Google is now offering a Preview Program for its Home and Chromecast devices, allowing customers to access new firmware versions and features before they are released to the public.

“The Preview Program is a user opt-in channel that updates your Chromecast or Google Home with the latest firmware version before it is made broadly available,” Google explains. “This gives members of the program early access to features and improvements on their device. It’s an exciting way to get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest updates – and tell us what you think!”

While it’s not clear yet what new features are coming to Google Home or Chromecast, what’s perhaps more interesting is how the firm is positioning this preview.

“This is not ‘beta’ software,” Google says. “Our intention is that Preview Program updates will be of the same quality as production version updates. You’re simply getting earlier access to new features before they’re released broadly.”

As with other similar previews, the Google Home Preview Program is a two-way street. In return for early access to new features, Google expects participants to send them feedback too.

News of the Google Home Preview Program leaked a few weeks back when a Google support document was updated to include information about this program. But it’s gone live now, according to Android Police. However, it’s not live for everyone, apparently. And you must be on the latest firmware version (93937 or newer) to access the program.

Tagged with Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Chromecast Ultra, Google, Google Home