A post over on Major Nelson’s blog today brings word that in an effort to improve Xbox LIVE (possibly for next-gen hardware), Microsoft is rolling out an optional testing program called Xbox LIVE Labs which will be open to all Xbox Live members in the US from today until March 27, 2011.


Here’s how the Labs are described and what’s in it for you:
Xbox LIVE Labs performs a number of network tests from your console to Xbox LIVE. These results are recorded solely for the purpose of testing and improving the service. Although we want your support, participating in Xbox LIVE Labs is entirely optional and voluntary. These results are recorded solely for the purpose of testing and improving the service and will not be used to identify you.

If you choose to participate, each completed test rewards you with a cool Avatar item and a zero point achievement as a thank you for your contribution. There are a total of three Avatar items and three zero point achievements that you can earn for each completed test, including a lab coat, brain helmet, and crazy mad scientist hair!

It’s certainly worth pointing out that if you do choose to participate, you won’t be able to carry on with normal XBL activity like gaming, watching movies, etc. while running the Labs and that you internet connectivity may be slower than usual, but if you’re interested, all you need to do is hit up the Xbox LIVE Labs panel over to the community channel, download, and follow the instructions.

Major Nelson also noted that the Xbox LIVE Labs testing application is currently available in the US only, but after the initial round of testing, Microsoft will evaluate when and how they’ll roll it out to other regions.

So, who plans on participating?

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