Microsoft has confirmed that the next major release upgrade for our dashboard is scheduled for May, the 7th.

The main new feature will certainly be the Windows Live Messenger integration with the dashboard which will allow us to mix our MSN and Xbox Live friends having the possibility to chat with both groups. Moreover, in order to fulfil the gap between PC friends with keyboards, Microsoft has also announced a new add-on for our controller that will be released in summer: a sort of little keyboard that will improve our communication abilities (you can see a photo of the add-on on the left).

However, there are tons of other features coming next month. Let's give them a look thanks to Major Nelson blog:

• The redesigned Achievement notification pop-up (toast) will show the name of the unlocked Achievement and the gamerscore value. You'll see this information the moment you earn an achievement. No more popping open the guide and interrupting your gameplay. (screenshot)
• Enhanced family settings features for Xbox LIVE communications enable different defaults for video chat and voice chat.
• A new Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade lets Xbox LIVE members access the content they seek - whether it is game content or TV shows and movies (available in the United States) - from one place.
• Updates to Xbox LIVE Arcade allow owners to see which Xbox LIVE Arcade games their friends are playing and join in the fun. Xbox LIVE members can also compare progress of leaderboard scores and Achievements directly with all friends on their friends list. The Tell a Friend capabilities have been expanded as well.
• A new option in Auto Downloads provides faster access to the entire collection of free, trial-version Xbox LIVE Arcade games.
• New progressive download controls provide easy access to optimal viewing options by letting people fast-forward, rewind, pause and resume as their video is downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
• Extension of the background download functionality will allow owners to set their Xbox 360 console to turn off automatically after downloads are complete.
• The name of the game that is in your tray will show up on the dashboad (it works both for Xbox 360 and Original Xbox titles)

We'll see if the list is really complete or if MS is keeping something for itself...