Google will reportedly allow 15 super fans to test unreleased Pixel phones

There are only three things that are certain in life: death, taxes, and Google’s next Pixel phone being completely leaked before the company can announce it. (numerous Generations From pixel He owns He was Unboxed, disassembled and even Reviewed Before Google can show it.)

But it looks like Google doesn’t want leakers to have all the fun – it’s planning to let 15 lucky fans try out the new Pixel phones while they’re still in development. Reports Bloomberg.

Although Google has not officially confirmed this yet, Bloomberg It says it has revised the official rules for a competition called the Trusted Testing Program, where 15 winners can “help shape a Pixel phone currently in development.” They will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement and agree to use the phones in special protective cases designed to hide them while out in the wild. Bloomberg Notes.

It is not unusual for companies to allow their employees to test unreleased devices In the wild using protective masksor for companies to bring fans into their offices for focus tests, but to let fans take a Pixel phone out into the wild? unheard of.

Can fans really spoil the Pixel’s surprise any more than leakers do anyway? The risk appears to be low. In recent years, Google has started… Proactively detect her private phones In the “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” strategy. I wouldn’t even be surprised if one of the winners gets permission from Google to share their early ideas with the world.

It’s not yet clear when fans might enter for a chance to try out the phone, or what phone it might be, or when this phone might get into their hands, but Bloomberg He writes that it’s intended for “Pixel Superfans” — so it’s a safe bet you should go for it Part of the current official fan collection So you have a chance.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.