Location service became essential function of modern mobile phones, smartphones and tablets. It is very helpful and convenient that a mobile device can determine its location during movement. A lot of mobile software products operate basing on location service.
But unfortunately nowadays location service of mobile devices does not work perfectly. The user may get into a scrape entirely relying on it. A device may determine the location not precisely. It may be ok for some programs and be unacceptable for the others.
Functional testing of such software products many testers find interesting and amusing. Similar situation never happen during web site testing or desktop testing.
For instance, if a program helping to find building or needed bus on a bus station, shows incorrect results, the consequences may be unfortunate for the user. Executing mobile testing of such application, one should carefully check the function of location determination.
A software testing company informs that there are many reasons influencing accuracy of location service.
The Common Factors Affecting Location Service:
- If a device determines location basing on the most recently utilized WiFi connection, the calculations will be wrong in case the user is traveling.
- Location determining requires high performance from a device. The determining may be slow if the device is executing other functions at the same time.
- Exchanging of signals with satellites, cellular towers or other objects can be blanketed or distorted by other devices, bad weather conditions or buildings.
- Some devices calculate their assumed next position when they are on the move. If the user stops or changes the direction the calculation will be wrong.
The described situations should be checked during mobile application testing if the tested software uses location service.