Any kind of new launch of a tech product comes fraught with dangers. What worked in the beta version might crumble when it comes to the real thing. It may be that the demand that was anticipated simply might not exist. And, after what has probably been a very long and expensive development phase, the risks of failure are simply too high to contemplate.
So it’s no surprise that all successful tech companies run comprehensive trials before they fully commit to a product or service. What is more surprising is the country in which they choose to test.
For one thing, its very isolation means that testing can be carried out discreetly. So if it proves that the product or service in question is simply not viable or is beset with issues then there’s very little chance of the rest of the world finding out about it.
Then there’s the geography of the country. With a wide range of areas from big urban centers like Auckland and Wellington to more remote, rural regions it means that it can act as a microcosm of other, larger, countries like the US that have a similar mix of environments.
That the common language is English also counts in its favor, as does the fact that New Zealanders are relatively well-educated. And, perhaps because the country can feel relatively cut off from the rest of the world, the population is quick to adopt new technology and ideas.
A prime example of this phenomenon came in 2016 when it was one of the first countries to be introduced to Pokémon Go. The enthusiasm with which the innovative AR game was greeted by New Zealanders was soon to be repeated all around the world.
The citizens’ willingness to embrace the new has also been shown in the huge popularity of online casinos. This has seen many open in the country and to help consumers find the best online casinos, sites such as Bonusfinder New Zealand analyzed the various options through factors such as bonuses and payment methods to provide a comprehensive review. Therefore, consumers have all the information they need to know when exploring this market.
The use of New Zealand as a testing ground is by no means a new phenomenon. As long ago as the 1980s it was one of the first places in the world to start using the EFTPOS payment technology that is used almost everywhere and by all kinds of businesses today.
One organization that has consistently relied on New Zealand as a testing ground is Facebook. Although understandably secretive about the details, it’s believed that these tests included a trial of a Snapchat-style app and their online Marketplace.
Microsoft, on the other hand, tested a do-it-yourself website-building program called Sway while worldwide pizza take-out business Domino’s has been experimenting with deliveries by drone.
So next time you discover a great new piece of tech, there’s a good chance that the Kiwis have tried it first – and that is why it will be working so well for you.