With RTL, Samsung offers developers access to its smartphones and smartwatches for remote testing of apps. The devices are connected to the cloud. Developers can select the device they want to test an app on and remotely install the APK file. They can then run the app to find bugs or compatibility issues. This would allow them to fine-tune the project before rolling it out publicly. Developers can select device language, take screenshots or make screen recordings, test automation scripts, and share screens with co-developers remotely. Access to real devices enables developers to determine the real-world performance of their apps. They can also test compatibility with certain device-specific features such as Flex Mode and App continuity on Samsung foldables. This is better than software emulation or virtualization that you typically get with development kits. There are some limitations too, though. With remote access, you can’t access additional hardware peripherals. You also can’t test calls and messaging-related services. But RTL goes a long way in enabling developers to test the real-world performance of their apps.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 are now available via Samsung’s Remote Test Lab
Samsung’s RTL service is free to use. All you need is a free Samsung Developers account and Java Runtime Environment 7 or later with Java Web Start installed. You can then access any supported Galaxy smartphone or smartwatch remotely for evaluating your app’s performance. Of course, you need a reliable internet connection for a lag-free experience. Samsung offers multiple units of each supported device through RTL. However, since these are real devices that you will be connecting to over the cloud, some devices are in high demand and may be fully occupied at times. The company limits developers to a maximum of ten hours of access to the cloud-based devices in a day to ensure fair usage. Developers get 20 credits daily, with one credit allowing 15 minutes of access. So for ten hours of access, you will need two days’ worth of credits (40 credits). The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 can now be accessed via Samsung’s RTL service globally (via). The new foldables have yet to reach customers. The company is currently taking pre-orders for them and plans to open sales on August 26.
