Here's to well run betas

louisd · November 6, 2017 8:51AM

I've participated a few ZTE betas and am now participating in the Samsung Galaxy S8 Oreo beta, and I have to say, the ZTE betas were so much better run, no competition. Now I get that the Samsung beta has 10,000 participants but everything from the quality of the first beta release (SO many bugs), to the fact that there's basically no staff participation, to the fact that people are randomly losing access to the beta bug reporting and forums (with no one to help resolve the issue), the Samsung beta is just a cluster.

Good work ZTE.

hollap · November 6, 2017 9:31AM

I agree @louisd. While ZTE may not have the largest beta groups in the world, they select some really top notch people to do the testing. I know or have met many of them, and their technical knowledge level and expertise is outstanding. I salute ZTE and the many testers that give up their time to make ZTE devices and software what it is today!

DoppelgangerD · November 6, 2017 10:06AM

ZTE has a pretty good beta program for sure. Organization is one of the keys to success.

jasone · November 6, 2017 12:15PM

I've done betas with small and large groups and the larger the group the worse it usually is. There is just too much noise and not enough signal. The more people you add the more false reports you get and problems that occur from scaling. ZTE has always run one of the most organized betas I've ever been in and always a pleasure to get to test for them.

jasonscarter · November 6, 2017 8:22PM

Mad props to ZTE!

johnny3dd · November 9, 2017 8:19PM

I will agree with all of those statements, ZTE is very good at paying attention to what consumers want and what works, or doesn't. They definitely have one of the best beta Labs I've ever been a part of..

coldheat06 · November 9, 2017 9:00PM

ZTE is a top notch group and there employees that interact with the customers are really the best!!!

freeza · November 13, 2017 3:36PM

The fact that we haven't gotten an update since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

DoppelgangerD · November 13, 2017 4:03PM

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten an update since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

Your comments really aren't on topic for the purpose of this thread.
This thread is for giving praise about how well they run their beta sessions.

Aside from that, yes we have all been waiting mostly as patient as possible for an update.
I'm sure ZTE is working on it. I can't imagine they are just sitting there saying that their flagship
model phone isn't worth updating to screw over their customers.
I would surmise they may be working on a larger update, but we will just have to wait and see.
In reality, the device works just great for me on a daily basis, and while I am also waiting and hoping for an update,
I know that it will come eventually. Hopefully sooner than later.

johnny3dd · November 13, 2017 6:29PM

In case you weren't aware. It's a common know fact that the carrier is the one who calls for an update to certain manufacturers. Beta not included, They are almost always issued to the largest selling company, based on the latest and greatest release receive top priority. Samsung are usually one of a few, and of course Google Pixel that get them on the reg. Pixel being they are Google exclusive device, and the maker of Android OS is the only one I'm aware of that gets regular schedule updates based on security changes. ZTE is not responsible for the updates after they have been shipped, and sold by whatever carrier you may be with. As far as Beta, that's exactly what it is "A beta build" not to say that if you're a part of a beta lab you won't ever see another, it's pretty much up to your carrier to send updates to your current device based on supply and demand. With newer models every year most of which are top priority, (again based on top sales) fact is older devices will see less priority from the carriers unless you are still apart of an active beta test. That's pretty much it in a nut shell, really no reason to come down on ZTE for your frustration or lack of knowledge, I'm not being rude just trying to help anyone who questions, or (no pun intended) feels like they are a part of a cult. We are all apart of the same team, and if not happy are always free to move on. For the record I am not a paid employee of ZTE just a satisfied customer who has done his homework and wants to help whenever I can. You're welcome, Have a great day

freeza · November 13, 2017 7:10PM

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten a BETA since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

@johnny3dd67 said:
In case you weren't aware. It's a common know fact that the carrier is the one who calls for an update to certain manufacturers. Beta not included, They are almost always issued to the largest selling company, based on the latest and greatest release receive top priority. Samsung are usually one of a few, and of course Google Pixel that get them on the reg. Pixel being they are Google exclusive device, and the maker of Android OS is the only one I'm aware of that gets regular schedule updates based on security changes. ZTE is not responsible for the updates after they have been shipped, and sold by whatever carrier you may be with. As far as Beta, that's exactly what it is "A beta build" not to say that if you're a part of a beta lab you won't ever see another, it's pretty much up to your carrier to send updates to your current device based on supply and demand. With newer models every year most of which are top priority, (again based on top sales) fact is older devices will see less priority from the carriers unless you are still apart of an active beta test. That's pretty much it in a nut shell, really no reason to come down on ZTE for your frustration or lack of knowledge, I'm not being rude just trying to help anyone who questions, or (no pun intended) feels like they are a part of a cult. We are all apart of the same team, and if not happy are always free to move on. For the record I am not a paid employee of ZTE just a satisfied customer who has done his homework and wants to help whenever I can. You're welcome, Have a great day

Ummm.. the Axon 7 is sold unlocked. Absolutely nothing to do with carriers.

louisd · November 13, 2017 7:20PM

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten an update since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

Nowhere did I say anything about the quantity or timeliness of updates. This post was merely about how the betas are run. That's all, nothing more.

johnny3dd · November 13, 2017 7:24PM

@freeza said:

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten a BETA since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

@johnny3dd67 said:
In case you weren't aware. It's a common know fact that the carrier is the one who calls for an update to certain manufacturers. Beta not included, They are almost always issued to the largest selling company, based on the latest and greatest release receive top priority. Samsung are usually one of a few, and of course Google Pixel that get them on the reg. Pixel being they are Google exclusive device, and the maker of Android OS is the only one I'm aware of that gets regular schedule updates based on security changes. ZTE is not responsible for the updates after they have been shipped, and sold by whatever carrier you may be with. As far as Beta, that's exactly what it is "A beta build" not to say that if you're a part of a beta lab you won't ever see another, it's pretty much up to your carrier to send updates to your current device based on supply and demand. With newer models every year most of which are top priority, (again based on top sales) fact is older devices will see less priority from the carriers unless you are still apart of an active beta test. That's pretty much it in a nut shell, really no reason to come down on ZTE for your frustration or lack of knowledge, I'm not being rude just trying to help anyone who questions, or (no pun intended) feels like they are a part of a cult. We are all apart of the same team, and if not happy are always free to move on. For the record I am not a paid employee of ZTE just a satisfied customer who has done his homework and wants to help whenever I can. You're welcome, Have a great day

Ummm.. the Axon 7 is sold unlocked. Absolutely nothing to do with carriers.

My bad, I didn't realize that's what you were talking about, didn't mention name of it in the post. Other than unlocked it's still the same story with carrier models. I do have an unlocked LG V20 and a year later still get updates, have unlocked ZTE devices as well and those have also received updates, don't know what's up with the Axon 7. You might consider contacting ZTE directly, not just the Z Community, from what I understand they don't run the updates to devices other than beta testing.

freeza · November 13, 2017 7:38PM

@louisd said:

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten an update since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

Nowhere did I say anything about the quantity or timeliness of updates. This post was merely about how the betas are run. That's all, nothing more.

Gotcha but... Even in beta... Updates...ya know?

louisd · November 15, 2017 9:31AM

@freeza said:

@louisd said:

@freeza said:
The fact that we haven't gotten an update since July doesn't say "GOOD JOB ZTE" at all. What are you people smoking that you cut them so much slack? I am starting to believe I'm in some sort of cult

Nowhere did I say anything about the quantity or timeliness of updates. This post was merely about how the betas are run. That's all, nothing more.

Gotcha but... Even in beta... Updates...ya know?

I get it. But each day I'm in the Samsung Oreo beta I'm reminded about how different the ZTE betas were. Two days ago the 2nd beta came out for the S8. For the T-Mobile version of the phone this beta disabled cellular capabilities. That's right, the phone would come up, be on cellular for 10 minutes then the cellular radio would crash and no more cellular until a reboot, where the cycle began again. None of the ZTE betas had those kind of bugs.

There are also a large number of users who can't access the beta forums, can't provide bug reports, can't get the beta notices regarding work arounds or known issue. Those users (including me) have likely spent hundreds of hours collectively trying to bring this to Samsung's attention. Two weeks after the beta has started, there still is no one to listen, no one to respond and no solution. Again, I can't imagine something like that happening for two weeks without some response from ZTE.

Anyway, that's all. I want my updates too, but that's a gripe for a different thread.

diamonddave · November 18, 2017 7:33PM

Some of the comments here I will take with a grain of salt. Some people just like to be wieners. I've been in a few betas for the Z and the moderators have been top notch. I really hope to be able to participate in additional betas. Especially in ANY secret or Public Beats for Axon 8. Hint, hint @sshasan

sycotictbone · November 26, 2017 11:34AM

I'm hoping to be apart of the upcoming beta . I did the questionnaire and just waiting to be picked. I have been in betas for microsoft and other companies. (so far microsoft is the only one not to leave a bad taste in my mouth) I heard from some people I know that have done some for the ZTE company and I am eagerly waiting my round with a company that will help when a bug hits.

debrasworld · November 30, 2017 11:15AM

I can’t wait to do my first beta with the zte blade zmax I got chosen

louisd · November 30, 2017 7:30PM

@debrasworld said:
I can’t wait to do my first beta with the zte blade zmax I got chosen

I believe that the confidentiality of the beta means that you're not supposed to tell people if you're involved or not.

fzrrich · December 3, 2017 10:56AM

Class act group of individuals for sure

gulfguy · December 8, 2017 10:23AM

Yes! ?MAD PROPS to ZTE for this latest beta for the BLADE Z MAX...I have never been a beta tester before, this is my first time. The process has been super easy with the absolute best customer service! I have always been a ZTE person, but especially after this and joining the ZCommunity I will now only own ZTE products here on out. This community is one of the absolute best I have ever been a part of. All the members are of the utmost best when it comes to answering questions and helping with Amy issue(of which I have only had one when first joining the current beta(only because I didn't clear my cache and data before installing and signing into the app for reporting on the beta program.)
I realize I have only been in the program for less then a week so far but this first update has my phone running like I never dreamed any of my phone's ever would.
I truly hope ZTE realizes what a great team they have chosen to run this community along with the administrators and developers that run it. ZTE has proven to me they have comeback over the years and are committed to being and staying on top. Thanks for renewing my faith in ZTe as I will now be a ZTE advocate for the comoany. I can not wait to see what is ahead for the ZTE Axon M , as this will be my next purchased phone(if they don't have a better one released by then. With the improvements to functionality on my Blade Zmax, I hope to be able to use this phone for a while to come yet.
10 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐to ZTE out of a five rating . To me youll have became that good along with the great customer service NO other company provides this kind of customer service! NO. ONE!
Forever a ZTE owner,
gulfguy😀

sshasan · December 8, 2017 10:32AM

Thanks for the love @gulfguy!

gulfguy · December 8, 2017 10:37AM

@sshasan thank all of you all for everything you all do. I truly hope ZTE appreciates and realizes how much you'll have done and continue to do to move forward in bringing ZTE USA market to the top!

bendyl · December 13, 2017 6:54PM

Yes! The ZTE community is the best place I’ve tested!

diamonddave · December 29, 2017 5:11PM

@louisd one thing to also keep in mind is that you are somebody at ZTE. I recognize most of the names here in this post - whether through mutual beta participation or through meetups and sometimes both! I can attest that I am just a name on a sheet of paper to Samsung. The Beta process for ZTE is not perfect, but it's a fluid process with the leadership team in close communication with the Beta participants. When I post to a beta forum, I know that someone is going to look at it and appreciate my comments and reporting. I have done 3 beta labs and look forward to the next beta opportunity I can get chosen for. I thank @sshasan, @Aerospaceman, @monger80 and @DrakenFX for their continued commitment to the Beta Program and the phenomenal job that they do. Hope those going to Vegas this year have a great time! Wish I could be there this year.

lambo352 · February 16, 2018 12:02AM

I love the way zte runs their beta program.. they actually take all feedback into account.. only issue I'm having is getting my wetest app back after factory reset.. I really want it back so I don't lose my points.. any ideas?

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Here's to well run betas

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