How to Try New Tech Features for Free

feature-image

Play all audios:

    

Paul Spella (Source: Getty Images (2)) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn


I understand I can test new software and features before they’re released to the public. But is it a good idea?


I get the temptation. People really into tech, like me, have an insatiable curiosity to check out new features ahead of everyone else. I sense you may be one of these folks.


The tech industry has long enabled a culture of letting people sample software and features before the public release through what is commonly known as beta testing. The benefit to the


companies is being able to solicit feedback from ordinary users and maybe squash a few bugs beforehand.


Members only


The caveat for beta testers: “Don’t blame us if something goes haywire.”


Beta testers get an ego boost. We feel like we might have a tiny bit of influence as companies make final tweaks before a product launch.


Google’s website about an Android beta for Pixel owners encourages those interested: “Help make the next release of Android the best yet.”


Apple’s website for its beta software program uses strikingly similar language: “Help make the next releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS and HomePod software our best yet.” 


Microsoft encourages people to become Windows Insiders who can preview future versions of the company’s PC operating system. The company credits the “energy and enthusiasm” of Windows


Insiders with helping to build Windows 11.


Worth mentioning: An even earlier testing phase in a tech product life cycle is “alpha,” almost always confined internally to the company and trusted developers.

Ask The Tech Guru


AARP writer Ed Baig will answer your most pressing technology questions every Tuesday. Baig previously worked for USA Today, BusinessWeek, U.S. News & World Report and Fortune, and is author


of Macs for Dummies and coauthor of iPhone for Dummies and iPad for Dummies.


Have a question? Email personaltech@aarp.org​

How comfortable are you on the bleeding edge?


Let’s get to the heart of your question. Is trying out prerelease beta software a smart thing to do? In general, the answer is no, unless one or more of the following is true:


You are reasonably tech-savvy.You are risk-tolerant.You are willing to put up with missing or unfinished features.You have a spare phone or computer to test the features.