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Beta testing service for mobile applications (Beta testing tools for iOS and Android)

Tram Ho

Beta testing is probably one of the most important steps in mobile application development.
Unlike standardized iOS operating systems, mobile devices running on Android differ significantly from each other, not only by the installed version of the operating system, but by the type of programming language and resolution. screen, hardware, etc.
That is why you have to keep not only a group of testers in the project but also a variety of different devices to test the application. Typically, this process is conducted manually.

overview

First, you need to install the application, then carefully check its features and usability to find bugs. And this process will be repeated many times on every device that has the application installed. That is why device management becomes extremely important.

The significant downside, in this case, is that the work is very time-consuming for testers and especially the lack of devices running the Android operating system.

looking for more information

In this article I try to compare the 4 most popular services that provide Beta testing services for mobile applications.
I have tested 3rd party testing services in Beta for phone applications, as follows

  • Crashlytics
  • HockeyApp
  • Ubertesters
  • TestFlight

The picture below depicts the feature that is most important to me personally and its availability at various mobile beta testing platforms.

There are two main types of testing services: crash app crash reporting service and outsourcing testing beta service. Basically, the latter includes the same functions as the former.

TestFlight

TestFlight is an application that simplifies testing applications for iOS devices by simplifying code collections for devices. One of the main advantages is the ability to know how many times the application has launched, how many times it has failed, and received some information for debugging.
In general, using this tool is a very interesting experience, allowing you to collect UDID-s effectively and contribute to application development.

Advantages of TestFlight:

  • Upload files simply and quickly through the Mac OS computer utility (actually this is the simplest of the other services);
  • Login remotely;
  • Free.

Main disadvantages of TestFlight:

  • It does not support Android.

To get started with TestFlight, you only need to fill out their registration form. Make sure that if you are a programmer, you will have to specify this – this will give you access to upload builds and invite your testers to test. The next process is quite simple – you will need to create a team, upload your build and invite your testers to test.

HockeyApp

Because TestFlight was recently restricted by Apple, many software programmers have recently switched to HockeyApp. Detailed crash reports (for example, completing a stack trace with server symbolization and, although not as good as TestFlight), their desktop apps provide a great way to upload apps and files. dSYM (used for symbolication) However, the HockeyApp tool is not free, you can only try it for free.

Advantages of HockeyApp:

  • Open source library;
  • Build management, device management, track tester activity;
  • Detailed report on crash problems.

Main disadvantages of HockeyApp:
It does not support Test Cases. Although not every team needs this feature, for me personally, this plays an extremely important role.
To get started with Hockey, you’ll have to pay – the minimum package for 5 applications will cost you $ 10 per month. However, they do offer a trial version (Hint: to use the free trial version, remember to specify the developer at the time of registration). Once the registration process is complete – register your device on Hockey, download your app and let your tester install it.

Crashlytics

In fact, if you are not very interested in beta testing of your application, you should consider the Crashlytics tool. This tool provides more features like a feedback forum. The service is currently free and it looks like it will remain free in the future.

Advantages of Crashlitics:

  • This is a key tool to report crashes. If you are looking to report a problem – this will give you all the necessary functions;
  • It’s free.

Main disadvantages of Crashlitics:
It doesn’t allow uploading builds or managing equipment, it’s just a simple incident reporting tool.
To start using Crashlitics, you will need to be logged in with your Twitter account. Yes, it seems that you see that someone is planning to collect as many social media addresses as possible. However, don’t expect that you will register and have access to all functions immediately – you are currently on their waiting list. Please wait for more invitations. Waiting and waiting.

Ubertesters

Like Crashlytics, the Ubertesters platform is free. It is intended for all types of mobile applications. But unlike Crashlytics, it offers a wider range of services than HockeyApp, including recording crash history, editing screenshots, supporting test cases, etc.
In one platform, it combines an intelligent testing tool and the ability to hire a remote testing team. The real-time push notification feature lets the tester know about the new build, allowing him to install it on his device. In addition, they have the ability to send errors and other issues from within the application and edit screenshots on where the error occurred. This seems to be a good solution for software developers who want full control over the testing process.

Advantages of Ubertesters ::

  • Editing screenshots – You can simply highlight the error area with the roadblocking function. Not a joke – this tiny feature saves more than 50% of testing time;
  • In the absence of testers, you can hire their own beta testers immediately. Although I have never used;
  • Test Cases Support – As I mentioned above, this feature is very important to me;
  • It has really completed the entire feature that allows me to use this platform only for all my beta testing needs today.

Main disadvantages of Ubertesters:
The user interface is too complicated. I have to take some time to adjust it.
To get started with Ubertesters, visit their website and fill out the registration form. You can choose if you want to use the platform for free or want to pay (depending on your testing needs).

Quick tip: currently they offer a Pro package (including all features) for free (as a trial), so I would recommend choosing Pro over Free when choosing your package. When registering, you will need to create an organization profile (or join an existing profile), integrate their SDK into your application, upload the first buiild and start testing.
Therefore, there are a few significant differences between the services listed above. Each of them can be used for various mobile app beta testing solutions. To get the best results for these testing services, you must install their SDK and deploy different parts of your code for developing applications.
Read more: Mobile testing guide
In the following article, we will discuss more about Mobile Application Development Company
Source of translation: https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/mobile-app-beta-testing-services/

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