Xbox LIVE Labs Goes Live

A new testing program designed to kick up a notch the experiences of gamers on Xbox LIVE has started rolling out.

Xbox LIVE Labs is an optional testing program, revealed Larry Hryb, the Director of Programming for the Microsoft gaming network Xbox Live, who invited Xbox 360 console owners to participate.

Essentially, the testing efforts will be focused on a series of network tests for the consoles of gamers that decide to sign up for the program, in relation to Xbox LIVE.

According to Hryb, only Xbox LIVE members that are also residing in the United States can participate in Xbox LIVE Labs.

The program has made its debut today, and will last through March 27th, 2011, so there is plenty of time for gamers to help Microsoft out when it comes down to improving Xbox LIVE.

“You will not be able to participate in other Xbox LIVE activities, such as gaming, watching movies or downloading music, while running Xbox LIVE Labs, and your Internet connectivity may be slower than usual. Sound good?” Hryb asked.

“Sign into Xbox LIVE and head over to the community channel where you’ll see the Xbox LIVE Labs panel. Click on it to download the testing app and the rest is pretty much self-explanatory.”

As I mentioned above, the Xbox LIVE Labs testing application is offered only to gamers in the US, but Microsoft is considering broadening the test program.

“After this round of testing, we’ll evaluate when and how we’ll roll this out to other Xbox LIVE regions,” Hryb added.

In addition to lending a helping hand to enhance Xbox LIVE, users will also have the chance to access some rewards.

“There are a total of three Avatar items and three zero point achievements that you can earn for each completed test, including a lab coat, brain helmet, and crazy mad scientist hair,” Hryb explained.