14 DAY TRIAL // Apple Software Customer Seeding, a program where customers are invited to test pre-release software products from Cupertino, is making its foray with the Apple fan base by letting Mac owners download and install Mac OS X 10.7 Lion for free.
In order to gain real-world quality and usability feedback, Apple’s Software Engineering team will be listening to the suggestions and complaints coming from those who’ve received their invitations to download and test out Lion.
There’s something in it for the tester too - “This program gives you a first look at new and upcoming software products while empowering you with the ability to provide feedback directly into engineering,” Apple notes.
Via a FAQ posted by Apple at appleseed.apple.com, the Cupertino tech giant reveals that it is not seeking new participants, therefore, those interested in testing Lion can’t contact the company to do so.
Instead, Apple is sending out invitations. Those who receive them will get a promo code to download the software from the Mac App Store and a password which they’ll be using to identify themselves as select testers.
Both the program and the software are free. All Apple asks is that customers shush up about the ongoing development while providing them with feedback.
The program is also voluntary, so even if you do get an invitation, there is no compensation for your contribution.
There will be a Customer Seed And Confidentiality Agreement to sign, so you won’t be able to give a copy of Lion to someone else to play with.
“It doesn't permit you to distribute the software in any form to anyone without prior permission from Apple,” the Mac maker specifically states.
Those selected will be granted access to a list of known issues, a discussion board, and release notes for sequential releases of Lion (if Apple considers your contribution is worth it).
Apple makes a final note, saying “We strongly urge you to test the software and require your feedback.”
Those who fail to actively participate in the testing of Lion may be disqualified from future seeding programs, Apple warns.