Xbox 360 Dashboard update 'preview' open for signups

by Randy Nelson on Oct 14th 2009 6:15PM

As it has done in the past, Microsoft is offering early access to its next Xbox 360 Dashboard update (which integrates Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace) to those who sign up -- and are then selected -- to preview it. Major Nelson has just updated his blog with word that the signup process has begun for the program, mentioning that Microsoft is looking for "multiple thousands" of users to test out the update. So, sounds like chances of getting in are good.

Those wishing to put their names in the hat for preview access can do so by hitting the Microsoft Connect site and filling out a survey. The preview program is being offered in all territories where Xbox Live is available, but keep in mind you'll need a Windows Live ID in order to apply. The Major says those who've been picked will receive an email in about a week; after which the update will be pushed out to their consoles, and they can start bragging about their early access via Twitter and Facebook right from their 360s.

If past Dashboard preview programs are anything to go by, everyone who signs up will eventually gain access just prior to the update's release -- which may happen on November 17.

Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Source

Tags: beta, dashboard, dashboard-update, dashboard-update-fall-2009, facebook, last.fm, microsoft, new-xbox-experience, nxe, nxe-preview, twitter, Xbox-360, zune, zune-marketplace

Reader Comments (50)

I hope to God that you can't send in-game Facebook friend invites. Chris Hansen would have another Dateline NBC special in a week.

sit down......take a seat.....

...to eat Courtney Love's used tampon.

Anyone else notice that the sign up sight says nothing about Last.fm? Major Nelsons sight also says nothing about it. So is it part of the preview program? Is it delayed?

I guess I have a pretty decent chance, I have both a Zune HD and use Windows Media Center for streaming purposes, have FiOS with a near-business-like connection, and I've also been invited to other NXE betas, I'll give it a shot.

wow i can spell. I mean site not sight.

It's an interesting omission Sgt_Quackers.
We'll have to see what comes down the pipe. Maybe they aren't ready to test all the updates yet. I was in the last update, the Avatar one, and they had 4+ dashboards for it. You may not get just one update in this beta test. They had to fix issues with several releases of beta dashboards. I have FTTH too, just installed today -W00t. I'm ready to download as many dashboards as they got.

Both words were spelt right. The term your looking for is 'diction' meaning 'word choice'.

...and the word you're looking for is "you're" meaning "you are".

Oh, snap!

Microsoft said that the Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM will come in seperate updates. So that means Facebook and Twitter can come now and Last.FM can come later. Luckily it's 2 separate updates and not 3.

Meh.

320 friends!? he/she is popular...

Popular on the interwebs != popular.

With the look of the dude in the middle picture who looks like he is getting anally raped by a Brumak, I'd prefer to be unpopular, thanks.

looks exactly the same and adds no useful functionality? *yawn*

If it adds the update that recycles old frozen xbox live gamertags, this will be my favorite update ever, past or future.

Facebook & Twitter...on my xbox?

Fuck

I've already previewed this update.

It's called Facebook and Twitter on my PC, for free.

This is also for free

Plus: You don't even need a PC.

It's only free after you purchase a Gold account.

My Connect Dashboard says "Invited!", but I'm not sure if that's left over from the last update preview, and I don't have time to fill out the survey right now.

Was I invited automatically because of my previous involvement with this, or is that just left over?

Sorry for the 3rd comment in a row but mine also says "invited" and I've never before taken part in any preview program. So it's probably not left over.

I filled out the survey, and I'm now listed as participating, so I'm in for sure now.

No, I says that you are “participating” because you have taken the survey and are registered to have a chance at being picked.

i bet the developers are looking for the casual market, in other countries, that would be willing to use this to suck those people in. and that you do use microsoft's streaming devices, probably even better and a happier customer. so fudge the numbers i say! i told em im from finland. and change your locale

Do I need a Gold membership? Cause I don't want Microsoft to take anymore of my money

@kar94k you dont need gold but ur more likely to get chosen if u have gold.

did anyone notice that major nelson and the connect site only mention facebook, twitter and zune? no last.fm mentioned anywhere! :O

Xbox LIVE just got a little better like always in every update. Can't wait for this. I hope I am one of their chosen ones.

Never heard of the NXE? It didn't get better then.

@Bradwart

You mean adding netflix support isn't better? I'm not fond of the main xbox menu instead of the old blades, but you don't even need to go to it because the new menu when you press the xbox button is so damn useful. And the party system was a huge improvement for xbox live. The NXE was a huge improvement overall. Stop trolling.

I don't use Netflix, and I generally play solo in games. Party is nearly useless for me. And the Avatars? Don't even get me started.

The whole interface should be optional.

Whether or not you use the features, having the choice to is an improvement. Like I said, if you don't like the new interface use the xbox button, it's basically the same as the old blades.

Though I do agree you should be able to choose between the blades and the NXE, I don't really think it's that big of a deal.

@CaramelZappa
I agree. I also think you should be able to choose to start on the "My Xbox" channel instead of the one that's full of ads.

It would be sweet to be able to play facebook games right from your 360.

im on it.. hope i get in to the preview again. last time i got a 2 week headstart w/ avatars and loved every minute.

WHOAWHOAWHOA

Don't forget NOT to sign up for this if you commonly move your hard drive between multiple Xboxes (I do, from mine to my roommate's so I can play on the big screen in the living room.) Unless you're lucky enough to get two invites, one on each box, your hard drive will be trapped on the updated Xbox until the update goes public.

GOOD heads up man.

It's not a concern for me, but I'm sure (if people read it) that it will go to good use and help someone.

If they add achievements to Farmville, the world is doomed.

I want this mainly because i thought i seen where facebook would allow you to take in game screen caps, and post them on facebook. I would use that feature to death if its true.

I'm mostly looking forward to Last.fm, hopefully they eventually add in the option to stream music while playing games.

I'll let you guys beta test this first. I'm not interested in my 360 breaking during the biggest gaming time of the year.

I'm curious on what this will look like but too bad I got my first RROD last week. Awesome. Good thing there are no new games I'm looking forward to coming out or currently out (Batman: AA, Left 4 Dead 2, and Brutal Legend) that I want to play right now.

no ODST?

After filling out the whole survey the next page fails to load and I have to start the whole process again.....

had the same thing happen. talked to support and they said so many people where on there the servers were a lttile crazy they said try back later and i just did and it works fine for me now.

if you go to http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/skyplayer/ it says service launches 27 October 2009. Could be coming quicker than you think

This BETA is hardly available read here: https://connect.microsoft.com/XboxLIVEUpdate/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=504322#tabs

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Xbox 360 Dashboard update 'preview' open for signups

Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Reader Comments (50)

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