“Now, mobile apps are considered as the most attractive stuffs for the youth as well as old. It has made our life much active and easier than before. Apps include a variety of requirements like day-to-day useful apps, entertainment apps, games and basic apps etc. Top smart operating systems like Android, iOS and Windows are in the industry to provide platforms for the users to use these useful apps from respective app stores. The number of mobile apps is increasing significantly yet consistently in the past few years; the number has reached at around 1.5 million each for Android and iOS. The huge population of mobile apps is creating a competitive environment for the mobile app developers to build better and more useful apps to attract respective target audience. Quality apps can only be achieved with quality testing i.e. the success pillar for any application. Hence, there is a potential terror among the mobile app testers who strive for quality testing. For quality testing, here are a few checklists for mobile app testers.”
Functional testing: This is the basic yet most important testing process that must be performed by the tester without any failure. Moreover, the tester needs to test each and every module of the mobile app to find if there is any bug or error in the application. He must consider every aspect of the application and he must ensure that, all the modules are working perfectly fine in every type of situations. All the modules should behave in a normal and expected manner without any failure.
Interrupt testing: This is yet another testing process that has been highly used with the embedded system development projects and now it is widely used for mobile app testing. While designing a smart app, the developer must ensure that its app works fine in different unexpected situations. Situations like incoming call, SMS arrival, Low power condition, Sleep mode, and Airplane mode etc. can interrupt your app’s regular behaviour. To tackle these situations, the application must be smart enough to understand and feel these conditions. Then, the app should behave in a different approach so that, there is no hampering to the user’s data inside the app like User’s Score, Highest score, Last transaction, and other related information should not vanish. It is the task of the mobile app tester to ensure that, such types of interrupts are properly handled by the mobile app itself.
Performance testing: Who doesn’t care about performance? Especially when an app is running under many constraints like memory constraints (both RAM and ROM), Bandwidth issue, hardware limitations and operating system limitations (multitasking issue) etc. Hence, we must gift an app to the end user that can run absolutely smoothly under these constraints and this can only be achieved with high performance mobile apps. The app should be optimized from every angle like efficient cache management, improved use of local storage on the browser, light weight graphics, animations etc. Here the tester needs to check if there is anything that makes the application load and run slowly. He should also test if there is any unnecessary server communication that makes the app run slower than expected.
Platform specific testing: There are many platforms like Android, iOS and Windows etc. The app should be either platform specific or cross-platform compatible. And as per its category, the tester should test the app to ensure its working in those platforms. Suppose an app is designed for Android and iOS, then the tester must check if the app works fine on those platforms without imparting any bad experience to the end user. This is usually performed by testing if OS-specific libraries (JS and CSS files) are called in proper time or not.
Version specific testing: Apps are usually built for multiple versions i.e. the latest version along with few previous versions. But, is the app working fine in all these versions? That is the concern of the mobile app tester. The app tester must ensure proper behaviour of the app in all these versions for which the app is built. Considerations like app functionality, app size and app look and feel must be tested to ensure that, the app is working fine in all these versions of Android or iOS or Windows operating system.
Device specific testing: Operating System like iOS is device specific i.e. it runs only on iPhones and iPads. So, the app must work perfectly fine on those devices. Usually, iPhones and iPads have less RAM as compared to Android devices of that cost; still iOS runs extremely smooth on those devices due to highly optimized core inside. So, users demand similar user experience in their apps too. For that, the iOS apps must be optimized enough to work smoothly with those devices and it’s the assignment for the tester to ensure the same. A Similar case happens with other device testers as well for other platforms.
Network specific testing: We can’t ignore the importance of networks in any Smartphone; because, Smartphone needs mobile networks to perform different app tasks that deliberately use the internet APIs. So, in that situation the tester must check if the internet API is executed perfectly fine without any issue. Moreover, it’s the duty of the mobile app tester to ensure if the app behaves properly when there is no internet connectivity or very low signal i.e. the app should give alert messages like “There is No/Low internet connection!” or similar symbols to the user.
Resolution/Responsiveness testing: Mobile apps are consciously designed to run on multiple devices, screens and screen resolutions. It should behave in a normal way both in smartphones and in tablets; so the tester should test the app extensively in these devices with different resolutions. It’s nothing but the test of the responsiveness of the app which is extremely important in the current scenario.
User interface testing: This is the most important part of any mobile app development. The tester must ensure that, the app’s look and feel is as expected and should be engaging enough for the end user. It must have an attractive interface with interactive event driven objects on the app to make it popular among the users.
Reliability testing: Last but not the least; an app must work as expected in different situations including critical circumstances. The tester must check its behaviour with respect to changes in the environment. And in every case; it should work just like a normal app.
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.
“Lots of Hope, Lots of Expectation and Lots of curiosity are there among the users and developers from Google this time. Android M i.e. Marshmallow is going to be launched shortly with a little delay as per previous declaration. Let’s see what Google is going to provide to the developers and users this time. Will it fulfil every demand; not possible though still to a large extend!!”
Rotating Home Screen: It has been a continuous demands from the users to find home screen of Android operating system in landscape mode. This time Google has listen the demand of users and made it possible with the latest Google’s Android M. Now the home screen can be rotated as per the gravity on the device and hence improves the user experience to a large extent. Now the home screen can have icons in horizontal as well as vertical directions.
Custom Chrome tab: Android M is going to provide much benefit to the developers in terms of creating amazingly attractive apps for the end user. Now Android apps i.e., web apps or hybrid apps or native apps can be seamlessly connected with the chrome browser without giving any annoying experience to the end user for permission. Imagine a situation where the app has a hyperlink and it is suppose to be opened by the user but needs the permission from the user to open on the chrome browser. Now with Android Marshmallow provides an awesome feature that will neither ask for permission for the user to open the link in the browser rather it will automatically open it in a new tab of chrome above the app without any hassle. In fact it will not even ask for user credentials if required by the browser because that will be automatically passed to the browser and saved in its cookies. It also enables developers to take the advantage of Auto-fill for the chrome browser.
App linking: It is yet another wonderful feature of Android M for the Android app developers and of course the users. It is often a complaint from the developers to link their app with a different one in a hassle free manner for quite some time. Now with Android M, Google is going to provide better accesses to different apps and app developers to interact in between with an intention to provide better user experience. Android Marshmallow enables developers to link with other app i.e., already installed on the user’s device in a smoother manner. In fact the authentication process that is required for this purpose will be taken cared by the operating system itself. When an Android developer implements this feature in its application, he needs to put some code for the auto verification process and that will enable the operating system to execute the auto verification process without any knowledge of the end user. The end user will be redirected to the linked app while the operating system does the auto verification process on the background and hence improving the overall user experience. This is really an awesome feature for Android developers to link their app with a different native app of the client device without much hassle. Apps like social networking apps, e-mail apps and other web apps can be easily integrated and give awesome experience to the user.
Android pay: Contact less payment was originated by Google before years; but it was not gained popularity with Android 2.3 version. Last year, Apple introduced its contact less payment method i.e., Apple pay with iOS 8; though, it received mixed response from the experts but gained good response from the end user and the industry. Undoubtedly this time Google is supposed to come back with its original virtual payment method i.e., Android pay and it happens with Android Marshmallow. Google is going to reintroduce Android pay as a contact less payment method for different merchants, paying for in-app purchase and with association with many banks to make it a successful project. For the time being Google is going to make it happen with USA users while making purchases from different merchants and has plan to implement it in other geographic locations in a gradual manner. Anyway this is going to make the Android app developers task a bit systematic now. With Google’s virtual account number, a user can directly pay for any app without any need of transaction through his credit card for better security.
White theme: In the first developers preview, Android Marshmallow had black theme which was heavily criticized by the Apple fans because they spread virtual notion that Google is doing the copy of iOS. With the second developers preview, Google removed the black theme or dark theme and introduced an absolute white theme. Now it is a challenge for Android developer to make their application look as gorgeous as it should be in a dark theme. For the same Android developers must give some more effort in choosing the colour combinations of their apps. This is not a big deal since it has nothing to do with the functionality of the application but still has some significant importance because it directly influences the user experience.
Finger print scanner: In Android M, Google is providing better access to the end users and developers with an option to authenticate any transaction or operation with Finger print scanning. Though there are very few android devices having fingerprint scan option; but with the introduction and encouragement from Google, it is obvious to find more devices with finger print scanner option. On the contrary, Android developers will get more advantage from the operating system. Now, the authentication process will become much hassle free for them. User’s authentication will does not require any credentials instead can be well handled by the finger print scanner feature of Android Marshmallow.
App Permission API: This is the most anticipated and important feature of Android M. Before going in-depth, let’s focus on a scenario. Suppose, there is an app that the user wants to install; then there is a sure permission request from the app like permission to access the user’s contact list, camera, photos, memory device etc. Suppose the user does not want to give access to the contact list to that app, then the entire process stops there. This is horrible. This time, Google is going to make the app permission process a lot easier. Now, the user will set some predefined app permissions in the device and according to his wish, he will give any permission API to the application making the whole process hassle free. In fact, he can modify the App permission API in future depending upon the requirement and his wish! It will not only give better user experience but also app developers will be benefited; after all satisfied customer is the target of every app developer!
If you need to hire Android App Developers for your next app or want to outsource Android App Development tasks on an ongoing basis by having an extended offshore development team, get in touch with Mindfire today. Send in your requirements to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.
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.
“Android, iOS and Windows are three major players of smart phone industry. There was a time, when smart phone refers to iPhone or Blackberry; but things get changed tremendously and now the leader is Android and don’t think about the status of Blackberry- it is limited to as low as just 0.3% of the industry share! So the competition is now between Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS with a little ray of hope for Microsoft’s Windows in the coming future. Let’s discuss the market share of these smart operating systems and the triggering factors that has changed everyone’s life in the industry.”
Android- The smart Operating System Giant! Before a decade, things were in favour of iOS and Blackberry; but now the industry is flooded with Google's Android devices. The ecosystem is so large that it seems larger than everything. As per the data of IDC (International Data Corporation), the Android market share is around 82.8% of the global market!! The budget smart phone and open source operating system concept of Android made it possible over years. Though, the share was little more in past year during same period i.e. Q2 2014 with 84.8%. Still Google is the clear winner in terms of number of Android devices shipped this quarter as per IDC information. Many OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) like Samsung, Huawei, Xiomi, Lenovo and LG contributed tremendously in the global market for Android. On the other hand, Indian manufacturer like Micromax, Spice mobile and Intex also contributing as per their potential. Anyway, Android is the smart phone leader in the industry and it is expected to intact its position for another 5 years without any fear; if IDC assumption is considered as true.
iOS- For those who loves quality over anything: Apple is for those people who love quality over everything else. Apple does not allow anyone to produce hardware devices for its flagship operating system i.e. iOS. With Apple's iPhone and iPad iOS is at 2nd position with a hooping market share of 13.9% in Q2 2015 as against 11.6% in Q2 2014. So, it is good news for Apple lovers that, there is a growth of Apple's iOS devices in last quarter. Though many gossips are there over internet for the growth of iOS device i.e. iPhone6 that has contributed maximum; but neither of them is absolutely true. Many tried to make the industry confused by spreading news like iPhone6’s large screen helped Apple's market share to grow. But that is not true; because Google's Android Lollipop runs in many 5.5 inch or 6 inch screen now. Then, why their market share could not grow? Obviously, it is all about quality that Apple provides!
Windows- Still struggling to understand the user DNA! After the acquisition of Nokia, Microsoft tried a lot to be a second Apple; but all remain as a daydream only!! Now, Microsoft realized that the venture for Nokia mobile acquisition was a wrong decision. In fact, that was the time to concentrate more on its Windows Operating System instead of entering into the market with both hardware and OS. Lots of loss, lots of layouts and followed by a strong stroke from industry made Microsoft rethink its business policy. The CEO of Microsoft is now clearly announcing that in coming years they are going to revive windows operating system without much focus and money investment over Nokia. Anyway, Microsoft's Windows operating System has seen a slight growth in market share in this quarter from 2.5% (Q2 2014) to 2.6% in Q2 2015. Though there is decrease of 4.2% market share in Q2Q comparison in 2015. Now, Microsoft is going to focus only on few Lumia smart phones that may help it revive in the industry.
Devices that play important role in market: Apple's iPhone and iPad, Samsung, Lenovo (along with Moto), Huawei, Xiaomi, LG and ZTE are playing strongly in the global market for iOS and Android. On the other hand, Nokia's Lumia and Backberry are the in-house OEM products for Windows and Blackberry OS respectively. For Android Operating System, the biggest giant is Samsung and especially its Galaxy models are simply getting outstanding response from around the globe. In fact, Samsung itself shares the major part of the Android Eco that is larger than next 5 player’s together share. In developing countries like India and China, manufacturers like Micromax and Xiaomi plays important role in contributing to the market share of Android. For Apple, it’s only iPhone and iPad. For Windows, it was only Nokia but recently, Samsung made an agreement with Microsoft to produce OEM devices for Windows as well to keep its place safe for future. Now, you may find Samsung devices with Windows OS installed.
Smart app developer and their contribution: Apple's app store contains millions of iOS apps with soaring quality. If you iOS app development and would want to get it to the app store, you need to craft it very wisely and thoroughly; because, Apple may reject it at any moment of time. On the contrary, you can freely launch your app in Google Play Store without much hassle and worry for a permission. However, your app may not be successful if you are not able to get good rates by users; but that is a different story. Hence, smart developers inclining towards Google's Play Store as a result, the volume of Android apps is getting larger over time. In fact it is bigger than that of iOS apps in the industry with figures like 1,6 million Android apps against 1.5 million iOS apps as of July 2015. On the other hand, users will get enough option in Android Play Store to choose one from a lot. The number of downloads in Android Play Store is much higher than that of iOS like 70% more downloads w.r.t. iOS. But, if we consider revenue; here Apple makes a giant leap since iOS apps are usually more quality focused and of higher price. Anyway, we find sometimes quality remain suppressed by the size of the app, feature of the app and most importantly user experience of the app. User loves to install tiny size app instead of high quality heavy app having lots of unnecessary features that they might never use.
Verdict: growth of Smartphone industry in future is a damn sure: Anyway, we have reached at the end of our topic. Now, it’s time for Verdict. Undoubtedly Android is going to dominate the industry in coming decade; still there is no certainty in IT industry where IT giant like Microsoft get rejected by the industry in no time. But whatever may be the situation, the growth of smart phone industry is a damn sure; well in future the term Smartphone may be replaced with anything else, then that will remain at the top in the industry.
Whatever be your preference, Mindfire Solutions is clearly a leader in Mobile App development and has been wowing customers ever since with its flawless mobile apps. If you need a mobile app for your business just send in an email to sales at Mindfire Solutions dot com.
