Mikey Campbell
In a note sent out to developers on Wednesday, Apple invited AppleSeed members to participate in a "test fest" focusing on AirDrop functionality in OS X 10.10 Yosemite, which bakes in compatibility with devices running iOS 8.
Apple usually restricts test fest activities to internal teams working on upcoming OS X software, but has decided to bring AppleSeed developers into the fold in preparation of OS X Yosemite's launch this fall.
According to the letter, the company has set up a special discussion topic to handle observations and test results, as well as a survey created to guide developers in specific feature testing. The directed focus suggests there are areas of concern that need to be ironed out before the final Yosemite build is released to the public. The survey is available through Feedback Assistant.
Finally, to help flag issues, those opting in to the test fest will be provided with information regarding the correct way to write up AirDrop bug reports.
AirDrop is one of Yosemite's tentpole features and offers users the ability to quickly transfer files and media between OS X and iOS platforms without taking extra steps like sending content through email. Like iOS 7 and OS X 10.9 Mavericks implementations, the next-gen AirDrop iteration still uses Wi-Fi connectivity to ferry data back and forth, but adds in Bluetooth 4.0 for quick device discovery
When accessed from Control Center in iOS 8, AirDrop automatically gathers a list of nearby machines — including Mac running Yosemite — with which content can be shared. The desktop version also has a dedicated Finder window to transport files from Mac to iPhone or iPad.
AppleSeed members are already taking part in the AirDrop Test Fest, which started at 12 p.m. Pacific today and is scheduled to run through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Malcolm Owen
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35 Comments
Can't wait for Yosemite
Apple needs to step up their QA, that much is certain. Today's iOS bug is unacceptable.
Apple needs to step up their QA, that much is certain. Today's iOS bug is unacceptable.
While I agree that the iOS 8 update issue today was not acceptable. This was a story about AirDrop and Yosemite.. Is it really necessary to bring in an unrelated story in to the comments on this one? It does not serve anyone or make any difference in the resolution of that issue. It also makes it harder for people to discuss the merits of this story and it's subject.
[quote name="RORWessels" url="/t/182485/apple-announces-airdrop-test-fest-to-flush-out-issues-ahead-of-os-x-10-10-yosemite-release#post_2605772"] While I agree that the iOS 8 update issue today was not acceptable. This was a story about AirDrop and Yosemite.. Is it really necessary to bring in an unrelated story in to the comments on this one? It does not serve anyone or make any difference in the resolution of that issue. It also makes it harder for people to discuss the merits of this story and it's subject. [/quote] I was insinuating that this was a step in the right direction (though I doubt they made it just today). Apple's releases have been getting slowly buggier across the board for the last few years, it's not just iOS.
I understand your statement, even if I do not agree with it. I have used many versions of Mac OS X and I can tell you that while the nature of the bugs has changed, the frequency and number of them may have actually gone down. The simple fact is most people never used Apple software or hardware before the iPhone. Apple has been working like crazy to bring more and more functionality to the mobile space. With increased functionality comes increased complexity, and the ever larger chance for a bug to effect larger numbers of people. It's not an excuse, but it is a fact in IT. As I have stated many times today, a bug such as the one we saw today is unacceptable. I suspect that Apple thinks so as well as they pulled the update almost as soon as confirmed cases where reported. It's unacceptable that it somehow slipped through QA. For that I have no answer. I do know that when comparing iOS to Android and Windows Phone (of which I have all three in active use) I find that iOS and my Apple devices are actually far less buggy or prone to issues. Also, when an issue is identified, it seems to get fixed a lot faster. I am just asking for some perspective here on these blaring headlines. For AI to have a bright red tag next to the headline about this smacks of click baiting. Even if the intent was to warn potential updaters ahead of time. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt there. I am still waiting for bug fixes and updates for my Galaxy S4 and my Lumia 1520. I know I will not seem them soon or at all as the carriers are in control of when the updates go out and the OEMs don't seem to really care because the hardware is over a few months old now. Again, perspective matters here.