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. 

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.

Android Studio vs Eclipse: Which One Should You Choose?

Android captures over 76.6% of the Smartphone market share. And so, it's pretty obvious that creating an Android app can help make your brand reach out to a wider base of your target users. However, with millions of applications available in the app store, it becomes horrendously challenging to get your app noticed by users. Fortunately, there are great tools out there that provides ease to businesses in developing applications, such as Android Studio, Eclipse and several others.

Many developers using Android Studio also make use of Eclipse when they need to work on outsource Android App Development projects and so on. But, if you need to create an app and require using more than 3 projects, then you will have to clean up your workspace and restart the Eclipse at frequent intervals (i.e. 2 or 3 minutes). Besides, you are required to close all your active applications, before releasing an app, as Eclipse crash quite often. Thankfully, Android Studio (or AS) proves a useful resource for developers seeking to have a more stable development platform than the Eclipse IDE.

Nowadays every mobile application development company are using Android Studio as it helps in accelerating the Android app development process, and make it more simplified. Through this article, we'll be discussing three main factors where Android Studio proves a better option than Eclipse:

1. Integration With Gradle: Is it Good or Bad?

One of the best things about Android Studio is that it comes integrated with the popular Gradle build system. Eclipse, on the other hand, utilizes Apache Ant build system based on XML that many Java developers are aware of. But, in case you have plans on opting for Eclipse, it is recommended that you should have a glimpse of Gradle's features and see whether it suits your project needs.

2. Which One Scores Better as an User Interface (UI)?

The rate at which people hire Android app developer is increasing, and so, when using any platform for the development process it makes sense to choose one with a better UI. No doubt, Eclipse user interface let you work with almost anything. In fact, it allows you to work with several things like graphics, content, videos and much more. However, so many things can be overwhelming and leads to confusion, especially when you're using the Eclipse IDE for the first time. In contrast, working with Android Studio is a bit easier. It lets you work with its tools and menu items in an effortless way compared to Eclipse.

3. Which Performs Better Code Completion?

As a developer, often you may have to work on projects that requires writing lots of code. This is where the code completion features come in handy, as it helps in speeding up the coding process. Both Eclipse, as well as, Android Studio come with code auto completion feature. However, it has been observed that AS helps generate more precise code in comparison to Eclipse.

Wrapping Up!

Android Studio is becoming the most preferred platform used for developing mobile applications than Eclipse. But, if you are still confused which one of these two platforms will prove a better choice, then reading the aforementioned key points will definitely help you come to the right conclusion.

Tips And Tricks To Create An Impeccable Mobile App Design

As the advanced technology is steadily buttressing its roots in the business arena, mobile devices play an integral role. For this reason, businesses are rapidly embracing a mobile solution. Designing a successful app that can benefit your business by delivering outstanding performance is not a child's play.

In this mobile age, companies are already into a fierce competition, while endeavoring a sustainable success to their business with a highly interactive, intuitive and trendy application. If you really want to augment your customer base and boost your business values, it is worthy to hire Android app developer and get a desired application developed with a great precision. For the folks who are wondering “why Android platform”, there are various compelling reasons that make this mobile OS a viable choice for most of the users and developers, and thus, for businesses; one reason being king of the market shares (over 80% of total market shares), it is most widely used platform.

There are already truckloads of apps available in the mobile market and many are entering the market at this very moment. Thus, to make your app stand out of the pool of applications, I have compiled a few tips and tricks that must be considered while designing a mobile app. These tips will help you efficiently cater to your users need and thus, allow you to maintain loyal user by leveraging your business.

Let's have a look into them.

1. Don't forget to include social sharing

Social sharing buttons will help you conveniently promote your business while enticing your potential users. This offers the best way to market your app, as if a user likes it, he will most probably share it with his friends. And, providing a built-in button for will make sharing a breeze and encourage your app users to share their experience with others. This is definitely a cost effective way to create more users for your app.

2. Target Audience

This step is primarily important and therefore, must be considered while planning your app. Thoroughly research the market and review your competitors to seek a powerful mobile platform and determine your target audience base that can amazingly enhance your profits. As mentioned above, Android possess a wider user base while iOS is currently dominating Android by generating greater revenue. The choice completely yours, streamline your choice by keeping your business goals in mind.

3. Make your users visit your app time and again

Attracting users to download your app is only the first step. A surefire app design that is frequently updated with the ever fluctuating design trends and incessantly growing users' need can help you attract a whopping number of users back to app. It, thus, ensures loyal customers. This is why it is often recommended to outsource Android app development or iOS aap development, whatever is needed to ensure a unique and appealing design to captivate your users. There are several experienced and adept professionals available out there, who offer valuable mobile development services at competitive price; so you can easily seek a suitable one for your project.

4. Take your customer feedback into account

If you want to transform your application into a prolific marketing tool, it is essential to determine the way users interact with your app. This can be done with the help of analytics; you must review your users' behavior regularly, to better understand what they are looking for and how they are using your app. While making things simple, easily navigable and intuitive, it is beneficial to create something highly usable and functional.

By keeping these tips in mind while planning and designing an application, one can proficiently design a prolific app to heighten his profits and brand value.

How Android Apps Benefiting The Healthcare Industry

Android applications have already taken the mobile world by storm. They bring tons of credentials in their pocket when it comes to providing on the go ease to its users. Lots of industries have been positively influenced by the virtues of this platform, thus riding high on the success. And medical isn't an exception at all. The constant growth of Android and the increasing quality of its apps have attracted a number of healthcare brands and professionals to make the most out of this opportunity.

Healthcare giants such as American Heart Association, CDC, Red Cross, etc., have already realized the potential of this application revolution and therefore making headways to the domestic as well as international markets. By taking the help of Android apps development company, they are successful enough in making apps that are brink of innovation and lives up to high level of design and technology. Health and medical apps are in huge demand these days, and people are installing them enthusiastically to achieve their health and fitness goals. These apps are transforming the way people used to shape their lifestyle while engaging with professionals to know what is good for their health and why.

Harnessing the power of Android app has become a target for many leading healthcare brands. The promising capabilities of this platform is above than anything else, and that's the reason why this industry has started capitalizing on this platform along with our cherished mobile devices. Though, no one can replace a doctor, but there are some ways through which patients can get connect with them and seek medical advices. Android apps are changing the way doctors used to treat and diagnose their patients. That's the reason why those who are a part of this sector should consider developing Android health apps.

Android Apps Benefiting The Healthcare Industry

1. Easy Accessibility

Android apps have filled the distance and the time gap between patients and doctors. Now, patients suffering from serious health issues can connect to their doctors, irrespective of their location. There is no need to visit the doctor in person as services can be rendered virtually. With Android apps, you can get in touch with your doctor anytime, anywhere.

2. Comfortable Data Management

With a glut of patients using mobile apps to seek medical help and advices, it becomes quite difficult for companies to manage the data of their patients. For this, they resort to hire Android app developer or any professional development firm to effectively manage the data of their patient and connect with them 24x7.

3. Enhanced Guidance

Android applications act as an incredible asset for a medical organization when it comes to offering valuable guidance and medical guidelines to their patients as a part of their treatment program. These apps are suited best in diagnosing the illness while adding a clear value to the healthcare initiatives.

To Wrap Up

Android apps are blessing for the healthcare industry and work out of the box in treating and managing the illness of so many people. Mobile apps have already established their niche in our life, and the healthcare industry with their bespoke apps is exploiting this opportunity to monitor physical health more effectively.

5 Noteworthy Tips To Choose A Prolific Mobile App Development Company

Mobile has amazingly garnered great popularity in the last decade. Today, it is not just restricted to the IT companies, but businesses from almost all the sectors are endeavoring to create an impressive mobile presence. This is because mobile users are incessantly increasing and with a ravishing mobile solution one can efficiently target a wider audience base and benefit his business.

Mobile app development, therefore, offers a great solution that allows businesses to boost their market value and heighten their sales and profits. If you are also interested in developing a rich mobile application, it is advisable to hire some result-driven services of a mobile app development company. To make sure that your chosen professionals are well suitable for your project, you must read ahead.

Choosing an appropriate partner is more imperative than seeking a cost-effective service. A right professional can enhance the value of your application rather than just development. And, more values will surely help you drive greater revenue.

Here are certain useful tips that can help you ensure a right professional partner.

1. Look For Company's Reputation

Analyzing the company's reputation beforehand can help you determine the reputation of an app development organization among the customers. You can check a company's reputation by referring its previous clients who have experienced the environment offered by the service providers. You may ask the previous clients about the work quality delivered, turnaround time, type of communication throughout the development process and other questions to get an insight into the services offered.

You can also review the client testimonials instead of asking the questions straight away from the clients.

2. Developers Who Give Priority To Your Business Instead Of Development

If you really want a good partner, it is essential to kick around and determine the interest of your developers. The developers who are only interested in the development process doesn't make a viable choice. It is better to search experts who consider your business benefits while offering guiding you through the development process. They can share their experience and employ the strategies that can help make your app go viral on the app stores.

3. Check Whether Support Is Offered After Development Or Not

It is essential to ensure that your service provider will entertain any problem or queries after delivering the project. This is because you might face some challenges when your app will reach the real end users. At that time it is necessary to fix the bugs and resolve other issue simultaneously, otherwise it will create a poor impression on your potential customers.

4. Don't forget to review the portfolio

It is advisable that before you hire mobile app developer, thoroughly go through his portfolio and review his old projects. Check the quality of work delivered and the techniques implemented. He must exhibit brilliant UI/UX design skills and must be updated with the latest technologies and ongoing mobile design trends.

5. App design is quite crucial, don't overlook that

An app design is as important as its functionality. And since, the app design will create the first impression on the users, it is more than imperative to keep the app design as top priority. Seek for professional partners who can further enhance the usability of your app by making it more interactive, intuitive and intriguing. If your potential users can efficiently interact with your app, it will definitely add to your app success.

By taking the prime goals of your business into account, you can proficiently streamline your choice for an effective and profitable mobile app. I hope the above mentioned tips will help you choose a right development company with an adroit app developer.

Why You Should Hire Mobile App Development Company and How

Just like individuals, businesses are favoring mobile phones than desktop computers to be able to perform their tasks even on the move. But apart from using mobile devices, a business can also leverage mobile app, as it will help them expand their reach to a large audience. Moreover, rather than making your site compatible for several mobile devices, giving your customers access to your personalized business app will make it easy for them to view your service and offerings.

Remember, merely having a business app won't help you bring the attention of your target audience towards it. The reason is simple, there are a dozen of applications available in the app marketplace that resembles your business specific needs. And so, to establish your foothold in the app industry, you need to come up with an out of box app solution that gives you a trump hand over your competitors. You can achieve such an objective by looking out for skilled and experienced mobile app developers for hire. Luckily, there are many companies backed by proficient developers dedicatedly working to help clients acquire result-driven app solutions.

Taking professional assistance can convert your dream of building a winning app a success. Whether you want to have an Android app or an iOS mobile application, a reputed development firm can address your diverse app related needs without much hassle. That's because, they follow best practices and have the required skill set needed for developing a unique app model tailored to your needs. In fact, they contain the tools essential for mobile application development.

What's more? A well-recognized mobile app development company having a  good market standing will deliver quality solutions as they won't like to risk their reputation. Additionally, such a company will not just help you complete building an application for you, but can also help in getting it published. So, now that you have come to know about the significance of employing the services of a company involved in developing mobile applications, you'll certainly want to know how you can find the most suitable one.

Let's have a glance at some key tips you must pay heed to while searching for the right development firm:

Good Programming Skills. A developer with good coding skills will help build an application writing clean and organized code that will boost its performance. Moreover, they will create it following ethical standards and coding guidelines, making it easy to manage the code in the future. So, make sure that the company is backed by skilled programmers.

App Approval Rate. It is important that the applications created by your choice of company have been published in an app store. Also, do check out that the app approval rate is more than the rejected ones.

Versatility. Let's say, at present you want to build an Android app. But, you may feel the need to have an iOS or any other app as well. By choosing a service provider having experience of developing diverse types of mobile applications will save you from spending your valuable time in searching for a reliable development partner again.

Conclusion

Hope that this article will help clear your doubts about why you should choose an application development company and how. 

A Look At The Basics Of Mobile Application Development

The demand for mobile applications continues to rise, and thus app development is a necessity that businesses must embrace. However, since the competition in the marketplace (i.e. app store) is increasing, as more and more applications are being developed each day, it becomes needful for businesses to come up with a unique product. But, developing an app requires plenty of time and efforts, and this makes it difficult for businesspersons focus on other crucial business aspects.

The best way to create a successful mobile application that help you stand apart from the competitors is to take up mobile app development services of a reputed firm. No matter whether you are building an app on your own, or hiring a professional below are a few basics of designing and developing an application you must be aware of:

1. Focus on Creating User-Centered Design: Following the User-Centered Design (UCD) approach is an effective way to build a winning app. A UCD pays attention to users from the very beginning, and thereby ensures that users are comfortable with using the product. In order to create a user-centered design, you need to first identify the problems of your users. For this, place yourself in your customer's shoes to get an idea of their expectations, and to see the issues they may encounter.

2. Designing for Multiple Platforms: Just as you may know, there are different Smartphone manufacturers in the market. While some develop phones with Android OS, a few others build Apple's iOS-enabled devices, and so on. Put it simply, it has become more important – of not necessary – to build mobile applications that can be easily accessed across multiple platforms. But, before starting with the development process or launching an application, you must decide whether you want to develop a native (i.e. app for specific platform) or web (i.e. cross-platform app) application. In addition, thoroughly test your end-product for bugs. If you cannot perform any of these tasks effectively, it is advisable that you must hire Android app developer.

3. Multiple Hardware Configurations: Once you have decided on the type of application, you want to build your next step requires considering creating an app for multiple hardware configurations. Especially, when it comes to building an Android-app, you must consider how your app will look great regardless of the mobile hardware is used for accessing it. In case you have hired developers, then make sure that they must thoroughly study the device prior to beginning with the app design and development.

4. Add Mobile Capabilities Not Available on a Desktop: The best way to make your app successful is to add capabilities that are missing in a PC or a desktop system. For instance, using the camera on your mobile, you can snap “images” or "signatures” for searching what you have been looking for, instantly.

 

Wrapping Up!

With the continuous rise in mobile devices, the need for applications is also increasing. Moreover, more and more users are becoming inclined towards mobile app usage. This clearly indicates that is important for businesses to create their own app.

Steer Clear These Mistakes While Building a Mobile App

Mobile application development is gaining momentum with each passing day and it shows no clear signs of being supplanted. The growth of mobile applications has allowed businesses to establish a relevant connection with their customers. App development has become an integral part of their marketing strategy as it provides them with more creative ways to adapt to the changing customer demands.

However, as technology continues to take strides towards new concepts and development principles rapidly, there's more room for developers to make mistakes during the process. These slip-ups can waste all the efforts and time invested by iPhone or Android app development companies or individual developers. If you are a beginner who is planning to developing your first application, make sure you avoid these common destructive errors, so that nothing can hold you back.

1. Adding Unnecessary Features

Developers in their rush to “go mobile” try to include too many features and think they are doing a great service for their users. Adding unnecessary features can only complicate your users rather than impressing them. It's always necessary that you design an app that makes your users' life easier. A mobile application should be simple, innovation, and engaging. It should provide them with the broadest range of options, but in a friendly and purposeful manner. An application loses its relevance if it has too many features.

2. Building an App in the Absence of a Proper Marketing Strategy

Building application and launching it to the app store isn't enough. Developing a successful mobile application calls for an appropriate marketing strategy that acts as a base for promoting it. While developing a strategy, make sure you analyze the key players in the category, the name of your app, and audience you are targeting. Also, treat the app description as a marketing channel to convey it in an engaging manner. Tell your audience what your app has to offer, what is it all about, and what purpose does it serve. This can be a great strategy to attract a large pool of users instantly.

3. Targeting Multiple Platforms in the First Attempt

Developers should avoid developing apps for multiple platforms in the first go. They should first invest their time focusing on a single platform and then switch to another. In case any deviation occurs, it can be on the same platform right off the bat.

4. Poor UI/UX Decisions

Your application design should be beautiful, responsive, and intuitive enough to provide a pleasurable experience to its users. While using an app, users expect certain actions or responses when clicking on a button or sliding their fingers across the screen. So, in order to develop such kind of apps, you must consider the importance of UX and UI design. It's a critical factor entrepreneurs needs to take into account whenever they proceed to hire Android app developer or iOS developer. An application developer must understand the user behavior and take design decisions accordingly. Your design should be focused on providing a seamless user experience to improve conversion performance. Try to understand the likes and dislikes of your users. Read their reviews to learn about their pains point to come up with a successful design.

5. Avoiding Flexibility

It is important to develop a mobile application which has some scope for future upgrades. Upgrading is a continuous process; and it is only possible if your app is flexible enough to include it.

To Conclude

Avoiding the above mentioned pitfalls will help you designing applications that promise to make your customer's life easier. Ignoring them you can embrace mobility and learn more efficient way of developing applications.

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Mobile App Testing to keep The Security Threats At Bay

In this advanced mobile age, we can perform almost any task via our mobile device. Whether you want to shop something or want to pay your electricity and telephone bills, everything can be accomplished smoothly through mobile. While mobiles have evolved as a blessing in this modern era, there are certain crucial things that must be considered. 

Like any program, a mobile application is also vulnerable to security threats. And, since apps are extensively used for sharing and storing critical data, it has become quite essential to ensure the utmost security to mobile applications. This makes it more than imperative for developers consider mobile app security testing. There are several iOS and Android app development companies that offer app testing services to make sure that all the sensitive data used via the app is secure. 

By hiring testing services, you can analyze the threat and seek a solution to protect app against threats. However, it is quite hard for one to conduct a test without having any awareness about security. 

What are the app security vulnerabilities

 

The app development processes widely accept the practice of implementing open source code for different features. This saves a heck of a lot of code development time and resources. For this benefit, developers prefer third-party libraries and codes. For understanding the level of security embraced by your application, there are several concerns and license restrictions associated with third-party codes. However, the reported security threats can be avoided by subscribing to security updates. Thus, you can kick around and identify the reported security concerns. But, the security threats that are unreported and associated with proprietary code extensions or technological advancements can cause severe issues in app technology. 

Prime concern for an enterprise

 

Surveys and stats have depicted that in 2015, the majority apps would not even pass the basic security tests due to the poor business related security standards. There are several consequences that can impact companies because the sensitive business data and networks heightens the risk of violating the policies. 

Updating security tests

 

The technological evolution in app development demands the vendors of static and dynamic app security testing to update their tests for mobile apps. By including the behavioral analysis testing to observe the background and GUI applications, the security testing can be heightened and risky behavior can be identified with a flair. 

For instance, you van hire Android app developer for developing a safe and secure Android application. The servers and enterprise apps that are linked to mobile devices are persistently tested and secured to ensure a surefire development. Since there is no dearth of applications in the market, the consumers and involved enterprises are responsible for the security. You can ensure a surefire app for any platform with a secured interface by accomplishing the task by seeking expert guidance. 

The apps that are passed through a robust and reliable security testing (accomplished by professionals) make offer a secure mobile application for enterprises and customers. Therefore, it is advisable to frequently test softwares and apps via some effective source.