Thursday, Microsoft announced that it will begin to push out a beta preview of it’s new Xbox 360 code-name “Madrid” dashboard.

The beta preview will give a select-few beta testers access to the new dashboard so that they can see what’s happening and be part of the bleeding edge. This extends out of Microsoft’s call for beta testers for their upcoming Metro dashboard back in October; after which the software giant closed registration after 24 hours due to sheer demand of people to get into beta.

An article on Winrumors outlines all of the expected features of the new dashboard,

• New Xbox LIVE Dashboard with integrated voice and gesture controls – We’ve updated the dashboard, making it easier to navigate through content, whether you use Kinect or a controller. Use voice and gesture controls to float through the menu and select games, movies, music and applications.
• Beacons – Beacons allow you to tell your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends that you want to play a game on Xbox LIVE, making it easier to jump in and play together. By setting a Beacon, you tell Xbox LIVE what you want to play. Then, Xbox LIVE lets you know when friends are playing or want to play the same game.
• Facebook Sharing – With Facebook Sharing, now it is easier than ever to brag about all your achievements to your social network. With the integrated “share” feature, you can tout your achievements and showcase your in-game accomplishments through instant, direct posts.
• Roaming Profile  – With new roaming profiles you can now bring your complete Xbox LIVE® profile to any Xbox 360®, including game saves, friend lists and your Gold membership, to your friend’s house for more fun.

Also, as expected, Microsoft’s new dashboard will debut the Xbox LIVE TV service, which had been announced with much fanfare recently along with a partnership with Comcast cable. Channels partnering with the Xbox LIVE programming split across the pond with Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO and Syfy appearing amongst a number of TV providers for U.S. Xbox owners and the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 arriving in the UK.

There’s also expectations that Xbox LIVE gold subscribers will have access to the TV programming and some of them will even integrate the Kinect experience with their TV channels. Little information is yet available on how the Kinect might be integrated; but the capabilities of the Xbox as a living-room entertainment center with gesture-based controls could be limitless.