Microsoft added a new Internet Explorer 9 app to its Xbox 360 interface earlier this week but killed off its Facebook and Twitter apps in the process.
Xbox 360 users who recently updated the system’s software may notice Facebook and Twitter are no longer available in the Xbox Marketplace.
The good news, however, is users who already downloaded the apps can still use them, but those looking to add them to their lineup can no longer do so.
“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,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Neowin.
Although the company didn’t give a reason behind the move, it’s likely Microsoft wants to call attention to Internet Explorer and encourage users to access the social networks directly via the browser.
The Facebook and Twitter apps have been a part of Xbox Marketplace since 2009.
Microsoft also added a new music-streaming service as a part of its software update. First announced in June, Xbox Music — a platform similar to Spotify — allows users stream more than 30 million tracks across its ecosystem of Windows 8 mobile devices, PCs and the Xbox.
What do you think about this, Xbox 360 users? Let us know in the comments if you’ll miss the Facebook and Twitter apps on the console. Will Internet Explorer 9 suffice?
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