Soft launching is a quiet release of an app or update to a limited number of users, allowing for market validation and user feedback. Soft launches can be used to test the app's usability, gather feedback, and assess its performance before releasing it to a larger audience. This strategy is useful for new apps and mobile games, as well as established apps looking to fine-tune their UX and marketing plan. Dark launching involves releasing major changes or features to a subset of users without highlighting them, allowing for bug testing and feature adoption validation. Canary releases are similar to dark launches but are used for all app releases to minimize the impact of production bugs on users. Unlike beta testing, soft launching focuses on stress testing and market reaction, whereas beta testing is focused on late-stage development and a wider scope for changes. Dark launching requires a sizable user base, and features released in this manner should have high polish levels to avoid upsetting users. Ultimately, each strategy has its benefits and purpose, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the app.