Yes the HW team is small, but they're good at what they do, so we all wait patiently for the new products to appear in the store.
As far as beta testing, you should watch this subforum (see link below) where CA's will post if they need beta testers for whatever project they happen to be working on. There's a thread at the top of the list which discusses what you need to know to be a beta tester, so read that over, and watch for a beta tester request. I can't say how often they occur, but folks are always needing someone at some point in time.
Seeking/Offering Beta Testing
As far as beta testing, you should watch this subforum (see link below) where CA's will post if they need beta testers for whatever project they happen to be working on. There's a thread at the top of the list which discusses what you need to know to be a beta tester, so read that over, and watch for a beta tester request. I can't say how often they occur, but folks are always needing someone at some point in time.
Seeking/Offering Beta Testing