StarWest 2024 Recap: AI and the Future of Mobile Testing

It’s a wrap! StarWest 2024 has drawn to a close and we are very excited to share with you all the insights we gained and what we have to look forward to.

Highlights from StarWest 2024

StarWest 2024 delivered a host of innovative discussions, networking events, and technology showcases, solidifying its place as a premier conference for software testing professionals. This year’s spotlight was on advancements in AI-driven automation, mobile testing, and collaborative networking opportunities. With over 15 sessions focused on AI, the topic was explored from nearly every angle and perspective. As our world continues to evolve, AI automation is no longer just theoretical but is becoming an integral part of the testing process. 

Introducing Kobiton’s AI Gateway

While at StarWest Kobiton announced its plans for an AI gateway. This will allow customers to integrate their own AI algorithms when analyzing the “exhaust” collected during a test session. “Exhaust” refers to any screenshots, device logs, network payloads and/or any other data that might be collected during a test. With this enhancement users will be able to have more control over their mobile application testing process. Read the full press release here.

Key Trends, Themes & Observations

AI was everywhere at the conference, with “AI test agents” becoming the latest buzzword. One vendor centered their entire offering around this concept, underscoring the growing impact of AI in testing. Practical AI stood out as a critical focus, with customers particularly interested in how we specifically use AI in our solutions. Many attendees were unfamiliar with Kobiton initially, but after conversations, they became intrigued and eager to learn more about our practical AI applications and mobile-first approach.

Another recurring issue for many companies was the challenge of managing both internal and customer-facing apps. Internal apps are often treated as afterthoughts due to a perception of mobile maturity or, more concerning, a belief from security teams that mobile automation isn’t feasible. This highlights the need for solutions like Kobiton which provide secure, automated testing solutions. Additionally, companies with web-only services acknowledge that Gen Z expects app-based experiences, and they know they’re falling behind in this regard. Even companies without consumer-facing apps have internal apps that require testing, which presents an opportunity to support  this underserved segment.

Effortless Automation

In his session, Kobiton CTO Frank Moyer, focused on using AI to streamline mobile testing with Appium. He guided participants through transforming manual test cases into Appium scripts quickly and efficiently, making them platform-agnostic. He also provided practical insights on generating and running these scripts on real devices, enhancing automated testing capabilities. For those who missed it, Frank offers a related training course, Effortless Automation: Unlock Appium Testing Skills in 30 Minutes, for a deeper dive.  

Kobiton After Hours

After a packed day of learning and innovation, Kobiton’s cocktail hour at the Jazz Kitchen brought industry leaders and peers together for casual networking. It was a night filled with connection-building, sharing key takeaways, and winding down after an eventful day.

Looking Forward

StarWest 2024 also showcased new technologies in automation, machine learning, and continuous integration pipelines. Kobiton remains dedicated to continually evolving its product offering to stay at the forefront of innovation. For example, this past year Kobiton has open-sourced the Appium script generation tool, released the Mobile Test management tool, and was among the first to support IOS 18 beta. We look forward to the release of AI gateway next year and the many more advancements to come!

We’re excited to see how these innovations will shape the future of mobile automation and testing. If you are interested in learning more about Kobiton’s mobile focus, get your free demo today!