Microsoft put the word out yesterday that it’s looking for a few thousand US-based guinea pigs for another round of system update preview testing. The kicker here is that potential testers won’t be asked to fiddle with New New Xbox Experience stuff. This time, Microsoft wants its participants to test out a mysterious “updated Xbox 360 disc format.”

And what does this format actually do? Microsoft isn't giving up that bit of information just yet. One of the most grounded rumor reports at the moment is coming from Digital Foundry. A “highly-placed development source,” reportedly, has confirmed to DF that these updated discs have an added 1GB of extra storage, a bonus gained by Microsoft removing or reducing the DVD-Video partition and existing security stuff on the existing format.
 

 This will stay dead. Forever. No worries.
The format, which some are calling xgd3 (as a follow-up to the current standard, xgd2), will apparently incorporate a new security standard that will make the discs harder to duplicate on consumer-grade DVD burners.
 
The preview program is currently full and not accepting new sign-ups. Considering Microsoft is offering a free copy of Halo: Reach--presumably one that utilizes the new format--to program participants, it's no wonder that people jumped at the chance.