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You might not be aware, but you can try BETA software in advance. This means you can get the new version of some of your favorite apps, SaaS, and even video games long before they are released to the general public. Here are some advantages to early access.
Check Out New Features
The main reason for trying BETA versions of apps and games is to see what’s new. Developers love to test out new features on the public because they can use the feedback to see what works and what doesn’t. Then they can remove anything that consumers don’t like. Operating systems commonly give you access to BETA features. These include Windows, Android, and iOS. For most BETA testing apps or programs, you won’t be allowed to keep them. But you can often keep the developer version of an OS. Check out SetApp for more on how to get iOS 16.
Try BETA Software to Help Track Bugs
From a developer perspective, BETA software is released mainly to help catch bugs. No software is ever bug-free, not even from the best developers. And while software and game developers employ skilled testing teams, some things are missed. Additionally, it can be hard to know where a bug will pop up, considering the vast amount of variables between consumer devices. For example, your PC isn’t the same as your friend’s PC. Hardware differences, OS settings, and how you use programs can change how the software interacts with you.
Help Reduce Costs
It’s easy to think a software development team has unlimited funds. But even a development backed by massive publishers has a set budget. QA testing is part of that budget and gets used up pretty quickly. So, developers often provide access to BETA trials to the general public. This helps them keep costs lower as they usually won’t pay you for your time using a BETA. However, while you won’t be paid, you have an excellent opportunity to have your voice heard. And get your point across about any features you don’t like that could cost your business.
Keep Your Business Ahead of the Game
From a business perspective, you can stay ahead of the competition when you know how the game will be changed. BETA software gives you a sneak peek behind the curtain. Suppose you use WordPress to run your eCommerce business, and there’s a significant update scheduled. In that case, you can see ahead of time any new features that will likely disrupt or enhance your platform. And you might be able to deploy them before the competition. Additionally, you can optimize your UI and UX to adapt to any changes from a customer perspective.
INFO: How to Access BETA Trials
Only in special circumstances do developers advertise BETA trials to the broader public. The Windows 11 launch is a perfect example. However, you can access BETA versions with a bit of foresight. Here are some of the easiest ways you can access early versions of software:
- Sign up on official websites.
- Become a valued customer.
- Request early access.
- Join through app stores.
- Check your automatic update settings.
Keeping your ear to the ground is one of the most effective ways to access upcoming updates. If you use a piece of software a lot, then you get a sense of when a new version might be due. But you aren’t psychic. So always sign up for the official newsletter for the best chances.
Use Advance Knowledge for Blog Monetization
As part of your online business, you should attach a blog. A blog can bring more traffic to your site by way of SEO. And more traffic means more potential business. News of major software updates and BETA versions can potentially increase traffic, especially in the video games industry. For example, a quick Google search of “Call of Duty BETA” returns 61,100,000 results. The top results are from video game news sites. You could capitalize on this traffic by adding monetized affiliate links and ads into articles about BETA testing.
Prepare Your Business for Upcoming Changes
A new version of software means potentially major changes for your online business. For example, suppose you use an older version of Adobe Photoshop to edit your eCommerce platform product images. But the upcoming version doesn’t support older image files such as TARGA, which you prefer over PNG for transparency effects. Then you would need to at least inform your artists about the upcoming change and make plans for finding the best quality vs. file size ratios for your switch to PNG. Sampling BETA software early gives you a headstart.
Try BETA Software to Inform Others
Like writing a blog, you can use your time with a BETA version to get as much data as possible about a specific update. As long as you are given permission to do so from the developers, you can use this data to inform others of the new version. The video games industry might allow this, but they might ask you to keep some things quiet. And they rarely allow image capturing. However, programs and apps developed usually give you a little more freedom. So you can use what you learn to attract visitors via a blog post or in an upcoming newsletter.
You Can Make a Career from It
BETA testing is given free of charge. However, you aren’t usually paid for your time. That being said, it isn’t wasted time. The more you test software and write detailed and usable reports for the developers, the better you will get at it. You can become a whiz at finding bugs and get a feel for how software should behave. For example, you can continuously test boundaries in an open-world video game. Getting better at testing and putting it on your CV means you can apply for jobs in testing. Just make sure you enjoy it because it can get really tedious.
Summary
Many developers will let you try BETA software before anyone else. More than just using your time, this can be considered a privilege because you get advance access. Some of the benefits of BETA testing include seeing new features, helping reduce costs, and making a career of it.
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