Microsoft as part of their ongoing commitment to improve Xbox Live, have created a new program called Xbox Live Labs. The program is optional and is designed to improve network performances and will run a number of network tests from your console to Xbox Live. These results are solely for the purpose of testing and improving the service.

For the testers, they will earn an Avatar item and a zero point achievement for each test they complete, there are three Avatar items, a lab coat a braid helmet and a man scientist hair style.

The downfall of this is, for the people participating they will be unable to access the Xbox Live features such as gaming, watching films or downloading music while the program is running and also your internet connectivity will be slower.

If you are interested in signing up to the program, log into the Xbox Live and go to the community channel to download the testing ap. The program runs from March 10-27 and is open to any Xbox Live members in the US.

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