Frequently Asked Questions

• What is this Beta Central?
  • Here at Beta Central, you'll discover opporunities to participate in testing our absolutely latest software, services and sites and take the opportunity to help shape these products before they become general release (or GM).
• What is a beta?
  • A beta is a pre-release version of any given product that's not yet been qualified for general distribution. As beta software is incomplete.
• Is beta testing for me?
  • If you're interested in using the latest products, giving your feedback, reporting issues and seeing your feedback in action AND you can tolerate an occassional defect or issue that may take time to resolve, then beta testing may be for you. If, however, you use a given product for business critical purposes and rely on problem-free operation, you may wish to re-consider or, at the very least, ensure you plan ahead and keep a non-beta version of the software where applicable.
    
    To participate in our Beta program, you must review and agree to the Beta License Agreement.
• Can I test a beta product and continue to use the GM release if I encounter issues with the beta?
  • That's a great question! Nine out of 10 times, you can — in fact, this is a best practice. In cases where you cannot, the project test page will have clear information to the contrary.
• Do I have to actively provide feedback to participate?
  • Of course not... however we truly do appreciate feedback! Feedback of all kinds are needed, but we are keenly aware of that your experience must be the best it can be so, should you encounter an issue that interrupts your enjoyment in some way, please do take a moment to send us some information about that.
• What happens to feedback I provide?
  • All feedback is reviewed by the team responsible for the product or service you're testing. There isn't always a direct response to your feedback, however it is reviewed and assessed.
• Will AOL ever reach out to me directly as a result of my feedback?
  • You bet we will! However, as always, we will not ask you for personally sensitive information.
• If I send feedback or a suggestion, will AOL listen?
  • We certainly will! However, please be aware that we have a large user base with a diverse set of opinions, feelings and expectations. If you provide a suggestions or report an experience you want to see changed, we can't just implement your idea straight away. We have to carefully consider the experience for all users.
• Where can I find help if I encounter a problem?
  • Each product we test has information about about reporting problems and getting help with that specific product. Most tests include both an opportunity to report an issue directly, or work with the testing community through Message Boards.
    
    Of course, should you have an issue you need to report with your account or a product not being tested in Beta, you should follow the typical support routes available at AOL Help.
    
    Oh, and remember, we always have our Community Chat room as well, and we often have engaged testers hanging out who can answer questions as well.