Friday 19 June 2015

Android M fit or just another FAD? Find Out

Android M is unveiled and as per it's preview it seems that it will undo the mishaps done by 'interruptions' mes of Lollipop. 

Android Lollipop's “interruptions” system created a lot of furore in the mobile world. The cause of all this ruckus was the basic mute functionality which came with choices such as "all," "priority" or "none." Android 5.1 though came up with some amendments in interruptions, making the the modes easier to comprehend and switch when a different mode is active. This was not well received by ordinary users as for them it was just another piece of technology which served a problem that did not even existed. 

Drave Burke at the recent Google I/O agreed that the volume tweaks in Lollipop were not well accepted. Wherefore, he promised to come up with a much simpler solution in their next OS release. This, I/O raised many eyebrows including various Android app development firm, as they bank on Google for a lot of things. 

Though, nothing is final as Android M is still a preview from the developers. However, there are several other new changes which we need to ponder over.
Let's find out! 



'Interruptions' is now 'Do Not Disturb'
 
Android M amalgamates the interruptions system and is tagged with the name of — Do Not Disturb. As per the developer preview, the new Do Not Disturb mode allows you to go to the mode via quick settings menu which is present in the notification shade. All you need to do is to just tap on the icon to switch to another mode.
  • Priority mode is similar to the Lollipop's functions. This let's you block all the unwanted calls baring a few whom you consider important.
  • Another feature named as Total silence blocks all the interruptions which includes the alarms as well.
  • One thing which is refreshing is M is the Alarms only mode which blocks interruptions except your alarms.
The developers preview showed that the mode switching option cannot be find in the settings of the app, wherein it is found in the quick settings.
If you will follow this path : Settings -> Sound & notification -> Do not disturb menu you will just be able to set the “Priority only” mode and get to access control over automatic Do Not Disturb rules. 

Note that the priority interruptions still exists 
 
One thing which was to be noted that priority interruptions were still there though were a little less prominent. To switch to the priority only mode you just need to go to the quick setting area, from where you can control sounds and message alters just by a tapping for once on the “more settings” option or you can follow this path Settings > Sound & notification > Do not disturb. This mode enumerates the option of each mode and also gives options to choose the time period in hours. 

It also leverages you to allow voice calls, text messages from each and every person on your contact list, or from every one irrespective of the fact that they are on you contact list or not, or only from particular contacts which you have starred. Along with this they have added the feature of priority mode which allows the call if the call is repeated within a time span of 15 minutes. 


Let's wait and watch whether Android M turns out to be MUTE or Magnificent. Well a lot of companies who are looking Android App Developer for Hire must be vigilant, so as to find out the most aware developers.


However, the preview did not gave an option to hop from one mode to another from the volume slider bar like the one we had in Lollipop. But switching modes is still quite simple , all you need to know where to see. 

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Mobile App Designs That Are In Vogue This Year

When it comes to mobile applications, there are so many trends that we have observed capturing the industry with their styles and utilities. As the mobile application industry is growing at an astronomical pace, each year brings its own unique surprises when it comes to designing practices that will dictate the application development world. 

As we have entered the sixth month of 2015, we can still make some predictions about modern application design trends that will grab the attention of those who are a part of iOS or Android app development firm. In this year, we foresee many trends emerging in the application design realm. All of them have been updated to focus more on creating a less complicated user experience and designs that actually bind them emotionally. 





 
The article discusses some of the latest trends that will influence the application design industry. Just go through them and get ready to create top-notch mobile apps. 

1. Bold, beautiful and bigger images
 
The year 2015 will see an influx of high-quality images within your applications. The images should be beautiful and bigger enough to grab the attention of your users. While choosing an image, make sure it flaunts a pixel-perfect quality and loads fast for a flawless experience. 

2. Depth and weight
 
Flat design and minimalism will continue its rein in 2015, but with a subtle touch of skeuomorphism. On screen, the elements might look flat, but designers will create ways to breath life to them. UI components will be converted into flat symbols while transparency and layers will help you add depth. 

3. Navigation
 
Another striking trend you are going to watch is tiled navigation that helps you present your content using digestible “cards”. Here, images and their related information are tiled on a page. The tiles used have varying heights and are designed minimally to keep the user focused and engaged. The format is a gifted responsive design technique and gives you complete freedom to arrange your content in any way you like. 

4. The Rise of Monoline Fonts
 
Monoline fonts have gained a lot of popularity among those who hire Android app developer or iOS developer for creating readable apps. The font is mainly used in illustrations and gives applications a clean and crisp look. They are designed using line thickness by combining typography and illustrations. The font is already famous among application designers and is mainly used to create icons, logos, and more. 

5. Hidden Menus
 
Though mobile screens are getting larger, developers are yet to find a way that help them offer users an optimum level of working space. One solution for this problem is hidden menus. While creating a hidden menu, you offer opportunities to discover your app functionality in the best possible manner. Hiding buttons and components keep your screen clutter-free and make it look more appealing to the user. 

To Sum Up
 
Keeping yourself attune to the latest designs and application practices is essential to confirm your success and stay ahead of the curve. Make sure you bookmark this page, so that you'll bound to remember them.