Google is reportedly planning to allow a select group of 15 fans to test new Pixel phones before their official release. This initiative comes amid ongoing leaks of Google’s devices, as previous generations of Pixel phones have been extensively unveiled prior to the company’s announcements.
While the program, referred to as “The Trusted Tester program,” has not been officially confirmed by Google, sources from Bloomberg indicate that the selected participants will be expected to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and utilize special protective cases to disguise the phones while testing them in public.
It is not uncommon for tech companies to involve employees in testing unreleased hardware under protected conditions, yet the decision to engage fans in this manner is relatively unprecedented. This raises questions about the potential impact these fans may have on the leakage of product information, especially considering the existing challenges from leakers.
Google has adopted some self-disclosure strategies, preemptively announcing features or designs of its phones to manage public expectations. This method poses the question of whether involving fans in testing would truly compromise the surprise of a product launch or if it might enhance consumer engagement and feedback.
Details about how fans might enter the program, which specific phone will be tested, or the timeline for the initiative remain unclear. The program appears to be targeted at individuals already part of Google’s existing fan community, known as “Pixel Superfans.” Google has not provided a comment on the matter as of now.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/802866/google-pixel-superfans-test-new-phone-trusted-tester-program-report