Xbox 360 owners can download the latest dashboard update starting on December 6, 2011, Microsoft said today.

This free update includes a variety of new features, including:

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 US, UK and CA)

Microsoft says additional dashboard features will be added on an ongoing basis through the holiday months, such as applications for television, movies, sports, and music programming.