Beta Testing iOS Application

Question

I was wondering if it is advisable to get a small team of beta testers for an iOS application that will be released to the App Store. I am developing an iOS application and I have setup a beta application form however I was wondering if it is advisable to even do beta testing considering I am actively testing and using my application on all of my own iOS devices (iPad 2, 2 iPod Touches and an iPhone 4 (plus, of course iOS Simulator)) - all running various versions of iOS 4.

My question is: would you advise someone to get beta testers for an iOS application and, if so, how would you advise them to go about getting testers. For those interested, my application is at http://affogato.visioa.com/

Answer 1

You should try the TestFlight service, it has an iPhone application that does what I think you look for: http://testflightapp.com/

Answer 2

This question is old, but I think it's worth mentioning new options. I know 2 websites that propose the service you need:

• http://thebetafamily.com : it's a free service, so it's always good to give it a try. However the reviews are not validated, so the quality of the feedback can vary a lot.
• http://reviewfordev.com : registration is free but it's a paid service. All steps are manually validated by a moderator so you're pretty sure to get consistent feedback. Customer follow-up seems great.

Answer 3

Stack Exchange is trying out a new system for matching beta testers with projects.

Answer 4

It's always extremely valuable to get input on an app's UX from iOS device users who fit the profile of your expected customer base, and who are not developers, nor, in fact, anyone already experienced in running your app.

If you don't know any people who fit the profile of your expected customers, you have a bigger problem.

Customers look at apps differently from developers.

Answer 5

Test Flight is good. Id make sure that you get non Developers/programmers to test you app. What is important is that you have a good way of getting feed back off of them. Especially in terms of getting data about the usability of the app. Creating documentation or forms for the testers to fill out has worked for me in the past. You can even make them anonymous as some people will prefer this, and can get people to be more open.