Currently undergoing beta testing, the Xbox 360 dashboard update that integrates social networking services Twitter, Last.FM, and Facebook will be released on November 17 according to Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten.

It’s a choice date, seeing as a slew of big-hitters are due out for release that day, including Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. We somehow get the feeling that a lot of folks will be calling in sick on that day, and hey, we can’t blame you.

The next update to the Xbox Live network will be coming Tuesday [Fast Company]

Twitter, Last.FM, Facebook Integration Hits Xbox 360 November 17 - [eXophase.com]

Microsoft today whipped up a system update for Xbox 360 owners, adding support for connecting to WPA2-encrypted wireless networks. Nothing terribly exciting, but useful nonetheless.

A mandatory update, it does not include Last.FM, Twitter, or Facebook integration. Currently under beta testing, those features will be coming next month, as planned.

Xbox 360 System Update Adds WPA2 Support - [eXophase.com]

Keeping true to its promise, Microsoft has launched sign-ups for the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, which features the integration of prominent social network services such as Twitter, Last.FM, and Facebook all under one roof.

As usual, only a selected number of individuals are being chosen for the beta test, but with Major Nelson noting that Microsoft is looking for “multiple thousands of participants,” it sounds like your chances of scoring an invite are high. Additionally, while any 360 owner can register, priority is being given to Gold members.

Further details on how to apply for consideration can be found over at Microsoft’s official Xbox site. Make it quick, as acceptance emails will show up in the inboxes of those chosen within a week.

Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview Sign Ups Are A Go - [eXophase.com]

It’s that time again – Microsoft plans to roll out another beta dashboard update to allow for public testing of social networking features due for inclusion within Live. As detailed at the company’s E3 2009 media briefing, the initiative includes Twitter, Last.FM, and Facebook integration.

Said beta is scheduled to go live late October, which would give Microsoft ample time to patch up any issues that are found just before this year’s holiday season. If previous dashboard beta tests are any indication, these will likely go out by invitation only – meaning some sort of sign-up process will be involved.

Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Public Beta (With Facebook) Coming This Month [MTV]

Social Networking Focused Xbox 360 Dashboard Beta Test Starting Soon - [eXophase.com]

The latest Xbox 360 dashboard update adds support for Microsoft’s Game on Demand service, but that isn’t all it does. According to Free60 project leads Felix Domke and Michael Steil, this update stealthily patches up a security hole that allows execution of unsigned code.

Apparently, “a complete end user compatible hack has been in development for some time” and will be distributed across public channels shortly according to the two devs. That translates to homebrew access for 360 owners who haven’t upgraded to the latest firmware.

Should be interesting to see how things develop. For those unaware, the last known Xbox 360 exploit was limited to an older kernel build that majority of folks already had upgraded past. Not for the technically squeamish, it also required users to connect to their 360 via serial port and have a copy of King Kong. This time around, it sounds like more people will benefit.

New Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Patches Security Hole, Free60 Devs Advise Against Installing - [eXophase.com]

Chances are that by the time you go to turn on your 360 again, this mandatory update will already be pushed out to you. Following suit with the last mandatory update that didn't add any new features, this update was rolled out to address some connectivity issues with certain games. Here's the full detail from Major Nelson:

A few minutes ago, the team released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE. Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. This update addresses interruption issues that some Xbox LIVE users may have experienced when playing a limited number of Xbox 360 games.

There are no other changes or enhancements in this update…in other words no new features.

This update will be rolled out to all Xbox LIVE members around the world over the space of a few hours, so you may not get prompted for the update immediately.

Thanks for your patience.

I'd like to start hearing some chatter from the 360 people about what will be included in the Spring Update that should be hitting soon.  Hopefully this was step one in something bigger to come down the line.

Mandatory Dashboard Update [Major Nelson]

Don't be alarmed at the mandatory update message you will immediately see upon next logging into Xbox Live. The good news is that the update will address an issue with audio via the 360's HDMI connection. The bad news is that the update will address an issue with audio via the 360's HDMI connection, and nothing more.

Starting Tuesday morning at 0200 Pacific when you sign into Xbox Live you’ll be prompted for a mandatory dashboard update. The update addresses the issue that a few folks were having with audio and their HDMI connection.
This update will be rolled out to all Xbox LIVE members around the world over the space of a few hours, so you may not get prompted for the update immediately.

Here's to hoping for more robust features in a future update.

Dashboard Update [Major Nelson]