The Preview Program for the next release of Xbox LIVE Update is now live, Microsoft revealed on July 20, 2009. In fact, the Redmond company is currently accepting participation requests into what Larry Hryb, director of programming for the Microsoft gaming network Xbox Live, referred to as the “Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release.” Xbox 360 users who are also members of the Xbox LIVE community can sign up via Microsoft Connect. The first steps toward a potential participation in the program involve navigating to the Microsoft Connect site and signing in with the Windows LIVE ID connected to the Xbox LIVE Gamertag,” Hryb explained.

“Once you do that, you need to fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey in order to be considered for receiving the Preview System Update. We're asking a few questions about where you live, your home network, ISP connection and a few other pieces of information. We are looking for a good cross-section of our members in order to get the best feedback we can,” Hryb said. “The Xbox team will then review all of the applications and if you’re selected we’ll send you an email notifying you of your acceptance in the program.”

Microsoft underlined that only testers from regions where Xbox LIVE was supported officially would be able to enroll in the Preview Program. The Redmond company also discouraged users from applying multiple times, as the quantity of participation request submissions would not influence the result. Testers who are accepted into the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program will receive a notification from Microsoft within approximately a week.

“We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good. This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available. Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys and send you an email if you are selected. While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process,” Hryb stated.