Microsoft Accepting Beta Testers Now For New Metro Style Xbox LIVE Dashboard

Back in September, a leak revealed that Microsoft's revamped Xbox LIVE dashboard would launch on November 15 with beta testing starting sometime in October. Things seem to be falling in line with speculation as Microsoft has announced today that it is now accepting sign ups from users interested in beta testing the new interface.

The new Xbox LIVE dashboard is expected to take on more of a Metro UI style similar to what's seen on Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8 interfaces. Some of the key new features to the platform include more integrated Kinect voice and gesture controls, Facebook sharing, cloud storage for game saves and Xbox LIVE profiles, and a new social broadcasting feature called Beacons.

Bing search and support for YouTube are also expected to arrive with the new dashboard. The addition of Bing and the deeper Kinect integration will allow users to easily do voice search for movies, music, and other content on their Xbox 360s. A Marketplace will also likely be introduced to offer applications created for the console.

Microsoft recently expanded its Xbox LIVE TV content range with the addition of nearly 40 new content provider partners, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO, and Syfy. These new channels will only be available to Xbox LIVE gold subscribers and some channels may integrate more Kinect features. To sign up for the beta testing, go to Microsoft's connect page here.

[via WinRumors]