Apple announced the new OS X Beta Seed Program that allows interested users to try out the pre-release version of the next OS X Mavericks update.
Apple, the leader in hardware and software for smartphones and computers, announced the beta release of Mavericks OS X 10.9.3, Tuesday, with a real change in its testing process. For the first time, the Cupertino tech giant is letting interested Mac users and not just developers try out the next update of the company's latest Mac operating system prior to its general release.
Apple introduced new OS X Beta Seed Program that makes it possible for general users to sign-up to get early access to unreleased Mac OS versions. The OS X Beta Seed Program is free for general Mac users with an Apple ID but users must adhere to confidentiality agreement before signing up, which is similar to what developers sign before testing new software. The new program is different from Apple's Mac Developer Program, which offers additional tools for software developers and is a paid-access with a $99 annual fee.
Testers of the new beta update will be required to provide feedback to Apple via automated dialog boxes and other methods. As it will be dealing with more number of users eager to test the unreleased version of OS X 10.9.3, Apple guidelines strictly warn about the confidentiality of the program.
"[T]he pre-release software is Apple confidential information," Apple explained in its FAQ page for the OS X Beta Seed Program. "For example, don't install the pre-release Apple software on any systems you don't directly control or that you share with others, don't blog, post screen shots, tweet, or publicly post information about the pre-release Apple software, and don't discuss the pre-release Apple software with or demonstrate it to others who are not in the OS X Beta Seed Program."
For testing the pre-release version of the Mac OS X update, users must install special utility software that comes with the program. Once downloaded, the Mac App Store's Updates tab will show the OS X 10.9.3 for download, Apple says. The tech giant also suggests users back up their files and data using Time Machine before installing the update and can get assistance from Apple specialists if any problems occur. Apple also assured its users that the software update will not void the hardware warranty.
The new program comes weeks before Apple is expected to unveil the next version of OS X at WWDC developer conference, which is scheduled for June 2. The OS X Beta Seed Program can bring early access to the preview build of the next OS X version,TechCrunch reports. More users testing the software for Apple will give a broader perspective of any kinks that can be repaired prior to the final release.
Mac users with an active Apple ID can register for OS X Beta Seed Program to kick off the testing of preview builds of Mac operating systems.
