How to Check Device Compatibility? | Definitions, Significance, and Methods

In this article, we will break down everything we need to know when it comes to compatibility issues and how to deal with them before releasing an app or mobile game. 

Introduction:

For an app to stand out in the market, it must excel on several different fronts. Device compatibility testing is undoubtedly among the most important of them. In light of this, we suggest that businesses do a device compatibility test before releasing their goods or software. In this Internet age, billions of online users browse the web using a variety of gadgets. In the year 2023, Statista estimated 16 billion mobile devices are in use all around the globe. Additionally, the number of browsers has increased with time. Making your website or application compatible with various browsers and devices is essential in this context to ensure that your intangible product receives the most attention possible. 

What is meant to Check Device Compatibility?

QA team and developers check the compatibility of apps and games through compatibility tests which is a big term for many other procedures under it. This testing process falls under the non-functional testing category and is done on a program to examine its compatibility (ability to run on various platforms and environments). The application is only tested until it becomes stable. 

The compatibility test is intended to evaluate the functionality of the generated software application across a range of software, hardware platforms, networks, browsers, etc. From the standpoint of product development and implementation, this compatibility testing is crucial because it helps to prevent compatibility problems in the future.

Why do We need to Check Device Compatibility?

There are many important reasons which point to the fact that these testing processes should never be ignored:

1. Device compatibility testing has the advantage of identifying software flaws while the product is still being developed, which helps assess an application's reliability, scalability, and usability across a variety of platforms and devices. In addition, it prepares the way for the analysis of flaws during the development phase using the input gathered during the testing process. It now makes it possible to improve the software development process.

2. Everyone can grow their business in the digital age, which has led to a sharp rise in competition over the past few years. However, because they don't accurately represent their true value, many businesses lose out on the possibility of the digital world. Because compatibility testing was not important a while ago, it is more likely. Businesses are working hard to differentiate themselves from the competition as they become more aware of it. Unexpectedly, testing for gadget compatibility is quite beneficial for them. Users will always choose responsive software that functions effectively across several platforms, as was already said. 

3. Testing for device compatibility also aids in determining the app's genuine potential. You might consider it a prediction of your app's effectiveness across several browsers. Additionally, it determines if the software functions effectively on a variety of mobile devices, tablets, and desktop PCs. Your app will ultimately need to be a full bundle to demonstrate to them how your firm operates. Customers will notice your application's quickness, which will increase traffic. The more users who download your software, the more money you'll make; but, in the digital world, the success of the sale is heavily influenced by the quality of the user experience.    

4. Professional device compatibility testing with actual users and devices is incredibly helpful in ensuring that the app functions properly across all platforms. Due to this, we adopt the same strategy when testing apps on actual users' mobile devices. We make that the app or website functions properly on the most popular devices, operating systems, and browsers available. It is undoubtedly bug hunting to ensure that the service functions as planned on a particular list of smartphones, tablets, or various browser versions. Although some experts evaluate programs for compatibility using emulated and simulated devices, this method has several disadvantages. Real-world scenarios must still be understood through actual manual interaction.

How to Check device compatibility in Software Development?

Compatibility testing can be done in two ways: Testing many versions of the application under development in the same environment. For instance, to see if your Android phone can run the Facebook app. For the same version of the Facebook App, first, verify compatibility with Android 9.0 and then Android 10.0.

The second scenario is testing the application in a different environment while using the same version. For instance, to see if your Android phone can run the Facebook app. A lower version of the Facebook app should be tested first with Android 10.0 (or the version of your choosing), and then a higher version of the Facebook app should be tested with the same version of Android. 

The compatibility checks are done in two schemes when it comes to version-based checking: Forward compatibility testing which is the process of determining how a piece of hardware or software will behave and whether it will work with a later release. The other one is backward compatibility is the process of comparing a piece of hardware or software's behavior to an earlier version of the same thing. All these tests consider software, hardware, and the network in which the app will be running. 

When it comes to getting the best possible compatibility results for one's app and games, WeTest can save the day. Thanks to its professional and state-of-the-art mobile app compatibility testing services, the company has been hailed in the industry for its reliability and consistent service. Clients can expect to be entertained by the industry's veterans and will receive deep insights into all the compatibility issues. 

Wrapping Up:

To stand out in the market, an app needs to excel on several different fronts. Device compatibility testing is unquestionably one of the most crucial of them. So, before releasing their products or applications, we advise businesses to check device compatibility professionally.