlocked!

Xbox 360 Qwerty Text Device - click for full view

I also have a few images of the newly announced Qwerty text input device.  With the inclusion of Windows Live Messenger support in the dashboard update, it only made sense to release the often-rumored text toy.  It kind of makes your 360 controller look like some Blackberry spinoff.  I’ve been assured that it will not intrude on your gaming so you can leave it attached while you game.  It simply snaps to the bottom of your wireless controller.

These are just a few of the enhancements everyone will receive with the next update.  Perhaps the coolest feature that I haven’t mentioned is the fact that after the update, the disc tray will now identify the game you’re playing!  This will work for both Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.  For more screenshots, head over to U360’s flickr account.