Microsoft first unveiled the Xbox 360's new Metro-inspired dashboard during the Electronic Entertainment Expo earlier this year. Development on the update is now coming to a close, and in typical prerelease fashion, the console maker is accepting applications for its public preview program.

　　An early look at the new Xbox Live dashboard. A few key features are pinpointed in the call for applicants, including a newly designed dashboard that caters to controller and Kinect navigation, the new beacon system to facilitate finding friends for gameplay sessions, deeper Facebook integration, and cloud storage for game saves. Microsoft also noted that various features from entertainment partners may also be added during the preview period.

　　Also noted for previous participants in Xbox preview programs, Microsoft has a new automated method behind registering consoles into the preview that doesn't require manual input of console information.

　　Applications can be submitted at Microsoft's site, and more information is available at the Xbox Live update program portal.