Test Xbox Live network, get free Avatar items

Microsoft has announced a new testing program called Xbox Live Labs. In exchange for network testing, you can earn Avatar rewards and 0p achievements until March 27.

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Microsoft is inviting users to partake in network testing this month, in an initiative it has named Xbox Live Labs. The voluntary program starts today, and runs through March 27. It's available to US Live members only, but Microsoft may expand it to other regions for the next round of tests.

Basically, starting up the Xbox Live Labs app turns your 360 into a network testing machine, sending the results to Microsoft so it can improve service. Microsoft is careful to mention that the results won't be used to identify participants. You can't play games or watch movies while using the app, so reserve it for sometime you won't be playing anyway.

The company is throwing in a few goodies to entice users. Each completed test gets you an Avatar item and a zero point achievement. The program offers three Avatar items in all (lab coat, brain helmet, mad scientist hair), so it doesn't seem too difficult to grab them all in the next few weeks.

Editor-In-Chief
From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 10, 2011 7:45 AM

    Comment on Test Xbox Live network, get free Avatar items, by Steve Watts.

    • reply
      March 10, 2011 7:46 AM

      Summary: Microsoft has announced a new testing program called Xbox Live Labs. In exchange for network testing, you can earn Avatar rewards and 0p achievements until March 27.

      • reply
        March 10, 2011 7:50 AM

        Way to catch up to the chatty 1.5 hours ago Sporky!

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      March 10, 2011 8:10 AM

      Where do we get the app?

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      March 10, 2011 8:11 AM

      dang. the tests aren't simple ping tests. they're doing upto 6hrs continuous streams of data.

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        March 10, 2011 8:14 AM

        I heard from a friend who was doing this before it was public that it'll saturate the bandwidth, so do it overnight or while you're at work.

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          March 10, 2011 8:16 AM

          Haha, this is going to be hard with my master control power switch setup. Maybe I'll just have to over-ride it for a few nights.

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        March 10, 2011 8:21 AM

        damn almost need to check my bandwidth usage to make sure this doesn't rape it...

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        March 10, 2011 8:27 AM

        These tests appear to all be timed. So, it doesn't look like faster service will help you finish any faster. I'm sure multi-tasking, like surfing Shacknews, will affect their numbers. But, that's also more real world kind of results.

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          March 10, 2011 10:37 AM

          Yes, almost certainly it's that kind of testing they're looking for; not just booting up the Xbox and letting it sit idle.

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      March 10, 2011 9:16 AM

      our records indicate that there are still x original hardware units floating about, this will be just the thing to redring the remainders :)

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        March 10, 2011 10:54 AM

        I did put on some extra ventilation for the 6hr test. :)

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        March 10, 2011 1:33 PM

        haha

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      March 10, 2011 4:38 PM

      sweet. finished with all three tests and now have crazy scientist hair!

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