Okay Geek Farm
Registration for Xbox Live's public preview program is now open
Ricardo Trejo
While it’s nowhere near as big of a change as the original ‘blades’ look to the NXE, this new Xbox Live update is the biggest update since then. From what it appears it will also be the last to bring any big changes to the UI, as it will adapt the popular “metro” style live-tiles we’ve seen on Windows Phone 7, as well as what will be making its way to Windows 8. And if you can’t wait until the update goes live, you’ll be happy to know that the public preview program (beta) is now open for registration.
(UPDATE: Registration is now closed as the program is now full!)
There’s been a preview program every year since NXE first launched, so it’s no surprise we’re getting yet another. What’s there to look forward to? Well, quite a lot actually. But it remains to be seen what will be available upon immediate update and what will be added later on.
Details on how to register provided by none other than Major Nelson, the unofficial / official spokesperson for all things Xbox:
“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. Now that our work on the dashboard is almost complete, we are announcing an open call for all Xbox LIVE members toregister 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.
Once this program is kicked off, an update will be pushed to your console that will contain select dashboard features, including:
• 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 ProfileOther features and entertainment partner apps may come into view during the program period.
Note: A console in the program is expected to remain fully compatible with standard retail consoles not in the program. (e.g. party chat will function)
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. We will notask 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.
Click here for the initial register for the Public Preview.
The latest information will be available to you via the www.connect.microsoft.com/xboxliveupdate program portal.”
We’ll inform you as to when these updates hit Xbox’s for registrants the moment we find out.
