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Since Xbox Live™ launched nearly two years ago, the service has brought together nearly one million members in five regions and 24 countries, impressive numbers. When Xbox Live reaches one million members, it will have done so in one third the amount of time as it took AOL, Netflix and TiVo to reach the same number. Wow.

Microsoft is upping the ante on the popular online servive with the addition of three new features and some killer titles. Here's the run-down of what to expect out of Live this year: 

MSN Messenger Integration: Now there is a greater incentive to sign up on MSN Messenger. Xbox Live members in the United States will see a new Xbox tab along side tabs for shopping, games, news, travel, etc. They’ll find links to Xbox.com content on the latest games, downloads, articles, interviews, tournaments, and events — all updated weekly. In addition, if you hit the My Xbox Live tab up top — and you’re Gamertag linked — you’ll be able to see your Friends List along with links to My Live exclusive content.

Xbox Live Alerts: When Xbox Live members in the United States and Canada sign up for Xbox Live Alerts, they will be notified when their friends sign on to Xbox Live and when they get a friend request or game invite. Xbox Live will even let them know when new downloads are available and when hot new games are released. To sign for Xbox Live Alerts members will simply visit the website at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live/default.htm.

Xbox Live Arcade: Xbox Live is driving the market forward with new and innovative offerings, such as the recently announced Xbox Live Arcade, which will provide fun, engaging digital entertainment to gamers of all levels and interests. Xbox Live Arcade, coming this fall, is a new casual game experience that will bring an added social dimension to the online console environment. A virtual destination within Xbox Live, Xbox Live Arcade will enable Xbox Live members to try out different types of games, download them and then play them with their friends and family around the world. Xbox Live members will find puzzle games, card & board games, social sports, pub games, and classic action/arcade favorites such as “Galaxian,” “Dig Dug,” “Poker,” “Bejeweled” and “Feeding Frenzy.” These games are tailor-made for a quick five minute fix or endless hours of intense fun.

It just seems like Microsoft will stop at nothing to make Xbox Live the best thing out there for online console gamers. The dedication and time they'vr invested into the Live service grows with every day, and it doesn't seem like they're about to let up.

Let's be honest with ourselves: Xbox Live would be nothing without great games, right? Well Microsoft promises plenty of those this year, and early next year. Check out the massive list:

· “Full Spectrum Warrior” (June 2004)

· “MLB SlugFest: Loaded” (June 21, 2004)

· “ESPN NFL 2K5” (August 2004)

· “NCAA® Football 2005” (July 2004)

· “Madden NFL 2005” (August 2004)

· “Rainbow Six Black Arrow” (August 2004)

· “NASCAR® 2005: Chase for the Cup™” (August 2004)

 · “NHL® 2005” (September 2004)

· “Mortal Kombat: Deception” (October 2004)

· “NBA LIVE 2005” (October 2004)

· “FIFA Soccer 2005” (October 2004)

· “Star Wars Battlefront” (September 21, 2004)

· “Burnout®3: TakedownTM” (September 2004)

· “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 2005” (September 2004)

· “Outrun 2” ( October 2004)

· “NCAA® March Madness™ 2005” (November 2004)

· “ESPN College Hoops 2K5” (Nov 2004)

· “ESPN NHL 2K5” (November 2004)

· “ESPN NBA 2K5” (November 2004)

· “Unreal Championship 2” (Holiday 2004)

· “Halo 2” (November 9, 2004)

· “GoldenEye: Rogue Agent™” (Fall 2004)

· “Need for Speed™ Underground 2” (Fall 2004)

· “Forza” (Winter 2004)

· “Call of Duty” (Q4 2004)

· “MechAssault 2” (January 2005)

· “Doom 3” (When it’s done)

By the end of this year, Xbox Live will have an unpresidented library of over 150 titles. If you already subscribe to the Live service, have fun with the new updates, if you still haven't hopped on, what are you waiting for?