Microsoft is reportedly planning to update its Xbox 360 gaming console with another dashboard update set to enter into a public beta soon.

Various rumors regarding Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console made rounds recently, but a new report now claims dashboard updates are in the cards.

According to a new report from The Verge citing "sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans," the dashboard update will enter into a public beta sometime in June or July, as the Redmond tech giant is cooking up changes and updates in preparation for the next-generation Xbox.

The user interface (UI) will reportedly get a refresh that includes smaller Live Tiles, claims the report. Microsoft is also expected to tweak the look of the Xbox dashboard and possibly add darker or lighter themes to offer users more choices in terms of UI design.

Microsoft reportedly aims to make sure that Xbox 360 users can easily switch over to the next-generation console, while also continuing to interact with existing Xbox 360 users using messaging, beacons and achievements.

The purported dashboard update will also reportedly phase out the use of Microsoft's Point system, replacing it with currency and gift card options. If the public beta starts in June or July and goes as planned, the final update will become available sometime in August, adds The Verge.

Hype and anticipation keeps building up ahead of Microsoft's special event on May 21 at its campus in Redmond, where it will unveil the next-generation Xbox. According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft's big event will include details regarding the new interactive TV features the company is building into its next gaming console.

The Redmond tech giant is also expected to unveil a smaller, denser Xbox console, sporting redesigned controllers that reportedly look "flattened."

While there is no shortage of rumors and speculation regarding Microsoft's next-generation console, keep in mind that nothing is official just yet. Microsoft offered no comment about any rumored dashboard changes, and a spokesperson for the company said that Microsoft has nothing new to announce at this time. The May 21 event, however, is just around the corner so more details will become available soon.