The Windows Insider program may soon expand to Microsoft Lumias

The Windows Insider program, which involves users testing the desktop and mobile OS during its development, looks to be a large success. Fans get an early look, and Microsoft gets user feedback on what works and what doesn't before it goes wide. The program is to aid in Microsoft's new rapid development Windows as a Service philosophy.

One idea that some Insiders have floated is not only testing software but new hardware too. Microsoft's Gabriel Aul even considered such an idea as "interesting". Of course, there are complications here including possible NDAs and people revealing anything that they should not.

Now, we are hearing that an email is being sent to select Insiders who have provided useful feedback to the Windows dev team. The important part from the email mentions the creation of a new team of Insiders:

" We are currently selecting Windows Insiders like you to join a group that will soon play an even more active role in the development of Windows 10 Mobile.

"Based on the exceptional feedback that you have already provided on recent builds of Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview, we think you have both the knowledge – and passion – to be part of this team."

The email instructs the reader to take a survey and info about the user, including:

• The kind of device owned
• Their address
• Their shipping address

Is Microsoft going to see new hardware to users for detailed feedback on their devices? From the looks of it, it may very well happen. Not only would Microsoft gain some useful data from those users, but it would be one heck of a reward for being an outstanding contributor to the program.

We'll have to wait and see how this initial survey goes, but Microsoft may be taking the first steps to a greater Insider program. For now, you can jump into our forums where a topic on this question has been started.

Thanks to our tipster who wishes to remain anonymous