14 DAY TRIAL // After announcing the “Early Access” feature for beta applications on the Play Store last month, Google now offers Android users the opportunity to join the beta testing program for early releases of its Maps app on Android.
Users who sign up to become beta testers can download and install new versions of the Google Maps with features that have not yet been officially released. Users must make sure they’re logged into their Google accounts before registering to become a tester.
Users that already have the Google Maps installed must agree to the beta test Maps and they will shortly receive an update that brings them to the testing version of the app. In addition, the application is available for download on the Google Play store.
During this year’s Google I/O, the company announced its intention to bring app beta programs directly to the Play Store and grant easy access to users. Previously, users had to join a special Google Group managed online, in order to improve applications.
The latest version of Google Maps is 9.27, which doesn’t bring any additional changes aside from access to beta testing.
The early access feature implemented in Google Play Store allows users to join and exit beta testing programs much easier and all from within the application.
Considering this new features, Google seems keen on tapping into the community of Android users who wish to test out all the latest app versions and thus help the company properly evaluate new app versions before officially releasing them to the greater public.