Streamlined beta testing with AI-powered support for Sonance products.
Sonance Engineering Team
As the Lead Test & Verification Engineer at Sonance, I play a major role in the test and development of Sonance amplifiers. From firmware validation to field testing, I ensure every product meets our rigorous quality standards before reaching customers.
The UA2-125 presented unique challenges that inspired the creation of this platform - a tool built from real-world testing needs to streamline beta programs and enhance collaboration between engineering, QA, and our valued beta testers.
The story behind why this platform needed to exist.
The UA2-125 is our first HDMI input amplifier, bringing CEC and eARC protocols into the mix.
The challenge: Every TV brand implements CEC/eARC differently. Even within brands, models and firmware versions vary. Lab testing alone can't cover this matrix.
We bought TVs to test - but the combinations are too vast. Firmware updates constantly change behavior.
We built companion iOS and Android apps to wirelessly control the UA2-125.
The mobile challenge: iOS versions, Android versions, phone manufacturers, network configs, Bluetooth behaviors - all interacting with the amp and TV simultaneously.
Variables compound exponentially. We needed coordinated testing at scale.
Previous beta testing efforts lacked structure, visibility, and engagement. Here's what wasn't working:
Email, Slack, phone, spreadsheets. Critical insights lost in the noise.
Engineering, QA, and product had no unified view of issues.
Testers participated once and disappeared. No motivation system.
No secure way to distribute firmware and confidential docs.
No visibility into participation or feedback trends. Flying blind.
Couldn't target testers by equipment or product. One size fits all.
Every reminder required manual effort. Unsustainable at scale.
Product expertise that learns and grows with every interaction.
Seeded with complete technical docs, truth tables, and installer FAQs. Learns from every platform interaction.
Segment testers by product, geography, or custom criteria.
Gamified engagement system with points for contributions.
Firmware distribution with access controls and tracking.
Automated alerts and reminders via SendGrid.
Comprehensive grading, scoring, and comparison tools.
This entire platform was built using Claude Code in VS Code - proving that anyone with a vision can build powerful tools.
The Future of Software Development
From concept to production - this platform demonstrates what's possible when domain expertise meets AI-assisted development. No traditional coding background required. Just a clear vision and the right tools.
Real feedback from the people who helped shape this platform.
The beta program for the UA-125 ARC has probably been one of the best executed beta programs in my 13 years at Sonance. It was well-thought-out, the feedback loop was easy and attentive, and the assignments were comprehensive and easy to perform. A+
The beta program played a vital role in ensuring the UA-2125 met the high quality expectations of installers and end users. By placing the product in diverse real-world environments beyond the development team, it uncovered critical issues that directly improved performance, reliability, and overall user experience.
The Sonance UA beta program was an awesome experience. The portal was super easy to use for logging bugs and updates, and the team did a great job communicating tasks and jumping on any issues that came up. The leaderboard was a fun touch. It brought some friendly competition and camaraderie to the group. Each new software release was simple to download, update, and test. Joshua and the team were a joy to work with from start to finish.
Comparing RMA return rates across product generations. The UA Amplifier line, developed with our comprehensive beta testing program, achieved record-low return rates.
RMA Rate
RMA Rate
RMA Rate
RMA Rate
Reduction in RMA vs Mk3
The structured beta testing program helped identify and resolve issues before production, resulting in the lowest RMA rate in Sonance amplifier history.
From building the foundation to transforming the entire Sonance ecosystem.
Click each milestone to reveal the next
Built a centralized hub for UA2-125 beta testers to submit feedback and admins to manage participants.
Added assignments to direct beta testers on specific tasks and capture targeted feedback.
Successfully shipped 5 firmware updates based on beta tester feedback, each improving product stability and features.
Official launch of the UA2-125 amplifier with confidence, validated by extensive beta testing and real-world feedback.
Rolled out the feedback portal to field technicians for real-world issue reporting.
Product-specific AI agents trained on documentation and user feedback. Live now for UA2-125.
Onboarding beta testers for the Blaze product line with dedicated AI agent support.
Open the feedback portal to trusted partners, dealers, and installers for expanded field insights.
Create a new firmware release process that includes beta testing for all Sonance products.
Build dedicated AI support chatbots trained on documentation for every Sonance product line.
Release AI support chatbots and feedback portal access to trusted partners, dealers, and installers.
Master AI agent with knowledge across all product chatbots for system recommendations, field issue resolution, and sales & marketing support.
This platform exists because of leaders who truly invest in innovation and embrace AI as a tool to empower their teams. Their support made this vision a reality.
Head of Technology & Innovation
Director of Engineering
Product Manager
CTO
CEO
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