People who have an urge to be the first to try the latest software now have the opportunity to sign up for the beta version of Apple’s new operating system, iOS 8.3.
Developer’s version now freely available
As seems to be their usual practice these days, Apple released a beta version of 8.3 version to chosen developers last year, but are now following up this preliminary trial by allowing members of the public their own chance to experience the new system.
Non-specialised users can discover more bugs
According to Apple’s way of looking at it, less specialised users are more likely to discover and report the kind of bugs which could cause problems later on.
Beating the grey market
This official public release of the beta version should also help Apple overcome the grey market in beta software which has been a problem with some earlier developer-only releases. Unscrupulous developers have been able to make money from their tester versions because of the long lead-in time before general release.
Being a beta tester – the good parts
The advantages of being a beta-version operating system tester will really be most apparent to Apple fans who like to be ahead of the field. In addition to a whole new subject of conversation with like-minded friends (but only if they are also beta testers), they will be able to communicate with them using the souped-up messaging system which is said to be one of the major innovations in iOS 8.3. Apparently, it will be easier to sort out junk messages and to flag up those of potential importance.
Beta-testing drawbacks
In return for the chance to test the beta software, Apple expects bug reports and detailed feedback. Apple warns that at this relatively early stage of development, some of the applications and services in the beta version may not work entirely as expected, so the software should not be used in contexts where failure could have serious consequences. (Installing beta software doesn’t invalidate the Apple hardware warranty, though.)
iOS 8.3 features
Apart from the more sophisticated messaging system, the beta 8.3 has features such as extra emojis and a whole raft of new languages for Siri, who can now talk to you in Danish or New Zealand English (who knew that was a language?). Indian English should certainly prove popular on the sub-continent, though.
Confidentiality issues
Apple takes secrecy about its new software seriously and beta testers have to sign an agreement not to reveal details of the beta version to anyone outside the testing programme.
Signing up for Beta iOS 8.3
Anyone with an Apple ID can sign up to be a beta tester and download the software from the new Apple Beta Software Program website. They are strongly advised by Apple to perform a full back-up before installing it. The testing version comes with its own Feedback Assistant application, to make reporting bugs as simple as possible.
When the final version of iOS 8.3 is released
Testers do not get any privileges when the official version of the software is finally released to the public – they download it at the same time as everyone else, and in the same way. They have to uninstall the beta version, too.
