Building An Effective Device Matrix For Mobile App Testing

What is a Device Matrix?

While developing a mobile app, developer are likely to receive a list of roving OS versions and specification they ask their apps to be compatible with. When this list is finalized and document, it is often referred to as the mobile device matrix.

The persona below represents a sampling mobile device matrix.

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A device compatibility matrix is a document that clearly defines the orbit (and cost) of maturation and testing efforts concern to specific platforms and handset.

Why do Teams Need To Create A Device Compatibility Matrix?

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The mobile device landscape is highly fragmented as numerous handsets from unequalled vendors such as Apple, Samsung, etc., are uncommitted and updated yearly. Additionally, every handset has a unique Android or iOS version establish on it. These handset keep updating their operating system at regular intervals, exacerbating the scenario.

Naturally, it is not practicable for businesses to test their apps on every individual device-OS combination usable digitally.

Here ’ s where the device compatibility matrix get into the picture. The device compatibility matrix limits the ontogenesis and test reportage of mobile apps to a specific set of operating system versions and specification sets.

Restricting the number of compatible mobile OS versions helps teams focalize on the most popular ones relevant to their mark audience. It also assist reduce the app ’ s exposure to cross-platform bug. Additionally, testing and optimizing apps on the latest device-OS combinations will enable developer to aline the app with the latest mobile releases in the market globally.
Moreover, a well-defined background aid deliver the best possible user experience for the select platforms.

This drives us to an important question.

How to Analyze Ideal Test Environments for Building A Device Compatibility Matrix?

Evaluating the idealistic device-OS combinations for comprehensive app examination is a critical job.
This form demands thorough research on the geographical usage of wandering apps.

Listed below are a few tools or website that one can leverage to figure out the most prominent mobile OS versions and handset based on specific areas:

1. Google Analytics

Teams must leverage this analytics puppet to evaluate the widely expend mobile OS and handsets from peculiar seller (like Apple, Samsung, etc.). It also indicates the locations users are coming from. This will help identify the most preferred mobile OS and handsets in the device compatibility matrix.

2. StatCounter

StatCounter is one of the best websites to get statistical insights concerning technologies. You can extract data for democratic screen resoluteness, and OS platforms used in specific countries like the USA, Europe, etc. The image below correspond the current scenario of popular screen firmness globally.

One can also further refine the information establish on geographical location. Users can view the data in multiple format such as Graphical charts, Maps, Pie chart, etc.).

This helps devs gain deeper insight. One can also refer to these credible public root for pimp relevant information:

1. NetMarketShare
2. Apple ’ s Official Support Pages
3. Android Dashboards

Data Points to Consider Before Building Device Compatibility Matrix

Mobile teams need to take sure data points to evaluate accurate app usage across specific mobile OS or device eccentric. These include:

1. Platform-based research:It helps understand the medium via which a exploiter is accessing the mobile app. For example, it facilitate determine whether a user is arrive from an Android or iOS handset. Additionally, one can also identify the edition of Android or iOS the user is come from.
2. Brand Usage:It assist dissect whether citizenry from specific geographies are using handsets from a especial marque (like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, etc.)
3. Screen Sizes:There are legion handsets released from unique vendors. Each device has unparalleled blind sizes. Analyze the most popular screen resolution among the target audience and ensure it is include in the device matrix.

Gathering data from the sources above will facilitate teams best understand their audience (local or global). Moreover, research on these data point will help teams best understand the Device-OS combination most relevant for direct the app hearing.

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Ending Notes

Rolling out roving apps that deliver a unlined user experience across platforms and device is a big challenge. However, creating a device matrix after thorough inquiry makes it relatively easier.

Creating a device matrix in the initial stages of development is the best practice as it help developers and tester understand their goals better. The data-driven approach helps teams make informed decisions during development and examination. Last but not least, retrieve that an updated device matrix helps teams release an app with the indispensable element in mind – the real users.