Other Software for the Xbox 360

In addition to games, there are a number of other pieces of software that can be run on the Xbox 360.

Xbox 360 Dashboard

The Xbox 360's graphical user interface is known as the Xbox 360 Dashboard; a tabbed interface that can be launched automatically when the disc tray is ejected or when the console boots up without a disc. A simplified version of the Dashboard that shows the user's Xbox Live messages, gamercard,and friends list can also be accessed at any time via the Xbox Guide button on the gamepad. The Dashboard also enables voice or video chats and allows for personal and music settings.

The Base Kernel Version of the Dashboard is 2.0.1888, with the first major update, (version, 2.0.2857) released on June 13, 2006. This update gave users the option to boot to either a disc or the dashboard and to resume DVD playback from where it was last stopped. In addition, Xbox Live Marketplace was reorganised so that users could have multiple concurrent downloads, running as background tasks. New slideshow options were added for Photo Viewing, which can save folder layout between sessions.

In October 2006, Dashboard version 2.0.4532.0 was released, installing support for the Zune (Microsoft's digital portable media player) and the external HD DVD drive attachment. The update also allowed the Xbox 360 to output video at 1080p and stream WMV files from a computer through the use of Windows Media Connect or connected USB device. Windows Media Player 11 was added as a supported streaming program. In addition to some cosmetic changes to the dashboard, Xbox Live Arcade could be set to download trial versions of any newly released titles automatically.

The next dashboard version, 2.0.4548, was released on November 30, 2006, which fixed video output issues on VGA connections and offered improved performance on wired headsets when used with a wireless controller.

Microsoft XNA

Microsoft XNA is a set of tools and technologies that includes XNA Studio, which provides versions of key production tools such as defect tracking, asset management, work lists and project automation. These tools are designed to work together to automate common development tasks and present interfaces tailored to the different functions within the team. Microsoft XNA also includes other components such as the XNA Framework and XNA Build.

Also included is XNA Game Studio Express, an IDE for homebrew developers that was released in its final form in December 2006. It targets the XNA Framework to provide managed content and for a yearly subscription fee, users can join a creators club that enables them to share their content with others.