Poker News

In development since 2012, PokerStars’ new software, dubbed PokerStars 7, is still in the alpha testing phase. But now, anyone who wants a peek into the future of the world’s largest online poker room can give it a try. About a week ago (the last day of March, to be exact), PokerStars opened up PokerStars 7 Alpha to all comers.

For months, PokerStars 7 Alpha testing was invite-only, though it was expanding gradually. Those who want to start using the software can download it from the following link, provided by PokerStars rep, “PokerStars Douglas,” on the Two Plus Two forums:

http://dev1.testpokerstars.com/exchange/PS_COM_ALPHA.exe

The software is fully functional and can be used for both real money and play money games, but only for those using Windows PC’s and a PokerStars.com account. PokerStars 7 does not work yet with the .net site or Macs. Keep in mind that as this is an alpha testing product, there will be frequent updates and potentially more bugs than one is used to seeing.

The software will be installed in a separate directory from the current version of the software, now called PokerStars 6. Both can be used, just not at the same time. PokerStars 7 will import existing notes and settings so players don’t have to start all over again.

The new PokerStars has a sleeker look with, at least in this writer’s opinion, an easier-to-read and navigate lobby. Clicking on a populated, active table brings up a mini version of that table in a frame on the right-hand side of the lobby. All the players can be seen at their seats with their chip stacks as well as where the button is presently situated. Players can click on any open seat to start playing or just click on the “Seat Me” button. An alternate player list view is also available.

Among the other various features, one interesting one that stands out is the “Live Events” tab. Clicking on this defaults to the “All Events” sub-tab, which contains four buttons: Europe, Americas, Asia, and Australia / New Zealand. When one is selected (Europe is the default), a map is presented which shows the locations of upcoming events on the PokerStars sponsored tours. The locations can be clicked on for more information and, if there are satellites available, players can go directly to a lobby to see a list of qualifiers.

PokerStars 7 might work with third party software such as Hold’em Manager or PokerTracker, but PokerStars does not guarantee this, as compatibility has not been tested.

Alpha testers are invited to join a private PokerStars 7 forum on Two Plus Two to ask questions, make suggestions, and stay informed about the latest developments. Just go to the “Group Memberships” section of Two Plus Two, selected the PS7 group, and wait for approval.

Those who want to read more about PokerStars 7 Alpha can go to http://www.pokerstars.com/pokerstars7 (username: alphatester, password: ps7alpha) for more details.

2 Comments

  1. PokerTracker says:

    I can confirm that PokerTracker 4 supports PokerStars 7, we have supported PokerStars 7’s alphas since the fall of 2013.

  2. Dan Katz says:

    Thanks for the heads-up!

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