Here's How to Become a Beta Tester for the Google Search App

By Manish Singh | Updated: 20 October 2015 11:53 IST

If you're someone who lives on the beta cycle of apps and services -- testing out new features before most of the world -- you will be pleased to know that Google has recently opened up beta testing for its marquee Search (aka Google app) app.

More interestingly, anyone with an Android handset can sign up to become a beta tester and get a glimpse at the new features and tweaks Google is working on for the app. The features that test out well and are feasible to scale will be delivered to general users.

Several Reddit users on Monday reported about a Google Now card notifying them to sign up to become a beta tester for the Google app. Not every user has been bestowed with it yet, do note.

For those who haven't seen the message on their device yet, a user on Reddit graciously posted a link to the beta signup page. Users have to click on the button that says "become a tester." Once done, Google will prompt an update to its app. The update dubbed 5.4.25.19 doesn't come with any noticeable new feature, however. As many users on Reddit noted, it may take a while for the update to arrive on your device though it seems to be instant for most users.

The news follows Google's efforts in July to make signing up for app testing easier for users, and providing developers open beta and closed beta tools.

It is worth noting that Google already maintains a beta testing program for Chrome app. But what makes beta testing Google app so interesting is the area that app covers. Google app is not just for searches, it also covers Google Now, and Now on Tap. Furthermore, the changes made to it also affects your home screen via the Google Now Launcher, the phone's voice recognition features, and more. The company hasn't commented on the Google app beta testing program yet, however.

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