With yet another Xbox 360 dashboard update due this fall, Microsoft is once again accepting applications for a public beta, allowing some to get it early.

Facebook and Twitter integration are among the new features being tested, along with "instant-on" 1080p streaming video via Zune Marketplace. The console is also slated to support streaming music via Last.FM, but no word if it'll be in this preview.

"We're looking for several thousand participants, so your chances of making it in are good," explained Microsoft, though it also cautioned "priority will be given to [Xbox Live] Gold members in the selection process."

In an expansion bound to please fanatical football fans, a selection of virtual NFL jerseys are now available for Xbox 360 Avatars.

The offerings encompass all thirty-two teams of the National Football League, with each jersey selling for 320 Microsoft Points ($4).

In other words, expect to see the men and women of Xbox Live endorsing their favorite teams, especially as Avatars become more and more common in-game. Remember when you thought you were safe from sports by playing Uno?

A public beta of the dashboard update that will bring Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM to Xbox Live is coming soon, according to MTV.

Xbox entertainment manager Jennifer Puzio-Brookes said the beta will begin in "middle-towards-end of October."

Beyond traditional Facebooking, Facebook Connect will allow Xbox 360 users to post screenshots and text while in games that support the functionality.

Twitter and Last.FM will operate more or less as they do elsewhere, though Xbox Live Silver account members will only be able to use Last.FM on a trial basis. A premium, subscription-based service for Last.FM is also planned.

Microsoft's hefty new Xbox Live dashboard update has begun rolling out in waves, bringing a whole host of updates, improvements and new features to the Xbox 360.

An assortment of titles can now be bought from 'Games on Demand' at so-so prices, the Avatar Marketplace will be selling avatar clothing and props from August 13, and Netflix picks up improvements including watching with friends in 'Party Watch' mode.

The full list of changes details a smattering of smaller improvements such as ratings on all Marketplace items, various ways to sort the friends list, and achievement tracking.

The update will spread across the globe over the next few hours. Once it's available in their region, Live users will be prompted to download it when they next sign in.

Xbox 360 rockers will be able to import their Xbox Live avatar as a playable character into Neversoft's rhythm game Guitar Hero 5, publisher Activision has announced today.

The 'Create A Rocker' mode will allow stiff and stuffy avatars to clad themselves in the outrageous garb and trappings fundamental to a life of rock. Guitar Hero's traditional characters will still be available, as well as virtual rock stars including Shirley Manson.

Guitar Hero 5 is slated for a September 1 release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS2 and Wii, packing 85 tracks and drop-in, drop-out play with any combination of instruments.

With the next major update to the Xbox 360 dashboard coming August 11, Microsoft has provided us with an early look.

Chief among the additions is the new Xbox Avatar Marketplace, which allows users to purchase items for their virtual Avatar, such as my Monkey Island-inspired garb there.

That outfit ran me a total of 360 Microsoft Points ($4.50), broken down as follows:

• LeChuck Pirate Hat - 80 MS Points ($1)
• Meat Hook Pirate Eye Patch - 40 MS Points ($0.50)... Read more

Traditionally a non-violent sort, Xbox Avatars will soon be able to "fight, throw fireballs, cast spells and much more " in NinjaBee's downloadable strategy game Band of Bugs.

The developer will release a free update to the game on July 8, which enables Xbox Avatars to be used in the story and multiplayer modes of the Xbox Live Arcade game. Released in June of 2007, Band of Bugs sells for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

In addition, a new downloadable content pack entitled "Tales of Kaloki" will arrive on that day. Priced at 240 MS Points ($3), the add-on brings story and other content inspired by NinjaBee's space-themed Outpost Kaloki X into the turn-based world of Band of Bugs.

"The Tales of Kaloki DLC is Band of Bugs but with long-range combat using lasers, rocket launchers, OO rays and a ton of other sweet weapons to blow attacking space ships to smithereens," explained NinjaBee president Steve Taylor. "It's all the wackiness from Outpost Kaloki X and tactics from Band of Bugs rolled into one."

Continuing the roll out of season items, Microsoft has unlocked several more summer-themed clothing options for Xbox 360 avatars.

At last, male avatars finally have some swim trunks and a "white vest" (seen left) to go along with their flippy floppies. You'll be the envy of everyone in 1 vs. 100, or you would be, if that pesky desk wasn't blocking your lower half. Still, if you happen to be The One...

As with past clothing updates, you simply need to sign into Xbox Live to obtain the free additions. Just remember that the time of charity is soon coming to an end, as Microsoft is preparing to roll out a virtual marketplace to sell premium-priced avatar items.

Male
• Rashguard
• White Vest... Read more

The good news? Xbox 360 owners now have flippy floppies in their Avatar's virtual closet.

The bad? Actual swim trunks have yet to arrive, so those hoping to be on a boat might as well be at Kinko's straight flipping copies--you can forget about riding dolphins or climbing buoys.

A list of the new fabulous free footwear, courtesy Major Nelson, follows below. As with past updates, the new items are automatically acquired upon signing into Xbox Live.

Gentlemen
• Flip Flops
• High Top Sneakers
• Socks and Sandals
• 70's Leather Platforms
Ladies
• Sunny Day Sandals
• White 60's Boots

The birds are chirping and spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than a fresh new look for your Xbox Live Avatar?

Fortunately, Microsoft has just unleashed a new set off free clothing options for said Avatars, adding all kinds of fancy "hip hop" items.

Just sign into Xbox Live and you'll be able to deck out your Avatar with these new parts:

Boys
• Denim Shorts
• Faded Jeans with Print... Read more

A new Xbox 360 system update today fixes interruption issues in unspecified games.

Microsoft's Major Nelson indicates on his blog that the update "addresses interruption issues that some Xbox LIVE users may have experienced when playing a limited number of Xbox 360 games." Who? What? When where why? We might never know.

You will be prompted to download the update when you next sign into Live.

Microsoft's latest Xbox Live avatar clothing update adds a fine selection of businesswear to at long last bring the workplace into your home.

Hop onto Live and into your avatar's closet then try on the yellow-starred smart new threads. Or the scruffy outfit modelled here by eFaylor.

Ladies

• Pencil Skirt
• Slacks
• Pinstripe Blazer
• Twin Set

Gentlemen

• Blue Formal Shirt
• Moleskin Pants
• Waistcoat and Shirt
• Suit and Tie

Another batch of free Xbox Live Avatar clothing has been released by Microsoft, this one allowing users to dress up like rodeo heroes.

The free Western-themed ensemble is now available to all Xbox Live-connected Xbox 360 users. You'll find them in your avatar's virtual closet, designated with a bright yellow star.

Boys
• Black Cowboy Hat
• Black Trench Coat
• Western Duster
• Rodeo Jeans
• Cowboy Boots
Girls
• Rhinestone Cowgirl Hat
• Cowgirl Shirt
• Denim Skirt
• Dungarees
• Cowgirl Boots

To celebrates today's release of the Xbox 360-exclusive downloadable Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Lost and Damned, Microsoft has added a number of free biker-themed items to the closet of your Xbox 360 avatar.

As usual, the new clothes can be found after signing into Xbox Live, and will be designated by a yellow star.

Guys:
• Rocker Jacket
• Pixie Boots
• Grunge Pants... Read more

A mandatory dashboard update for the Xbox 360 debuted earlier this morning, with Microsoft claiming it will resolve the sound issues some HDMI-users have had.

The problem, which popped up following the November 19 launch of the New Xbox Experience, left some Xbox 360 users without sound on certain HDMI-connected displays. Prior to the NXE, these devices properly outputted Xbox 360 HDMI audio.

Xbox 360 users will be prompted to download the update upon signing into Xbox Live. Some New Xbox Experience beta testers received the update earlier last month.

Microsoft hired design firm Gridplane to prototype several versions of the New Xbox Experience, and now the company has posted a few images of one of its early concepts.

"These examples represent one of many concepts that we worked on," writes Gridplane on its website. "In addition to the menu systems, we dreamt up an immersive 3D environment for users to explore."

Check out the floaty concepts in the following gallery.

Another batch of new clothes for Xbox Live avatars have been released. According to Major Nelson, the theme is supposed to be "European National Football Teams."

Personally, I'm more inclined to call today's update "a variety of new t-shirt colors with teeny-tiny soccer team logos you can barely see." That picture to the left should give you an idea of what I'm talking about--the flag is rather small, but hey, new colors.

In all, 18 additional free shirt choices are now available. Just sign into Xbox Live, choose the Customize Avatar option, and bam! New threads!

Teams represented in the update are as follows:

• Austria
• Belgium... Read more

Tired of every Xbox Live avatar wearing the same set of ravilicous attire? That should change today, as a new selection of everyday work clothes is now available. Expect everybody who's somebody to get all fancied up--your friends list will never be the same!

Suspenders with hi pants! Rainy day boots! Scarlet pumps! And ...a hacking jacket?

As with the past avatar clothing updates, the new threads are free and immediately available. Just pop into your avatar's closet and you'll be able to don the following:

Boys:
• Striped Polo Shirt
• Striped Jacket with Polo
• Checked Jacket with Polo... Read more

Today's videogame news was pretty dismal. Case in point, I am now about to update you on the status of digital clothing available on Xbox Live. Two free wetsuit costumes for Tomb Raider: Underworld were released today. You can see them in the screenshots above. They're pretty amazing.

Equally stunning are the newly released Xbox Live avatar articles. Microsoft's Major Nelson gives us the runway rundown:... Read more

The first update to the Xbox Avatar clothing selection brought winter-themed clothing, and now you can making your digital self look dashing using newly available formal wear. Available for free through the Avatar Editor, the following pieces of clothing are new

Men
• Blue Tuxedo
• Black Tuxedo
• Shirt with Cummerbund
• Black Trilby
• Bowler Hat

Women
• Elegant Ball Gown
• Little Black Dress
• Formal Trouser Suit
• Elegant Watch
• Red 60's Shades
• Strappy High Heels
• Platform Shoes