The next update for Microsoft's dashboard update will be officially downloadable Dec. 6.

Larry Hyrb, also known as Xbox LIVE's Major Nelson, broke the news on his personal blog website today.

"While many of you have been involved in the Xbox LIVE Preview Program and have been busy getting an early look at the next Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE features, I wanted to let you know that the official release for the update for all Xbox LIVE members will be Tuesday, December 6th,” wrote Hyrb.

Hyrb also posted the features to the new update.

• New personal and social features including Cloud Storage for Game Saves and LIVE Profile
• Beacons and Facebook Sharing
• Enhanced Family Settings
• Integrated voice and gesture controls across the dashboard and in apps
• Bing voice search (Available this year in the U.S., U.K. and Canada)

"In addition to all these great dashboard features, starting on December 6th and continuing on an ongoing basis through the holiday months, a wealth of new content will be coming to Xbox 360. New, customized applications for television, movies, internet videos, sports and music will begin rolling out from world-leading providers in more than 20 countries,” Hyrb added.

The rumored date for the next dashboard update was said to be on Nov. 15 and then Nov. 25.

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Once the update goes live, new content offerings will also come to owners of the Xbox 360. Some of the partners offering programs to Microsoft's Xbox Live services include HBO, Syfy, BBC and Crackle.

An application for the Ultimate Fighting Championship is also said to be arriving on the console soon. YouTube integration is also on its way.

This free download and its features were displayed at this year's Electronic “Entertainment Expo.”

This video below highlights the dashboard update in action at “E3 2011.”