Xbox Live will link to Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm

Microsoft said Thursday that its Xbox 360 videogame console will be able to link online starting next week with Twitter and Facebook along with Internet radio star Last.fm.

Users of Web-connected Xbox consoles, a premium service called Xbox Live that allows videogame players to compete online, will also be able to view video from Zune, Microsoft's digital media player, the company said.

Microsoft said the service will go live on Tuesday.

Users will be able to access Facebook using the Xbox 360 console, view and send Twitter messages, listen to music on Last.fm or watch Zune video.

"We've already seen a tremendous response to these features in our public preview," said Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten.

The move is the latest attempt by Microsoft to put the Xbox 360 console at the heart of home entertainment.

Console owners who subscribe to Xbox Live are already able to connect to online movie rental service Netflix.