Xbox Live subscribers have been waiting for this year’s dashboard update for a little while now. With new features like integrated voice and gesture controls and cloud storage, the latest version of the 360’s operating system is shaping up to be the most impressive yet. Though a select few have been participating in a beta test of the new dashboard, the rest of us have been patiently awaiting its arrival. The good news is the wait is almost over. Xbox’s Major Nelson revealed today that the Xbox Live update would be happening on December 6.

The free update will also include beacons and Bing voice search functionality, but we’re looking forward to the new streaming additions being added. Services like HBO Go and UFC TV will bring our 360s one step closer to being a full-on entertainment center, and we can’t wait. And now that the improved Facebook integration and beacons are hitting, setting up viewing parties or multiplayer events should be easier than ever.

You know what we’re looking forward to, but what features are you excited for in the new update?