Here's the public beta of the iOS 8.3 update.
Or is it? When is 'public' not public? When it's invite-only, apparently.
In Apple's world of distorted reality, 'public' seems to have a whole new meaning.
In IT Blogwatch, bloggers won't let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment.
Really? An Apple public beta? It's no joke, says Josh Smith:
Apple now offers a public iOS 8.3 beta. ... Users need to opt in...to download and install the update on devices running iOS 8.1.3 or higher. ... you need to be a member of the Apple Seed program. This is free to join. ... If you join...now you may be in line for the iOS 9 update beta.
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Installing [it] does not void the warranty, but apps and services may not work the same. MORE
Yay! Public beta! Benjamin Mayo nay-says nothing: [You're fired -Ed.]
Apple has just seeded a new developer build of iOS 8.3.
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Messages settings has a new ‘Conversation List Filtering’ option. ... Messages from unknown contacts now include a ‘Report Junk’ link. MORE
But wait! Rene Ritchie has more:
Looks like Apple is sending out invites.
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So it’s not *public*, it’s invite-only...from the OS X beta pool. MORE
So Andy Weir cascades the news down to us:
Last month, a report claimed that Apple was preparing to launch a public beta program for iOS...and for a few moments...it appeared [the rumor was] spot-on.
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However, according to Rene...it's not actually a public beta at all. ... Not everyone who was previously registered has received this invitation...many users who have signed up to the 'public beta' [and] try to access [it] there is no option to do so. MORE
"Public" beta my ***. Churnaism #FAIL? Susie Ochs knows better than to go off half-cocked:
Once you sign up...you can get immediate access to the OS X Yosemite Public Beta. ... A link to join the iOS beta may appear. If it doesn’t, check back later. ... Apple isn’t inviting everyone who visits the page immediately.
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Developers have iOS 8.3 beta 3 already, so this rollout...signals that it’ll likely be ready for the masses soon. ... iOS 8.3 will include more diverse emoji and wireless CarPlay, among other tweaks. MORE
Meanwhile Dylan Richard loses fans by electrifying the conversation:
Rather frustrating since they're letting [in] people just signing up today...within 10 minutes.
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Mostly [they're] people just wanting emojis but people who actually want to fix bugs...are being left out. MORE
The very same Mr. Richard vents elsewhere, also:
Wish people would stop calling it a "public beta." [That's] definitely NOT the case here. I’ve only heard of about ¼ of the people...who actually are able to.
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Even if you sign up for it they...have selected very few people...to actually participate. ... [You] can’t just go sign up, get the provisioning file and download it...which is what "public beta" makes it sound like. MORE
You have been reading IT Blogwatch by Richi Jennings, who curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites… so you don't have to. Catch the key commentary from around the Web every morning. Hatemail may be directed to @RiCHi or itbw@richi.uk. Opinions expressed may not represent those of Computerworld. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE.