Windows Live Messenger to gain Xbox Live Friends functionality?

Last week (I think), I noticed for the first time that Windows Live/MSN Messenger's Xbox tab no longer displayed online friends. Back just before E3, Xbox.com debuted a feature that allows PC users on the site to send and receive messages over the Xbox Live service. And Windows Live Messenger, the biggest update to Messenger in, well, a while, will likely exit Beta sometime this summer. And Microsoft has always talked about increasing PC-to-Xbox connectivity, especially at E3 with the news that "Live Anywhere" would essentially give cell phones and Windows Vista PCs Xbox Live functionality.

Together, all of this points toward one thing: that the final release of Windows Live Messenger will display your Xbox Live Friends as part of the main buddy list, and that you'll be able to carry on limited conversations with them. At least, that's what I think... and hope. Equal parts educated guess and wishful thinking, perhaps. But it certainly seems possible, considering the evidence.

Fon

Check out Fon. Very cool, and potentially quite useful too. Basically, if you set up your WiFi router with their software, you essentially donate your WiFi coverage to the Fon network, and in return you get free access to everyone else's Fon-enabled routers. (Conversely, you can choose to pay for access elsewhere and get paid when people use your router.)

Halo 3

For the past three days, Halo 3 is practically all that I can think about. Well, not really, but I have thought about it a lot. Why? See for youself. (NOTE: Prepare to be confused if you haven't played 1 or 2.)

E3 is underway now, and so far it's yielded some pretty incredible stuff. Take, for example, Microsoft's new "Live Anywhere," which will bring Xbox Live to your PC and cell phone. Whenever Vista finally launches, it'll do so with basic Live capabilities and at least one game, Shadowrun, capable of being played across platforms - PC vs. Xbox 360. Very cool... very cool indeed.

I'll update with more later, if I can remember... in the mean time, go watch the H3 trailer again. :)