Windows Central reports that a photo of a letter from Microsoft to a Windows Insider was posted on Reddit this week. It thanks the Insider for their “active participation” in the program before revealing they’ve been selected to receive free Windows 10 Mobile hardware in exchange for feedback on its hardware and software.
Microsoft is especially interested to hear thoughts on Continuum, the technology that lets Windows 10 phones with select Qualcomm processors power a second display. The eligible Insiders are being offered a free Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL handset, the Microsoft Display Dock for Continuum and the Actiontec wireless display adapter. They have until December 15 to respond and must tag along a “brief description” of their current perception of Continuum in their reply.
For people who have actively contributed feedback on Windows 10, this is one unique form of “thank you” from Microsoft. In return for their contribution, the company seems willing to send Insiders the hardware required to run the software they’ve helped to shape. There’s no mention of having to return the phone once feedback has been delivered.
Clearly, Microsoft won’t be offering a free Lumia 950 to every Windows Insider though. It’s safe to assume that only people who have sent in useful and unbiased feedback will be offered hardware. The letter notes that “eligible” members have already taken an additional survey to help the company decide on the best people to involve.
The concept of beta testing software is nothing new, although Windows 10’s Insider Program is one of the largest efforts to date. Letting fans test-drive new hardware is certainly unique though. By starting this project, Microsoft is demonstrating it trusts its community but also acknowledging it can improve its products by involving their users.
It’s unclear if Microsoft had this planned all along but some signs suggest they only decided on it relatively recently. Almost exactly a month ago, Twitter user @PepperdotNet suggested to Microsoft’s Gabe Aul “You should let us Insiders go ahead and buy the things [Lumia 950], loaded with Preview software.” Aul replied “Interesting idea.”
Hours later, news of a survey being sent to select Windows Insiders began circulating online. It asked the Insiders to inform Microsoft of the devices they owned and their shipping address, inviting them to join a group playing “an even more active role” in the development of Windows 10 Mobile. Only four weeks later, it looks like Microsoft is ready to start shipping free phones to its most useful fans.
