pre-release
This term carries a strong connotation of exclusivity and anticipation. It is most frequently used in the tech, gaming, and entertainment industries to describe a strategic window where a product is tested or promoted to a select group. The feeling is one of a "sneak peek" or a controlled trial, distinguishing it from a general launch.
As a noun, the word refers to the temporal phase or the specific event of early distribution. It is typically treated as a countable noun when referring to specific versions or events, but can function as an uncountable noun when referring to the general period of time preceding a launch.
Meanings
Occurring or available before the official public launch or distribution of a product, software, or creative work.
The studio shared a pre-release version of the film with critics.
Phrasal Verbs
pre-release to
make a product available to a specific group before the general launch
The company decided to pre-release the software to a select group of beta testers.