In today's world, smartphones and many other mobile devices are playing a significant role in how the people are communicating, getting entertained, networking, work, shopping, banking and so on. The amount of smartphones and other smart devices worldwide has grown drastically in recent times and thus has got the challenges as how to protect these smartphones and the other devices. Although security software is usually used over laptops and desktop computers, a great deal of smart mobile devices at present continue to be without security coverage and so are encountered with a new and increasing variety of mobile malware. Malware may possibly lead to data loss, data corruption, the unavailability of essential data and much more.
Mobile phone malware isn't the same as PC malware in which it does not spread randomly through unidentified sources or perhaps random phishing fraud emails. Rather, mobile malware gets installed from users that download and also install infected applications through an app store, perhaps from Apple’s or may be from different Android stores. The store gets convinced by the attacker that the application is genuine which functions as expected for it gets a group of fans. Right after, it starts the malicious behavior. Just like PC malware, the mobile apps developers of malicious software are only concerned for making money. There isn't any one-size-fits-all solution for the mobile security challenge; however, there are certain things you can do to secure your device and subsequently, your private details.
While it was reported mobile malware occurrences are reasonably low in total, McAfee Labs is observing the substantial rise in the mobile malware risk landscape. To protect from mobile malware as well as protect oneself and the data, there are some basic things that one should remember while purchasing or even downloading applications for smart mobile devices.
Malware in mobile devices is certainly not like the threat that is on Personal Computers, specifically Windows-based computers so far. Malware developers are certainly not seeking a challenge. They're going to make malware for all the platforms along with devices which have the largest pool(s) of possible victims, and the ones which are simplest to take advantage of. The first step in protecting your own is just to bear in mind that the threat is there.
Think before you decide to download. In the same manner it is sensible to read through a few Amazon product reviews before you buy a book, or perhaps a few Yelp reviews prior to testing out any new restaurant, it's a good idea to read through some of the reviews of any application before you decide to download. Overall recommendations support for any application is good, however, it is a lot better when you can find suggestions from the social networks, family and friends that you have confidence in, prior to downloading any application.
You cannot assume all 3rd party sources of applications can be harmful; however, the possibilities tend to be higher. For the platform such as iOS, you need to go from your option to jailbreak the device so that you can use applications which are not authorized by Apple. In case you have taken such serious steps, then you're maybe by now familiar with the potential risks involved too.
Android consumers are probably not as aware of the threat mainly because 3rd party application repositories tend to be normal for this platform. The most trusted way to obtain Android applications certainly is the recognized Google Android Market, or at the least an app store coming from a reliable source such as the Amazon App Store. In order to prevent suspicious apps, one should deselect for the Unknown sources feature within the Android Applications Settings.
Operating systems of mobile have sufficient security in position in which apps usually have got to ask for authorization to gain access to core features as well as services of a device. Look at the permissions which you are granting before you can simply touch and without knowing it properly accept them. Will a Sudoku app require accessibility of your contacts, location information, and camera function? While the mobile market expands, so as the malware developers pay attention and start to target, the security vendors are working hard and trying to stay a step ahead with the malware attacks through safety tools and software. These suggestions can certainly help you stay away from a number of possible threats, then again antimalware software can certainly help detect and recognize any sort of threats which might possibly slip past your protection.
Mindfire Solutions’ Mobile App Testing practice comprises of a unique combination of skilled software engineering and testing teams with proven expertise in testing tools and methodologies to offer a wide range of testing solutions. We offer our services across all major Mobile Devices, Platforms, Domains and Operating Systems. If you want to develop a robust mobile app send in your requirements to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.
The increase in the number of mobile devices results in various difficulties for those on the way to build and deliver powerful mobile applications. To be a successful, organization some basic things that should think about in order to make use of efficient, effective and complete functional testing during the app development lifecycle. Conventional, manual testing, that is the standard for the desktop and for the web apps, just can't get you away from the difficulties of testing mobile applications.
The period for the mobile application and the user creates extraordinary challenges for the functional testing staff.
Mobile devices are transforming and growing at the rapid speed. You will find a large number of latest devices launched each year. Along with new screen dimensions, form factors, and also operating system versions, such variations usually lead to further problems to assess teams, as they can't match the rate of change.
In order to maintain the speed to ensure an active competitive surroundings, mobile application development should be fast, and speedy. Mobile teams have to design, build, test, and have to release software in quick intervals. It's not possible to maintain speed at the agile world for the mobile applications with conventional manual testing at the same time it is difficult in ensuring the correct coverage on functionality.
Poor app quality can harm the reputation of an organization and its particular brands. As the consumers give ratings as well as public reviews about applications, it will be difficult for not to deal with consumer analysis in case you release a poor application, and also the effect about negative reviews and also a low rated application could be disastrous.
Since mobile applications turn into more complicated as well as rely on new technologies, including location based, near field communication (NFC), real-time events, along with pop-ups, the testing gets to be more complex, either manually or with automatically testing.
In case your organization off-shores testing along with app build solutions, your testing teams need to have the capability to run remote tests which validate functionality on the local devices and the carriers. Or else, the experience for the local users can be very unlike compared to the test cases. Such issues which occur to mobile devices along with the applications generate a new-set of needs for the functional test teams.
While mobile app development brings on many challenges for the user, it provides great opportunities for the companies equipped with the appropriate tools. The following are few important measures to take the functional testing processes to the era of the app and give attention to the user.
Test mobile apps on real devices - To get an accurate perspective of the real user experience, one should test on the real devices. The device emulators and the simulators could be helpful in the beginning during the development and testing process, however, they will not give you the exact user experience such devices having unique features.
Make use of the cloud in order to host your testing reference devices - It is an important need for an enterprise solution. It's going to enable you to stay away from the complexity in procuring, maintaining, managing as well as updating your testing reference devices. Additionally it allows your testers to safely and securely test and also check your applications on real devices connected with live networks.
Automate mobile app testing - Manual testing to individual devices does not scale. To maintain speed with the agile development processes as well as the requirements of the fast-moving business, the test teams must have automated tools that enable to write a test once then run lots of tests over number of devices within the small period of time.
Test mobile apps using different network conditions - The behavior of any application could depend very much on network factors. This means that you must understand and manage network issues at the time you test apps. One should make use of service which tests devices functioning in live mobile networks, not simply Wi-Fi networks.
Take advantage of your current procedures and tools - Mobile applications need to leverage the high expenditures towards software quality processes, teams, tools and the policies. Do not recreate the wheel. Get the best method to expand your current software development lifecycle functions and take advantage of the existing resources in order to include the mobile apps.
To get rid of many problems, your company must have testing tools which are designed for unique needs of the mobile devices and the platforms. Mindfire Solutions’ Mobile App Testing practice comprises of a unique combination of skilled software engineering and testing teams with proven expertise in testing tools and methodologies to offer a wide range of testing solutions. We offer our services across all major Mobile Devices, Platforms, Domains and Operating Systems.
To figure out the best combination of devices for testing, enterprises should analysis and determine what devices are available in the market, devices that are utilized by their customers also what are the upcoming devices which are arriving at the marketplace.
Nowadays, companies are examining their staff’s device pool for the internal productivity apps in addition to their end-users device pool in order to create a representation in which mobile traffic may come from. Because of this, data shows 49 percent of enterprise testing time is devoted to Apple. This percentage exceeds the entire US market representation and is also a lot higher compared to the global mobile representation, however since mobile strategies get better and also companies hear their customers, device test options may most likely differ from industry norms. Moreover, companies need to be a step ahead on the market and keep a track of important market research. When the latest mobile or tablet, such as the Windows 8.1 phone, gets into the marketplace and finds its way to the company, applications need to be supported it. Both the analyses are crucial when making an ideal device combination for testing.
Following that, users can not overlook the legacy mobile phones and OSs and also don't upgrade their OS version or even make use of the latest device. Based on the data obtained, iPhone 5S/C along with Google Nexus 5 are considered the fastest developing OS versions being used. Whereas, in spite of almost 3 years old, lots of customers continue using the Samsung Galaxy S2. This particular device isn't actually found in mobile stores any longer and also stopped getting Android operating system updates more than a year now. Although, it is in use by many people, which makes it crucial from the quality assurance point of view. As the market grows, your extend to various regions even grows along with that, the enterprise mobile strategy must make sure its mobile applications are getting tested in every region, to every carrier and all networks. For example, a function on the application might work in the US although not in Canada. Understanding how to fix your application through testing locally prevents the application from failing.
Over 9 billion devices at present as well as a count which is likely to increase significantly to 24 billion devices by the year 2020, there's an increasing range screen sizes along with form factors to think about while building a complete enterprise testing strategy. Since mobile makes its way into every part of our everyday life, its expansion to the latest technologies and the latest devices is quite expected, just look into the latest news about Google Glass, Samsung Galaxy Gear, along with other wearable devices. All these have the potential for incorporating applications that include new screen resolutions. There are more than 7 types of screen resolutions which the testers have been using it within their mobile testing strategy.
Finally, besides the recent research which indicate Android is leading in the consumer market with over 80 percent share of the global market and 60 percent in the US, the data from Perfecto Mobile indicates that enterprises within North America and also in Europe invest around 50 percent of their time for testing on the iOS devices. Consumers perhaps lead the pack using their Android devices beyond work, but the enterprises usually take more time to get used to market trends.
Moreover, updates of Android OS version have got a normally longer deployment cycle, particularly in comparing to Apple’s strategy in order to develop devices and to update OSs simultaneously. Market adoption of every OS is usually different. Like the most widely used Android version, Jelly Bean, was released in the month of July 2012, shows the very long deployment cycle, Android has ended up selling an incredible number of devices at the time of launch of Jelly Bean and a lot of its end-users have still to update. The reason behind that is because of re-certification needed with every OS update, leading carriers are implementing the update about 5 months upon the launch. There are several Android OS major versions which enterprises needs to be testing on. The reason for Apple being the leader within the enterprise is because of the early entry iOS had in the market, lots of enterprises evolved an iOS testing approach like a first move prior to Android which has made its entry to the field. The iOS movement which we notice these days can possibly change because of Android's rapid growth, also many organizations are finding customers on Android.
Everything relies upon the things you and your organization are looking for. No matter what you choose to go with manual testing, automation or perhaps a mix of the two, actually something which should be wisely considered. Evaluating the positives and negatives is important to the success associated with a project.
Mindfire Solutions mobile app testing services is wide-ranged and gives you the confidence that your applications will function as intended across handheld devices of varying screen sizes, internal hardware, resolution, carriers and on different versions of operating systems.
1. Little knowledge is always dangerous: It is often found that, new iOS developers want to create an awesome App without understanding the basic concepts. The most important part is the Terminology i.e. the common terms used in iOS. They simply ignore learning those basic yet most important stuffs and jumps into coding! This will give you little pleasure for little time but later you have to pay a huge for your ignorance. It is always recommended to learn all the basic concepts of any technology before you start your development process. In fact, in retrofitting work, it is noticed people starts working on the project without any KT i.e. Knowledge Transfer or Knowledge share. This is highly inefficient way of developing any product and especially if it belongs to Apple. I would like to say No information is far better than little information.
2. Don't be hurry: Why Hurry? Many iOS developers want to showcase their talent by doing some assignments quickly. They are not at all focused what they are doing; they are just focused about the output without any knowledge on the core logic. Many times, they argue to defend it by saying we are result oriented! Is this really the fair result? It might be looking great or functioning properly; but, is it optimized? Does its performance degrade? Then? Most importantly, are you serious enough about the core logic of the application? Your code might be looking great from one view; but it might be breaking any other module without your knowledge. You have to again fix it in future. So, it's always better to make the things in a perfection manner; not in less time. Less time consuming without perfection is not at all productive; it's actually inefficiency!!
3. Redesign is avoided by newbie: This is yet another common mistake found with iOS developers; they hesitate to make the design process repeatedly. They think they are highly efficient and confident in grasping the requirements of the app and so, in a single shot they can build its architecture. Let me clear one thing, “Nothing is perfect in this world”. The platform for which iOS developer creates app is not either perfect otherwise iOS v1 to v9 does not exist! So, how can your app be perfect in design without any iteration? So, redesign your work, again design and redesign for improved logic, improved user experience and improved efficiency. It will never harm your productivity rather improve it to a large extend.
4. Improper Data management: Many iOS developers used to take the help of XML for data storing. This is a ridiculous system of data management. It not only hampers the effectiveness of the application; but also creates unnecessary burden on the application. When the data get modified, overtime the XML file will be modified and restored in the folder- An absolute unproductive way of data management. Stop using this! Use SQLite for the same. It's there to serve the stuff in a superior approach. It may take some time to learn the query language and all; but once your learned it you can empower your iOS app with highly efficient data management tool of the industry.
5. User Experience sometimes goes in gutter! As an expert iOS developer, you should always focus on the user experience; because this is the biggest priority for Apple. Many iOS developers are found to focus only on the functionalities of the iOS app; they ignore the user experience meanwhile. This is really a bad practice; because this may lead to rejection of your iOS app during screening by Apple. So, make sure you are giving as importance to User Experience as that to the functionality sections. Logic without effect is useless!!
6. Versioning is avoided by many: Many iOS app developer are absolutely unaware of Versioning! Versioning is something that keeps track of your every change made in codebase. It's like a source code management tool. Every iOS developer should use this software in order to recover if anything goes wrong. In fact, developer can recover or revert or roll back his codebase to previous versions without any hassle. Again, it is also noticed that the iOS developer who knows the use of Versioning tool, they used to misuse it i.e. for every small change they commit the code. This is not at all good; it put pressure on the tool with unnecessary versions that are hardly used by the developer at any point of time. So, use versioning tool in a professional manner.
7. Cache management may be faulty: Cache management is extremely important for any application development process may it be web app, iOS app or any other types of smart app. It becomes even more important when we are dealing with a device that runs on 512MB RAM. But, this part is highly ignored by iOS developers; they focuses more on functionality and look n and feel of the application but ignores the cache management. Improper cache management means bad user experience. So be cautious!!
8. Not considering future technologies to adopt: Many iOS developer behave like herds; they don't pay interest to learn new technologies or even techniques. New technologies like HTML5, CSS3 etc can make the task of an iOS developer much easier than ever. Through these technologies, you can build much consistent and efficient iOS apps for your user. It also can help you in building light weight app that will help your iOS app to render smoothly on the devices like iPhone or iPad.
9. No priority to user interest: This is yet another concern for many iOS app developer. They want to integrate the latest iCloud service in their application; which is very good. But, are they keeping any option for those who don't have an iCloud account or who don't want to use it in their app. So, as a smart iOS app developer, you must think more about user's interest rather than yours that will in turn give you a better platform to build enterprise standard iOS app.
10. Improper Apple Pay integration: This is also an important mistake done by many iOS app developer. While integrating Apple Pay to their app, they forget about the users who don't have an Apple Pay account or about those who belongs to a region where there is no Apple Pay. So, think about them; after all, users are your biggest assets.
Mindfire Solutions has been providing iPhone development services for more than 8 years now and has been helping its customers put extremely interactive apps on the Appstore. If you are interested to develop an interactive iOS app for your business, send in your requirements to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.
In September 2013, Apple announced the full release of iOS 7 with several new features and a completely redesigned user interface. According to the statement made by Tim Cook at the Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in 2014, version 7 of the mobile operating system was installed on more than 89% of all active iOS devices. So you can always upgrade from iOS 6 to iOS 7 to avail new features like new camera interface, wireless sharing feature AirDrop, and full multitasking for mobile apps. However, you must not forget to consider some simple factors before upgrading from iOS 6 to iOS 7.
Factors to Consider while upgrading from iOS 6 to iOS 7
Check the Devices Supported by iOS 7 : You can completely change your device’s look and feel by installing iOS 7. But you must remember that iOS 7 is compatible with specific Apple devices. At present, iOS supports iPad 2, 3 and 4, iPad Mini, iPhone 4, 4S and 5, and the fifth-generation iPod Touch. However, the new devices come with iOS 7 preinstalled. Therefore, as an iOS app developer, you must check if your current Apple device is compatible with version 7 of the mobile operating system or not.
Get Required Permission: You don’t need any permission to install iOS 7 on your personal Apple device. But you must seek permission to upgrade to the operating system if device is provided by your employers. There are also chances that you have to upgrade the operating system through the IT department of your company. So it is important to install iOS 7 on your company-owned device only after obtaining the required permission, and following the right procedure.
Make Room for the New Operating System: Before upgrading your mobile operating system, your device must have adequate free space. So you must check the documents, files and photos stored on the device. It is also a great idea to transfer all these files to your computer. You also need to check the videos and photos that you don’t want to revisit. Likewise, you can consider uninstalling some of the apps that you have not used since a long time. When you have adequate free space, it will be easier for you to upgrade to iOS 7.
Backup Your Data: Along with making room for iOS 7, it is also important to backup your device fully. You can simply create a backup using iTunes, and label it with the backup date. The label will make it easier for you to know when you backed the device up last. You can even consider creating a backup folder in iCloud. The backup will ensure that contacts, apps and settings remain unaffected in case the installation of the new operating system in not successful.
Update Your Apps: Each time Apple upgrades iOS, it releases a new version of iTunes. So you must upgrade iTunes before upgrading the operating system. Likewise, you can consider updating your apps to take advantage of iOS 7’s new features. As most app developers update their products to make them compatible with the latest version of iOS, you have option to upgrade many apps. However, you have option to upgrade only the frequently used applications.
Understand the Installation Process: It is always important to understand the process to upgrade from iOS 6 to iOS 7. Also, you must remember that the process will require 15 to 30 minutes of time. However, as iOS 7 was released in 2013, you can complete the process without requiring additional time. You still need to ensure that you have adequate time to complete the installation process without any interruption. You need to ensure that the installation process is not paused or abandoned halfway through.
While upgrading from iOS 6 to iOS 6, you must focus on the hidden features of iOS 7. For instance, iOS 7 enables users to navigate settings through Siri. So you can ask Siri to open the Settings folder, and then perform actions like turning Wi-Fi on or off through voice command. Once you know the new features of iOS 7 it will be easier to experience a completely different mobile experience.
At Mindfire Solutions, we have a team of senior iPhone app developers, who have developed over 100 custom iPhone and iPad Apps to our esteemed clients. If you want to outsource iOS Development tasks or hire iPhone App Developers, please feel free to write to sales at MindfireSolutions dot com and we would revert back in one business day.
“A brief demo of Windows 10 at Build 2014 had surely left the world of technology excited, giving them a peep into the possible realm of Microsoft with advanced features and significant tweaks. Developers have been given the strongest reasons to celebrate through New Windows Store Affiliate Program, and updated Windows 10 Microsoft Advertising SDK. However, the most interesting aspect of Windows 10 is believed to be its universal application architecture. It might be too premature to conclude, the benefits and several new capabilities brought out by Microsoft’s new release now; but, in the meantime, let’s have a look at the potential that Windows 10 has unlocked for developers across the globe”.
Windows 10 - A unified platform: It was the most demanding feature by the users throughout the globe and Microsoft has finally stepped up the game for developers this time, by introducing a unified developer platform for a wide range of mobile devices. Windows 10 cracks the code with its universal application architecture that can reach across all of our devices – be it a mobile phone, tablet, desktop, Xbox, or some IoT device etc. The new development platform will finally enables developers to run their apps across multiple Microsoft product families, even across some new products like Surface Hub and HoloLens. Though Windows 10 isn’t meant for everyone; but, the operating system comes with smooth compatibility with the enterprise’s management systems. Moreover, it will allow developers to reuse Apple and Android code in Windows applications.
Unique experience: The OS endeavors to render an enhanced user experience – by improving the way users interact with computer machines traditionally. Windows Phone app developers, in particular, will finally be enabled to get the benefits from Microsoft’s investments in Cortana and speech recognition features. In fact, Windows 10 app development situation will also allow developers to benefit from the system’s holograms and expand their app experiences. Access to a new, refined platform will be rendered to HoloLens developers – as a result of which, they can improve the interactive experience between mobile devices and applications. There is a new web experience ‘Project Spartan’ for Windows 10 as well – which will bring forth interoperability with the modern web.
Maximized investment: We have seen a tremendous effort from Microsoft for helping developers protect their investments. The platform always ensures that its developers benefit the maximum from their contribution. Windows 10 has taken that aspect even further by letting developers create applications with the language of their choice in Visual Studio. The new OS will allow developers to enjoy a wide range of cloud services through Azure. Cross platform solutions will also be supported by Microsoft Windows 10, helping developers bring their solutions to the platform.
Diverse range of developmental benefits: When Win JS was released back in 2014, developers certainly got a reason to explore their options. It was basically intended to help developers use under an open source license across platform. The libraries were simply enhanced soon after with the launch of Win JS 3.0 i.e. an important improvement happened last September. This time, Microsoft aims at improving the experience even further through Windows 10 – which will allow developers to use Visual Studio and C# seamlessly in order to deliver solutions to the iOS and the Android operating systems. In fact, the company has also unleashed support for Visual Studio for native C++ developers, enabling them to build shared libraries for Android and to create native applications for Android.
New Capabilities: The platform boasts of a more harmonized user experience and enhanced functionality between assortments of mobile devices. With Microsoft Windows 10, developers are enabled to experience carrier billing across all Windows 10 powered solutions – eventually increasing purchases in emerging markets by 8 times. While the upgrade is still a few steps behind other operating systems, it offers in-app purchase subscription support and New Windows Store Affiliate Program to its developers. The perks even include updated Windows 10 Microsoft Advertising SDK and extended support for video ads and tracking installation.
Responsive design without any effort: It is rather an inclusive solution (in many ways) since Microsoft has finally provided developers with the ability to build a single application for the complete range of Windows 10 devices. The OS comes integrated with unique UX controls that automatically adjust to different screen sizes – enabling space for the developers to customize their applications. This even expands the horizon for developers to include Cortana and Xbox Live into their apps, build holograms, embed natural user input, and provide more trusted business.
Enhanced Graphics for the developers and users: The OS also introduces Task View, support for fingerprint & face recognition, Microsoft Edge web browser, and updated applications. Windows 10 will benefit developers through its new tweaks into DirectX and WDDM as well – enhancing the OS’s graphic capabilities for games. Although some have criticized the new operating system for its limited operational functionality, Microsoft believes that Windows 10 will refurbish the way developers build applications. Four new SDKs (that have been introduced lately) will enable developers to begin with an existing code base. Developers will also be able to easily incorporate the Universal Windows Platform capabilities and distribute their newly developed apps through the Windows Store – reaching out to as much as 1 billion Windows 10-powered mobile devices. The four SDKs that are now a part of Windows family are – websites, Android Java/ C + +, .Net and Win32, & iOS Objective C. It will definitely encourage the smart app developers to put their little effort to enter into the Windows ecosystem on the solder of their existing smart apps for android or iOS.
Hoping for a bright future ahead: Though there’s still a section of users that need to try Microsoft’s latest offering, Windows 10 definitely looks promising to developers. The universal approach infused into the OS now enables developers to turn an existing website into an application and benefit from the purchases and Xbox Live achievements. It has undoubtedly brought many new capabilities for users and developers – but most importantly, the ability to build universal applications across all Windows powered devices. In a nutshell, Windows 10 app development phenomenon is certainly attractive to developers and to the world of technology.
Mindfire Solutions was one of the first companies in India, to join the smartphone bandwagon: We have been doing it since the day of Brew, J2ME and Palm and were one of the first ones to launch iOS app development services after Apple launched the SDK in 2007. We also have been developing Windows Phone apps for our esteemed clients. We develop elegant and intuitive apps for the Windows Phone, Android, iPad and iPhone, fully leveraging their corresponding OS capabilities. We can turn your ideas into engaging smart apps – apps your users will love. Please free to contact us if you have an existing app that needs a new life or a new app idea, we can turn it into the next big thing. You can also avail our limited period Risk-Free Trial offer now.
The development of mobile apps reached the mainstream in its true sense with the users ending up with an app for all kinds of jobs. But you will be surprised to know that the mobile app development is still in its beginning stages. A number of research studies have explained this fact. According to them while 2014 witnessed the development of apps for everything, in 2015, the focus would be on convenience. It is estimated that in 2015 the app market will grow by leaps and bounds. It will offer huge growth as well as monetary returns. Therefore, app development is set to evolve as a lucrative market with its varied approaches from the developers. These professionals are striving to introduce both comfort and convenience in routine tasks through the apps. In addition, mobile commerce will enjoy a boost too. These factors will definitely lead to certain major developments in the world of mobile apps in 2015. Let’s take a look at some of the impending trends: HTML5 to be recognized as the best platform for mobile development: In the past few years HTML5 has garnered huge popularity as a mobile development platform. It is expected that this trend will continue. Rather its popularity will increase in the coming year. As far as iOS 7 is concerned, it supports JavaScript as the language in its XCode tool chain. Today, however, iOS is no longer a dominating platform. Hence, the developers are looking for more option for cross platform development. Under such current situation, besides, iOS and Android, HTML5 is evolving as the next best thing in this field. Besides, as an open source project, the PhoneGap is a good choice which is also supported by Adobe. As a matter of fact, there is a continuous development as far as its features and hardware supports are concerned. Android vs. iOS: It is expected that Android will come out as the clear winner in this war. In comparison to iOS android has been constantly growing as a mobile platform. In the last years the number of developers using Android has grown by 71%. However, presently, iOS receives better developer’s revenue owing to its huge market as well as the low end Android phones. What cannot be overlooked in this war is the presence of Google. Amidst iOs and Android’s war, Google seems to be gaining significantly. It is also gradually uniting the split version of Android. Moreover, it is also moving most of the functionalities to the Google Play. In this regard, too, the Android apps seem to be the final winner. More and more new OS-es will be coming into existence: Of course, Android and iOS are still the two dominant forces in the world of mobile OS. But gradually other operating systems will be catching up with these two. Although Windows and Blackberry are still lacking behind but it is speculated that by 2015 new operating systems will be gaining popularity in the commercial market. Ubuntu’s mobile version, Firefox OS, Sailfish and Tizen are some of the OS-es that might also gain popularity in the market. Boost in connected objects: Google recently bought Nest, the maker of smart apps. Along the same line Samsung has also launched a washing machine that is entirely controlled by Wi-Fi in addition to the smart televisions and video games. It is expected that in 2015 more of such connected devices will come into existence. Such technological products might include wearable items, household appliances and several other products. Native apps to decrease: It is an often repeated cycle in the world of technology in which a new product gains popularity and rises, the older versions slowly become redundant. The same trend will be noticed in 2015 as well. There will be changes in the mobile platform scenario where the new, riding trends in the web will result in the decrease in the popularity of the native mobile applications. Rise of the Meteor: This is one app that is expected to rise steadily in the coming year. Owing to its awesome features more and more users will choose this framework in the future. One of its biggest advantages is that it offers updates on real time UI without putting any efforts. It is also extremely productive and simple to use. Bend towards the wearable devices: This trend has already being in 2014. By next year there is a possibility that more wearable items will come into existence. As a result apps related to these devices will also be developed on a large scale. The digital platforms today require more security than ever. This year there have been several incidents where these platforms have been hacked as secured data have been leaked. Hence, there will be a trend towards securing the apps more strongly in 2015. Hence apps that can improve the security rates will also be developed. Offshore mobile app development companies in India can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules. We provide offshore mobile application development services. To hire mobile application programmer from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.
When it comes to mobile app development, the process is not without any blue. In fact, development of mobile apps gets plagued by a lot of issues and threats that need to be taken care of. Let us discuss some of the threats that plague the development of mobile application.Security and Privacy Threats One of the major issues that need to be taken care of is the issue of security or privacy. As an increasing number of people are getting more and more tech-savvy, they are growing the tendency of downloading an increasing number of third party business applications that offer a string of value added features like file sync, IM, VoIP and an array of highly advanced networking features. These people do not have any malicious intentions – all they are looking forward to, is some value added service through their handheld device. However, what these people are doing is that, they are inadvertently putting themselves as well as the enterprises, which are coming up with these apps, at a huge risk. Their devices are getting exposed to malware as well as spyware to a great extent. These malware and spyware are all designed to steal sensitive data from people’s devices and carry our nefarious activities. Understandably, these apps not only put owners of mobile devices at risk, but also compromise sensitive as well as confidential data of the corporate world. To make matters even worse, a number of third party apps are being developed with poor coding and this makes them even more prone to fraudulent activities. Poorly scripted software of these apps results in exposure of sensitive data or metadata to despicable sources. Network Threats The issue of improper or weak network also has also been a major threat to successful development of mobile apps. These network level threats crop up when the employees use third party applications. While most of these enterprise networks are more or less safe or secured, there are certain networks which are not. This comes true, in case of the networks that employees of an organization use in their personal life outside the office premises. Physical Threats This is again another very common threat that plagues mobile app development. Recent studies have clearly indicated that about one third of mobile phone users have either lost their device or have had it stolen at least once. Hence, this thread is also kept in mind while developing mobile apps to make sure that even if a device lands up in anyone’s hand who is not authorized to use it, then the individual will not be able to get access to much of any sensitive data. Abundance of platforms One of the biggest issues that plague development of mobile apps is the presence of too many platforms or domains. Abundance of platforms means there will be an urge amongst the developers to come up with products in such a way that they cover as many platforms as possible from the very start. This is a wrong concept altogether and needs to be at best avoided. This is where the real challenge lies. They should instead look for the major areas of interest or necessity through a thorough market research and create the products accordingly so that they meet only those needs or interests instead of trying to do too many things at a time. Too many features Again, this is also a major concern for the mobile app developers. Just like developing too many platforms, indulging in too many features may also result in a negative impact in the market. Incorporating too many features will limit their use to a great extent and this will have a negative impact on the market as users will hardly be able to use the features extensively. Hence, it is better to concentrate on only certain value added features to make sure that the end users are able to fully and satisfactorily use them to meet their needs and requirements. Creating a too much complex app This is yet another threat that the world of mobile app development faces. The presence of too many features packed in a particular app makes it too much complex, thereby making it difficult for the users to navigate and operate. This contributes to the unpopularity of the app in a great way. Marketing issues Of late, there are a number of companies that are coming up with newly developed apps with a string of value added features. Hence, the developers need to come up with something that will make a difference in the crowd of so many apps that are coming up regularly. Hence, making a difference in the crowd of apps is surely one of the major issues. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps. We provide offshore mobile application development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
The frequent changes in the choices and preferences have made mobile application development complex and time-consuming. But each enterprise wants to develop the app at a rapid pace to beat competition. If you are planning to build a long lasting mobile application, it becomes essential to concentrate on its functionality and UI design along with the coding. As a key part of the designing process, you must plan and wireframe the mobile app to curtail development cost and time.
In simple words, a wireframe can be defined as a manually drawn diagram that visually represents a process or a system to various stakeholders. However, the visual representation of a process or system needs to be extensive enough to cover all significant elements. That is why; a wireframe is considered to be the most effective way to create the outline or skeleton of the mobile application development process.
Why Use Wireframe to Outline Your Entire Mobile App Development Process?
Can be Used for Several Purposes
Both mobile application developers and designers can use wireframe. The designers can use it to outline the user interface process, whereas the developers can use wireframe to control the app’s functionality concretely. At the same time, it can also be used by information architects and UX designers to describe the navigation path.
Similarly, wireframe can be further used by business analysts to support the communication and business rules needs visually. On the whole, wireframe can be used as part of several mobile application development processes to optimize the app design by seamlessly combining both objectives and requirements.
Helps in Making the App Compatible with Different Mobile Devices
Often mobile app developers and designers find it a daunting challenge to display all requirements on the stipulated space of the mobile screen. They have to explore ways to deliver the essence of the project by displaying all requirements on the screens of different mobile devices. The issues can be resolved easily through wireframes. The designers can create wireframe to organize the desired options on the mobile device.
Further, they can experiment with different ideas to present the requirements on the mobile screens. The wireframe will allow them to note downs the requirements and ideas, along with adding comment on each screen. It will further make it easier for programmers to understand the expectations by referring to the wireframe, and optimize the coding process.
Allows to Incorporate Changes without Any Hassle
Most mobile applications are being changed during the development process to deliver richer user experience. Wireframe enables the developers and designers to incorporate changes in a smart and cost-efficient way. Before making any changes to the app, the developers can create a wireframe. So they can save time, efforts and cost by outlining the entire process before implementing it in real time.
They can further use a several diagramming tools to outline the process to include new features or functionality. The wireframe can be further shared among the stakeholders to facilitate close coordination. Also, the collaboratively built wireframe will help developers in integrating the changes in a quick and hassle-free way. At the same time, it will further eliminate the revisions required due to poor coordination among different stakeholders.
You also have option to use several tools to wireframe the mobile app or mobile website development process by targeting a specific mobile platform. Some of the widely used wireframe design tool like Proto, Moqups, UXPin, Balsamiq, Justinmind and Fluid will help you in optimizing the app design process to form the layout of the app you want to develop. However, you have to choose the tools and applications by keeping in mind the specific requirements of your project. You can hire developers from top offshore mobile application development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Before one learns more about PhoneGap, let’s take a look at what it can do, so that the tips shared here can be practiced in a better manner.
What is PhoneGap?
According to experts, PhoneGap is a program that is the best for development of iPhones as well as Androids. This is because apps can now be easily created using;
Tips on effective PhoneGap development unveiled
With the help of PhoneGap, one can disable as well as enable features on the device while the app is being developed. Imagine having all the features on your phone running at the same time, this would make loading of an app slow. This isn’t bad but why have lag for no reason, so if you don’t want an app for the moment to run, use PhoneGap to disable it. This will help apps run faster as well as with more efficiency. All you have to do is to go to the “features” menu and get the app disabled or enabled, whenever you want.
PhoneGap now allows the user the freedom of clicks as well as touches of the screen. Since the developers understand how much time is lost for registering with clicks, faster registering through “voice and listening” is a boon. Users get to save their time. Moreover, work done through this method is faster.
Choose any library with PhoneGap you want to work with, and this is the same for interfaces too. Right from Sencha to JQuery or even JQTouch, it helps with all. Developers love it since switching between interfaces now is cakewalk for them while developing apps as well as programs.
Better use of CSS Animations is possible, and with that being said, the value of an app rises automatically. Javascripts were used in the past for such needs, but that’s okay if it is a web app, and not for mobile apps. The latter wouldn’t react well with javascripts, say experts, because extra coding is needed. Use better CSS animations and feel the difference, especially when loading is concerned and the time taken to do so. With animation creation through PhoneGap, CSS works best with the right coding in place.
With javascripts there are various hurdles to overcome, for example, dealing with many graphics to load, the headache of coding etc, but with PhoneGap you now can load as many things as you want, without any problems as such. The mobile device wouldn’t have to deal with javascript for good performances anymore. Put everything now in one file and watch how the loading time takes up lightening speeds.
While working on one app, the other apps need to be put into a background. However, when you have PhoneGap, this wouldn’t be the case. Switching between apps or working with multiple apps at the same time would be possible sans hurdles or issues. Lag time is less and memory is minimally used as well.
Testing PhoneGap on any smart device, android or iphones, is possible. Users as well as testers would learn how it performs in real time. If there are flaws that stare, it would be covered up or removed too.
The competitive world of apps is ever increasing. If you as a business owner wants to have it all, you then have to make things happen. There are new tools as well as technological advances available for free online, most of the time. One of them is PhoneGap, which has created waves in the recent past amongst testers as well as clients alike.
It would be wise to read reviews and check if the PhoneGap application can be of any help for your needs, expectations and the lot before investing in it. This is why it is important to speak with experts to learn more, so that you benefit in more ways than one doing so.
PhoneGap is sure the next best thing for iPhones orAndroids, and it helps apps run at their best. Check online and you would learn more as to why testers love this program, over other testing methods. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
If you are running a business, having a mobile enabled website provides you an unparalleled advantage, especially when it comes to fixing your marketing strategy or plan. Frankly speaking, a mobile website is an absolute necessity in modern business fraternity as you will find a huge chunk of internet users more inclined towards accessing websites through a cell phone than anything else.
That is why, it is the need of the hour to develop as well as design websites that are accessible via devices like iPhones and smart phones so as to extend your business reach to a larger ambit of customers. Here is where the greatest challenge lies. Although almost all these websites may appear perfect on modern smart phones, navigating them on these devices might be an uphill task mainly because of the small screen area as well as other technical limitations. The users might have to zoom in or out, scroll up or down, left or right, or do other kinds of adjustments in order to access the information they are in search of.
Now this at times becomes a cumbersome experience. Naturally, the onus is on the mobile website designing companies to design these sites in such a way that the users can navigate through them without any difficulty whatsoever and access them with ease. As per the statistics, difficulty in accessing websites often acts as a deterrent for the users and they grow a tendency to drift away to sites which they find relatively easier to access and browse.
Hence, the success or failure in catering to newer customers almost entirely depends upon effective creation and designing of these websites along with their ability to persuade customers into repeatedly visiting them and availing the product or service offered. Now let us discuss why you need to put maximum emphasis on having mobile-enabled websites for marketing your product or service.
The increasing use of smart phones
The use of smart phones have more than doubled over the last few years since their inception. In order to keep pace with the growing demand, manufacturers of these devices are also coming up with high tech devices that are complete with several value-added features, making these devices more and more popular amongst people. Thus, but for a mobile website it is nowadays virtually impossible for a company to create a respectable client base.
Increasing popularity of mobile internet
As per a recent study, almost 40% of people use some or the other kind of mobile device for using internet and browsing through websites at least once a day. This itself explains the amount of popularity mobile internet enjoys these days. Naturally, having a mobile website vastly increases the chance of your company website to be browsed by a sizeable amount of people on a regular basis on a given day, thereby increasing the amount of potential customers by a considerable extent.
Because it is a cost effective way of marketing
Since you already have a website that is specifically designed to be viewed on a PC, it will hardly cost you anything to make that site accessible via a mobile and help it reach out to a larger ambit of customers. In other words, you are just making some adjustments and alterations to the specifications of the site to make it accessible on mobile phones. As you are not creating any fresh website but suddenly reaching out to a larger and hitherto unexplored pool of customers without any extra cost, that pays off in terms of revenue at the end of the day in a great way.
Use of GPS
Nowadays, people vastly use GPS technology for finding directions, services, businesses or things that they need in their daily lives. Hence, availing a mobile enabled site will invariably provide you an edge as your business will constantly appear on the GPS search whenever or wherever people enable it. This will increase the viewership of your site by many folds.
However, an effective mobile enabled website should have the following features to increase its traffic:
- User-friendly design customization that is suitable for screens of any type of cellular phone
- Tap-to-Call function to a particular selected number or a set of numbers
- User-friendly navigation menu for drawing potential leads
- Tap-to-Email function to a particular selected address
If your phone website fulfils all these conditions, it is invariably going to play a pivotal role in increasing your client base to a large extent, thereby increasing your ROI as well without any sizeable investment whatsoever. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to hire mobile app programmers for help on your projects, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
As a powerful development framework, ASP.NET enables developers to build a wide variety of websites and internet application using HTML, JavaScript, CSS and server-side scripting. The programmers also have option to pick from three distinct development models, i.e., Web Pages, Web Forms and model view controller (MVC). Web Forms allows programmers to create event-driven and data-driven web pages by combining HTML, server scripting and server control.
Further, the Web Forms are compiled and executed on the server, and the output is displayed to users as HTML web pages. The web controls and web components provided by Web Forms can also be used to create rich mobile internet applications. However, each developer must keep in mind certain things while creating mobile internet apps with ASP.NET Mobile Web Forms.
Important Things to Remember while using ASP.NET Mobile Web Forms
Mobile Web Server Controls
You can always use the System.Web.Mobile namespace to access mobile internet development in ASP.NET. The MobilePage base class can be used to create a mobile web page, while the System.Web.Mobile namespace will add web server control to the page. In .NET framework, the mobile web server controls has several specialized adapter. You can use the adapters to build robust mobile apps by targeting a wide variety of mobile devices. At the same time, the web server controls are also available to meet specific development needs. ASP.NET further provided additional mobile-control device adapters that support major mobile devices and their markup language.
Adapter Configuration for Different Requesting Devices
As most ASP.NET web server controls adhere to unified adapter architecture, they behave dynamically according to the requesting devices. These controls can further call a custom adapter to provide appropriate behavior for a specific device. For instance, the custom adapter can generate markup according to the calling device. But you have to configure the adapter in the browser definitions file found inside the Browsers folder of the .NET Framework Config directory. Once you configure the adapter, it can adjust the rendered output, while handling the device-specific requirements.
Customization of Adapters and Mobile Controls
Microsoft provides updated adapter for major markup languages. But there are always chances that the adapters may not complement the behavioral requirements of newly launched mobile devices. So you have to consider modifying the existing adapter or create new adapters to make the internet app compatible with new mobile devices. Nowadays, most applications are being designed by targeting mobile device and desktop computer users at a time. The customization of adapter will help you in addressing the behavior variations required by web browsers and mobile devices.
Detect the Requesting Device Type
With enterprises launching new samrtphones and tablets at frequent intervals, it has become essential for mobile web application to render the most appropriate output by identifying the requesting mobile device. ASP.NET allows you to make existing internet apps compatible with the latest mobile devices simply by adding the following META tags in the header section of the page.
<meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width" />
At the same time, you also have option to use the Request.IsMobileDevice option provided by ASP.NET Web Forms to check if the requesting device is a cell phone, smartphone or tablet. Alternately, you can also create custom control to detect the device type, and redirect the user to the most relevant web app according to his mobile device.
Each programmer also has option to build mobile web apps rapidly by using Visual Studio Express which is a free version of Microsoft Visual Studio. The drag-and-drop web controls and web components provided by Visual Studio Express help programmers in building mobile websites without putting any extra time and effort. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Many reports have highlighted how a business can avail several advantages by launching its own mobile application. But an enterprise has to consider several factors to decide if the business mobile app complements its business model. At the same time, the business also needs to optimize the features, functionality and performance of its application to make it popular. For instance, a retail business has to look for features that enable customers to easily browse through its online catalog, while making purchases directly on their mobile devices. Similarly, an enterprise offering consultancy services will look for features to impress its clients by providing a set of collaboration tools. However, each enterprise must concentrate on certain features to make the app rapidly popular by meeting the latest trends in technology and user demand.
6 Features Essential to Make Your Enterprise Mobile App Popular in 2014
1) Option to Customize: In addition to feeling secure and comfortable while using an enterprise mobile app, users also love to customize the look and feel of the application. You can easily enhance the popularity of your business application by allowing users to change font, color and privacy setting according to their individual choices. Often users also recommend the app to others when they have options to personalize and customize its appearance.
2) Relevancy of the Information: Often the user experience is impacted by the quality and relevancy of information provided by a business app. You must remember that the app needs to provide additional and fresh information about your business. So the application must be effective in delivering content that is not posted on your website. Along with promoting your business as an online brand, the application must promote your products or services effectively, and encourage users to purchase by delivering rich user experience.
3) Easy and Quick Access to Desired Information: Each mobile application user wants to access the desired information without any hassle or delay. Similar to the quality and relevancy of information provided by the app, the option to access the information will also affect the business application’s popularity. So you must enable users to access the required data without any additional clicks and tabs. At the same time, you must allow users to login to the app using their social networking profile to keep them interested by eliminating the time required to complete a detailed registration form.
4) Feature to Share and Recommend the App: An enterprise has to explore innovative ways to promote its business app. The simplest way to promote your business app is through the recommendation and sharing of existing users. Nowadays, most users share information about mobile apps through social networking platforms. If the app impresses users by delivering rich user experience, users will love to share and recommend it to their friends through the social media. That is why; your business mobile application must be designed with simple yet efficient social media integration features.
5) Gather Feedback and Suggestions of Existing Users: An enterprise mobile app can avail several benefits by allowing users to share feedback and suggestions. When a user feels that your business values his feedback, he will appreciate and recommend the brand. At the same time, you can use the feedback and suggestions received from users to improve user experience. There are also several simple features to collect user feedback. However, you must ensure that the feedback mechanism is not having an adverse impact on the user experience.
6) Constant Monitoring of User Behavior: A business can always optimize its marketing campaign results by identifying and understanding behavior, action and experience of existing and prospective customers. The enterprise app will help you in constantly monitor and track the experience and action of individual users. You can simply integrate an analytic mechanism with the application, and track user experience and behavior without any hassle. In addition to taking important business decision, the analytics data will further help you in identifying the strong and weak features of the enterprise mobile app.
Along with considering these features, the mobile application development strategy of a business must look for innovative features to keep the users addicted. At the same time, it must include simple feedback mechanisms to improve user experience based on the feedback, suggestions and comments received from users. iPhone app programmers who have solid expertise in developing apps can surely save you time in this regard.
We provide iPhone app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
