Microsoft Needs Testers For A New Xbox Preview Program

It's that time again. Microsoft needs a few (thousand) good people to test out the forthcoming Xbox Live dashboard update, which, as Major Nelson explains it, will see the release of an enhanced Netflix client (searching is go!), the long-awaited ESPN app, and an updated Zune video store. As with most update preview programs Microsoft runs, your opportunity to participate is contingent on patience and luck.

The patience part factors in when you begin the enrollment process over at the Microsoft Connect site. Once signing in with your Windows Live credentials, you'll be asked to fill out a survey. The luck part revolves around it immediately accepting you into the program, which it will this time around. No waiting is required. Whew.  
  
  

I signed up! :)

I will be getting nowhere fast either way, cause I don't even have an Xbox!

Cant wait for the QL on it.

I just signed up.

Not sure if I should bother if you can't chat with people who don't have the update.

Exclusive chat makes me say hell no.  

I was accepted into the beta!

I was just accepted into the preview program. I would just like to reiterate that it is possible to get in if you don't have Gold (which I don't).

it said i got accepted, so hopefully it doesn't kill my xbox

The sucky thing is that you can't party chat with people who don't have the update. That won't stop me from getting this, however.

" Exclusive chat makes me say hell no.   "

Well, I've been accepted. What say when this thing starts up we make a GB party chat room?

Cool. Totally accepted it tells me.

I have been accepted.  It feels good be be accepted.  I have high hopes for this interface because the current look is abysmal.

No party chat is kiiiind of a dealbreaker.

Got in.  Easy as pie.

cool i got in

Yeah that seemed pretty simple to be "accepted".  Wonder if that necessarily means I get the preview or not?  And I hardly use Party Chat, so a few weeks without it won't kill me.

Are they they accepting everyone? Because I just got accepted too... 
 
Also, that no party-chat thing really sucks. Do they think we're going to spill their mysterious secrets to our xbox live friends?

Accepted!

They seem to be accepting everyone (me included) and online I mainly play Modern Warfare 2, which doesn't allow party chat to begin with so whatever.

So just wondering, I'm in the Kinect beta already, so do you automatically get into this beta, or do you have to sign up for this one too? Very confusing...

I got in.

I thought about doing it, but being without party chat is a big bummer.  I might just sit this one out this time.

I got accepted, never really used the party feature that much so it's all good.

I hope the ESPN app works.

Can't party chat with people who don't have the update? No thanks. 

" Are they they accepting everyone? Because I just got accepted too...  Also, that no party-chat thing really sucks. Do they think we're going to spill their mysterious secrets to our xbox live friends? "

There were stories about new audio codecs for voice chat, perhaps that's the reason? Or maybe if you're in party chat with someone without the update and load ESPN or the new Netflix, things start to wig out? I'm sure it's more of a reason than secrecy.

They accepted me as well, and the party chat thing may hinder me.. but in 2 weeks I don't think I'll be playing any more Halo.

I'm in!  Oh lord, I hope I don't regret this come Black Ops day!!

Signed up and said accepted, I assume that means I will get the preview?

I signed up!  We'll still be able to send the 15 second message option right?  Also,  the update going to automatically hit me within the next 2 weeks?

Got in. Hope it doesn't explode my Xbox. 
 
I wonder if anyone is being denied?

cool im in. better not red ring my box! it'll be cool to check it out in a few weeks

Think i'll try this, i'm always up for a preview.

Got in as well. 
 
I don't use party chat, and besides on one of the forms Microsoft said in game chat would still work as it normally should.
 
Hooray for Netflix search!

I'm in...yay.

Will the new program have netflix for canada?

got accepted right away, must be accepting most everyone.

Yay! I got in!

I prefer to live vicariously through dashboard leaks ;-)

Was about to sign up, but then (like others have already said) noticed that party chat wouldn't work.  
The only chat I use is party chat, and that's with my sister and her husband when we play together and I doubt they'll want to join the preview :(  

Oh well, I can deal with the current netflix client for a while longer and wait until the official release.

Thank you for your interest in participating. We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the program. The program will officially start within the next two weeks. Until then, please be patient and check back on this site often for the latest updates.

Thank you,
Xbox LIVE Beta Administrators

I got in as well. Pretty sweet.