Facebook and Twitter apps removed from Xbox 360

Microsoft has removed the Facebook and Twitter applications from the Xbox 360 dashboard marketplace.

An update to the dashboard is currently being rolled out with support for Internet Explorer, while reports suggest Microsoft has removed the apps to encourage people to use the browser.

A Microsoft statement said: "We are retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps.

"Xbox Live subscribers will have the ability to access these sites through Internet Explorer on Xbox, available through the Web Hub located on the new dashboard."

Both apps first made their appearances on the Xbox 360 dashboard in 2009.