Beta Tester of the Month Feature -May 2015 The Beta Family

May 06, 2015

I have wonderful news today. I was featured in the first segment for the Beta Tester of the Month (May 2015) for the beta testing site The Beta Family. I've actually been a tester for The Beta Family for over 2 years now and I test beta (or second stage) development prior to the product's release. I decided to test apps because apps have become so popular within the past couple of years, and they continue to gain popularity, also because testing the app is a way to be one of the first to try the app and in some cases even get paid to try the app.

When I first started school at Howard, my husband, Rex got me an Apple IPad 2 which has IOS for its operating system, which our now two and half year old daughter uses (where was that when we were growing up, hehe). I also have owned an phone with an Android operating system, pretty much since I got rid of my T-Mobile Sidekick II. I remember when I first saw The Beta Family site, I viewed the video they have on the site currently, which gave more information on app testing. I added to my profile which devices I owned, which now is a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for my cell phone, and I applied to apps that I thought were interesting. I got rejected for a couple of apps at first and it took months before I got accepted to my first paid app testing, but I stuck with the website and on occasions I would test the apps and give my review. Over time my reputation on the site grew and to where now I am currently the number 1 tester on their Top List.


The website is also great for app developers. It gives the opportunity to collect constructive feedback from a diverse or select group of people. It also gives the platform to distribute the app the broadly to private or public testers.

With all that being said, here is the segment as featured on their blog:

"Welcome to our new segment here on the blog called Tester of the month! We want to show our love to our top testers on Beta Family, that are doing an amazing job with helping the app development companies with their beta testing. We here at Beta Family think that more focus should be on the people who are passionate about new apps and features and often test without being paid for it, just for the love of beta testing.
In May we want to give our love to Tasha Sumo, naming her Tester of the Month. We are really happy to have her as a member of our family!


Tester-of-the-month-Tasha-Sumo
Name: Tasha Sumo
Age: 28
Nationality: American
Interests: Earth science, technology, writing, baking
Devices you own: Apple Ipad 2, Lenovo Ideapad, Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Apps tested: Over 102 apps.

What is your best quality as a tester?
I read the description for the app so I have a general idea of what I am testing and I use this as somewhat of a guideline of when I test the app.

What is your favorite app?
My favorite app is a number guessing app called Fermi. I found myself really thinking as to the order of the numbers and the layout for the numbers is on clouds.

Do you have a favorite app developer/company?
I really don’t have a favorite app developer/company.

How come you’ve started with beta testing?
I started with beta testing to learn about new products out there that I could share with family and friends, to be one of the first to try an app and share feedback that might be able to help the developer.

What kind of apps do you like most to try?
I like puzzle, productivity and game apps.

As you have tested a lot of apps, you must have encountered numerous bugs and fault. Is there one bug or fault that you encounter often that you feel that developers should have know and fix before starting the beta testing.
I think for app developers, who wish to change the system for the phone, the greatest bug there is losing the ability to use the phone itself.

Why are you a part of Beta Family’s community?
I am part of the Beta Family because I like the features of the site. I can test out apps, share feedback, possibility earn cash and maybe one day even submit my own app for feedback.

How long have you been a member here at Beta Family?
I’ve been a member for over 2 years.

Do you have three tips for newly started beta testers?
The three tips I have are:
1) Get a feel of how the Beta Family site works and the testing process. It’s good to familiarize yourself with what is involved for the testing because in testing both Android apps and IOS apps, the testing process can be different for the apps.
2) Test both free and apps that pay. By testing both types of apps you will be exposed to a greater variety apps and can become more well-versed.
3) Be patient. Sometimes it takes a while for the testing process to start and once you start testing, it takes time to build your rep as a beta tester.

What is your philosophy towards beta testing?
Beta testing is more than just downloading and reviewing, it’s a chance to make a difference, build connections and try something new or improved.

What three things do you need to be successful in beta testing?
To be successful you need:
1) A schedule. Know when the test will end and make sure you devote time during the testing period to accurately test the app.
2) A working device. If the device is defective that is not helpful in beta testing.
3) An open mind. Though some apps might seem similar, keeping an open mind and not a pre-set attitude will help to test the app more fairly.

What’s the worst thing about beta testing and what’s the best?
The worst thing about beta testing that it’s sometimes time-consuming, the best thing is the chance to share feedback.

Would you rather test apps for bigger companies or new start ups?
This is a rather hard question to answer. I stated previously that I really don’t have a favorite developer or company and this goes for both startup and bigger companies. But I would rather test for bigger companies because they might be more willing to offer products for beta testing. I do like the new of ideas of startups too.

What is it that makes an app exciting to test?
The description of the app and the preview screenshots for the app.

How many apps are on your phone right now?
Not including bloatware, I would say more than 40.

Are you a gamer? If you are, what kind of games do you like?
I’m a bit of a gamer, I enjoy role-playing games, adventure games and strategic games.

A big thank you to Tasha for being our first tester of the month this May! We really appreciate your hard work and we hope you will find many more apps to test at Beta Family.
Next month we will feature another of our top testers so please subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss it. "


Thank you so much, Beta Family for featuring me this month! I definitely will be testing more apps through the site. Maybe one day I'll even submit my own.

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