In a surprise move that left a lot of us scratching our heads, sources tell us that Microsoft is going to do an about face, and has decided to seek multiple thousands of participants to test the latest dashboard update. Sources told us originally that Microsoft was going to hand pick a number of users from the last dashboard update as well as members of the media to do the testing this time around, but instead they have opted for a more public test.

You still have to fill out a survey in order to be considered for selection, and the survey this time around is a bit more in-depth; it asks some detailed questions that if you can’t answer may indicate you might not be a good possible selection for the preview program.

What is most interesting to us is that clearly Microsoft is highlighting the support for Facebook, Twitter and Zune as the biggest additions in this update. It makes us wonder if Last.FM has been dropped from addition this time around. Sources are still saying that it will be in there in this update, but we do find it strange that Microsoft isn’t highlighting it as one of the upcoming features in the preview signup page.

According to what we are hearing, Microsoft would like to get testing started early next week, so decisions by Microsoft will likely be made quickly as to who is in and who is out. The best news is that they are looking for “multiple thousands of participants,” so this does increase the possibility that you will get in. While completing the survey does not assure that you will get in, if you have any interest in these updates it would be a good chance to get a sneak peek at what they have planned.

You can sign up by clicking here.