Release date announced for Xbox 360 camera

Microsoft's director of programming for Xbox Live, better known as Major Nelson, has announced that the Xbox Live Vision camera will get a simultaneous release in Europe and the US this autumn.

The XLV camera will allow gamers to personalise their gamertag picture, send photo messages, and chat over Xbox Live. It can also be used to play Xbox Live Arcade games such as Uno and Texas Hold 'Em Poker. As previously announced, GestureTek will be providing the technology that powers the device.

According to Nelson's latest podcast, the forthcoming Xbox Live update is all set to work with the camera, so users can expect a "plug and play experience."

"The camera is launching this fourth quarter," Nelson said, adding: "We've actually given a specific date both for North America and Europe of September 19th." There was no word as to how much the camera will cost, however.