It’s an ”important program” given the millions that use Xbox Live, says Major Nelson. Testers get the new Kinect integration, Cloud storage and ‘deeper Facebook’.
”At E3 we announced the new Xbox LIVE dashboard which will deliver intuitive navigation, increased responsiveness and improved engagement with Xbox experiences – all beginning this holiday,” blogged Major Nelson. It’s expected to fully launch November 25th.
”Now that our work on the dashboard is almost complete, we are announcing an open call for all Xbox LIVE members to register to participate in a preview program to help us test the system. This is an important program as we continually strive to ensure the reliability of a service that reaches tens of millions globally.”
”We could not do so without the ongoing help of our great community,” he added.
If selected to participate an update will arrive on your console, featuring:
• New design for integrated Kinect and controller navigation
• New Beacons to play online with friends
• Deeper Facebook integration
• New Cloud Storage for Game Saves and Xbox LIVE Profile
During the Public Preview Program more features may arrive, but not to worry because consoles in the test are ”expected to remain fully compatible with standard retail consoles not in the program.” That means you won’t lose your multiplayer privileges.
”For those familiar with previous registrations for our program, we have a new model for registering your consoles this year. The new model is a more automated process that should make it easier for you,” explained Major Nelson.
”We will not ask you to type in your console information upon initial registration; once you are approved to participate in the program, look for details on our portal about how to register your console.” To initially register for the Public Preview click here.
There’s more information via the Microsoft program portal.
