“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.
Business means uncertainty! Microsoft acquired Nokia at $7.2 billion in 2013 i.e. really huge and it shows the expectation level of Microsoft from the Nokia mobile business. Unfortunately, it does not move well with Microsoft; may it be due to lack of enthusiasm or may be improper business strategy, but at the end it has to accept the failure. Experts believe that, it could not revive because of its incompetency with respect to aggressive players of the industry like iOS and Android.
iOS and Android have gained a tremendous market share in the Smartphone industry. Though, they are having absolutely contradicting business policies with respect to smart phone business, still both are success in the industry. iOS keeps its phone ecosystem limited by producing flagship models under the in-house apple brand whereas Android keeps it open for every manufacturer; but anyhow, they are getting positive response from the industry that does not happen with Windows phones till date. So, it is really a headache for Microsoft to comeback in the industry that is already loaded with iOS and Android Smartphones.
The problem is with the business policy! Nobody can ignore the potential of Windows operating system in the Desktop industry. It can be well witnessed from the desktop market share in the industry. But, since it has acquired Nokia for the mobile device business, everything goes against it. The most important thing is the quality of Nokia business phones. Though Nokia has an extremely good reputation in the mobile handset industry; but the same does not happen with the Smartphone devices. Except one model i.e. Lumia, no other model is a successful one till date. This is probably because of high competition from already established players like Apple, HTC and Blackberry etc. Nokia Microsoft is unable to produce such standard of high end devices for its customers. Again, the operating system itself is having some trouble i.e. Windows 8.1 and above OS are par behind iOS or Android OS. Experts also believe that, Microsoft was in hurry to enter into the hardware device manufacturing industry instead of concentrating on the Operating System. If it would have more concentrated on its OS just like what Google does, then it might not have to suffer so severely in the industry. So, when all these mistakes mix together resulting a bad output for Microsoft.
Microsoft to follow Apple’s path: After a lots of bad decisions that were taken in a hurry, Microsoft now tries to correct them in a systematic approach. Now, it is adopting the core concept of Apple i.e. to manufacture few flagship products for the user and do concentrate more on the operating system. The CEO Satya Nadella has recently announced that Microsoft will no longer concentrate more on the Phone business instead on the Operating System. He also announced that we will focus on few class business phones with a clear vision to provide better quality of experience to the customer. From his words, it is clear that Microsoft is going to follow Apple’s path with little deviation. Apple produces single phone in a year but now Microsoft will produce 3 categories of Smartphones. The first category phones will for the higher end business users who want strong management options, productivity apps and of course excellent security. The second category devices will be for cost sensitive customers with special focus on the developing countries like India and China etc. Now the third category Smartphones will be gifted to the Windows fans.
Microsoft is firing around 7800 professionals: This is yet another important message to consider. The CEO Satya Nadella’s announcements made the New Yew York Time to make it a headline as “Broad Rethinking”. Microsoft clearly told that, it is going to focus more on its operating system instead of Smartphone device manufacturing. In fact, they have decided to write off most of its Nokia deals to the tune of $7.6 billion today. This clearly shows their complete change of business strategy for the device manufacturing. Again, they are going to fire around 7800 professionals soon. All these things to happen due to failure of Microsoft smart devices in the industry. Microsoft is unable to accumulate profit from its mobile manufacturing business and hence they are now trying to stop it though not completely sooner.
Windows Smartphone business is not as per their early estimates: Players like Google and Apple are way ahead of Microsoft. They are attributing much higher for their operating system than that of Microsoft and this triggers the unexpected result for Microsoft. Microsoft is unable to grow as fast as these players in recent period. It is also cleared that, it cannot compete with these players unless until it focuses more on its business especially on its software part; because, smart app developers are not encouraged enough to develop windows apps due to its low penetration in the industry. To encourage them, Microsoft is now asking developers to develop cross platform apps instead of dedicated one to save its brand. Anyhow, we can’t comment on the real future of any business rather we can simply assume that Microsoft may lose even more if not take some preventives now onwards.
So, has Microsoft accepted its failure? This is the most gossiped topic of internet today. After a lot of mistakes from Microsoft, it might have thought that its ambitious venture is losing its grip with every passing day. Though Microsoft is not admitting the same publicly; but it can be well observed by the industry experts from the recent behaviour of Microsoft. Microsoft is to write off most Nokia deals at $7.6 billion and the recent firing process is making everyone think twice on the future of Windows phones. Yes, Windows phones still matters a lot for Microsoft but not as it was before and it is cleared by Nadella. He is now concentrating more on its operating system instead of mobile devices.
Finally, it is really a question mark for Microsoft how to come back to the battle to fight iOS and Android? But, again we know how much potential Microsoft possess for more than decades. It may come back anytime into the industry; but it is just our assumption and we hope it come true in near future. After all, if Microsoft comes back that means we will get yet another potential offering for our hard earned money while purchasing a new gadget.
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 doing Windows Phone app development. 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.
We can’t ignore the importance of smart phones: Recently, we have seen a tremendous and successful curve in the growth of the smart phone industry. Almost billions of users are there to use smart phones in their hands. The smart phones have received such an overwhelming response due to its capability and potential through different features. The best feature is its internet connectivity that enables the user to be online anytime and anywhere through this small hardware. Moreover, there are many smart phone browsers that can help the user in browsing websites through mobile internet networks. As a result, the use of internet has increased to a magical extend. This triggers the mobile developers in building quality apps for different purposes. To add this, all other industries are trying to get the benefit from this situation. Industries like Hotel, Travel, Tourism and online business etc have gained a magical output from smart phone industry. Moreover, they are demanding for web apps and hybrid apps for their customers for the marketing purpose. Let us find out how this helps others.
Mobile app can help your business grow in much faster way: Through mobile apps that is being developed for your business can help you in bringing a good name and fame in the industry. You can reach at more customers and hence this will help your business to grow in a faster pace. You can reach at your customer beyond all geographic barriers through your mobile app. Just by a click on your app, your customer can be connected with you and your products or services in no time. This will definitely bring a smile on your dimple.
Reach at your customer with better quality of service: Through smart phone apps like android apps or iOS app, you can reach at millions or billions of users in no time. You can offer better quality of service through your app that will definitely give a new shape to your business. You can provide better service through your app. Moreover you can give instant support or service to your customers that will definitely bring you netter reputation in the industry. Moreover, value added services like chatting, online support etc can also help your customers feel privileged in the industry.
This increases the demand of mobile app developer: With the use of smart phone apps for various to every industry, we can see a tremendous demand for android app developers in the industry. This is definitely a positive signal for the future and hence we should encourage it.
Still there is much juice for future: Well, experts believe that the smart phone industry is at its childhood stage. There are lots of things to happen in recent future. Though the industry is changing in a much faster pace than before still, it is not at its peak yet. So, we can’t assume what and how it will look after a year!! We have to wait and watch for the uncertain and ever-changing future of smart phone industry.
At Mindfire Solutions, we have a team of senior iOS 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 top iPhone App developers, please feel free to write to sales at MindfireSolutions dot com and we would revert back in one business day.
According to the latest smartphone sales data, for the fourth quarter of 2014, released by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, “Apple’s share of sales grew across the US, Europe and China during the important Christmas period, driven by a strong portfolio of devices.” The recent decline in Android’s market share will encourage more and more businesses to invest in iOS application development. The developers can use the tools and interface provided by iOS SDK to create, install, run and test native apps from iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. However, the iOS application developers still need some killer tools to increase their productivity and development quality.
7 Killer Tools for iOS App Developers
1) Alcatraz: As an open source package manager for Xcode, Alcatraz makes it easier for iOS programmers to discover and install templates, plug-ins and color schemes. The installation can be further completed without copying or cloning the files manually. As Alcatraz is installed as part of Xcode, the developers can easily select from a variety of add-ons simply by launching the package manager.
2) CocoaPods: CocoaPods is a widely used dependency manager for Cocoa and Objective-C projects. The thousands of libraries provided by CocoaPods make it easier for iOS developers to scale their projects. Along with being built with Ruby, CocoaPods can also be installed using the default Ruby available on OS X. So the developers can avail a variety of libraries to scale their projects without putting any extra time and effort.
3) FontasticIcons: As its name indicates, IOS developers can use the tool as an Objective-C wrapper for iconic fonts. After installing CocoaPods, FontasticIcons can be used in the Xcode project. FontasticIcons makes it easier for programmers to reap the benefits of iconic fonts in a manner similar to CSS in website designing. They can use the tool to easily change an icon’s size, shape, color and opacity. The tool further helps them in optimizing the icons for the high resolution displays of iOS devices.
4) Prepo: Prepo makes it easier and simpler for iOS developers to create icons and artwork. It’s simple user interface and drag-and-drop feature further enable developers to create high resolution icons and artwork quickly. Prepo allows users to export IOS icons at correct sizes and in one go. The users can further preview the icons both locally and remotely.
5) AppCode: AppCode is designed with features to provide advanced coding assistance to iOS programmers. It supports both basic and advanced code completion. When the programmer starts using a new class, AppCode with automatically suggest the corresponding imports. It can further adjust the code formatting options from a file, directory or code fragment based on the developer’s preference. The developers can use simple shortcuts to create a variety of code constructs.
6) Indigo Studio: As a rapid prototyping tools, Indigo Studio helps iOS programmers to not write and rewrite code unnecessarily. They can use the tool to design and experience the iOS app before writing the code. Indigo Studio comes with features to design animated and functional user interface prototypes, while focusing on the user experience at each step. The tool can even be used by the designers without development skills.
7) PaintCode 2: The iOS app developers can use PaintCode 2 to turn their drawings into Swift, Objective-C, or C# Xamarin code. The clean and readable code generated by the tool can be further copied directly into the project. The programmers can further use the vector drawing tools provided by PaintCode 2 to easily design icons, controls and other graphic elements. At the same time, they also have option to use their existing vector images simply by importing the SVG and PSD files.
On the whole, the iPhone apps developers have option to choose from a large number of tools according to the project’s specific needs. However, it is always important for them to check if the tools are updated for the most recent version of Apple’s mobile operating systems.
To know more about our expertise in iOS App programmer team. If you would like to discuss with a certified iOS App developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Apple is the game changer in the smart devices with its flagship products like iPod, iPad and iPhone. All its devices run on its own iOS operating system. Well there are many other players in the market in smart phone industry like Google’s Android and Microsoft’s windows but apple has its very respectable place in the industry. You will find many manufacturers producing smart phones and tablets for Android operating system or windows 8.1 smart operating systems. But there is no single manufacturer except apple (itself) that produces different devices for iOS. Well it seems as if apple plays a monopoly game in the industry; but the fact is different. In fact, apple doesn’t like to take any sort of risk for the quality related issues for its users. Hence it produces both its operating system and devices for its esteemed customers. Recently it launched its latest and ambitious IOS 8 along with few new devices like iPhone6, Apple watch to cope with the latest version. This time iOS developers have some new challenge to develop apps for IOS 8 platform. Let us discuss those points.
Efficient management of Screen resolutions: iPhone6 has a larger display than all its previous versions and hence this will definitely create some trouble for the iOS developers to make their apps run smoothly on the latest version. Now he has to consider the new screen resolution of the iPhone 6 devices for his app. Well it is not a very tough task for iOS developer but still we have to mention it as the basic precaution for the iOS8 development process.
Learn Split View Controller: In iOS8 there is a split view controller feature in the operating system and every iOS developer must learn and integrate this in their app. It will help in keeping two view controls side by side within the screen resolution of the device. This will improve the user experience of the application to a large extent. It is extremely important when we think about different angles of view of an application in horizontal and vertical manner. Hence as a good iOS developer, you must learn how to take the advantage of split view controller in your app.
New HealthKit and Apple watch can be integrated to your app: With the latest iOS8, Apple has shown some highly ambitious products for the future like Apple watch and health kit. The new device will ensure that the user is not only get the virtual benefit from iOS8 through different apps but also they can get some health tips and calculate some health related parameters like kilo calories energy burned, distance travelled etc through the Apple watch device. As an iOS developer, you can take the data of those devices to make your app even more interesting and useful by integrating those data in your app.
You can take a twist with Apple Pay: Apple pay is yet another adventure from apple to a move towards virtual credit cards and virtual money within a secure environment from apple. Though it is not yet established and has not gained that much market penetration in the industry still you should integrate the Apple pay in your app in order to encourage this kind of innovative ideas! If you are planning to hire service of iPhone app development company India, you must evaluate them to see if they are sufficiently agile or not!
We provide offshore iPhone app development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified iPhone app developer India from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Why HTML5? HTML5 has received a stupendous market value in recent trend. This is due to its advanced features that enable it to deal with different issues of modern devices, platforms and browsers. The future relies on the smart devices which can be multifunctional in nature. It can work like a computer and at the same time it can perform the job of a mobile phone with video calling support which makes it a powerful device for the end user. The answer is smart phone or tablet. These devices has all the functionality of a computer machine along with mobiles hence industry demands more from it and it has received an unexpected overnight popularity in the industry. Any technology which can take the maximum advantage of these devices will definitely be a champion in the industry. HTML5 is one such champion of the industry. Let us discuss few important features of HTML5 that a HTML5 developer must know before he implements it.
Are you conscious about light weight web development? Well HTML5 is extremely popular in developing light weight mobile apps this is because of the transformations of different heavy components of a web page to its HTML5 light weight components without compromising on user experience. Why transformation? Yes, images are transformed into canvas drawings in HTML5 which are extremely light weight in nature. Graphics are transformed into canvas graphics and flash video can be transformed into HTML5 graphics video. All these HTML5 components are extremely light weight and impressive. The best part is it doesn’t require any third party multimedia player like flash player to be installed as a plugin to run a multimedia file. Instead of that, HTML5 developers can take the help of its video tag to deal with different multimedia files. This really decreases the load on the browser to a large extent and hence improves the user experience.
The app should have better look n feel: While you are dealing with modern web apps, as a web developer you must conscious about the look and feel of the application. A HTML5 developer must learn different techniques and tags of HTML5 which can create a visually rich user interface of the application. Moreover, you must learn how to integrate HTML5 with CSS3 to develop even better user interface for the application.
You must implement responsive web design: Responsive web design is the core of any modern web application because it decides the fate of a web application which is projected for the future. Responsive web design is a technique to impart similar user experience of an application irrespective of platforms and screen sizes of the device. This can be achieved through HTML5 along with assistance from CSS3 and JQuery while developing beautiful, attractive and interactive web application for the modern devices.
Don’t forget to integrate Cloud: As a HTML5 developer you should always proud as a modern era web developer and hence it is your responsibility to learn all modern technologies and implement them in your application. Cloud is a future ready technology and it is extremely encouraged by the experts of the industry. Hence you must learn how to integrate cloud computing in your application while developing a future ready web solution.
Take the maximum advantage of local storage: HTML5 developers must take the help of local storage which is nothing but a large size cache and it can help in optimizing your web application to a large extent. So never forget to implement it in your application. To get maximum benefits of HTML5, you may consider hiring services of a custom HTML5 development company.
We provide HTML5 development services. If you would like to hire HTML5 developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
Developing mobile apps is no more a trend. Rather the business owners are now being compelled to create mobile apps. In this regard, HTML5 is a significant technology that offers a comprehensive solution. It has become one of the most popular markup language which is undoubtedly packed with enhanced technical advancements as compared to other development tools. HTML5 is especially helpful when the developers are looking for a faster outcome. Additionally, it is also necessary that the tool is user friendly as well as cost effective. Both this features are a part of the fifth version of the HTML technology.
There are certain tricks that can further help the app developers to ensure that the development process is fast and productive –
Choose an apt UI framework: The UI framework that you are choosing should be suitable for your needs. A new HTML UI framework is released almost every day. Each framework offers a somewhat different combination when it comes to controls. However, the trick here is to opt for the framework that allows you to develop a list of controls that you are looking for. There are demo pages for most of them. As a result, the developers can check them out prior to commencing with the development. This process will also enable the developers to get a feel about the performance of the app.
Reusable Data: The primary aim of using HTML5 is that it makes the use of codes redundant. Therefore, codes once written can be used for about 90% – 95% throughout all platforms. Moreover, there is no need of any specialization as far as the developers are concerned since they are already accustomed with similar type of web development.
Decide on the features to be included: In regards to the features that are used to develop HTML5 apps, you must be aware of the features that have to be included. This is required to ensure that the same features are included during the development process. Depending on the device, the app resolution can be changed too. Additionally, notification management and bluetooth access could be managed as well with the help of HTML5 development. Native methods are applied to remove any gap that can arise during the development process. This will lead to a creation of a cheaper and smarter way to include mobile apps across all platforms.
Codes must be well structured: The trick is to present well structured codes. These are instrumental in reaching out to the server in fastest possible way. Whenever the time to call the server increases the app performance falls dramatically. This affects the SEO rankings of your website as well. Hence, it is necessary to provide the code in the app in an organized manner. It ensures a better user experience.
Maintain a single sheet for CSS: This is another trick that can accelerate your development process. Maintain a single CSS sheet instead of one style sheet paper. Handling numerous pages while developing a website is quite cumbersome. Instead of creating style sheets repeatedly, it is better to strategize how you want the project to look like across various screen sizes. Planning out about how the data would be flowing from one screen to another will be helpful as well.
Consider the upper limit: When you are building a mobile app it is necessary to take the upper limit into consideration. Under this circumstances, you will be able to design the variables. The latter leads to the changing of values. Hence, it is necessary to mention the type of variable.
Make the apps looks like native ones: The developers make an extra effort to make the mobile apps appear like the native ones. One of the first tips that can work in this regard is by hiding the address bar in the mobile application. The tag can be utilized to run it at full screen mode. The users, however, will be able to access the address bar although it remains hidden from the view. jQuery Mobile can execute this automatically.
AddToHome JS library from Cubiq is a good option for iOS app developers. This add on will demonstrate instructions to the users. The app can be added to the iOS home screen. This enables the app to have its own icon.
HTML5 development is a perfect tool to target a market that is already witnessing a boost. The above mentioned tips and tricks will only help in delivering better solutions to meet the rising demands. To get maximum benefits of HTML5, you may consider hiring services of a custom HTML5 web development company.
We provide HTML5 development services. To hire HTML5 Developer from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.
