Word on the web is that Microsoft is finally launching that rumored Parental Timer as part of the Fall Update for Xbox 360 systems worldwide. Some while ago, this Parental Timer was only rumored to become available with the latest update, but as the Xbox forums confirm, the timer is real, even revealing a Photo of a pamphlet that comes with a Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock 'keychain.'

Originally posted up on Xbox Forums: There is some information coming out via a pamphlet that comes with a Guitar Hero 3 keychain, that the rumored Family Timer, which lets parents limit how much time their children can spend playing their Xbox 360, will be available in December 2007. Now, considering most major Xbox updates are done in either the Fall or Spring update, this feature would probably be a part of the Fall update. This could be an indication that the Fall update will hit in December. Fall does carry into December, after all.

As most of you know, twice a year (or so) Microsoft launches a big-a*s update (not like Sony who keeps updating its PS3 drop by drop) ensuring that its Xbox 360 userbase is keeping track with the times. As mentioned in the introductory column, some while ago, word on the Internet was that Microsoft was going to launch this Parental Timer along with other stuff within the next update to hit the Xbox 360. It was rumored to happen sometime during this fall, and by the looks of it, it's happening.

And it's a good solution too. Actually, it's the perfect solution for parents of video game-addicted kids that stay in front of the TV set 24/7, skipping school and stuff. However, it's not such a good solution for paranoid parents, or simply old fashioned parents that would rather have their kids reading 24/7 and watching nothing but educational programs on TV. But then again, those parents wouldn't get their kids a 360, now would they...?