Google is doing one thing wild: it is letting a handful of “Superfans” check a brand-new Pixel telephone earlier than anybody else sees it. This “Trusted Tester Program” is a large shift from the standard secrecy OEMs make use of, particularly as Google battles its personal large leak downside.
So, Google is simply… handing out secret telephones?
Yeah, you learn that proper. In keeping with
a brand new Bloomberg report, Google has invited its “Superfans” group to use for a “Trusted Tester Program.” The corporate is reportedly choosing simply 15 individuals to get their fingers on a Pixel telephone that is nonetheless in growth.In fact, it is not a free-for-all. Winners should signal a strict NDA and—that is my favourite half—comply with hold the unreleased {hardware} hidden in “protecting circumstances supplied by Google.” The corporate is actually telling them tips on how to disguise the telephone. They’re judging candidates primarily based on their “ardour for Google Pixel” and asking for solutions on the place to enhance.
Why it is a larger deal than it sounds
Copy of the ‘Trusted Tester Program’ invite to Pixel Superfans. | Picture credit score — Bloomberg
That is simply not how large tech firms often function. Take into consideration Apple. Their pre-release {hardware} is locked down so tight that an engineer leaving one in a bar turns into a world scandal. Apple depends on inside testing and a super-small circle of trusted companions. They might by no means hand an unreleased iPhone to a fan, NDA or not.Google, alternatively, has a… totally different downside. Their telephones leak consistently. We regularly see full renders, and typically even bodily gadgets, months earlier than the “official” debut. This new program appears like Google is sort of leaning into the skid. They’re acknowledging their neighborhood whereas attempting to regulate the narrative—or at the least get some real-world suggestions earlier than the leaks inevitably occur.It additionally comes at an fascinating time. The
Pixel 10 was mainly a clone of the 9. Google’s {hardware} chief, Ivy Ross, talked about
in an interview with Bloomberg earlier this 12 months that they goal for a brand new “design language” each 2-3 years. This check program may very effectively be for the Pixel 11 or 12, which is perhaps the most important refresh we have been ready for.
Is that this a sensible transfer, or simply asking for hassle?
Actually, I am torn. My first thought is, “It is a PR nightmare ready to occur.” You are giving 15 individuals probably the most anticipated (and leakiest) telephone of the 12 months and trusting them to maintain a secret? Good luck.However the extra I give it some thought, the extra I sort of find it irresistible. Google is aware of the telephone goes to leak. This fashion, they are not preventing their followers; they’re involving them. They get priceless suggestions from individuals who really use and love their merchandise, not simply engineers in a lab.
In the event that they’re testing a brand new design, getting early impressions on the way it feels within the hand is crucial. Perhaps that is Google’s method of lastly getting forward of the leaks by, paradoxically, leaking the telephones themselves… however in a managed surroundings. It’s a daring transfer. Let’s simply hope it does not backfire spectacularly.
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