Microsoft will invite a group of Xbox 360 owners to preview the latest updates before they reach the full audience.
In a blog post late Monday, Microsoft Xbox Live chief Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, said that "select invitees" will be tapped to join the new Xbox 360 Preview program. Starting in early March, customers who've been selected by Microsoft will see a special Xbox Live message when they log in.
To register for the program, move to the Settings category, then to Account and finally to Account Management. There you'll see a setting for Xbox 360 Preview Registration where you can sign up to enroll your console. Once a new update is available, Microsoft will alert you through another Xbox Live message.
The Xbox 360 Preview program is a sign that Microsoft hasn't forgotten about the Xbox 360 in light of its Xbox One. Microsoft has been trying to drum up sales for the Xbox One -- which has been in second place behind Sony's PlayStation 4 for most of the past year -- with price discounts, free games and other enticements. But the company still sells the Xbox 360 and needs to keep its owners happy and also draw in buyers who don't want to spend the extra money on the pricier Xbox One.
Owners of the Xbox One have already had their own preview program, which allows them to install and test the latest monthly updates ahead of other owners. Those in the preview program are encouraged to share their feedback on the updates with Microsoft so it can make any tweaks necessary before rolling them out to everyone.
The next round of updates for the Xbox 360 will add an option to troubleshoot network issues and include the ability to run download and upload speed tests.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
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