What should I use to let the clients test the app

Getting Started Newbie Questions
#1

Hi!

I have been developing with corona for a while but I´m a newbie when it comes to this.

I usually make a video of me using the app and send it to my client, but I wonder how you guys do it?!

Is there a super easy way for me to send the app to my client quickly, they install it on their iPad or Android easily and test it.

I´ve read about testflight, but it seems like a lot of trouble and approvals to get it running. And I don´t know if the app will be updated instantly?! And then there is Appetize?!

My clients are usually not so great with tablets and computers so it has to be easy.

Any of you have experience with this? What do you use?

Thanx!

#2

For Android it’s easy, just send them the compiled APK file. They will need to go into their device settings and enable “Install from unknown sources”, usually under security. After they enable that you can just email them the APK file.

For iOS maybe someone else can chime in.

#3

I know for sure that on android you can definitely just build an APK with no icon and don’t sign the build for final release just let it be in debug mode and the client wont be able to do anything with it other than test it. 

If the app is in debug mode you cant post it on google play. Debug mode should be on already but in the simulator. Press “CTRL+B” and “Key alias”  should have “androiddebugkey” selected. 

I’m not sure how Apple works on this so someone that devs for Apple should take a peek at this thread. 

–SonicX278

#4

TestFairy is a great service for allowing third parties to test out apps. It’s free, and can be used for both Android and iOS. The idea is the ability to manage large teams of beta testers, so you have a lot of extra logging features available. These aren’t necessary to use the free service, however.

#5

Thank you all for great tips!

Seems like Android is not to complicated. iOS is as expected a little more complicated.

I will test out TestFairy Alex, thanx!

#6

Ya TestFairy looks really cool! Will be really helpful on my next client project!

–SonicX278

#7

FWIW the recent Corona blog post on plugins noted that Hockey app would be coming soon, so you might want to take a look at that option as well, before getting standardized on TestFairy.

For the lo-fi option, you could just get your beta testers UDID, include it in the app’s provisioning profile, build the app, create your IPA (which is very easy) and send them that IPA file. They would just drag that into their iTunes window, and it should install on the next sync. 

#8

Wow. I wonder when Hockey app will be out. Hopefully really soon!

–SonicX278

#9

Any word on when the HockeyApp plugin will be available?  I am using HockeyApp anyway (works well), but it would be nice to access some of the other features…

Cheers,

Craig

#10

Engineers are working on HockeyApp now. We would like to get it out sooner than later.

#11

For Android it’s easy, just send them the compiled APK file. They will need to go into their device settings and enable “Install from unknown sources”, usually under security. After they enable that you can just email them the APK file.

For iOS maybe someone else can chime in.

#12

I know for sure that on android you can definitely just build an APK with no icon and don’t sign the build for final release just let it be in debug mode and the client wont be able to do anything with it other than test it. 

If the app is in debug mode you cant post it on google play. Debug mode should be on already but in the simulator. Press “CTRL+B” and “Key alias”  should have “androiddebugkey” selected. 

I’m not sure how Apple works on this so someone that devs for Apple should take a peek at this thread. 

–SonicX278

#13

TestFairy is a great service for allowing third parties to test out apps. It’s free, and can be used for both Android and iOS. The idea is the ability to manage large teams of beta testers, so you have a lot of extra logging features available. These aren’t necessary to use the free service, however.

#14

Thank you all for great tips!

Seems like Android is not to complicated. iOS is as expected a little more complicated.

I will test out TestFairy Alex, thanx!

#15

Ya TestFairy looks really cool! Will be really helpful on my next client project!

–SonicX278

#16

FWIW the recent Corona blog post on plugins noted that Hockey app would be coming soon, so you might want to take a look at that option as well, before getting standardized on TestFairy.

For the lo-fi option, you could just get your beta testers UDID, include it in the app’s provisioning profile, build the app, create your IPA (which is very easy) and send them that IPA file. They would just drag that into their iTunes window, and it should install on the next sync. 

#17

Wow. I wonder when Hockey app will be out. Hopefully really soon!

–SonicX278

#18

Any word on when the HockeyApp plugin will be available?  I am using HockeyApp anyway (works well), but it would be nice to access some of the other features…

Cheers,

Craig

#19

Engineers are working on HockeyApp now. We would like to get it out sooner than later.