Developing Mobile Apps - Some Mistakes To Avoid

Mobile apps or application development is the mechanism that is followed to develop application software for various handheld devices like personal as well as enterprise digital assistance devices or mobile phones.

After the induction of iPhones and Smart Phones, tablets and other high tech hand held devices, people are slowly shifting their focus from the conventional ‘bigger’ devices like laptops and desktops to the relatively smaller handheld devices. This understandably has increased the popularity as well as the need of mobile app development by many folds. The process, however, is not that easy. Developers often end up committing several mistakes. These mistakes at times play the role of deterrent in providing enough mobility to an application, which in turn results in marketing disaster.

Improper Planning

This is one of the major loopholes or fallacies that often plague the practice of mobile app development. Without a proper planning nothing works and application development is no different. If and when an app is designed without any substantial planning of the end result, it is likely that the end product will be a worthless one and will hardly be able to serve the very purpose that it is intended for. Hence, before you actually start the development, it is imperative that you plan the entire ‘thing’ in a transparent way so that you do not lose the way midway. Moreover, the product should be such that it will show the users the right way and will fulfill the purpose properly.

Ignoring the apparently trivial thing(s)
Ignoring things that are apparently trivial is another mistake that developers tend to end up committing. Things like login details, interference of graphic as well as animations with the basic website usability are often ignored at the first instance. These apparently trivial issues subsequently snowball into disasters, thereby hindering the very functionality of the apps to a considerable extent. Hence, each and every aspect of the app should be taken into account seriously in order to ensure a flawless development along with ultimate execution. The very purpose of the development should be to ensure that the app that is developed is user-friendly, appealing, as well as adored by the users of every age group and that also for a substantial amount of time.

Refrain from creating a scrolling design
Too much of scrolling will surely deter the users. They do not like scrolling too much nowadays. Hence, you need to make sure than the app does not have much of scrolling designs. The idea behind designing the app should be such that the user is never forced to do anything. They should be able to see things without much of an effort, seamlessly.

Ignoring the Sharing Option
People generally tend to share apps they are using with their friends, colleagues, family members along with other individuals they know. Hence, the apps developers will have to have a substantial amount of sharing option so that things can be shared with others easily. Then again, the option needs to be absolutely user friendly.

Building apps for multiple platforms separately
This is another very common mistake that the developers commit. They tend to build one platform first and then follow it up with other platforms. This doubles the engineering costs and the time taken. Hence, it is better to finalize an application on Android and then have a few iterations and then port to iOS or the other way round. This will also get the MVP or Minimum Viable Product out to the stands at the earliest, besides cutting the costs to almost half.

Not taking the issue of Monetization into account
If someone assumes that as soon as a site is developed clients will just come and start paying, that is a great mistake. There are a lot of apps that can be downloaded free of cost. Hence, one should think how to monetize the app right from the scratch. Some of the common myths regarding monetization that need to be avoided include:

1. Advertisements will support the app
2. A company will acquire the app as soon as it is developed
3. Users will start paying for the app
4. First of all scalability needs to be emphasized – monetization can be taken into account much later

There are a number of other mistakes that app developers can commit. However, there needs to be a specific planning in order to avoid these blunders.

You can hire developer from top app development India companies who can guide you in detail about the benefits of both approaches.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to hire mobile app developers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Building Highly Addictive & Viral Mobile Apps

Thanks to the huge popularity which is growing with every passing day, the future of mobile apps market looks extremely bright, especially when it comes to making a considerable revenue earning. However, this also gives rise to the necessity of expanding different strategies of digital marketing. Naturally, a sizeable amount of time along with effort are been nowadays spent, with the view to develop various types of mobile apps that are worth downloading.

The designs need to be exceptional

The apps need to be designed from “inside out”. That means, the designs need to be such that they will embrace all the potentials along with the limitations. The concept of designing or developing mobile apps is absolutely different from designing and developing apps meant for traditional desktop computers or laptops.

The design needs to be drawn on real life

The applications need to be designed in an intuitive way so that they fit in the real life requirements. However, when it comes to fulfilling the requirements, the best mobile apps not only fulfil the physical requirements of the modern day to day life but also satisfy the psychological needs as well, so that the customers get a psychologically gratifying experience.

The designs need to be created at first by clearly defining the concept that they are going to focus on, and then follow it up by coding or making the illustration. The key to success in creating addictive as well as compelling apps is the context that is created. The concept of the context must be drawn from the comparable objects of real life along with the day to day interactions of various kinds. The idea is to engage as many things as possible that are familiar to the users or audience.

Keep things simple and straight

It is imperative to keep things as simple and straight as possible while designing. According to the experts, this will help to avoid designing something that is not needed at all. Great apps are those which stay focused on things or ideas that are absolute necessary.

Focus on one thing to excel

Addictive and viral apps are those which are single-purpose in nature and come up with certain functional features that help the users in their daily activities without any complications whatsoever. There are a number of funny as well as quirky apps available in the market but the credit lies in creating an app that would solve the common daily problems. That's what makes an app addictive as well as viral! Hence, the key to success is thinking about the idea behind designing the app instead of the app itself.

Offer incentives to the users

The apps need to provide some kind of value added service to the users. That means in order to go viral, they need to go beyond being mere mobile websites. They need to offer better as well as quicker services, in such a way that users can get whatever information they need at their finger tips right when they need. It is this which makes an app popular. It should help people to interact with the others, provide notifications about users' actions and so on. Rewarding users for their actions or behaviours proves to be highly addictive. Popularizing those rewards to the social media can help an app to go viral.

Being Unconventional

This is another way of making an app addictive. Thinking differently, making an app that is quite different from the others are the best ways to make an app highly popular so much so that it goes viral.

There are a number of other ways in which an app can be made popular. The entire thing depends upon the designer, the developer and their imaginations or innovations. They can incorporate newer as well as unique ways to make an app adorable. The bottom line is that the app in question needs to have unparalleled quality, visibility, usability along with stability that make all the difference.

You can hire mobile app programmers with solid experience in app development who can help you build engaging mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We are one of the top mobile app development companies in India. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Mobile website vs Mobile App: Which should you use?

The rapidly growing popularity of smartphones and tablets has compelled enterprise to promote their businesses by targeting mobile platforms. Each organization has several options to target the mobile device users. Some companies launch mobile business apps to attract their existing customers and prospects. At the same time, many organizations optimize the look and feel of their websites for mobile web browsers. However, both mobile website and mobile apps have their own pros and cons. So each enterprise must compare and evaluate these two options to target more relevant users.

Evaluating Pros and Cons of Mobile Apps and Mobile Websites

User Access

A business mobile app needs to be downloaded by the users. Once the user downloads and install the application on his mobile device, he can avail its features simply with a single click. On the other hand, a mobile website can be accessed by users immediately on their mobile web browsers. Further, the mobile version of your business website can also be accessed by using mobile version of various online search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing.

Functionality
The mobile applications are more effective in keeping users engaged by offering efficient and high quality functionality. Your business can always impress users by allowing them to perform complex tasks like getting information about products, placing order and tracking payment without any hassle. But the mobile website does not allow users to carry out any such transactions directly. But you can use the mobile website as a medium to get more inquiries and website visits.

Speed
A number of reports have highlighted how a mobile app runs at a much faster pace than the mobile websites. So the mobile applications will help you in keeping users engaged by delivering rich user experience. The mobile websites also require users to be connected to the internet to access the mobile websites. But many mobile applications can be accessed by users without having any internet connection.

Technological Requirements
Most organizations, nowadays, launch different versions of the same enterprise app by targeting different mobile platforms. So each version of the app must be developed using technologies and programming language according to the requirements of the mobile operating system. So businesses have to hire mobile app developers to implement their ideas. On the other hand, the mobile version of your website can be developed without putting any extra time and effort. Your website designer can use some simple tricks to create and optimize the mobile website.

Development Cost
As your existing website can be easily optimized for the mobile web browsers, you are not required to incur any heavy expenses. But cost of the mobile application development project will vary according to the features and functionalities of the app. Further, you have to promote the app on various platforms to enhance its popularity. So the overall cost of developing, launching and marketing a mobile application may be huge. It is always a good idea to keep in mind your budget, while evaluating these two options.

ROI
An organization has option to launch the free as well as paid version of the app. When a user loves the features and functionality offered by the free version of the application, he will not hesitate to download the paid version. Further, an organization can implement a comprehensive promotional strategy to make its paid apps popular. The free apps can also be used as a medium to generate revenue by including in-app purchases and in-app advertisement. So it is always easier to monetize a mobile application in comparison to a mobile website.

Each organization also needs to make and implement a comprehensive strategy to launch a popular business mobile application. But it can optimize the mobile version of the website without putting any extra time and effort. So an enterprise must evaluate cost and ROI benefits before taking a decision in favor of any one. You can hire mobile application programmer from top mobile app development companies who can guide you in detail about the benefits of both approaches.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert mobile app developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Are your users quitting your app?

You can always launch a popular mobile app by keeping in mind the current trends in technology and customer demand. But you must remember that each customer has options to choose from a large collection of apps offering similar features and functionalities. Therefore, it becomes essential to optimize the efficiency and performance of your mobile app to beat completion. Many reports have highlighted that over 50% of mobile app users will exit if a system doesn't load within 5 seconds. So your development plan must consider some of the key measures make the mobile application work faster. You can even consider some of the most effective practices to make the app faster and popular.

4 Smart Ways to Make Your Mobile App Work Faster

1) Optimize the Images

Often the loading speed of a mobile application is impacted by the quality of images. In comparison to the images displayed on desktops, the mobile app images need to be smaller. Further, the images must be scaled to the right size to avoid several issues related to performance and memory. At the same time, you can further reduce the load on server by scaling the images to the size exactly required by the mobile device. The correctly sized images will make your app load faster by reducing the workload on the device as well as server.

2) Use JSON Web Services
The mobile application developers have options to create web services using several technologies like SOAP and XML, and JSON. Many experts have highlighted how the XML responses are much larger than JSON responses. As the mobile app normally do not display all fields on a page to users, you must ensure that the server is returning only the data required by the client. The workload on the server can be reduced drastically by specifying which fields will be included in a request. As entity tags (ETags) are a part of HTTP, you can even consider using these to deliver the content that are not updated or modified frequently.

3) Prioritize Client Requests
Similar to websites, a mobile app also needs to handle several client requests at a time. So you must differentiate client requests to reduce the app loading time. It is also important to prioritize the requests by implementing an efficient request queue. The request queue will further cancel the requests that are no longer relevant, or block users to perform a new action. At the same time, you also need to ensure that the connections are reused to idle cycles are used to respond to the next request. In case the network is not reliable, you can even consider queuing up a batch of client requests till the internet connectivity is back.

4) Look for Smart Ways to Implement Caching
Each app can be designed with cache to memory as well as to the file system using ETags. You can always consider a caching option that does not go over the network. If you decide to cache to the file system, it is a good idea to restrict the number of concurrent file accesses, along with deleting the irrelevant data. Further, you have to predict the upcoming user requests, while caching the responses already sent to the user. When the next set of user requests are already cached before the user requests, the user can access content at once. The smart caching implementation will further help you in delivering optimized user experience.

The mobile application must be tested thoroughly under different conditions and emulating maximum use behavior. Along with the development strategy, your testing plan for the application also needs to identify the flaws that increase its loading time. Before you take a decision to hire mobile application programmer for your app idea, it is highly suggested to evaluate the vendor’s expertise in not only product/app development but also testing.

We provide mobile apps development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our top mobile app developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Data-driven test automation is the best mobile application testing strategy

Using software for execution of tests as well as determining whether the predicted outcome and actual outcome are same or not on basis of those tests is known as test automation. Automation phases in software appears during the testing as well as implementation phase. Automated testing helps organizations accomplish the goal of adequately tested software as fast and thoroughly as possible. The coverage is also increased and the need for testing manually is reduced. Through this type of evaluation, minor defects which remain unexposed by manual testing are discovered. In fact, there are plenty of other advantages associated with this kind of evaluation, making it absolutely indispensable in the world of software. This is especially so for testing of mobile applications since it is a much more complicated process with the number of varying platforms along with operating systems of tablets, smartphones, etc.

Automated tests need proper execution environment; in this case it is an automation or testing framework which is an overall system for the automation of tests. The framework or support or work platform for the evaluations constitutes a set of concepts, practices as well as assumptions. The framework is application independent and can be easily expanded, maintained and perpetuated. Testing frameworks are of different types- modular, keyword driven, hybrid and data driven.

For data driven testing, data files supply the test's output and input values. Separate files store the expected output and input results. Although, the file is generally in tabular formats, it can be a CVS file, Excel file, DAO object, ODBC source, ADO object, etc. In such a framework variables are used for output verification values along with input values. All coded information related to navigating through evaluation status logs and application, reading of data files, etc are there in evaluation scripts. The test case remains encapsulated in information files and scripts remain a means for data delivery or a “driver”. Just the test information is contained in the data files of this type of evaluation.

Data-driven testing framework has a number of advantages like-

• The scripts can be created even during the ongoing development of applications.
• You can greatly reduce unnecessary duplication as well as redundancy of automated test scripts creation because records and files are used for verification of data along with input and also because of the modular type design.
• When there arises changes in the functionality, all you need to do is revise the script of the specific “Business Function”.
• Details as well as information like expected results, outputs or inputs are stored in form of text records which can be managed very conveniently.
• Errors can be handled better which results in more robust testing scripts. This is mainly because during the calling of scripts the functions return with “FALSE” or “TRUE” values, the entire thing is not aborted. Just creating a nice “recovery” program results in the execution of test scripts without needing any attendance.

Data-driven frameworks have certain disadvantages as well. For the automation tool, you need to be an expert on the scripting language; for each test case, many data-files are needed. In fact, evaluation plan information has to be re-entered by test engineer in varying data-files and on top of that the test plan has to be properly managed as well. However, the advantages of data-driven test automation outnumbers the disadvantages. With this type of testing, new test cases can be easily added just by adding new entry into information source. Also different sets of information help cover many aspects of the features of applications, thus increasing the test coverage. One script can test application functionality which makes this automation framework the best mobile application testing strategy.

You can hire software testing companies who can help you create and execute the perfect mobile app testing strategy.

We provide mobile app development as well as software testing services. If you would like to speak to expert mobile app developers from our team about the ways in which we go about doing app testing, please feel free to contact us. We will be glad to get back to you.

Why Are Mobile App Developers Avoiding Windows Phone 8

Many experts considers Windows Phone 8 as a solid mobile operating system that possesses all the features, functionalities and qualities required to compete with the popular mobile platforms launched by Apple and Google. But many reports have highlighted how the popularity of the Microsoft mobile operating system is being affected due to lack of adequate apps. There are also a number of reasons because of why mobile application developers are avoiding the new mobile platform. It is time for Microsoft to identify these reasons to encourage more developers to build mobile apps by targeting Windows Phone 8.

5 Reasons Why Mobile Application Developers Avoid Windows Phone 8

1. Popularity and Market Share of the Mobile Operating System
Each enterprise wants to get the maximum ROI by launching apps by targeting the right mobile platform. Mobile application always developers choose a mobile platform according to its recent popularity and market share. Despite a steady increase in the Nokia Lumia line of smartphones, the market share of Windows Phone 8 has increased by less than 2%. So the Microsoft mobile operating system will take some time to challenge popular mobile platforms like IOS and Android. The lower market share also discourages developers to build apps by targeting Windows Phone 8.

2. Lack of Powerful Development Tools
Most developers use customized tools and frameworks to rapidly build robust applications. The popularity of Android and IOS has encouraged many third-party companies to launch and update mobile application development tools. But the Windows Phone 8 developers have options to choose from a limited number of development tools. Microsoft has launched Visual Studio 2013 with a set of smart features and tools to help developers. So the developers now have options to use features like performance diagnostics and power usage monitoring to build apps rapidly. However, the developers still look for more innovative tools and frameworks.

3. Flaws in OS Design
Many reports have also highlighted a number of flaws in the design of Windows Phone 8. For instance, the mobile version of Internet Explorer lacks a forward navigation button. Further, the user does not have any option to set Google as his default search engine. The inefficient GPS navigation option provided by the operating system also makes it complicated and time-consuming for the users to find a place. The mobile OS also does not send effective notification about mails and other message. As most apps use the inbuilt features of the smartphone to optimize user experience, the minor flaws often discourage them to develop apps for Windows Phone 8.

4. Additional Security Considerations
Most mobile applications use third-party apps and interfaces to deliver improved user experience. Similar to other mobile operating systems, Windows Phone 8 also comes with large collection of security controls. But the programmers have to exercise additional care and caution to ensure that the third-party apps remain fully secure and inaccessible. There are always chances that the third-party apps will be exposed to higher risk due to minor mistakes and lapses. As the Microsoft mobile platform is comparatively new, developers do not have option to access a large collection of documentation and resources. So they have to put some additional time and effort to ensure the security of the third-party applications.

5. No Support for Widely Used Technologies
A constant increase is noted in the enterprises launching several versions of the same app by targeting different mobile platforms. Most developers explore options to develop the apps rapidly by using some of the most popular and widely used technologies. They can develop apps for Windows Phone 8 by using either native languages like WinRT or C++, or managed languages like C#. But currently developers do not have any option to develop mobile apps for this platform by using widely used technologies like JavaScript and HTML5. So developer must learn how to build feature-rich applications for Windows Phone 8 using platform APIs. They also need to access the large developer documentation to understand and use the APIs correctly.

Despite many app developers avoiding Windows Phone 8, nobody can deny the fact that the mobile operating system is still capable of challenging iOS and Android. There are also chances that developers will start developing apps for this platform after a substantial increase in its share in the smartphone market.

You can hire programmers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide mobile application development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert iPhone app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

What Analytics Can Do for Your Mobile App?

Enterprises often explore innovative ways to keep its consumers engaged. With more and more companies investing in mobile application development, the apps can, nowadays, be used as a medium to evaluate and deliver user experience. Similar to websites, the performance and usage of the mobile apps also needs to be constantly monitored to deliver the experience expected by consumer. Each business also has option to track the performance of its business app using several mobile app analytic tools.

Along with free tools like Google’s Mobile App Analytics, and paid tools like Adobe Analytics Suite, an enterprise also has option to opt for specially designed analytic tools like Playtomic, Localytics and Flurry. However, it is also important for a company to evaluate the pros and cons of different analytic tools, and choose the one that complements its application’s requirements and usage. If you are planning to monitor, measure and evaluate the performance of your mobile application using these analytic tools, it is time to understand how the tools can contribute towards making your business application popular.

What Analytics Can Do for Your Mobile App?

Check the Actual Usage of Your Mobile App
Most enterprises evaluate the popularity of their apps based on number of downloads. But it is also important to a business to understand if the apps are actually being used by customers. The analytic tools will help you in understanding if the app is actually being used, along with the nature of the usage and the number of customers uninstalling it. As the usage of the app is essential for retaining customers, you can use the analytic data to engage users, and convince them to download the updated version of the application.

Optimize the Mobile App Marketing Strategy
Each enterprise chooses the feature and functionality of the app according to the latest trends in user demand. But there are always chances that some of the features need improvement to deliver better user experience. The mobile app analytics will help you in identifying the features that must be improved to make your app more popular. Further, the information will help you promoting your application properly by identifying the bottlenecks that prevent a user from downloading it. You can even modify your mobile app marketing strategy, and eliminate the ineffective promotional techniques.

Identify the Features that Keep the Users Engaged
An enterprise also needs to learn what feature or aspects of its app are having a huge impact on users. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of its app, a business can easily explore options to deliver improved user experience. Along with the features that need improvement, the mobile application analytics will further help you in identifying the features or aspects of the app that get more response from users. The understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your app will help you in releasing its updated version.

Keep Track of Your Competitors
Some mobile app analytic tools are designed with specific features to offer market data. However, an enterprise has to incur some additional expenses to avail these analytics providers. The market data provided by the analytics tool will make it simpler for the user to understand performance of similar applications in the app store in terms of number of downloads and price. An enterprise can further evaluate the market data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of competitors’ marketing strategies. It can even consider offering discounts to make the app more popular by beating competition.

Calculate Return on Your Investment
Each business has to invest some amount of time, effort and fund to build and promote a mobile application. So each enterprise needs to track the ROI, along with exploring options to get higher returns. The mobile app analytic tools help users in taking informed decisions based on a wider view of the mobile application’s performance. In addition to measuring the performance of your mobile app, the analytic data can also be used to manage the application efficiently. The timely availability of the detailed and significant information will further help you in implementing the right strategy to get higher ROI.

The mobile app analytic tools are also effective in tracking and evaluating the performance of your application across different mobile platforms. So it becomes easier to build a popular brand by delivering consistent user experience across multiple mobile operating systems.

You can hire mobile app programmers 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 speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

7 Beautiful Mobile UI's for Your Prototyping Needs

The rapid advancement in communication technologies has made mobile devices an inseparable part of modern lifestyle. But the rapid technological developments and frequently changing user choices have made it a daunting challenge for enterprises to launch applications that will become popular within a very short span of time. Along with exploring fresh and innovative mobile application development ideas, it has also become essential for a business to evaluate its prototyping needs.

Before investing in a project, the developers must create mockups to check and optimize the interaction between end users and their designs. A proper mobile prototyping strategy can further contribute towards both time and resources. The developers also have options to pick from a large collection of Mobile user interfaces (UIs) based on specific mobile operating systems and their prototyping needs. Some of these UIs further make it easier for programmers to avail the advantages of the latest technologies like HTML5 and Cloud computing.

7 Widely Used Mobile Devices Prototyping Uis

1) Prototyping on Paper (POP)
Many developers still prefer UI sketches on paper. The simple yet powerful application for iOS enables such programmers to capture the UI sketches using their iPhone cameras, and add touch links to the captured sketches in an instant. Further, the sketched prototype can be published within the app, while receiving feedback from others. The free app also makes it easier for designers to avoid complexities by adopting a lean UI process.

2) Solidify
You can use Solidify to create clickable prototypes from your wireframe, sketches or mockup. The tool further enables you to carry out user tests in person to validate user flows on specific mobile devices. Also, you have options to carry out the test remotely, and receive the required feedback from testers. Along with conducting a variety of user tests, the tool further complements your prototyping needs by validating interactions and providing unbiased results.

3) InVision
The prototyping and collaboration application is designed to meet the prototyping needs of a distributed team. InVision comes with a set of tools required to share a single mockup in an instant, or to demonstrate a complex mobile app. The tools further make it easier for you to connect your digital wireframes, UX sketches and high-fidelity designs, in addition to sharing the details with you team. At the same time, you can use these features to create and make presentations.

4) Proto
It is one of the most advanced prototyping tools that support animation. So you can use the tool to optimize your designs, mockups or wireframes by incorporating touch events, animations and rich media. At the same time, the prototype can also be tested thoroughly by simulating exact user behaviors by rotating, tapping or swiping the app. Also, you have option to share the prototype easily with other members of your team, and receive their feedback.

5) AppCooker
The paid tool can be used by developers to create mockups, while making their applications ready for Apple App Store. Along with integrating with Box.net and DropBox, you can further import icons and user interface assets directly into the prototyping tool. Further, the tool enables you to access the complete collection of default Apple UI controls. However, the tool is currently available only for iPad. You have to use its companion app called AppTaster that is designed for iPhone and iPod touch.

6) FluidUI
Despite being designed as a multi-platform web app, FluidUI is still simple and easy-to-use. You can use the prototyping tool to rapidly design, develop, test and share mobile user interfaces. It also comes with the tools and elements required to develop applications for popular mobile platforms like iOS, Android and Windows phones. Also, you have option to use the Google Chrome version of the tool to avail these features offline.

7) MakeAppIcon
Many reports have highlighted how the popularity of an app can be impacted by its icon. Along with designing a high resolution icon, you also need to ensure that it complements the specific requirements of the mobile device. As a web script, MakeAppIcon enables you to optimize an icon with the maximum resolution of 1024×1024 according to Apple’s guidelines related to retina and similar features of the devices. Despite being simple and easy-to-use, MakeAppIcon is still effective in saving the amount of time required to resize the icon manually according to Apple’s specific requirements.

In addition to the mobile UIs, the developers also have option to use a wide variety of templates and tools. They can further explore options to use a single mobile user interface technology that works seamlessly across multiple mobile platforms and devices.

You can hire programmers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide mobile application development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert iPhone app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

Predicting mobile app & software development trends for 2014

Technology is evolving and changing at a rapid pace. It is more evident than this seems to be in the mobile phone market as well as the applications. Every year sees innovations alongside new trends in phones as new apps are being developed to make it easier and seamless for the end users, wherever and whenever they are, to have access to all the information. As a matter of fact, enterprises are trying to employ the existing technology besides software in order to offer a number of new programs.

The latest trends of mobile application as well as software development do not focus on just individual customers, rather they target new businesses as well. In the present world of hi-tech sophistication, there is a sharp spike in the demand for smartphones, hence it has increased the requisite for new programs along with developers. Nonetheless, the trend has created a pool of new talents next door. With rising demand for offshore mobile application development, here are some of the upcoming trends that users can expect to see in 2014.

1. Demand for Mobile Apps

Demand for social networking or gaming applications is on the rise. There are various platforms relating to different fields present for the mobile app market ranging from IOS to Android applications, Blackberry and many more. To keep pace with the ever growing market demands while balancing the curve for consumer satisfaction, tablet and android application developers consistently deliver their services so that more and more customers start using these.

The focus is on the content sharing that adds a great deal of variation in the user experience. Apart from sharing pictures, songs or videos over the cellular internet as well as mobile phones, the process of content sharing also extends to information sharing, study media as well as notes sharing app.

2. Billing will Go Mobile with Progressive Software Development

Mobile Payment applications are gaining prominent grounds too. Mobile wallet is the service that has overtaken conventional operation of payment. It is a far better and more secure way that is now found to be commonly used in banks. Banking sector is getting into this market to provide the customers with mobile payment options.

This trend is expected to overtake the debit as well as credit card payment methods. With this amazing app technology and software development, just a single click on the mobile screen will help users pay their bill. It will also help a lot in decreasing the chances of theft. Therefore, with the development of such apps around the corner, billing will certainly go mobile.

3. Latest Business Strategy for App Stores

Across the board, app stores are seeing the most advanced products being offered to businesses along with individuals. A number of small scale businesses are not only purchasing apps which assist in streamlining their industry, they are also customizing them. Customization helps you promote sales as this trend focuses on combining special offers or coupons.

4. Role of Cloud Computing Technology

Cloud Computing constantly changes the way information is stored. Due to the increased market demand, cloud based applications are enhancing with rapid popularity. The eventual trend is intended to encourage industries in order to switch over to a cost effective and efficient way of doing business. With evolution in this technical field, security issues are also being worked out.

5. Location Plays a Major Role for Providing More Context Aware Services

Location is one of the vital factors and it helps in bringing forth services and information based on context to the users. Information such as the user’s location, gender, age and preferences are all taken into account for providing a more context aware service.

All these cutting edge future trends are some of the biggest expected evolutions in the mobile app and software development industry. Winning mobile applications will have unique features which also cater to the mobile environment instead of acting only as the cellular extension of the online peers. Companies, technologies as well as service providers, consistently stay abreast of the current app developments to make innovative market products while enhancing brand images and retaining user loyalty.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

How Much Does a Mobile App Cost? It Depends on What You Need

Mobile applications have been growing increasingly popular and these are being used for numerous purposes today. Be it with respect to business, fun or entertainment, businesses are increasingly realizing the need to develop the mobile apps and use them essentially for marketing or promotional purposes. However, while developing a mobile app is a necessity, the cost involved in designing the same is a major point of concern. Now, the cost of developing an app is dependent on a lot of factors that most importantly include the individual choices and necessities. So, the cost that you will have to incur will be determined by the kind of application you are looking for. Here is a detailed overview:

The Type

The type of the app is the predominant factor determining the development cost. Now, those with the simple and basic functionalities are less expensive while the complex ones are costlier. If you feel that your business needs one of those dynamic applications, you must have a higher budget range. The gaming based apps, incorporating 3D effects and so on, are naturally the most expensive of all.

The Design

The designing as well as the coding of apps require quite a lot of efforts to be put into the same. Now, web and graphic designers work on the design once the programming along with the functionality part is done. The overall design, which often determines the success or failure of the app, includes splash screens, tab icons and several other assets that automatically involve considerable costs.

Functionalities of the App

The kind of functionalities that the application will include, the category under which it will come and many other factors are taken into consideration. As such, the desired set of functionalities that you want your app to include will determine the price of the same to a significant extent.

The Engagement of a Developer

A qualified or skilled developer is must when it comes to developing a mobile application. Hiring a developer involves costs that the company has to bear. Again, the cost varies depending upon whether an in-house developer or someone on an hourly basis is hired.

Allowing the App to Go Live

After the app is built in the xCode, the developer can help get the same in the store. Now, if the store is iTunes for example, an iTunesConnect account needs to be set up and all the necessary information needs to provided. These are technical tasks that not only need to be handled by the experts but also require a great deal of financial resources.

With the application ready in the store, all the analytics can be monitored on the back side by means of the iTune Connect. Entrepreneurs try out several ways of deriving revenue from the applications such as that of advertising inside the app and so on. The PPC or SEO campaigns can be facilitated as well and this would involve costs in the initial stages to lead to the desired revenues in the long run.

Submitting the Applications

Submission of the applications is yet another essential factor determining the cost of developing an app. The popular application stores have to be targeted to get the highest- possible revenues from the applications. If professionals are being hired for submitting the applications, the cost will definitely go up to a certain extent.

With the above-mentioned factors playing crucial roles in determining the prices of the applications, it is always wise to devise a budget well beforehand. However, with the mobile applications turning out to be a dire necessity, it is obvious for entrepreneurs to be ready to spend some extra bucks to get much more in return.

You can hire mobile app programmers 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 speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

The Publisher Mobile Surge By The Numbers - A Report

The surge in the mobile devices and Smartphones is noticeable right from the year 2006, which was also held as the “the year of mobile”. However, for the prominent publishers, the present year 2013 is actually the mobile year with the numbers of non-desktop traffic showing a steady increase. As such, publishers realize the need to cater to the mobile traffic with greater intensity compared to what they did even a few years back.

A Comprehensive Report

Here is a comprehensive report on what the important publishers had to say regarding this particular surge along with the way this phenomenon influenced them.

• To begin with, BuzzFeed, one of the most recognized publishers, confirmed that 50% of the total traffic to their properties comes from the mobile users. The percentage of overall traffic from non-desktop users, which was only 31% in April last year, has almost tripled. The rapid growth of the mobile audience is obvious.
• Forbes, another important publisher, on the other hand, revealed that more than 35% of the visitors to the properties of Forbes came from the Smartphones along with other smart devices. The percentage was less than 25 even a year back, which again, recorded a significant surge.
• The non-desktop web traffic to Huffington Post showed an immense growth of 20% between just two months, July to September of the present year, 2013.
• Though not a publisher, the prominent video site, YouTube recorded about 41% of its total traffic coming from non-desktop users. The percentage, which was just 6 in 2011, effectively points out to the surge.
• SheKnows revealed a significant figure of 42% page views coming from users of mobile instead of desktops only. A growth rate of 56% year-over-year could be deduced from what the publisher had to say. A major portion of the traffic from non-desktop users comprised of people using tablets as well as Smartphone devices too.
• The Awl' sites have more than 30% of the traffic coming from tablets and phones, recording a 39% increase when compared to the same period last year.
• About 38% of the total page views of yet another publisher, Complex.com, came from mobile users. A 58% increase was noticeable when the statistics of the last year was considered.

Factors Contributing to this Immense Surge

While the above-mentioned reports point out sufficiently well to the surge in usage of mobile, let us look in details at the possible reasons behind this phenomenon.

Brands Like Apple are continuously on the lookout for introducing newer and more user-friendly technology. For instance, the version 7 of the iPhone operating system brought about a lot of changes and certainly increased opportunities for the device users as well as the publishers.

Mobile devices have significantly influenced the lives of business professionals and consumers. Today, it represents 15% of the total global internet traffic and needless to mention, the rate is consistently on the rise.

Apart from mobiles and Smartphones, tablets also play an important role in occupying the market. An increased use of tablets further leads to a growth of the non-desktop users and urge the publishers to devise strategies to serve the smart device users better.

Apps come up as yet another reason behind the growing usage of tablets and Smartphones. As such, the promotional efforts put by the publishers and the digital newsstands are also driving substantial growth in paid digital subscriptions. To top all these, advertisers are adapting to the shifting paradigm in consumption of content and driving funds from desktop to the mobile platforms. Consequently, by 2017, it is expected and estimated by the eMarketer that mobile will take up about 36% of the total digital ad spend.

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 speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

7 Important Traits of a Great Mobile Learning App

With the growing popularity and increased use of the mobile hand held devices, these are being used for a number of purposes. These days, the devices are being implemented for delivering corporate and academic training, performance based applications, simulations- based learning as well as game- based learning solutions. Now, to execute these tasks with care and effectiveness, one needs to develop some excellent mobile learning applications.

So, what should be a great mobile learning app like or what must be the essential features of such a learning application? Here is a list of the 7 most important ones:

1. High Interactive Quotient

An ideal application should be such that interacts with the target audience in the best- possible manner. When it comes to a learning app, the content that it puts forward is of utmost importance and hence must incorporate the following features:

• It should be synthesized well
• It must be presented in an attractive and functional manner
• The content must be accurate while also being without any possible flaw
• It should be relevant to the extent of catering to the exact learning requirements as well as fulfilling the learning objectives.

High level of interactivity justifies the development of the app.

2. Easy and Hassle-Free to Modify and Personalize

Making the content interactive is not just enough. Modifying and adjusting it as per the needs of the learner is essential to ensure high level of engagement. The users should be able to personalize the app and this is particularly true for the gaming applications. Kids love apps that keep them engaged and help them acquire new knowledge. This new knowledge is often applied to real- life scenarios too.

3. Eligible of Prompting Positive Feedback

A learning app for a hand held device must have all those attributes that pave the way for positive feedback from the learners. Now, the app makers keep the essential areas of concern of the learners in mind while being in the design process of the application. An appropriate application is one that not only receives proper feedback but also makes the learners get rid of their doubts, if any.

4. Facilitates Skill Development

An ideal learning app should have features that allow the learners to develop their skills. Now, skill development, in this respect, means acquiring the tools as well as techniques that can be used to gather resources to solve particular problems. The apps must contain activities and elements that urge the users to engage in high- order thinking.

5. Inter-generational Aspects

This feature is incorporated by the gaming apps that are particularly meant for the children. These applications are made to include traits that involve scopes for the involvement of the parents too. This way, the apps are made to have a greater appeal on all.

6. Usability and Functionality

A mobile learning application should be functional more than anything else. Users must not only be able to use it properly but also perform the required tasks once they have gained enough expertise in using the app. In the design procedure of any kind of application, the memorability of the same, that is, how much the users remember it even though they are not using it for some time, is also taken into consideration.

7. Incorporation of Social Interactions

Apps, these days, facilitate social integration, as this allows learners to engage in social interaction. This is something they just love doing. An excellent application would definitely be one that keeps the users excited and motivated all the time, whether by enabling them to be a part of the community or by some other ways.

A mobile learning application, in short, must have a combination of all the above- mentioned features to lead to an overall satisfactory experience of the users cum learners.

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 speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

Are Your Mobile Apps Really Meeting Your Enterprise's Software Quality Standards?

With more and more users switching from their personal computers, it has become essential for companies to choose fresh and innovative options to suit the latest trends. As many reports have highlighted, a constant increase is noted in the number of people using mobile devices to access the web, obtain information, and stay connected with their loved ones.

So each company, nowadays, has to launch robust mobile apps to target the huge base on smartphone, tablet, and other mobile device users. Based on the needs and objectives of a business, it has options to launch specialized mobile apps to target its customers, employees or business partners. Along with the business-to-consumer (B2C) apps, a company can also launch the business-to-employee (B2E) or business-to-business (B2B) apps.

Regardless of the target audience, you have to ensure that the enterprise mobile app offers unique features while meeting the latest industry trends. In addition to the cost of developing and maintaining the app, you must concentrate on its quality and security features. While planning and developing the mobile app, it is important to consider certain points to ensure that it meets the software quality standards of your enterprise over a longer period of time.

Deciding the Right Mobile Platform

A modern user has options to choose from several mobile platforms. So a company has to design its mobile apps for a number of popular mobile operating systems. However, the mobile app development project may become more expensive and complex, as you have to use different programming languages and tools. Also, the apps must be developed and launched within a few weeks to beat the competitors. You must deploy individual teams to develop apps for each mobile platform, and meet higher quality standards.

Developing a Robust Mobile App

The mobile device users can choose from a wide range of free and paid apps. So they always look for high quality apps with advanced features and eye-catchy designs. As the enterprise app will represent your company, it becomes more important to choose the design and features that keep the users engaged and covert them into loyal customers. Along with launching the app, you must upgrade it on a regular basis to encourage the users to access the app frequently. You must remember that the user experience will have a direct impact on the growth, revenues and profits of your business.

Seamless Integration with the Back-end Systems

The popularity of a mobile app often depends on its seamless integration with the back-end database and systems. The integration also decides how information and content are delivered to the user. Your budget may not allow you to set up independent back-end databases and services for the mobile apps. So you must evaluate and modify your existing back-end system to work in sync with several mobile apps. It is also important to develop the right programmable interfaces that facilitate communication between the app and back-end systems. Also, the integration must be tested regularly to ensure a better and improved user experience.

Addressing the Privacy and Security Issues

The constant increase in the number of incidents related to mobile device frauds and scams has affected the popularity of mobile apps negatively. Many users, nowadays, are skeptical about installing new apps launched by comparatively unknown developers. Most of the operating systems are designed with advanced security features. Also, each app has to go through a comprehensive screening and reviewing process by the mobile platform owners. But you must address the privacy and security concerns of the users properly to gain the trust of the users, and convince them to download and access your mobile enterprise app regularly.

Overcoming Time and Budgetary Constraints

In comparison to traditional desktop applications, the mobile apps are developed within a shorter span of time. The mobile apps are required to be launched and developed within a few weeks. Also, the ongoing recessional phase of the economy has compelled many companies to develop mobile apps on a stipulated budget. So the team has to meet the schedules without compromising on the quality of the mobile app. It is also a good idea to manage the project through a manager who can manage software life cycles through dynamic and agile project management techniques.

If your company has prior experience in developing enterprise apps, the new mobile app can be developed without putting any extra time. But you must test each feature and specification of the app to ensure that it meets the high software quality standards of your organization.

We also provide mobile app development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert mobile app developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.