The third iteration of a pre-release software version intended for widespread user testing. This allows individuals outside of the developing company to experience and evaluate new features and functionalities prior to the official, general release. Participants download and install this version on their devices, providing feedback on performance, stability, and any observed issues.
Its importance lies in the collection of real-world user data, which helps identify and resolve bugs or compatibility problems that may not be apparent in internal testing environments. Historically, such programs have been crucial in enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring a smoother launch of the final software release. By engaging a large user base, developers gain invaluable insights into how the software performs under various conditions and with different hardware configurations.