Android 5.0 Lollipop Vs Apple Ios 8 - War of the Giants

The Fall of 2014 witnessed the release of two vital mobile OS – the Android 5.0 Lollipop and iOS 8. This is one of the most interesting things that have happened in the mobile world over the last few months. However, the launch of iOS 8 might seem to be of little interest to the Android users. But if you are interested in the mobile technologies then it is important to consider both these releases. It has been often witnessed that ideas flow from one good operating system to the other. Previously both these operating systems were largely compared depending on their polish as well as features. While Android had more customizations and features, iOS was known for its superior finish. However, the latest releases have forever changed the way these two will be compared in the future. Apple has updated OS in a way that now it has as many features as Lollipop.

Design: The Material design of Android Lollipop ranks it on the similar platform of iOS polish and finish. Although on the surface it might appear similar but in reality they offer different kinds of user experiences. From Google’s point of view this is an ambitious release as far as its design is concerned. Android has offered a stock look for over several years. With Lollipop it has broken away from that stereotype. But the sad news is that all the features of this new design are not available for the users. The users mostly use UI skins whether it is Samsung, HTC or any other device. Presently only Nexus smartphones are offering Lollipop in its truest color. It is really sad that the other users will probably miss out on the layers, textures, shadows as well as the transparencies that have been designed so exquisitely.

For the first time in the history of the Android phones the UI (user interface and UX (user experience) has a clarity of purpose. Moreover, the design is equally available to an array of handheld devices and is in perfect sync. This is where Apple lacks behind. It is one of those things that Apple has not offered for quite some time now.

The iOS 8, on the other hand, has introduced only minor changes from its previous version, iOS 7. Last time the most noted change in introduced by Apple was OS X Yosemite.

As far as the visual appearance is concerned both have similar color patterns as well as languages yet there are several differences. The primary difference lies with the navigation style of how an app is accessed and then getting back to the home button. The Android version has updated its soft menu bar and is offering a way to get in and out in a semi-omnipresent style.

Thus, in this aspect the Lollipop seems to score over iOS 8.

Performance: Quite similar to its predecessor iOS 8 comes across as a 64-bit OS that runs on the 64-bit hardware. Although the devices from Apple are considered less powerful for this reason when compared to Android’s controls but when considered from both OS and hardware aspect, the iOS is known to outperform the more powerful Android devices.

The Android L, on the other hand, completely supports a 64-bit processor and is packed with a completely new runtime. The app performances in these devices, thus, stand improved and far better than that of its contemporaries.

Battery Life: Project Volta’s batteries are used for the Lollipop devices as these are known for projecting better battery life. When compared to KitKat it has been noticed that they offer 1/3 longer battery and the runtime, too, is less demanding. This factor also helps the batteries to perform better.

iOS 8 is also suggested to be more efficient than ever. But the batteries are quite heavy as compared to the ones found in iOS 5. With increase ratio in the performance, the sizes of batteries have grown too.

Software Updates: This is an aspect where iOS scores over Android. While the Apple users can access the updates immediately once launched, the Android users wait till the manufacturers introduce the updates for the handheld devices. However, with the introduction of the Google Play the users can update their software every six weeks.

Eco-systems: In this regard both the operating systems have evolved. The iOS and Android have set off as OS for the mobile platforms. Gradually they had improved and were introduced for tablets. Both of them have their focus set on in-car systems, home automation and health monitoring. Although their approaches are different, their focus is the same.

It is perhaps too early to predict for the OS-es right now. They would have to be in the market for a decent period before a verdict can be passed. What it looks at this moment is that both the operating systems are looking quite similar than ever. To get the maximum out of your android apps, you need to look for an Android development company that provides expert android development service to clients.

We provide Android application development services. To hire Android app developer from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

The Rise in Marketing Through Mobile Apps

According to Forbes.com, “In 2014, app downloads are expected to top 179 billion. By 2017, this is going to rise to over almost 270 billion.” The download figures clearly indicate that mobile applications have become an inseparable part of modern lifestyle. The rapidly increasing popularity of mobile apps encourages many enterprises to switch from web-based marketing to mobile marketing. A constant increase is also being noted in the number of companies carrying out marketing campaigns through mobile apps. Mobile apps help businesses in promoting their products or services by targeting the most relevant customers regardless of their current geographical locations. Both large and small businesses can further reap several benefits by carrying out marketing through mobile applications.

Advantages of Using Mobile Apps for Marketing Products or Services

Target a Much Wider Audience: Many reports have highlighted the rapidly growing popularity of smartphones, tablets, phablets and other mobile devices. So a business has options to launch applications for a wide variety of mobile devices. An enterprise can use apps to promote its products or services by targeting more than one billion smart devices. It can easily convey the marketing materials and promotional offers to millions of customers and prospects without putting any extra effort.

Reach Customers Anytime and Anywhere: Most users keep their mobile devices within arm’s reach. Many users even carry their smartphones, tablets and phablets throughout the day. So the mobile apps enable businesses to communicate with their customers and prospects anytime and anywhere. Along with conveying the marketing materials, the mobile apps can also be used by enterprises to send messages and notifications. A number of reports have highlighted that messages or notifications sent through mobile applications are read by the recipients in mere seconds.

Personalize Marketing Campaigns: A business can also use mobile apps to gather detailed information about the customers. For instance, an enterprise can use mobile apps to know the habits, hobbies, preferences and socioeconomic status of its target audience. The vital customer data collected through the apps can be used by the company to make its marketing campaigns personalized. The personalized mobile marketing campaigns will help the business in increasing its sales and revenues.

Build Long-Term Relationships: To remain profitable in the longer run, each enterprise has to build long-term relationship with its customers. Along with attracting new customers, it is also important for the business to keep the existing customers engaged and happy. The mobile apps make it easier for businesses to attract new customers by conveying attractive offers and special deals. Likewise, the applications can further generate repeat business by delivering impressive customer service. A business can further use the applications to improve the quality of customer service by collecting customers’ feedback and response.

Facilitate Marketing Content Creation: The quality of marketing content often impacts the marketing campaign results directly. So each business has to invest time, efforts and funds to deliver attractive and engaging marketing content. Often enterprises find it a daunting challenge to design marketing content for web-based promotional campaigns. But an enterprise can create mobile marketing content without putting any extra time and efforts. The mobile content along with specials and promotional information can also be conveyed to the target audience effectively through mobile apps.

Allow Customers to Buy Products on the go: The webs stores have made it easier for customers to buy products without any hassle. But a business can make it easier for customers to buy products through their mobile device. A customer can further use his mobile device to buy desired products on the go. So a business can use mobile apps to modernize its sales and transaction process. It can create an application that allows customers to select items and make payment regardless of their current locations. The right mobile app can further help the business in getting more sales and inquiries.

On the whole, a business can get higher ROI by carrying out marketing campaigns through mobile apps. The business can further use certain tools to launch applications for different mobile platforms. So it becomes easier for a company to promote its products and services regardless of users’ mobile devices and operating systems. Offshore mobile application development teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to hire mobile app developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.