Thread: Don't be fooled by Google's phony 'beta' label

What do 'beta' and 'experimental' mean when they're making money just the same?

A typical release cycle for software development includes something called the beta-testing phase. The idea is to improve the product by enabling users, rather than developers or professional testers, to provide feedback.

The relationship between the software company and the beta testers is usually based on barter. No money is exchanged. The software company gets test services from the user, and the user gets familiarity with an upcoming product, familiarity that may provide some personal or professional benefit.

More at Elgan: Don't be fooled by Google's phony 'beta' label

The advantage of Beta tag is that if anything goes wrong, they can always claim
"hey it was beta only"

Originally Posted by panchabhut

The advantage of Beta tag is that if anything goes wrong, they can always claim
"hey it was beta only"

ya that might be true......

Originally Posted by amitkool21

ya that might be true......

Most of the time this is the reality. I have read blogs where they hold back their criticism a bit back just because the product is in Beta phase. (ex Windows 7, Gmail, IE8 and so on..)

Originally Posted by cool_techie_tvm

More at Elgan: Don't be fooled by Google's phony 'beta' label

The article is a very good read. Thanks for the links cool techie

Originally Posted by panchabhut

The advantage of Beta tag is that if anything goes wrong, they can always claim
"hey it was beta only"

i have been saying this since long to my frenz... they suck, thanx cool techie.

ooops i didnt notice this thread earlier ... thanks for the info CTT ... so does that mean gmail will remain beta almost forever just for the safety ... that if anything goes wrong they can claim that it was a beta version... !!

Originally Posted by saurav_kataruka

ooops i didnt notice this thread earlier ... thanks for the info CTT ... so does that mean gmail will remain beta almost forever just for the safety ... that if anything goes wrong they can claim that it was a beta version... !!

Yes something like, however we can expect google to be a bit more responsible, atleast I hope they are

Originally Posted by vikramjb

Yes something like, however we can expect google to be a bit more responsible, atleast I hope they are

believe me they aren't...quite naturally, all are just into the business for their profits, nobody gives a sh** for you.