For those social networking obsessed Xbox owners, you will be happy to hear that the 360 dashboard update is one step closer to public availability. With long awaited features such as Twitter, Facebook, Zune Marketplace, and Last.fm, Major Nelson announced that the preview program is open for sign-ups.

For those that have missed out on the preview programs in the past, Microsoft is “looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.”

Hit the jump for more details on how to sign-up.

First, you will need to login to the Microsoft Connect site. If you have not yet tied your Xbox LIVE gamertag to a Windows LIVE ID, login with your email address and password for your Xbox LIVE account and follow the directions to register.

After creating your Windows LIVE ID, just hit the link above for open sign-ups.

Be sure to have the following information on hand to complete the survey:

• Console number
• Console ID
• Wireless router information (model, etc)
• TV information (model, etc)

So get your Twitters, Facebooks, and HDTVs ready for the upcoming dashboard update!

Best of luck and be sure to let us know if you got in.

Should you be so unfortunate as to not get an invite, be sure to hit up Gamer Limit for some coverage of the update in the near future.