Facebook for Android alpha testers program

Facebook has announced a new Facebook for Android alpha testers program. Facebook first announced a beta program which gave users access to test the newest features available to Android version of the social network. Now with the alpha release program, users will be able to test the bleeding edge features long before they reach the public.

Lead mobile release engineer Christian Legnitto claims that the alpha testing program “is not for the faint hearted” and that “features will come and go”. The alpha stage will naturally be less stable than the beta and standard app, however, it will offer brave Facebook users an opportunity to be among the first people to see the direction in which Facebook is headed. Legnitto says that the alpha and beta testing programs will “give early user feedback” and ensure that Facebook can “confidently provide the best app experience to everyone using Facebook.”


Another milestone for Facebook was the fact that since the beta testers program was launched in June, the program has reached over 1 million daily active users in over 150 countries, using smartphones from 50 different OEMs, running a multitude of Android versions.

If you want to join the alpha program, follow these steps:

1. Join the Facebook for Android Alpha Testers Google group https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/facebook-for-android-alpha-testers
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2. Allow alpha downloads by clicking “Become a Tester” in the Play Store (you need to join the Google Group before becoming a tester)
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3. Download Facebook from the Play Store to update your app
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4. Turn on automatic updates--we'll be updating alpha multiple times per week
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5. Report problems and give us feedback by using the "Report a Problem" menu item

Be aware that the alpha version of the app installs over both the beta and the general release. Because of the way Google Play works, if you sign up for both pre-release programs you will receive the alpha version. If you later decide alpha is not for you and want to be back on the general release, you can stop testing by clicking "Leave the test" in the Play Store.