Rental cellphones let developers test their mobile apps

Just as web pages need to be tested out on multiple browsers, so mobile apps need to be tried on different handsets. That is where Canadian Wavefront comes in, with a range of diverse cellphone models available for rent to wireless developers for testing purposes. Vancouver-based Wavefront is a not-for-profit commercialization center that aims to accelerate the growth of Canada’s wireless and new media companies. Toward that end, it offers a variety of services including training, mobile industry advisory services and incubation office space. Through Wavefront’s handset rental service, meanwhile, app developers can avoid having to purchase unlocked phones or commit to mobile operator contracts. Instead, they can rent just the models they need for a limited time to ensure their apps are compatible. More than 300 GSM and CDMA phones are available for rent to Wavefront members, as are selected 3G tablet devices. Pricing begins at CAD 10 per day for a phone or CAD 25 for a tablet; rental fees include access to Wavefront’s test facilities with personal workspace, wireless internet and power. Mobile apps are going strong, so it could be well worth catering to the many people and companies that develop them. One to emulate in your neck of the mobile woods? (Related: Outsourcing beta invitations for web and desktop apps.) Spotted by: Dejan Risteski