How to subscribe to the Beta channel

Jessica from Shift

May 09, 2022

1834

🎉Shift v8 is here! To gain access to v8, subscribe to the Beta channel. 🎉

Check out our Shift v8 resources, here.

Before you update, please read through this article so that you're set up for success in the Beta environment (this is especially important if you've already switched to Beta).

What is the Beta channel?

At Shift, we're continually releasing new updates to introduce new features, bug fixes, and the general maintenance that comes with a software product. Consequently, each release moves through a 3-stage process. The latest features, updates, and bug fixes are published to the Alpha channel first (0.35% of all users). They are then published to Beta (1.23% of all users), and finally to Stable (98.43% of all users). Each release typically sits in a channel for 2-3 weeks before moving on to the next channel.

Who is the Beta channel designed for?

By nature, the Beta channel is experimental, and subscribers are exposed to the risk of coming across other existing bugs. 🐛🐞 You should subscribe to the Beta channel if:

You're technically savvy and have a higher tolerance for bugs ✔
You love testing out new features and functionality ✔
You're familiar with development tools and the bug reporting process (to report a bug, submit a ticket here) ✔
You take the time to click around and thoroughly understand the ins and outs of a product ✔

I'm a Power User - How do I subscribe to the Beta channel?

Go to Options (lower left) > Settings > General > Support and Updates
Click Beta on the right-hand side and accept any notices
A prompt will appear after a minute or two to let you know a new version is available. Accept the update prompt
Allow Shift to reload and you will be on the Beta channel interacting with new features and updates

You can revert back to the Stable channel at any time. Learn how to do so, here.

If you have Shift installed on more than 1 computer, you should subscribe to the same channel across all your devices