Microsoft seeks testers for its ‘Family Insider’ program

Microsoft has a number of programs via which users can sign up to get early access and information about various Microsoft products and services. The company already is running various Windows Insider, Office Insider, Edge Insider and Skype Insider programs. Yet another of Microsoft’s test programs, dubbed the “Microsoft Family Insider” program is seeking more new participants.

Microsoft is calling for people who care about current and future family-related Microsoft products to join the program. Family Insiders will be able to participate in virtual monthly community calls with Microsoft employees working on new family experiences. They will get monthly newsletters featuring surveys, polls and opportunities to connect one-on-one with Microsoft product teams.

In a June 29 blog post about the program, Microsoft officials said that “Family Insiders have tested Microsoft Defender for Individuals before public release, shared feedback about the new Family widget on Windows, and virtually met with Family Safety, OneDrive, Lists, Edge, and Education teams to share what matters most to them and their family.”

In order to participate, users can sign in with their Microsoft Accounts to fill out a profile and survey questions.

Microsoft seems to be working to grow a number of its testing programs in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Microsoft put out a call for people to join the Windows Customer Connection Program (WCCP). Like the Family Insider program, WCCP promises exclusive virtual calls, focus groups, previews of unannounced products and discussions with Microsoft employees working on these products. WCCP is targeted at IT pros who are technical and agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement with Microsoft.

WCCP is not a brand-new program. It is an expanded program run by the Endpoint Manager team that works with IT Pro Most Valuable Professionals and other members of the Endpoint Manager community, I hear. Microsoft also is expanding another test program called the “Customer Co-Creation” program, which looks to be the cloud-side equivalent of WCCP.