Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been known for keeping its plans and future ventures a secret and does not let out any new information till release. Recently, we have seen some change and now Apple has come up with a ‘Beta’ version of its new Mac software. The new operating system is scheduled for release later this fall and before that the prospective customers are invited by the company to test the ‘Beta’ version and suggest any improvements or modifications they would like to see.
Beta Testing: a smart move?
Beta testing offers a major benefit to the companies, who can work on the shortcomings and kinks in the software before it is released. This leads to a greater customer satisfaction as the errors and problems that occur are noticed and rectified immediately so that the final version is of superior quality with fewer troubles. The users need to sign up for the Yosemite Beta program and the first million people will get the opportunity to test the software, and are required to comply with a nondisclosure agreement.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) conducted a Worldwide Developers Conference in the month of June after which it released the Beta version of its upcoming iOS 8 software for iPhones and iPads to developers, which is not opened up for the public as yet. Carolina Milanesi, chief of research and head of U.S. business at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, a consumer research firm, says that the developer community will benefit by receiving valuable feedback from the public beta program. Apple needs to cater to the developers needs and make sure that they are happy because it is facing tough competition from the Android operating system from Google.
Apple following Google
Developers too have been offered a parallel version which this Monday got an update. This has been an old trend with Google, who has been offering its new services for test to its customers before finalization. Testing of Beta with the general public is a new thing for Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), who has been offering the Beta versions only to its registered developers. Milanesi says Apple has recently developed an appreciation for beta testing as evident from the step it has taken of giving the public an early look at Yosemite.
“It may be a bit of a different Apple,” she said, adding that the company now seems to understand that releasing a beta version “doesn’t say that their attention to detail has changed. … It’s just that they are seeking feedback.”
