Facebook has announced an Android alpha testing program, following the launch of the beta testing program in June. The beta testing program has over a million daily active users, giving Facebook vital feedback, and with the alpha program its offering the chance to test possible new features even earlier.
Facebook says the alpha program, ‘is not for the faint of heart – features will come and go, crashes will be introduced and fixed, and designs may go through many iterations.’ So you can expect a less stable Android Facebook experience, but you’ll also see how new features are introduced and tested, and be able to shape development through your feedback. Another drawback of testing programs is frequent updates – the beta program requires two or more updates most weeks.
Joining the Android alpha testing program is easy:
- Join the Facebook for Android Alpha Testers Google group
- Allow alpha downloads by clicking “Become a Tester” in the Play Store (you need to join the Google Group before becoming a tester)
- Download Facebook from the Play Store to update your app
- Turn on automatic updates – it will be be updated multiple times per week
[Source: Facebook]
