From time to time, developers like to test out new features for their programs. Sometimes these tests actually end up being features that make it to the finished product, and sometimes these tests end up being highly experimental just to see how their users react to them, such as Google experimenting by turning all their hyperlinks black.
That being said if you’re the sort of user who doesn’t mind exploring new and experimental features, you will be pleased to learn that Mozilla has announced that they will be bringing back the Test Pilot program for its Firefox browser. In case this wasn’t obvious, this program allow users who participate in it to test out experimental features before they are released (if at all).
Mozilla had originally launched the program back in 2009, but back then it was less about testing new features, and more about how users interacted with its browser, so we guess technically this is kind of a different beast. The relaunched program will see 3 experimental features in play right off the bat: tabs on the side of the browser, an activity stream showing the timeline of your browsing history, and an improved Awesome Bar.
It seems that anyone will be able to participate in this Test Pilot program, and all they’d need to do is create a Firefox account or sign in if they already have one, get the Test Pilot add-on, enable experimental features, and they’ll be good to go. More information can be found on Mozilla’s website.