Microsoft has just revealed in an Xbox Wire article that it is releasing Xbox Alpha "Skip-Ahead" over-the-top invitations to more gamers. Alpha and Skip-Ahead have attracted a lot of tasters for gamers who want to get a sneak peek at the new and improved features. Those who are lucky enough to be selected as beta testers can expect to experience some of the new features months in advance, but of course they may also include some content that will not be unveiled in the subsequent official release.
Normally, Microsoft only invites a limited number of beta testers in other beta channels to join the Alpha / Skip-Ahead channel. But now, Microsoft is inviting Xbox testers to complete a survey to find out how much this group of players really wants to participate.
Xbox project manager Austin Olney wrote: "You will receive a notice on your console if you are selected to participate. There are limited spots available, so completing the survey does not guarantee an invitation. You also might be selected for a different ring than what you indicated in the survey."
Microsoft has been actively interacting with Alpha / Skip-Ahead testers over the past 12 months to test a range of Xbox dashboard features (such as early versions of the Edge Chromium browser).
For those interested, test invitations are available in the Xbox Insider Hub app. Once launched, select "Update Preview" and under "Manage" select "Alpha" or "Alpha Skip-Ahead "Then click "Finish" to get the desired console update.
“You will receive a notice on your console if you are selected to participate. There are limited spots available, so completing the survey does not guarantee an invitation. You also might be selected for a different ring than what you indicated in the survey.”