Both private chat and in-game voice communication require the Xbox 360™ Headset.
Xbox 360 private chat lets you send and accept invitations to chat right from the Xbox Dashboard, much as you'd send or accept a game invite.
Unlike general in-game voice communication, a chat is a closed conversation between you and one other person. Your chat partner can be playing the same game you are, but can also be playing a different game—or watching a DVD movie, or listening to music. Both of you could, in fact, just be sitting around wondering what to do next.
The Xbox 360 console can accommodate up to four separate but simultaneous one-on-one chats, in addition to "public" in-game communication for an Xbox Live–enabled multiplayer game.
Use the Private Chat screen to switch between chat participants, or Page (Y) someone you're chatting with to get them to switch back to you. (Paging works only after a chat is in progress.)
To start a private chat:
Tip
You can enter a gamertag using either a USB PC keyboard plugged into a controller port or your Xbox 360 controller and the on-screen virtual keyboard.
Every Xbox LIVE–enabled game that supports multiplayer gaming also supports in-game voice communication. There's nothing to switch on or activate beyond setting up your Xbox 360 console and plugging in your headset.
This means you can taunt opponents, strategize with teammates, groan in despair, and exult with a war cry—all in real time! And if other players get obnoxious—whether with over-the-top trash talk or just heavy breathing—simply mute them and continue gaming.
To enable in-game voice communication:
For a list of all Xbox LIVE multiplayer-enabled games for Xbox 360, see our catalog of Xbox LIVE games. (Check the boxes for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Multiplayer Enabled, then click Search.)
For info about video chat, see Video Communication with Xbox 360.
To manage who your child can communicate with using voice and text, see Voice and Text Communications with Xbox 360.
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