Mobile testing has become an essential part of software development as more and more users rely on mobile devices to access information and services. But with so many devices and operating systems to test on, it can be daunting for developers and testers. Fortunately, tools like Kobiton can help simplify the testing process and provide real-world insights into how mobile applications perform.

This article will explore Kobiton in detail, highlighting its key features, benefits, and drawbacks. We’ll also provide examples of successful use cases and tips on how to use Kobiton effectively.

Table of contents:

What is Kobiton?

Kobiton is a mobile device cloud platform that provides automated and manual mobile application testing. With Kobiton, developers and testers can access a wide range of real mobile devices and simulators and perform functional, visual, and performance testing. The platform also offers features such as device logs, screenshots, and video recording, which can help developers and testers debug issues and track the progress of their testing efforts.

Key Features and Benefits of Kobiton

Real Device Testing

One of the key advantages of Kobiton is its real device testing capabilities. Unlike simulators or emulators, testing on actual devices provides more accurate results, as it considers each device’s unique hardware and software configurations. Kobiton provides access to an extensive library of real devices, including iOS and Android mobile phones, tablets, and wearables. Additionally, Kobiton allows remote access to these devices, meaning developers and testers can perform testing from anywhere at any time.

Cloud-Based Platform

Kobiton is a cloud-based platform, which means that users can access it from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. This makes it ideal for remote teams, developers, and testers who need to collaborate from different physical locations. Additionally, a cloud-based platform provides scalability and flexibility, allowing teams to add or remove devices as needed.

Integrations

Kobiton integrates with popular testing frameworks such as Appium, Selenium, and Espresso, making integrating into your existing testing workflow easy. This integration allows you to use your existing scripts and test suites, saving time and effort.

Analytics and Reporting

Kobiton provides detailed analytics and reporting, which can help you identify trends and patterns in your testing data and make informed decisions about your mobile application. For example, you can view device logs, screenshots, and video recordings to pinpoint the source of issues and identify areas for improvement.

Collaborative Testing

Kobiton enables teams to collaborate on testing efforts, allowing them to share devices and test scripts and providing real-time access to test results and feedback. This collaboration can improve team productivity and efficiency and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal.

Examples of Successful Kobiton Use

Many companies have used Kobiton to improve their mobile testing efforts. Here are some examples of successful Kobiton use:

EngagedMedia

EngagedMedia needed a Real Device Cloud to test their mobile patient engagement solution. Still, their current tool is needed to meet their needs. They chose Kobiton for its robust infrastructure, secure Real Device Cloud, and automation capabilities. With Kobiton, their app became over 10 times more stable, experienced 28 times faster issue resolution, and actual device performance improved by over four times. In addition, they achieved 40% automation with Kobiton, and compliance with FDA regulations was ensured. Kobiton helped EngagedMedia deliver high-quality digital experiences to patients quickly and efficiently.

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. faced challenges in testing mobile applications due to dispersed domestic and international teams using different physical devices, causing high costs and a lack of collaboration. Kobiton, a device management solution, helped ABN AMRO overcome these challenges by providing a shared bank of devices for testing and enabling regression testing automation through HP UFT. Additionally, Kobiton’s private device cloud ensured compliance with data security restrictions. As a result, in less than nine months, ABN AMRO saw an increase in efficiency, productivity, and quality of releases and a reduction in manual regression testing time.

Simplyhealth

Simplyhealth, a UK-based health insurance company, faced multiple challenges in delivering mobile applications due to its customers’ increasing use of mobile devices. They were using mobile device simulators that did not accurately represent actual devices, cross-platform testing was becoming impossible, and there was a bottleneck in testing, affecting customer service levels. Simplyhealth opted for Kobiton, which offered a private cloud infrastructure, secure implementation, and comprehensive management of mobile application testing assets. The solution allowed for early-stage testing, used existing automation frameworks, had a simple user interface, provided scalability for future growth, and was backed by dependable, knowledgeable support. Kobiton helped Simplyhealth to strengthen mobile user experience through more efficient testing and adoption across the organization, promoted collaboration, increased efficiencies, and enabled a flexible work environment for a distributed workforce.

Pros and Cons of Kobiton

Advantages of Kobiton

  • Real device testing provides more accurate results than simulators or emulators.
  • The cloud-based platform provides scalability and flexibility.
  • Integrates with popular testing frameworks, saving time and effort.
  • Detailed analytics and reporting allow for informed decision-making.
  • Collaborative testing improves team productivity and efficiency.

Disadvantages of Kobiton

  • Cost: Kobiton can be expensive, especially for small teams or individual developers.
  • Execution speed: Speed is slow compared to competitors, causing automated tests to fail due to connection timeouts.
  • Not intuitive UI: The UI is messy and not customizable, making it hard to resize devices, hide logs, and split windows.
  • Limited support for certain devices: While Kobiton offers an extensive library of devices, the most modern devices are scarce and may not be available for testing.
  • Device issues: Some public cloud devices are not healthy and have issues with memory, network, etc. that affect the test results
  • Steep learning curve: The platform can be complex and may require some learning time.

Conclusion

Kobiton is a powerful mobile testing tool that offers a wide range of features and benefits. With accurate device testing, a cloud-based platform, integrations, analytics and reporting, and collaborative testing capabilities, Kobiton can help improve your mobile testing efforts and ensure a seamless user experience. However, it’s essential to consider its limitations when deciding whether or not to use Kobiton. By weighing the pros and cons and using the tips provided in this article, you can decide whether Kobiton is the right mobile testing tool for your needs.