Last updated: 2026-10-09

Four ways to run an Even Hub app. They differ in speed, fidelity, and what actually works. Beta Testing is what the QA gate demands; the first two are where day-to-day iteration happens.

Mode	Hardware	Iteration	Hot reload	Survives lock	On glasses menu	Real .ehpk	Reviewer parity
Simulator	No	Instant	n/a	n/a	n/a	No	No
Local Testing	Yes	< 1 s	Yes	No	No	No	No
Private Testing	Yes	~10 s	No	Partial	No	Yes	Closer
Beta Testing	Yes	~30 s	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

• Simulator - desktop sim renders the glasses canvas; optional HTTP automation API for scripted tests
• Local Testing - dev server + QR sideload; hot module reload over BLE; the daily driver
• Private Testing - first time the real .ehpk packaging path runs; every launch goes through the phone; not headless yet
• Beta Testing - distribute to yourself as a beta tester; the only mode that puts the app on the glasses menu, and the only one that matches what a reviewer sees