Features of iOS 7.1 that developers are talking about

The seventh generation iPod, iPhone and iPad operating system of Apple has received a major update through iOS 7.1 which has been code-named as Sochi. Some long overdue as well as much needed bug fixes have been provided. Not just that, several improved features also accompany it which have become quite a fodder for discussion amongst developers. In fact, it is claimed to be the fastest iOS to be introduced yet. Even iPhone 4’s normal performance has been improved greatly so that its users can hold on to their handsets for a little while longer. Some of the most talked about features are discussed here.

Absence of displaced background- The latest update by Apple has made it possible to disable parallex feature which gives motion on wallpaper and can be pretty annoying at times. However, despite disabling this feature, you need not eliminate the zooming animation feature while closing as well as opening of apps. For that you have to toggle off “Reduce Motion” in Settings under General under Accessibility options. Then from there you have to navigate to settings of wallpapers and brightness and tap Lock Screen Wallpaper. Perspective Zoom must be toggled off and pressed set.

Encouraging photography, enabling HDR auto- Previously there was a terrible bug which resulted in constant disabling of HDR every time you close the camera app. Now a new auto setting of HDR has been introduced to monitor the adjoining lighting conditions so that HDR can be enabled or disabled automatically. For enabling of this feature, the camera app must be opened and then you can tap HDR Off or HDR On. HDR Auto can be selected so that everything is taken care of automatically.

Comeback of button shapes option- With earlier versions, users could manipulate Button Shapes but there were complaints regarding the tap targets. With the new upgrade users can now include button shapes to text-only tap targets of the software. It is very simple to add button shapes. Toggle on Button Shapes by visiting Settings, under General under Accessibility tabs.

New and improved Siri- Siri, the virtual personal assistant now includes many enhancements which are much appreciated. The voice sounds calmer and more natural instead of the previous stilted tone. A great feature is the option to enable it when you want to speak to it. The home button can be held down when you want to begin talking; on releasing the home button you indicate that you have finished talking. This acts as an alternative to status quo of Siri which notices automatically when you are done talking.

Revamping of calendar app- There is some subtle revamping of the Calendar app through addition of new list toggle. Now on choosing the specific options, events taking place on varying days can be seen while still in month view. Apple now has added country-specific holidays for different countries. You do not have to look at an actual calendar to remind yourself of particular country holidays.

iTunes Radio- Now you are allowed to directly purchase albums according to the track playing currently through iTunes Radio with just the press of a button. Featured stations now have a search field and there is Repeat as well as Shuffle buttons in the music apps.

HFP Prompts supported- Now when you connect the iOS device to the entertainment system of your car through Bluetooth there will be an option called ‘Allow HFP Prompts’ which will enable the listening of other audio on the system; whenever there is new route information, it will drop in. Previously, you could only hear the directions given to you.

Recently, iOS 7.1.1 has been posted which is iOS 7.1’s minor update. This update has resulted in the fixing of another batch of minor problems with further improvements of performance. In fact, in this discussion we have excluded Car Play option since this is available only in select countries for the time-being.

You can hire developers from top iPhone apps development company who can help you build highly engaging and addictive iPhone apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide iPhone software development services. To hire the best iPhone app developers, please contact Mindfire Solutions.

How productive is ColdFusion 10 with HTML5 support?

With the release of ColdFusion 10, it was found to be integrated with HTML5. Originally the development of ColdFusion was aimed towards changing of business logic by summarizing everything in just some lines of code, thus accelerating the development cycle. This same ability has been heightened with HTML5 support. This has especially proved to be a significant development in mobile applications due to excellent graphics; the support helps on working with XML and JSON data formats. In fact, developers who want to build online applications for game can use this as back-end application. Interactive experience that is high in quality can be provided to users through built-in socket support. The development thus becomes easier. The most important factor in all these is the presence of WebSockets. A detailed illustration about WebSockets and ways in which HTML5 helps is given below.

WebSockets- This protocol was introduced as HTML’s specification’s part and this advanced technology enables full, bi-directional, duplex TCP communication over one socket which communicates messages between server and client continuously. Generally in HTTP, when a website is visited by a web browser a request is sent by the browser to remote servers. This is then acknowledged and a response is returned. The entire process is simplified by the WebSocket. It also makes real-time web application development easier as well as faster. The communication it provides, acts as the perfect condition for every real-time server streaming as well as push services on internet. In case of each response or request, the protocol overhead is reduced to just a few bytes instead of 800 bytes for each transaction. There is no need for reloading of main page every time during server pushing. Network latency as well as traffic is also reduced to almost one-third.

Video player- Apart from providing the most relevant as well as latest information, the developers are often faced with the responsibility of impressing users with web applications by display of information as well as data in a manner which impresses them the most. For creating a great impression in the minds of users, video clips are quite handy, even more so than image or text content since the messages can be send even more effectively. However, this raises the challenges for developers since they often tend to focus on those browsers which do not support this. Now the video player in ColdFusion 10 offers a choice to those developers. The user can get many well-defined APIs that can ensure that end user experience is optimized by the site, whatever the kind of browser is being selected by the user is of no consequence.

Graphics- The building of major modern websites are done with graphics. Using charts has been proved to be quite useful on client end since they make certain websites more attractive, dynamic and interactive. But for that, programmers as well as developers have to conduct a huge amount of coding, making the job very tedious. With ColdFusion 10 being introduced, the job becomes quite easier, especially since implementation of HTML5 graphics can be facilitated without the long-range encoding of client. Client-side charts are totally supported and are based on Canvas, SVG or Flash; this allows incorporation of interactive charts. CFCHART tag can be used for easy creation as well as integration of the charts. Further customization can be done by using JSON objects.

Optimizing existing websites- The advantages of HTML5 can be availed by ColdFusion 10 so that website performance can be optimized. New features can be included, that too without the need for writing extra code; this makes everything easier for both clients as well as developers.

There is no doubt that incorporation of HTML5 in ColdFusion 10 has resulted in a lot of goodness to be added to the platform. It has added to the productivity, speed and efficiency. Now developers can create HTML-based applications and that too without any knowledge of HTML which is surely a boon for many.

You can hire developers from top ColdFusion web application development companies in India who can help you build your website within allocated budgets and time schedules.

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

Steps to Reduce the Gap between Employer and iPhone Developer

The recent release of Xcode has made it easier for developers to build robust iPhone apps within a stipulated time frame. But with more and more companies investing in iPhone application development, the schedules of seasoned iPhone developers remain packed. So employers often find it a daunting challenge to hire a seasoned developer who can complete the app development project on time and budget. At the same time, many employers opt for freelance app developers to curtail project overheads. But each company must consider some simple points, while hiring an iPhone application developer, to reduce the gap between the employer and iPhone developer.

5 Simple Steps to Reduce the Gap between Employer and iPhone Developer

1) Clearly Define the Project Concept
To deliver a robust iPhone application on time, a developer must understand the project concept and requirements. The understanding of the project concept will further help the developer in identifying the target audience, and decide the features that will appeal to the end-users. Further, the programmer can easily identify and fix the bugs that will affect the user-experience negatively. Before starting development, the employer must spend adequate time with the developer to make his understand the project concept clearly.

2) Make Him Adaptable to Technological Advancements
Apple frequently updates its mobile operating system with innovative features. So the iPhone app can deliver richer user experience by taking advantage of these new features. There are always chances that the iPhone application plan may be revamped completely to meet the technological advancements. As an employer, you must prepare the developer mentally to adopt these technological advancements. The discussion will make the developer flexible enough to adopt these technological changes.

3) Set Project Deadlines in Advance
Each employer wants to beat competition by launching the iPhone app as early as possible. But the developers often struggle to deliver a robust application within a stipulated timeframe. The programmers are further required to plan and schedule the project according to the deadline set by the employer. That is why; an employer must decide the project deadline in advance, and convey the information to the iPhone app developer to make him work in a more relaxed and stress-free way.

4) Offer Competitive Monetary Benefits
Often monetary benefits creates gap between the employer and iPhone app developer. Each employer wants to build apps by targeting iOS to get higher returns. But the net revenue from the project can be impacted by its cost. The high cost of development often reduces the net revenue earned through the iPhone application. So along with providing efficient work, the developer needs to help the employer in curtailing project overheads. Further, the developer must optimize the look, feel and performance of the app to ensure that it is sold at the Apple App Store with a high price-tag.

5) Keep Track of the Progress
Often employers hire seasoned developers to complete the iPhone development project on time and budget. But an employer must constantly monitor the project to ensure that everything is on track. He can even ask the programmer to create a detailed schedule for each module. The initial planning will make it easier for the employer to monitor the progress. At the same time, the scheduling will further help the developer in sticking to the predefined timeline. The employer can share his feedback and comments to optimize the quality of the app without extending the timeframe.

An employer must communicate constantly with the iPhone application developer to reduce the gap. The advancement in communication technologies have further enabled employers to stay connected with offshore developers through voice/video/text chats. So the constant interaction will make it easier for the employer to build a good professional relationship with the developer regardless of his geographical location.

You can hire developers from top iPhone application development companies in India who can help you build highly engaging and addictive iPhone apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide iPhone software development services. If you would like to hire iPhone software developer from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.

Why Is PHP A Better Option For Web Design?

When it comes to web designing, PHP is one of the most favored tools owing to a number of reasons. PHP comes up with certain unique features that make it one of the most adored, preferred as well as appropriate options for the purpose of web designing. The language itself thus, has made PHP developers highly sought-after professionals in the fraternity of web development as well as designing companies. Let us discuss the efficacy of PHP as a web designing tool.

First of all, PHP development does not take much of a time when compared with other tools as the language requires a much lesser number of coding, thus making the task less tedious. The language also proves to be extremely useful as well as effective, especially when it comes to CMSs like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla and so on, which are of late so much popular among the customers.

There is stiff competition out there in the market in the world of website designing or development, especially with so many companies joining the bandwagon. Hence, in order to survive this rigid competition and to make things in a bit different way, companies are coming up with sites that are not only visually appealing but SEO friendly as well. This is to make sure that these sites help in bringing more and more business leads along with greater revenue. Here is where PHO scores over other languages. The language is astoundingly compatible with SEO when compared to other designing methods or languages.

The language is designed to seamlessly integrate as well as coordinate with various visible applications and this is a very pertinent dynamics, especially taking into view today’s business requirements. The language is also great when it comes to building its own memory, for an efficient and prompt use down the line.

PHP is also capable of working on a wide range of operating platforms as well as environments, including the MS Window, Linux, etc. and this makes the language extremely desirable in today’s context.

You will be able to find a fairly large community of PHP supporters as well as discussion groups and these groups help in solving issues whenever they crop up. The issues these groups sort out include bugs, problems with codes as well as information. All these increase the credibility of the language, making it a safe as well as a stable platform to use, especially for the beginners.

In PHP, you get a language that is designed specifically for the purpose of web designing with an inbuilt integration option with one of the most popular open source MySQL database. PHP has the following unique features that make the language, such an indomitable web designing language:

It is easy for the beginners:
PHP is the most ideal language for the beginners, who will just have to add some tags with the already existing HTML files, and follow it up by uploading them to the server and see the end results. Besides, the dynamic typing and the associative arrays make the language easier for the beginners.

It is user friendly
When compared to other solutions, there is no need of compilation in PHP. Hence, all that is needed is writing the script and uploading the script to the server and then updating the browser.

Besides, PHP comes up with an integrated support for databases of MySQL and that makes it easier to use the database with MySQL functions with no need to install additional drivers. Since it is a much older language, there are a number of web-oriented frameworks as well libraries available. Also, since it has been round the corner for such a long period (since as early as 1995), it performs seamlessly on Linux as well as Windows along with a wide range of other web servers. Also, when it comes to finding hosting with pre-installed PHP, there is no problem.

You can hire developers from top php web development companies in India who can help you build web application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

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

Load Testing - An Effective Measure To Avoid Bugs In Your Website

First of all, let us know what actually Load Testing is. It is the process that is followed to put demands on a particular system or device, and measure its response. This type of software evaluation is performed for determination of the behavior of a definite system under normal circumstances as well as during anticipated conditions of optimal load. The process also helps in identification of the operating capacity of any application along with bottlenecks and technical glitches (if any) that are responsible for any degradation or hindrance of normal activity whatsoever.

Let us discuss some of the load testing measures that you need to take in order to avoid the presence of bugs in your websites.

Early Start
The planning of the load evaluation needs to be started pretty early – during the designing phase. This is to ensure that you are not caught off guard during the development owing to any uncalled for incidence. The thumb rule is that you need to carry out your work with a notion that there will be issues and problems to encounter.

Do not make underestimations as this may prove extremely costly. The two most common underestimations that people generally tend to make are on the number of mistakes that are to be taken care of and the nature of the mistakes that will have to be rectified.

Defining the Environment
This is another step that needs to be taken to keep bugs at bay. You need to define the testing environment and for that you need to assess the kind of effort that is required. It is also imperative that a separate environment for the evaluation, suitable for production is created. It is to be seen that the configuration of the machine, its speed, as well as the set up are same as otherwise; extrapolation of performance becomes virtually impossible. One of the most important tasks is reducing the uncertainty and answering certain questions with some conclusive evidences. But for any comparable hardware, you can at the best make some wild guesses, which most of the times, are far from accurate.

Load evaluation of an application generally ensures that the application is ready to perform once it is live. Generally, this type of testing answers the following questions in a proper and conclusive way:

• Whether the application will crumble when subjected to stress and load
• Can all the pre-defined targets of performance be met
• How many users can handle the website in question one at a time

Performance related issues are quite common. These issues emanate from the following reasons:

• Issues regarding software configuration
• Poor quality of network configuration
• Poorly optimized and improper software coding

A proper load evaluation process saves the companies from financial loss resulting from poor performance of the software and the interruption of service it causes. While testing, it is imperative to take into account the following points:

• Potential loss of the customers, partners and clients
• Reduction of employee productivity
• Damage to the corporate or brand value
• Unnecessary expense of acquiring hardware that are not needed
• Extra cost for fixing issues in case of any emergency
• Setting up inappropriate contingency plans that only increases the expenses

A typical load testing software would avoid all these issues. Besides, it has the following benefits:

• Low licensing fees
• An ergonomic graphical interface, that will reduce the man hours needed for manual testing
• Substantial reduction of hardware costs, due it its cross platform capabilities that allow the loads or stresses to be generated on a variety of platforms or domains

Hence, from the technical point of view, load testing provides a lot of advantages the users when it comes to recording the business actions that are performed within a particular web application with a view to keep the bugs at bay.

You can hire testers from top load testing companies in India who can help you accomplish testing within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide automated load testing services. If you would like to hire certified load testers from us or would just like to speak to one of our expert software testers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.