pre-release
Prior to publication
Pre-release describes something made available before its official public release: a pre-release version of software, a pre-release screening of a film.
The term often implies the product is incomplete or being tested: The pre-release build still has some bugs.
As a noun, a pre-release is the item itself or the period before launch.
Promotional film excerpt
footage · screener · demo · showcase · reveal · promo · sample · first look
Greek alphabet's second letter
- alphaFirst Greek letter
- closed betaInvite-only software testing
- open betaPublic prerelease testing phase
- early accessAvailability before public launch
prototype · trial · pilot · playtest · stress test · soft launch · bug · feedback
Availability before public launch
- limited editionSmall intentional production run
- collector's editionSpecial version for devotees
- deluxe editionEnhanced version with extras
- ultimate editionMost complete product release
special edition · backer · numbered · autographed · exclusive · VIP access · gold edition · premium
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- buzzContinuous low drone
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
speculation · eagerness · buildup · fervor · enthusiasm · impatience · curiosity · hope
Quality of protecting secrets
- non-disclosureMandated secrecy obligation
- NDASecrecy contract, abbreviated
- restrictionLimit on action
- moratoriumTemporary prohibition or delay
press embargo · media blackout · hold · suppression · secrecy · lifted · broken · violation
trailer
Promotional film excerpt
clip · footage · screener · demo · showcase · reveal · promo · sample · first look · behind-the-scenes
beta
Greek alphabet's second letter
- alphaFirst Greek letter
- closed betaInvite-only software testing
- open betaPublic prerelease testing phase
early access · prototype · trial · pilot · playtest · stress test · soft launch · bug · feedback · patch
early access
Availability before public launch
- limited editionSmall intentional production run
- collector's editionSpecial version for devotees
- deluxe editionEnhanced version with extras
ultimate edition · special edition · backer · numbered · autographed · exclusive · VIP access · gold edition · premium
hype
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- buzzContinuous low drone
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
expectation · speculation · eagerness · buildup · fervor · enthusiasm · impatience · curiosity · hope · prospect
confidentiality
Quality of protecting secrets
- non-disclosureMandated secrecy obligation
- NDASecrecy contract, abbreviated
- restrictionLimit on action
moratorium · press embargo · media blackout · hold · suppression · secrecy · lifted · broken · violation · leak
- coming soontrailer, teaser, preview, sneak peek, preorder
- early screeningssneak peek, preview, press screening, test screening, early access
- project stagesalpha, beta, concept, design, development
- Exclusiveslimited editions, rare items, VIP access, exclusive rights, sneak peeks
- Beta Testingbugs, crashes, feedback, fixes, glitches
- software releasesalpha, beta, hotfix, patch, version number
pre-releasepost-release
After public availability
released · launched · live · in production · shipping
pre-releasefinal version
Completed, approved iteration
final release · gold master · finished product · released · RTM
pre-releasegeneral release
Broad public availability
wide release · public release · on sale · open access · mass market