The new Xbox dashboard will change your (gaming) life

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Well, maybe not your life. But if you play games on the Xbox 360, at least that part of your existence is in for a minor overhaul today. As of Nov. 1, in the year of our Lord 2010, Microsoft is unleashing its latest, much-anticipated dashboard update, set to challenge everything you know about playing video games.

There I go with the hyperbole again. For the most part, this update features some housecleaning items for Kinect, making everyone's machine motion-control ready for when the hardware launches Nov. 4.

For those who aren't quite ready to tickle a Kinectimal or ride an imaginary inflatable raft, you'll still notice a few tweaks here and there, including new fonts, colors and the ability to place dashboard windows side by side. The new ESPN application will also be available, as well as the long-awaited search feature for Netflix and additional updates to both the Zune Music and Movie marketplace.

User interface improvements are also being made available, including an improved virtual keyboard, voice quality upgrades for in-game chatting, as well as alterations to your personalized avatar, making it more realistic for interacting with Kinect games.

All you have to do is fire up the ole' Xbox and the download will begin. While you wait for the short download, I hear this site has a lot of really interesting articles available for your reading pleasure, perfect for passing the time.