Microsoft is apparently preparing a new dashboard update that sources indicate to us will align the Xbox 360 dashboard more closely with that of the upcoming Xbox Next (or Xbox Infinity, if you like) in order to make the user experience closer to that of Windows 8.

What exactly Microsoft has in store isn’t known, but it is suspected that the overhaul could move the Xbox 360 dashboard closer to that of Windows 8, which we know that many are not big fans of. The decision is apparently to make the transition between the two platforms more seamless for owners, but we are not so sure his will be the case.

In addition, the new update will apparently eliminate the Microsoft Points system as the currency of use on the console; the company is moving to real money instead, to match what they will be using on the Xbox Infinity. The beta test is said to start in very late June or early July, with an expected showing of the new 360 dashboard at E3, and with a release in the fall just ahead of the Xbox Infinity release.