2017 was a big year for us here at Glance Creative. Today we are extremely proud to announce that we have been awarded as one of the ‘Top Mobile App Developers‘, ‘Top iPhone App Developers‘ and ‘Top Android App Developers‘ in the U.K  for 2018 by Clutch.

Over the past week, the ratings and review firm – Clutch – based in Washington D.C, released their annual list of the top leading app development agencies in the U.K. For the past 2 years we have been nominated and won the prestigious award consecutively, which is an achievement we like to praise with great pride.

In order to find the top leading Mobile App Developers in the U.K, Clutch closely analyses hundreds of businesses that operate within the same field of work. Clutch will then look to categorise these companies into different lists, ranking them appropriately. This decision is helped made by one of the most effective and significant factors: client reviews.

With our previous history of success with our apps and clients, it comes as no surprise that our reviews on Clutch are positive. Our latest review comes from a client that required us to create a health-care related app. The client came to us to create a native Android app and despite its difficulties along the way, we rose to the challenge and created a remarkable piece of modern technology. The client had the following to say about working with us.

“Glance has technical expertise, but they also know how to interact on a human level. They’re pleasant, responsive, and they treat clients with respect.”

We are happy to see our hard work paying off and being recognised by Clutch. We’ve had a great deal of experience delivering innovative, thought-provoking and unique mobile apps that consistently exceeds clients expectations. Our apps are great ideas that are brilliantly executed. Many thanks to Clutch for the honourable award.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognised by Clutch as one of the Top Mobile Developers in the U.K.,” says Glance Creative’s CEO, Simon Lee.

“This achievement helps reflect the hard work we put into our products and our apps, which opens our company up to great future opportunities.”

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today!

2018 is a very important and special year for the app development world. 2018 marks the 10-year anniversary for both the Apple App Store and the Android Market. Since their launches, the mobile app development world has been impacted at an astounding rate over the past decade. In 2017, we saw the mobile market attempt new and innovating trends, some which were revolutionary and some that were a fail. However, this year we should all expect a surge of trends that will not only benefit the market, but also change the game again.

1. VR & AR (Virtual and Augmented Reality):

Now what would our list be without the inclusion of the already growing market that is VR and AR? In 2017, we saw VR & AR begin to stretch beyond just entertainment and gaming. Not only did we see the market become high in demand by consumers, but also by businesses. This became evident after Apple and other conglomerate businesses began to really start incorporating the technology into their products, becoming their new USP and again pioneering a new way in which mobiles operate. For 2018, businesses could use the trend/technology to help showcase: products in real-time to clients, company branding/marketing and to help train employees. So expect to see a lot more of the tech this year. 

2. Mobile Payments:

In the final quarter of last year, a lot of banks connected with mobile payment technologies and this was proven to be a successful investment for both online and mobile banking. This means that this year we will see the trend become even more mainstream. Customers can now use their mobiles to make everyday financial transactions with an increasing number of retailers. An example of a successful business helping to pioneer this trend into the mainstream market would be ‘Apple Pay’ as this acts as a digital wallet service for users with Apple devices, which is something Android has also incorporated into their devices, known as ‘Android Pay‘. Mobile payments are becoming more widespread in general because it has been available within the U.K but, as of recent, there are other places around the world where the technology is becoming mainstream.

3. App Security:

The security of a smartphone is more crucial now than ever due to the large volume of personal data your device holds. Surprisingly, many people fail to take app security as seriously as it is, hence why some hackers last year were successful with breaching, hacking and leaking information from businesses and people. This has therefore became a striking concern for app developers this year when creating an app. Apps with built-in security features could make a large difference in 2018 by ensuring apps with even more security.

4. Face I.D Technology:

When it comes to Face I.D, personal data couldn’t be more efficient in securing personal data (which also is a good example of security). With Apple waiting for facial recognition technology to become efficient, they have again changed the way in which people interact with their devices as they now use this system as a form of security identity. This year, we’ll see other competing businesses looking to also capitalise on the success of the trend. 

5. Cloud-Based Apps:

In this day and age, being a dedicated smartphone user can prove to be difficult as we can all agree there’s one MAJOR flaw with installing an abundance of mobile apps – STORAGE SPACE. As this is a growing problem, 2018 could be the solution to solving this issue by moving internal storage to cloud-based storage. With this, users need not to worry about further storage space issues within their mobiles.

6. IoT (Internet of Things):

IoT is a strong trend that will continue to become mainstream in 2018. We’ve seen the technology operate with: wearable tech, smart bulbs, radiators, speakers and home surround sound systems. The increasing adoption of wearable technology is the reflection of how people are beginning to welcome new technology trends. Soon, the tech will become one of the new fashion standards. This indicates that there’s a strong demand for the trend and this directly impacts the mobile app development market as a lot of IoT devices are controlled by you and your smartphones.

7. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning:

Personal and customised content for online users is a highly lucrative technique for any business to utilise. As time goes by, apps are increasingly learning more about their users and their preferences. Everybody recognises the already amazing A.I apps: Siri, Prisma and Google Now. We can therefore expect the trend to continue to become even smarter and know just that little bit more information about you.

8. On-Demand Apps:

Last year, on-demand apps like ‘UBER’ or ‘JUST EAT’ became very popular. We can expect this trend to become even more mainstream this year due to the fact that it helps make people’s lives easier and these types of apps can be used almost anywhere.

The Foreseeable future…

The future certainly shapes up to be brighter, better and bolder with these revolutionary technologies further dominating the market of mobile app development. 2018 will not only see a rapid growth in mobile app development but, it will also mark the entry of the most innovative apps that’ll get people even more addicted to their smartphones. Comment below any trends you know of that I may have missed and get in touch with us and see if your app idea could also make a difference within the market!

After getting the App Store approval from Apple, many developers are given a whole new world of technology to access. App development costs a lot of money and it doesn’t end there, especially after releasing the first version of an app. Traditionally in a software industry, new major versions of apps are released every 1-3 years with discounts for existing customers. Loyal customers would then be given the chance to upgrade their license in order to receive any new features. This ultimately helps keep a businesses sustainable.

Developers tried to follow the same approach via the App Store by releasing new updates and requesting users for a full price to be paid. Services like ‘Fantastical’ and ‘The Omni Group’ are good examples of this. However, this process was always problematic. Because all Apple apps update for free yearly, there’s expectations now that when you buy an app/game, you want it to be updated consistently. With new iPhone sizes available, you expect the apps to also be optimised via an update. But if this isn’t done correctly, customers could get upset and leave negative reviews if they have to pay again (for example). With the fresh flow of new customers within the App Store, some developers would just about be able to survive within the market. But with competition increasing, many companies are struggling to maintain their relevance.

Another problem with paid applications on the App Store is that customers can’t test an application before purchasing it. This creates the issue of long-term income from a business perspective because users would rather switch to choosing In-App Purchases with no upfront costs.

The debate between subscription-based apps began at the end of 2016 with Apple and Google introducing reduced subscription App Store fees from 30% to 15% for customers who subscribed for more than a year. Many popular apps that we all use are regularly released with subscription strategies. Password manager 1Password, text editor Ulysses, podcast player Overcast, comics reader Marvel Unlimited and the note taking app Bear each apply to the strategy. We even have one of our own apps with a subscription feature: goEvo – no diet weight loss.

As you can see, different kinds of applications attempts to conform to this new model. So what benefits do they find? As mentioned in Ulysses blog post, this transition allows free trials and discounts to be available to people – which was not possible before. Ulysses developers made great profit by selling their apps for both Mac and iOS, however their disadvantage is long term sustainability. And that’s essential for customers too because if you are subscribed to the app and you use it often, you can be confident that the app will continue to exist. As we use our devices for work, it is important to have apps that we trust and trying to find new apps or tools when older ones seized to exist is always a concerning problem. Do you still remember Mailbox, email client?

Apple seems to recognise these trends very early on and they continue to work on making subscriptions even more attractive for their users. How many services and apps are you subscribed to?

If you would like to find even more information about this, speak to our iOS Developer – Boris today!

Now that 2017 is almost over, it makes perfect sense to reflect over the incredible year that we’ve had within the Mobile App Development world. Mobile and digital is becoming increasingly mainstream as each year approaches. Businesses from all industries rely on the latest trends to help advertise and boost their existing revenue and meet customer expectations. As 2018 approaches, digital trends will continue to introduce new, cutting-edge techniques and tools to help shape 2018 into another great year for tech. But for now, let’s reminisce over the top mobile app development trends that made 2017 amazing.

1. Augmented Reality (A.R.) & Virtual Reality (V.R.):

If you are anywhere up to date with modern mobile app development trends, then AR and VR is something that shouldn’t be new to you. This year, we saw AR and VR become revolutionary not only in mobile, but also within gaming and the entertainment industry. Ever since the success of 2016’s Pokémon Go, we’ve seen other business like IKEA Place and Snapchat capitalise on the trend, and all have been successful. Apple’s latest USP on their devices revolves on their AR:Kit to help manufacture their AR-based devices along with their A11 Chip Processor for AR-based apps.

2. Cloud-Driven Mobile Apps:

Cloud-driven platforms have existed for a while, and over the years it has improved to the point of becoming fully endorsed by consumers. This year, Cloud-driven technology managed to find its way into mobile apps. Now, apps have become even more powerful as they directly fetch data from the cloud system, which ultimately frees up more space on a users device (which is something we’ve all been begging for right!?). Apps like iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive demonstrates how convenient cloud-driven apps are within businesses and personal use.

3. Wearable Devices:

What’s better than having the capabilities of a mobile on your wrist in a stylish form? Oh yes, wearable technology. The market for wearable devices is on high demand each year, with a 20.3% Composite Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) increase being predicted by the International Data Corporation (IDC) within the next couple of years. This year we’ve seen the Apple Watch, Google Daydream View and Fitbit Flex take the wearable market by storm, evolving the way the technology was originally intended to be used. These devices indicates that they’re not just restricted to the healthcare industry, but instead can be used for personal purposes, making this one of the promising trends to develop further in 2018.

4. Artificial Intelligence (A.I):

Artificial Intelligence is a foundation that has improved year after year. But 2017 in particular showcased just how powerful and mainstream the trend can be. Through the use of advanced analytics and machine learning technology, A.I has helped provide businesses with a powerful insight into their market-base and consumers unlike ever before. We’ve seen A.I become increasingly endorsed this year with the notable mentions of Alexa and Siri. With a reportedly 300% increase in investment towards the trend, you can expect A.I to learn even more about you in 2018.

5. Security:

Security within mobile and apps is a crucial factor for any App Development business to consider. In 2017, it was reported that 75% of mobile apps wouldn’t even pass a basic security test, which demonstrates the importance of the role. Unfortunately, hackers are always looking for a gap within the development process to try and steal sensitive data. However, by businesses using the JavaScript Framework system or Two-Factor Authentication, the risk of being hacked can be avoided as these methods will continue to increase in strength of securing data within the new year.

6. Wireless Audio:

When Apple first announced the removal of their traditional headphone jack, everybody went into an uproar. Some even taking matters into their own hands and trying to D.I.Y. a headphone jack into their own devices themselves. Despite the controversy, this move made by Apple inspired other competitors to do the same, which helped push the trend of wireless headphones. Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal have needed to reconsider their operating systems within their apps to help cater towards the market of people using wireless headphones. This trend was introduced over the recent years, meaning in 2018 we can expect other businesses to continue pushing the trend further.

7. UI/UX Design:

The design process within mobile app development this year has seen a noticeable overhaul in terms of how apps are designed. This year, apps have been designed to be bolder and stylish. With simpler navigation, voice over interfaces, functional animation and large/bold headlines, it’s fair to say that the beauty of apps is something taken very seriously. However, this process is extremely fickle and in 2018, who’s to say that the trend won’t change again? 

When it comes to mobile app technologies, skilled app developers cannot afford to rely on outdated tools and trends. 2017 bursted with a lot of potential for tech and by having learned from what was successful this year, you could enhance your skills and help make 2018 the best year for mobile app developers.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

1. GABY:

Gaby is the foundation of everything we do and my right-hand person. She is a fundamental part of the business and ensures that our projects run as smoothly as possible and to an incredibly high standard for all of our clients.

2. TYRELL:

Tyrell has only been with Glance for a short period of time but has already had a dramatic effect on our marketing and social media presence (in fact this 5 things concept is one of his fantastic ideas). He’s not only fantastic with social media but is a great personality in the office too!

3. ARIANA:

Ariana has shown her amazing UX skills and mentoring ability and has had a huge impact on our creative process. She’s introduced a new UX process (with Gaby) which brings much more research and structure to what we do and how we do it.

4. BORIS:

Boris is a hard-working developer and a true Glance advocate, representing the company incredibly well. He’s produced some amazing work for us and our clients and is our resident Apple aficionado and go-to tech support person.

5. ANTHONY:

Anthony sits alongside Boris and works on our Android development. Anthony is both hardworking and sociable and has proven to me time and time again how good Android really is as a platform with the amazing work he does.

If you would like to find out more, speak to our CEO – Simon today!

The mastermind behind this campaign finally gets to have his say!

1. HUSKY TEDDY: 

This little guy has been with me for quite a while now. Husky’s are one of my most favourite breed of dogs ever… So, it only made perfect sense for my mum to buy me this as a birthday present. He hasn’t left my side since!

2. PS4 CONTROLLER: 

As seen from my post on our Company’s Instagram Account, I am a huge fan of Playstation. This little extension to my hand helps me maintain friendships regardless of distance. It allows me to fully unwind and escape into the virtual world of gaming. P.S. I do apologise for taking out my anger on you, it’s never personal!

3. SPIDER-MAN TEA CUP:

Back in high school, Secret Santa was a way to test the authenticity of your friendships. Whilst most of my friends received meaningless, throwaway gifts from their partners, my best friend knew exactly what to get me. It was 2 things combined of what I absolutely LOVE. Spider-Man and Tea. I think it’s fair to say it gets its daily use.

4. SPIDER-MAN BLU RAY DVD:

I remember once, someone had asked me that if I could only keep one film for the rest of my life, what would it be? My choice was the original ‘Spider-Man’ movie directed by Sam Raimi. I was only 3 years old when this movie came out and since then, it has held a special place in my heart for all of its morals, action and storytelling. It has also contributed towards my love for MARVEL. Is it sad that I’m still obsessed with the soundtrack to this movie so much that I have a Spotify playlist dedicated to it?

If you would like to find out more, speak to our Digital Marketer – Tyrell today!

1. HOLOGRAPHIC BACKPACK: 

My wardrobe is notoriously all-black, with the exception of a handful of stand-out statement pieces. This particular backpack is from Skinnylove and has been my constant companion for the past month. It’s one of my favourite bags, if only because it takes me one step closer to being the space princess that I always wanted to be.

2. SIGNATURE RED HAT: 

When I was studying at Berghs School of Communication, I wore this red bowler hat practically every day of the week, to the point where I was known as ‘The Girl with the Red Hat’. In fact, it became such a big part of my personal brand that I even incorporated it into my logo.

3. POLAROID FROM GRADUATION:

This is a Polaroid of me receiving my diploma as a Digital Creative from Berghs. It is one of many that I have from my last day there, all of which have now found a place here at the office, stuck to the side of my second monitor.

4. BOOK OF POETRY:

I’m a writer, and I especially love buying and reading books with contemporary poetry. The latest in my collection is this gem by Amanda Lovelace which I picked up a couple of months ago.

5. GRYFFINDOR SCARF:

As shown in my Instagram introduction post, I am both an avid fan of the Harry Potter books and a proud Gryffindor. While I only use my bowl at work, this scarf is how I announce to the world that I belong to the House where dwell the brave at heart.

If you would like to find out more, speak to our Designer – Ariana today!

1. WATER: 

I try to have between four and six glasses a day, always good to stay hydrated!

2. TEA: 

Can’t beat a cheeky cuppa and a biscuit! Especially being British.

3. ANDROID PHONE:

Always have two at my desk, one for development and one for personal use. Without these I wouldn’t be able to do my job, or communicate to my friends, so needless to say they are pretty important. Competing with all other Apple lovers in the office is tough, but being the only Android lover keeps my job unique.

4. INSTANT NOODLES:

Tasty, filling, quick, easy, cheap. Can’t beat them. What more could you want?

5. COFFEE:

Enough said. If you have a nine to five job, you probably survive on coffee just like me! Where would we be without it!

If you would like to find out more, speak to our Android Developer – Anthony today!

1. iPHONE: 

The only thing which I always carry with me. It serves many purposes including wallet replacement and entertainment. I often use it with my Apple Watch Series 1.

2. NINTENDO 3DS: 

This is my most surprising item as I didn’t expect to spend so much time with this little console when I bought it! This was my first 3DS and whenever I get new games for it I am always determined to finish it. Because of this handheld masterpiece, I stopped playing games on my iPhone altogether. With 3DS commuting is fun.

3. iPAD:

This is my favourite computer device. Unlike the iPhone, I bought the first generation iPad and it clicked with me instantly. Whilst it can’t replace Mac completely for me, I prefer to do most tasks on my iPad as I find it more personal, comfortable and mobile.

4. MAGIC KEYBOARD:

This Magic Keyboard acts as an extension to my Mac. I can’t imagine my life without it. It’s my main work tool, a machine that helps me organise my life and accomplish all kinds of different projects. Without this keyboard and its shortcuts, my Mac wouldn’t be the same.

5. COFFEE:

My fuel, my energy and my lifesaver. I drink it almost every day because I enjoy the taste and it gives me my energy boost. No sugar please!

If you would like to find out more, speak to our iOS Developer – Boris today!

1. PHONE

In typical millennial fashion, I cannot live without my phone – for better or worse it is a huge part of my life especially as my whole family lives abroad!

2. UMBRELLA

As a seasoned London veteran, I never leave the house without my umbrella even in the sunniest of days. As any Londoner knows, London can equal 4 seasons in one day and let’s face it, nobody likes the drowned rat look (insert the eye roll emoji!).

3. BATTERY PACK

I went to Glastonbury earlier this year and that meant 5 days of no electricity – enter the industrial strength battery pack which has saved my life many a times because what phone lasts all day when you have Citymapper, Spotify, Facebook and Candy Crush running at the same time?!

4. OYSTER CARD

Can’t get around without it – ’nuf said!

5. PERFUME

You never know who you may bump into on your commute – always smell your best people!!!

6. HAND CREAM

For when I sit on the tube and realise my hands look like an 80 year old’s – gotta keep them babies smooth especially in the unforgivingly cold English winter!

You never know who you may bump into on your commute, always smell your best people! - from GabyClick To Tweet

If you would like to find out even more information, speak to our Project Manager – Gaby today!

Marketing is an important technique that almost every business uses. The technique allows you to promote, advertise and raise awareness for your brand, products and services. Whilst marketing has been around for a very long time, it is sometimes difficult for businesses to stand out and make whatever it is that they’re marketing memorable. However, this is rapidly changing with the inclusion of Interactive Marketing. Each day there are new technologies created in order to push the boundaries of what we can achieve through marketing. Interactive Marketing is a one-to-one marketing technique that places the importance of customers actions and behaviour, helping businesses to meet their expectations.

Types of Interactive Marketing:

Interactive Storytelling

Interactive storytelling is known for creating narrative enigma as the storyline to the narrative is ambiguous and left to the customer’s interpretations. In most cases, Interactive Storytelling uses to some degree artificial intelligence. It is important that businesses applies this form of Interactive Marketing as this will provide them with the opportunity to be as dynamic with their content as possible. Typically, this can be done through adding interesting infographics into content on webpages/blog posts or by creating native ads that revolves around storytelling mixed with other media elements. Instead of  just sticking to long-form content, you can break it up with interactive components like video or audio clips, allowing the visitor to share and discover even more information.

Personalised Content

Personalised content is a strategy that relies on webpage and customer data in order to deliver content that is relevant based on the customer’s interests, motivations and behaviour. By businesses using advanced technology, this can allow them to gain relevant insight into metrics such as customer’s: demographics, geographic data, age, gender etc in order to help deliver relevant content and offers. This will help customer’s to relate to the content you’re providing when it is personalised appropriately as this could result in them wanting to interact with the content more and share it. 

Two-Way Interaction

At the heart of the Interactive Marketing spectrum lies Two-Way interaction. With this technique, a business is able to provide marketing efforts that allows customers direct interaction and participation. 

Interactive tools such as: quizzes, games and interactive videos provides the customer with a more powerful experience and allows them to consume information easily and effortlessly. This technique also allows the customer to feel involved with your business on a deeper level, making them feel important and special.

So, should you be applying Interactive Marketing into your strategy?

Absolutely. As Interactive Marketing becomes even more of a popular marketing trend, customers will be expecting businesses to already be using this technique and therefore, will be looking for businesses to meet or exceed their expectations. With you applying Interactive Marketing into your marketing strategy, you ultimately increase your chances of meeting customer’s demands as you have the ability to respond to their actions and behaviour. By personalising your content, this will result in greater conversion rates as this will enhance customer satisfaction.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

As of recent, we have seen a rapid growth in popularity for Gig Economy and businesses using this type of contract technique as the process for work within the future. Although Gig Economy’s popularity is on the increase, it does beg the question as to whether a lack of job security and fewer benefits compared to full time workers is worth businesses fully endorsing this opportunity.

What is ‘Gig Economy’?

Gig Economy is a form of employment in which temporary positions are available and businesses contract work with independent workers for short-term projects or tasks. Here businesses tend towards hiring independent contractors, workers and freelancers instead of initially hiring full-time employees for completing a task/project. Instead of businesses employing people to work under a contract of employment and receiving steady salary incomes, the independent gig workers would receive one-off payments for individual tasks. Workers who identify themselves as working within the gig economy system would usually find their jobs by signing up for what it is that they want to do in particular by using smartphone apps and websites.

Benefits

The Gig Economy process can be beneficial for a number of reasons. It argues the case that this type of employment enables more people to participate in the working world as it provides flexible work and also provides multiple opportunities for people who are unemployed. It also benefits businesses on a greater scale as well as individuals because it allows better availability and accessibility of services whilst also offering improved matching that fulfils both the business and the individuals specific needs. The main benefit for businesses will be minimal cost as the people the business employs aren’t on full-time contracts, meaning that because their contracts are short-termed, they can pay them accordingly to projects instead of having a fixed salary. However, this type of work contract comes with its limitations and has caused controversy along the way with its extreme lack of employment protection for those who choose to fully embark with this type of employment. 

Limitations

Many individuals who operate under the Gig Economy contract are fearful and have concerns over their job security and their low and unreliable levels of income. In addition to this, those working within the Gig Economy do not enjoy the same rights and protections that full-time employed workers receive. There is also the problem of inconsistent employment due to the fact that employment is rarely guaranteed from businesses, meaning employment is highly unreliable and the stream of projects to work on can therefore sometimes be inconsistent. Furthermore, like self-employed individuals, gig workers have to rely on themselves to monitor, track and pay their own taxes instead of a business doing it for them. This can cause major difficulty for gig workers as they could be working on more then one job at different sectors and at different times, making it extremely difficult for them to monitor individually.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

Heya, my name is Ariana and I’m a UX / UI designer at Glance Creative. I specialise in understanding the psychology and behaviour of users in order to best design products for their specific challenges and needs.

Hi, my names Anthony. I’m 24 and I’m a Android developer at Glance! I take the ideas that designers suggest to me and turn those ideas into a working product for people to use! 

In this guide, we will take you through the basic things we believe you need to consider when designing and developing an app.

Design

Put yourself in the user’s shoes

Nowadays, everybody talks about the importance of designing with the user in mind. However, it is easy for us as designers to think that we know what the users need when what we’re really working off of is our assumption of what they need. Before you do anything else, it’s important that you understand who you’re building the product for—what their goals and challenges are, what they value and what makes them happy. Any decisions you decide to make about the product, design or otherwise, should be based on your understanding of the psychology and context of those who use it.

Create value on every level

Once you know who your users are, you are better equipped to design a product that provides value to them on every level—from its basic functionality, to how the screens flows, to the subtle transitions and animations that take the experience of using the product from a satisfying one to a delightful one. 

Work closely with your developers

Developers are the people who ultimately realise and builds your vision for the product, which is why it’s important that you not only communicate with them, but that you take the time to understand how they work. Ask them what they need to ensure a smooth handover and take that into consideration when you’re designing. It’ll make things easier for everyone—not to mention, your users are more likely to ultimately get a better product in the end!

Development

The handover

Developing an app is a process that works hand in hand with design. Once a project is handed over from the designers, there are a few things you want to understand before starting; what problem the app is going to be solving, how it’s going to solve it and to what extent. Knowing these will give you a better idea of what the designer has envisioned, thus giving you an insight to how long the project will roughly take and if there are any technical issues in which you need to research upon before starting.

The bigger picture

When beginning to code the product, you want to keep in mind the grand scheme of things, and generalize objects and functions so that they can be used multiple times throughout the project. Create standards, guidelines and architectures that can be used and followed throughout the project to help keep it structured and readable. Doing these points as you go while the product is still small will really help later on as the project evolves.

Tips for along the way

And finally, a general tip to keep in mind over the project is that you’re always going to find faster and better ways of doing something compared to the way you previously did, and with limited project time and deadlines approaching we haven’t always got the luxury of changing old code. So try to weigh up how long it’ll take to change things and what benefits the change would bring to the table. The ones with the most benefits and the least implementation time are the ones you can implement when you get some free time!

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

Over the last 5 years, technology has become a significant way to help people meet each other. This is through the large catalogue of dating apps to choose from with the likes of Tinder or Bumble for example. But what people fail to actually think about is, what about the apps for couples? How has technology managed to fit into and benefit the lives of people who are already in relationships? Well luckily, there’s plenty to choose from after researching the best ones and putting together a top 5 best apps for couples list.

1. ‘COUPLE’

Ever wished you had a social media platform that didn’t involve basically everyone else? That’s perfect because with Couple, it acts as a social media platform that is dedicated to just yourself and your partner. Here, you can upload photos, create shared to-do-lists as well as message each other with its own messaging services . In a more fun aspect, you can send your partner love notes, use the drawing functions to scribble notes as well as create pictures together.  This is an app that I would recommend for couples in long distance relationships.

2. ‘PATHSHARE’

If you’re in a relationship where you constantly find yourself impatiently waiting to text your partner ‘Where are you!?!?’  this app will be perfect for you. With Pathshare, you can pinpoint your partner’s exact and real-time location by using your phone’s GPS, as well as including a map to see their exact location and when they are meant to arrive to their destination.

3. ‘HONEYDUE’

Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain your own individual finances let alone maintaining a joint finance account. However, Honeydue makes this easy and effortless. Here, you can track your bank balances, bills and how much you and your partner are spending together all in one place and one platform. The app keeps all data thoroughly organised and even notifies you to remind you of due dates for paying bills. So, spend less time arguing with your partner about spending habits and allow this app to help you guys manage your finances together in peace. 

4. ‘FIX A FIGHT’

Everyone’s been in one of those situations where you have a fight with your partner and have no idea how to go about fixing and resolving it. However with this app on your phone, help is found right at your fingertips. The app will guide you through steps to help you and your partner make decisions that will help repair your relationship. The app is guided by the voice of couples therapist Mark McGonigle, giving couples the opportunity to identify their feelings and go through the process of patching things back up again. I guess it can’t be any worse than sitting there in angry silence. right?

5. ‘RAFT’ 

When was the last time you had an important date or anniversary to remember? When you’re planning around two separate schedules it can be super irritating to know what you and your partner have planned to do. However, with Raft, you can sync your schedule with your partner’s and make it easier to see both plans through colour-coded calendars.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

A huge shift in Google’s company was marked with the debut of last years Google Pixel. To compete against fellow competitors like Apple, Samsung, Sony, LG and other high brand smart phone manufacturers, Google launched their very first smartphone lineup. A year later, Google Pixel is finally introducing its follow up: The Google Pixel 2 (and XL). The 2 phones are already available for pre-order, with its official release date set for October 19th 2017. The 2 phones will come in 2 storage options at either 64GB or 128GB. The handhelds are looking to be priced around £629 and £929. Its newly refined design, top of the market specs and what’s being called the best smartphone camera ever quite possibly indicates a strong improvement from its predecessor.

Design

The device comes in 2 variants. Whilst the 2 aren’t jumping on the current trend of edge-to-edge screen ratios, they still pack a pretty large screen surface, with the standard device being 5 inches and the XL being 6. The screen resolution for the standard features a 1920 x 1080p OLED screen whilst the XL features a 2880 x 1440p QHD+ OLEd display. The design for the Pixel 2 is refined and simple with its 2 tone glass back design, allowing the antennas to work effortlessly. Their bezels on the front of the screen houses 2 front facing speakers and the phone works as water and dust resistant. So whilst the design won’t necessarily have you jumping out of your chair with excitement, it’s designed in a way to emphasise its practical benefits. One thing Google has done similar to Apple is the death of the headphone jack. You will now have to use their USB-C headphones or join the bluetooth club. In addition, there is also the removal of a Micro SD slot, meaning you’re stuck with whichever sized memory device you purchase.

Software

Android mobiles are known to be popular for their customisable software. That trend has only been improved with the Pixel 2 as it has the power to run Android 8.0 Oreo, along with a 4GB of RAM. This means that you’ll be able to throw pretty much anything at the Pixel and it should be able to operate without any issues. The biggest gimmick to the mobile is that you can squeeze the sides of the device in order to launch the newly improved AI: Google Assistant (you can also silence/end calls using this feature). 

In terms of the software’s UI, Google has put a huge Google search button at the bottom of the screen, integrated into the dock, which also links to the app tray once the user swipes up. This makes it easier to search Google as the box will be positioned where your thumb usually is when holding/using your phone. This makes it one less way to Google. If your wallpaper is dark, the colour of the search bar will also adjust to this by turning into a darker shade to match. Furthermore, the phone offers an always-on lock screen, meaning that it is always listening for any music being played as well as waiting for you to say ‘OK Google’ prompting the assistant to pop up. The battery on the handset has been given an upgrade, with a battery size of 2,700mAh, meaning you’ll be looking at a total of 7 hours use from just a 15 minute charge.

Camera

If there’s one thing that makes a phone considerably great, it’s the camera. After last years model being branded one of the best smartphone cameras around, the Pixel 2 has a lot to live up to. The Pixel 2’s camera comes with a dual-pixel sensor on the back, optical image stabilisation for images and videos and comes with a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP front facing camera. It also integrates with A.R. within its own camera app. This feature uses Google’s ARCore to overlay A.R. stickers into real time footage recorded directly from the camera. The camera comes with its own ‘Portrait’ mode, allowing you to take professional looking photos by blurring the background, making the foreground most tangent.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

As a teenager, there’s always a constant fight to have the hottest app. Whatever is ‘trending’ at the time is a MUST HAVE. Even though we have an extensive catalogue of apps to choose from, it can still sometimes be difficult to find which apps are best suited for us. Well, there’s no need to worry as we have a list compiled for you of the top 5 apps we recommend for teenagers to use.

1. Best Fashion App: ‘Depop’

If there are any bargain hunting teens out there looking for the perfect vintage clothing or jewellery, Depop is the app for you. The app focuses on buying and selling clothes with over 7 million users. It works as an e-commerce app in the UK and not only is it exclusive to private sellers, it also features top brands. Personally, what I think is great about this fashion app is the way it integrates both the fashion and selling aspect with social media. You can follow users on the app and build your own community, which is a great example of an app appealing to teenagers looking to make some quick cash, build a following and treat yourself every once in a while (but not too often – I hear your back account say in the distance).

2. Best Photography App: ‘VSCO’

Whilst there’s no argument that the almighty Instagram is the greatest photography based app created, I thought it would be interesting to shed light on an app that you can use in relation to that app. VSCO is a photo editing app. You can take pictures (or give access to your photo library) and edit your photos with either the set filters they provide or by manually adjusting effects to your preference. What’s great about this app is that it gives you the best free features and effects that can really bring out certain elements you didn’t think were important within your photos, meaning that your Instagram photos will most definitely be popping after downloading VSCO.

3. Best Book App: ‘Wattpad’

If you enjoy escaping into another world and getting lost in the most immersive stories that you find interesting, Wattpad is that app for you. Once logging in, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find a story just for you, regardless of how niche you may think the topic is. You will find something you can relate to and you will easily become attached to stories that are created by other people. However, it doesn’t stop there. Not only is there an extensive catalogue of stories to choose from, you can add to that catalogue with stories that you create completely by yourself. Needless to say that your story could have the potential to.. you know… GO VIRAL. So get yourself on this app if it sounds of interest to you.

4. Best Music App: ‘Spotify’

I’m not sure about you but music is everything to me. For other music loving teenagers, Spotify is great at recommending new artists and songs that you’ll enjoy. It is great at integrating social elements and music, 2 things I’m sure everybody reading loves. You can share playlists with your friends and see what they’re listening to (so people listening to Britney Spears I would look at hiding that if I were you). It has a special pricing offer catered just for students starting at £4.99 a month.

5. Best Organising App: ‘Countdown+’ 

Never miss an important date or event again by downloading Countdown+. Here you are given a calendar with a countdown timer constantly ticking, alerting you when your event is approaching. So, if you have an exam, a date with a special person or a birthday to remember, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting as this calendar has your back.

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today! Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

I don’t make a habit of calling out other developers on things they say or do but now and again I’ll make an exception when I seem something that is so off-the-mark that it makes me sit up and reach for my keyboard. In this case it was a single sentence hidden away in the FAQ page for an app called Muzzle, a great app for silencing the notifications on your Mac when you are screen-sharing via Slack, Skype or some other application. So what was it that brought me here? It was this little gem:

“Apple treats developers with very little respect, takes 30% of their income for nothing, and makes their lives difficult at every turn.”

In particular, it’s the 30% for nothing part which I think is worth breaking down as Brian (the developer in question) seems to overlook. So for those of you who don’t know what Brian is referring to, it’s the fact that when you publish an app on the Apple App Store and either charge for it up-front or take payments within the app, Apple take 30% of the money and forward you the remaining 70%. So what exactly are they doing to warrant this 30%? or is Brian correct in that they do nothing…

A Worldwide App Store

First Apple provide you with a marketplace that is worldwide, a route into everyones iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Mac wherever they are on the planet. They give you the ability to have a store listing, upload screenshots, videos and even store the downloadable version of your app on their own servers, all without you even needing a website. That’s a lot more than nothing.

Marketing Support

If you produce a really great app then Apple will feature it. Whether it’s Editors Choice, or included in their best of roundup each year (of which our own iDrated was included), you get massive exposure if you product is something worthy of it. Now in Muzzles case, I think it is worth such exposure so it’s a shame it’s not on the Mac App Store. That kind of exposure by any other means costs significant money. That’s a lot more than nothing.

Developer Tools, Resources and Training

Whilst it is well-known that the success of many platforms is based on the adoption by the developer community, it’s a two-way street. Apple provide some of the most exciting and feature-rich development tools around. Other platforms charge for their tools (Microsoft I’m looking at you…) but Apple give them to you for free. To help you on your journey, they also give you numerous resources, guides, sample projects and videos…all for free. And the only time this really costs you is when you start to make money via their platform, which seems like a fair trade. That’s a lot more than nothing.

Muzzle really is a great app and I’m not sure what trouble Brian has had with Apple (perhaps the review process.?!) but his statement just doesn’t stack up. We often get asked by clients if there is a way to bypass this 30% reduction, and our answer is always the same, “Sure, but you’ll need to provide your own tools, resources, marketing and distribution platform in place as well as a robust payment processing platform in order to take payments. You’ll need to spend a lot of money on marketing once your product has launched just to get the same basic visibility of every other app developer on the App Store. Suddenly 30% doesn’t sound too bad after all does it?!”

If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today? Who knows, maybe one of your apps will be featured in our articles!

Finally, Apple has granted a request we have all been longing to see in our future iPhones… A.R. Following the announcement of their two newest devices (iPhone 8 and iPhone X), Apple has made sure to showcase their new USP feature in a stylish and entertaining way, providing demonstrations and examples of what to expect from their latest software advancements.

The Basics: What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (or A.R) is the integration between a digital world and a user’s real life environment in real time. Many get confused between A.R and V.R (Virtual Reality) however, the main difference between the two is V.R creates a totally artificial environment whereas A.R uses your existing environment, overlaying images and content on top.  

What is ARKit?

Apple unveiled their much anticipated ‘ARKit: Augmented Reality for iOS’. This new piece of Apple technology brings to the table a cutting-edge system which allows their developers to create authentic and strong AR apps for iOS. Whilst the normal public won’t ever actually use ARKit, we will all be the first to see its results as iOS 11 continues to improve and upgrade.  

What devices will be able to use ARKit apps?

As this is content made exclusively by Apple, the ARKit will be limited to Apple devices. However, not all Apple products will unfortunately be able to test this new technology as the Kit will need to run on iOS devices running Apple’s A9 or A10 processor chips. This means that the only devices able to support the Kit includes: iPhone SE, iPhone 6S (and Plus), iPhone 7 (and Plus), iPhone 8 (and Plus), iPhone X, iPad 2017 and iPad Pro.

Is there an equivalent for Android?

Whilst there is still a lot of buzz around Apple’s ARKit, it wouldn’t be fair to not also mention the equivalent kit developed by Google for Android. Their version of A.R development is known as ‘ARCore’. This allows Google’s developers to incorporate the functionality of A.R to existing Android mobiles. Due to it still being tested and refined, the kit hasn’t been released to all Android phones. As of current, ARCore apps will be running on devices supporting Android 7.0 Nougat or above, which means that the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S8 phones will be able to run the kit. However, this will not be set in stone forever as Google is looking to expand the range of Android devices that will be capable of A.R as they will be releasing their newest software to the millions of Android phones in the world sometime this Winter. So, Android lovers should keep their eyes open and be ready to update their devices soon.

Why should you use AR apps?

Recently, Apple has showcased just how great A.R can be. With examples like ‘Porsche AR’, ‘MeasureKit’, ‘Sky Guide’, ‘Kings of Pool’ and ‘IKEA Place’ being pushed into the App Store, it is safe to say that we can expect to see much more of this technology as it continues to push the boundaries and become more mainstream. Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen how apps have evolved and changed, so why stop seeing through that change now as it continues through its journey? Give one of the apps mentioned above a try and I can guarantee you’ll be just as excited about the journey and rise of A.R as us. If you have an awesome app idea, why not get in contact with us today and who knows, maybe your app will be featured in one of our articles!

Most restaurants aren’t in the business of technology. After all, they’re focused on serving high-quality food that diners enjoy. However, what many restaurants don’t realise is that they could actually benefit from having a mobile app associated with their establishment. Today, there are more than 2.1 billion smartphone users across the world — and making a restaurant accessible via a smart mobile device can both bring in more customers and boost its reputation. Here are several reasons why restaurant owners should consider hiring an application development agency to create a mobile app.

Menus Change Often

Restaurants owners who are creating a mobile app will want to put their restaurant’s menu on the app. After all, studies show that 62 percent of diners won’t eat at a restaurant if they can’t view the restaurant’s menu on a mobile device. Mobile application development agencies can help restaurants put their menu in an app in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to access. Also, using an agency can be helpful because menus change often, and restaurants will want to keep in-app menus up-to-date. Specialists at an agency can easily handle these regular back-end updates, which may be time-consuming or difficult for those not well-versed in development.

Mobile Payments Are Popular

If restaurant owners hire an application development agency, they can have that agency incorporate mobile payment technology. Mobile payments make things easier for both customers and staff at a restaurant. Having an agency build mobile payments into an app can also help attract a millennial crowd, which spends $21 more per month eating out than all other age groups. 40 percent of millennials say they prefer mobile payments more than any other payment method at restaurants, so by offering an easy platform to do that, restaurants can encourage more millennial business.

Mobile Reservations Are Convenient

Mobile reservations are one technology that an application development agency can build into a restaurant’s mobile app. Mobile reservations are popular and convenient for diners. More than 25 percent of people who eat at restaurants choose to make their reservations online — so, by offering the capacity to do so via an app, restaurants can encourage people to come into their establishment and fill seats.

Mobile Apps Build Brand Awareness

There are usually many restaurants within a geographic area. So, it can be difficult for one restaurant to stand out among the rest. One great way for restaurants to stand out in their town and build brand awareness among potential diners is to have an application development agency create a branded mobile app. The experts at Google explains, “Apps are now an integral part of our daily micro-moments, with people spending an average of 30 hours per month in them, according to Nielsen. 

Apps play a key role in those I-want-to-know, I-want-to-go, I-want-to-do, I-want-to-buy moments. They’re also a powerful way for brands to build deeper relationships with their customers. A mobile app marketing strategy can complement a brand’s offline experience… drive e-commerce, or simply help connect a brand with its loyal customers.” By relying on an application development agency to build a restaurant app, that restaurant can ensure that their app functions well and looks good, and, in turn, that the image they’re putting out into the public is respectable, forward-thinking and tech-savvy.

Loyalty Programs Encourage Regular Customers

One of the best benefits of having a mobile app for a restaurant is being able to offer customers a loyalty program. Mobile loyalty programs incentivise customers to come into the restaurant and dine. In fact, 96 percent of millennial restaurant-goers currently use restaurant loyalty programs. They reward customers with deals and discounts after they spend a certain amount of money (or come to the restaurant a certain number of times). An application development agency can build a restaurant a mobile loyalty program, where customer “points” or activity is collected and tracked via the app. This is convenient for diners because they don’t have to keep track of a physical card (which can be easily lost). Beyond simply encouraging customers to spend money at a restaurant, a mobile loyalty program may also help a restaurant better segment their marketing list. Loyalty programs on mobile apps give a restaurant an idea of what type of customer each app user is, allowing them to create targeted, more relevant marketing messaging.

Apps Allow Feedback

Having a restaurant mobile app can be a channel for customers to give a restaurant feedback and reviews. An application development agency can create a platform within the app where a diner can let a restaurant know how their experience was. Facilitating communication between a restaurant and its customers can help build trust and loyalty. Gathering feedback is also extremely helpful for restaurants because it affords them a window into how they can improve their customer service, food, atmosphere and more.

Restaurant owners who want to boost business should consider hiring an application development agency to create an app that is specifically for their restaurant. Apps make things easier for both diners and restaurant staff — and they are a great marketing tool for winning more exposure.

It can be easily argued that a productive London mobile app developer is more important than a London-targeting website with high conversion rates. The fact is, there are more mobile-only internet users than any other group. In other words, it is essential for businesses to make an iOS or Android London app a top priority.

However, upon selecting a London mobile app developer or mobile app development company in London — freelancer, small agency or large agency — it is critical you monitor and evaluate their work and progress. There are 10 mistakes a London mobile app development firm can make that will render your app useless or, worse, cost you money.

1. Pricing/Billing Ambiguity

Get the billing and pricing cleared up prior to signing a contract, and certainly prior to the start of development. Ask London mobile app developers for a costs breakdown into the following elements:

• Business model
• Cost of each app type you can choose from: Table/List, Database, Dynamic, Games
• Cost of app per platform (iOS, Android, etc.)
• Design costs
• Post development costs: customer support, admin features, etc.

Make certain the pricing and billing breakdown meets your standards for clarity.

2. Missed Development Deadlines

While there may be set-backs — there always seem to be — be wary of a London app developer(s) that constantly and consistently misses deadlines. That is an indication that the job is being hurried, which reduces quality. If need be, re-evaluate deadlines.

Missed deadlines, for some reason, are typically associated with changes in pricing and billing. Missed deadlines should be one of your greatest concerns because they are symptoms of a bigger problem.

3. Poor UI/UX Design

You should expect a mobile app that is easy to operate, intuitive and has an appealing user interface. The three things to consider when evaluating a London mobile app are: whether or not it has too many features; whether or not it is difficult to find on a device; and whether or not it has a slow launch or delayed response.

Simplicity and speed are essential to any app. The faster it functions on a mobile device and the easier it is for a user to get what they want — in as few steps as possible — the more successful the app will be.

4. Lack of Originality

You and the mobile app developer in London — or the individual developing the app — should search for similar apps with the same features from the time the app concept is agreed upon until launch. Unoriginality is as much a guarantee of failure as poor UI/UX design.

It will be very difficult to create an app that has zero overlap with another, but if it has one or two features that are unique and improve user experience, you may be onto something.

5. Same Functions as a Desktop UX

If an app is merely a mobile platform version of a PC application, it is of very little value, “[a]pps are actual applications that are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser.” Make certain the feature are, again, original.

It is OK — even necessary — for a mobile app to have the same end-action objective as a PC app, but the means of getting to that end-action must be different.

6. Failure to Test

Test, re-test and test again. If a person downloads your app and it fails them, they will never download it again. There are no second chances in the world of mobile apps.

While it is difficult for you to monitor a London mobile app developer’s testing, you can ask questions that will tell you whether or not they are, actually, testing. For example, you can ask if the app is being developed in a sequential manner and, if so, does it function properly from launch to the point of development.

7. Launching on Inessential Platforms

First and foremost, above all other platform apps, develop an iOS and/or an Android app. The rest are secondary. Do not ever pay to have apps developed for another platform prior to having iOS and Android apps unless there is a very specific marketing philosophy as to why.

Developing an app on a variety of platforms is the easiest way for London developers to make money — off of you — quickly; in reality, there is not much of an advantage in multi-platform launches outside the big two.

8. Failure to Fix Bugs Post-Launch/No Post-Launch Support

Make certain the contract you sign includes pricing and billing for post-launch support. If you cannot fix the bugs an app has — and they always have bugs — you are dead in the water.

Trying to find someone who can fix the bugs another London mobile app developer created is time-consuming and their work will be extremely costly.

9. Failure to Market

If a London mobile app developer does not have an app marketing campaign, regardless of how well the app they produce functions, it is very unlikely the app will gain any traction. Mobile app marketing is absolutely critical. It will not sell itself.

10. Guarantee High Mobile App Retention Rates

Nine out of 10 people who download an app stop using it within a month. You should expect very high turnover rates. Even a 95 percent turnover rate should not concern you.

What should concern you are low download rates. If people are not downloading the app and trying it out, then you have a problem. The problem can be with the marketing or the app itself, but either way, a problem exists.

Creating an app can be a risky venture. After all, there are 2.2 million apps in Apple’s app store, and 2.8 million apps in Google Play. It’s hard to know whether an app will succeed and take off — or whether it will get lost in the noise of all those other apps that are out there. However, if you’re unsure about whether it’s worth it to create an app or not, the following stories may inspire you. These app success stories include tales of people who weren’t sure they were going to succeed (or who had never succeeded before), but ended up finding great success by creating a mobile app.

Jan Kourn and WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the popular mobile messaging and calling app that is popular worldwide. WhatsApp can use WiFi and doesn’t require cell data to work. The story behind WhatsApp’s creation is pretty inspirational. The app was created by a man name Jan Koum. Koum moved from Ukraine to the US in the early 1990s. His family was extremely poor and they lived on food stamps and welfare checks. Koum swept the floor of local stores to help make ends meet. Koum first attended San Jose State University but eventually dropped out. He got a job at Yahoo as the Operations Engineer but eventually left. He lived off savings and applied to work at Facebook but he was rejected. In 2009, Koum came up with the idea for WhatsApp, and he incorporated the company and started to build the app, which slowly evolved into a free messaging service that worked internationally. By version 2.0 of his app, he had 250,000 active users, and by 2013, the number of users had grown to 200 million. In 2014, Facebook bought WhatsApp from Koum and his co-founders for $16 billion, creating a life for Koum that was very different than what he had experienced growing up.

Nick D’Aloisio and Summly

Nick D’Aloisio was only a teenager when created Summly, a news summarisation app that made digesting and understanding news easier for mobile users. D’Aloisio coded the Summly app after he had the idea that it might be useful to people to present news in a more succinct and engaging manner. He found summarisation technology that already existed (and bought it in exchange for equity in his company), and created an app that seemed to successfully summarise article in a way that people responded to. The company first gained exposure when he got an article in TechCrunch about it, which helped him get angel investors. While the app didn’t gather many users while D’Aloisio was in charge, it did something even more impressive: it caught the eye of Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer, who ended up buying Summly (the technology, app and team) for $30 million. D’Aloisio was only 17 at the time of Yahoo’s acquisition, which means that he officially became a teenage millionaire — all because he decided to create an app.

Ethan Nicholas and iShoot

Ethan Nicholas was a programmer at Sun Microsystems. While he was there, he decided to learn the iOS programming language — in his spare time. Once he knew the language, he developed an app called iShoot. iShoot was a mobile tank artillery game, that he decided to sell in Apple’s app store for $1.99. iShoot was released and it quickly became popular, shooting up to the number-one spot in the Apple Store. The first day that iShoot reached the top spot, Nicholas made $37,000 (in just one day!) He also able to bring in more than $600,000 in just one month. Nicholas taught himself the programming language and he was able to build the app on his own without needing to hire professional developers. Nicholas’ story is an inspiring one because a very low cost endeavour (building his app) ending up paying off big time for him.

George Weiss and Dabble

You don’t have to be young or born with an iPhone in your hand to make it as a successful app developer. 84-year-old George Weiss is the perfect example of why: he created a mobile app called Dabble that is now available on Apple devices. Dabble is a word game where people spell words as quickly as possible using 20 letters stacked in a pyramid shape. Weiss hired a team of designers and developers to create his game, and when it was released, he became the oldest app creator in the history of the Apple app store. Weiss registered his first patent 53 years before his app was released, and his app is for sale in the app store for $1.99. He is an inspiration because he proves two things: it’s never too late to create an app that will sell, and you don’t have to have a deep technical knowledge to create a mobile app that works.

App development can be a tough and competitive world, but there are some success stories that are both inspiring and reaffirming. By creating a mobile app, it’s not only possible to create a change in a person (or organisation’s) life, but also in the world at large.

Creating an app is a great way to reach consumers — particularly now that more consumers than ever are using smartphones. Studies show that there will be 6.1 billion smartphone users by 2020 — nearly 70 percent of the world’s population. However, creating an app isn’t simple. In fact, for many companies, it can pay off to hire an app development agency to create their app — rather than relying on in-house developers or turning to freelance, solo app developers to create the app. For more information about why your company should consider hiring an app development agency to create an app, check out the list of benefits below.

1. An App Development Agency Is Dedicated to Just That

An app development company does just that: It develops apps. Rather than have your company spread its focus and resources to creating an app while you’re also trying to build a company, you can hand over that work to a company that is completely dedicated and focused to building a mobile platform for your company. While your IT department or in-house designers may be able to help, it can help take extra work off their plate to hire an app development agency — and give them free time and headspace to devote to the work of your company that really matters.

2. An App Development Agency Has Specialized Knowledge

Tech people at your company are most likely jacks-of-all-trades. They can help set up email on your smartphones, and they can get your wireless network up when it goes down. While they may have some development and coding knowledge, most in-house IT people lack the specific expertise to build an app that functions well and looks good. By turning to an app development agency, you can rely on experts who’ve dedicate their professional lives to only mastering the art of apps.

3. An App Development Agency Offers Fixed Price Contracts

When you work with freelancers, it’s common for them to charge your company for work by the hour. However, it’s more likely that an app development company will offer you a fixed price for their work (the entire cost of building the app). This means that app development agencies can not only help you keep costs down, but they can also help you get a better sense of your budget, since you’ll know what an app will cost as soon as you embark on the project.

4. An App Development Agency Offer Project Managers

Building an app is a huge project, and it can feel overwhelming for new or budding companies. One of the benefits of using an app development agency is that they offer dedicated project managers — who not only keep track of everything happening with the app but who can also communicate effectively with both your company and developers. Relying on the project manager of an app development agency is a great way to reduce stress and headaches and to make sure everyone is on the same page.

5. App Usage Is Growing

There’s no way around it. App usage is imply growing. According to studies, 89 percent of smartphone usage is now mobile apps — and that number is only going to continue to grow as smartphone usage expands. Relying on a mobile app development agency will ensure that you build a product that is professional, functional, aesthetically pleasing and will continue to operate well as its usage expands.

6. You Can Build a Continued Relationship

Most likely, your app is going to need updates as your company continues to grow. You’ll want to make changes, tweak details, spruce up aesthetics and improve functionality. For that reason, it can pay to have a mobile app development agency on your team, since you can build a long-standing relationship with them. Unlike a freelance developer who may move away, get too busy with a different project or choose to focus on a different side of the industry, an app development agency will continue to have the know-how and dedication to work on your app — and building a long-standing relationship with an agency is a great way to ensure your app stays in tip-top shape over the course of many years.

7. App Development Agencies Have Access to the Best Technology

When developing your mobile app, you need to make sure it will function well on all of your desired platforms/devices (Android, iOS, etc.). So, one of the benefits of using a mobile development agency is that they have access to the most advanced technology, which will ensure that the app is developed to be compatible with the right platforms. Large agencies are almost always on top of having the latest versions of tools and technologies, so you can ensure you’re relying on the most advanced tools and resources around. 

If you’re planning to develop an app for your company, consider approaching an app development agency to help you design and launch your product. Using a dedicated development agency can ensure that your app not only functions well and looks good, but also that you have the necessary technical support and guidance so that your app remains successful as years pass.

Creating an app is a great way to reach consumers today. After all, most people use mobile devices to access the web; in fact, mobile devices like tablets and phones account for more than 51 percent of worldwide internet usage, while only 48.7 percent takes place on desktop computers.

However, companies that create apps have plenty of competition – there are more than 140 billion apps in the Apple App Store and countless others available from resources like the Windows and Google Play stores. So, to ensure that an app stands out, proper marketing to get it in front of the people who might be interested in it is essential.

Companies trying to figure out the best marketing strategies for mobile apps should check out the list below so they know what not to do. These common mistakes are easy to make when promoting an app. By learning about them before the marketing process starts, companies can avoid making a misstep that can hinder their app’s success.

1. Over-promising

A company may have a great idea to include in an app but may not yet have built the functionality. Or, wanting to build buzz , the company may promise awesome features that no other app offers. However, if marketers want to promote an app effectively, they need to specific and accurate about what it can do. App stores let customers leave reviews, and if people download an app based on a marketing claim and the app fails to deliver, they may leave it a bad review. This will discourage other people from downloading it in the future.

2. Not Optimising the App for the App Store

In order for people find it in the app store, the app should be optimised for app store search. Marketers should place app keywords in the app title, get reviews for the app to boost its visibility, and think about what phrases users will use to search for an app like it. Forgetting to optimise will mean missing out on tons of potentially valuable traffic.

3. Not Figuring Out Where the Downloads Come From

Companies may be investing in marketing on a variety of platforms – social media, other apps, etc. However, before they spend money on ads, they must research where their downloads actually come from. Marketers should be spending the most money where the most valuable users discover the app – and it takes a little data analysis to glean that information.

4. Not A/B Testing Marketing Messages

A/B testing allows companies to tweak and compare small elements of marketing messages (such as push notification wording and email subject lines) in order to see which convert the best. A/B testing can be critical for app marketing success, as it enables marketers to determine and focus on the strategies that are bringing in new users – and abandon those that are not.

5. Not Encouraging Continued Engagement

Marketing to customers to get them to download an app is initially helpful. However, users who only download and use the app are most likely not valuable to a company. Instead, marketers should use promotional tactics that encourage people to continue to use the app. Companies can offer discounts and rewards that are only available through the app, and let people know about what updates they’re making. App marketing is an ongoing process, and it helps ensure that customers actually keep using a platform rather than abandoning it. 

If companies want to give their apps wide exposure, focusing on marketing can be the key to success. By analysing marketing efforts and being accurate about what the apps entail, they increase the chances that their marketing investments pay off – and that consumers are happy with their product.

Mobile applications are no longer optional for businesses. According to Pew Research, today 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone, and that number is up from 35 percent in 2011, with no growth letup in sight. Obviously, mobile marketing is here now and definitely the wave of the future as well. While you are thinking about talking to a mobile app development company, your competitors are already gaining market share and stealing away loyal customers by using mobile strategy and app marketing. It is time to get with the program and start enjoying the benefits that mobile app design can afford your business.

Mobile apps can help you engage with your customers more easily, keep your employees connected and boost your bottom line. Three good starter reasons — and here are some more:

1. Geo-targeting

For sales and marketing, geo-targeting makes it easier than ever before to target users with location-specific messages. This means that people who have your app might get a text with a special offer when in the vicinity of one of your stores. This type of attention makes them feel special and might cause them to stop in and make a few purchases. “By using this approach, small businesses can decrease spend, narrow their focus and deliver targeted ads to consumers at the right time and place,” explains Roger Hurni, chief creative officer & managing partner, Off Madison Ave.

2. Mobile Loyalty Programs

Do you have a customer loyalty program? Why not take it mobile? Give your customers that download your mobile application access to special deals and specials. Survey them through the app or otherwise to find out their favourite loyalty rewards, then serve them up. Instead of using punch cards, which are often misplaced or forgotten, similar mobile solutions work better for both businesses and customers. You can add incentives like special birthday coupons, or give a punch on their card for checking in on social media. This type of engagement increases loyalty and revenue overall.

3. Mobile Customer Service

Customer service is another area where app developers can help your business keep your customers loyal. To maximise your reputation for great customer service, reply to questions or comments in the shortest amount of time possible. Your mobile app can offer you that flexibility by allowing your team of customer service representatives to access these from anywhere. Put one of your CSRs “on-call” for customer queries, and you can cover them round-the-clock as needed.

4. Mobile CRM

CRM and sales support cannot be understated, and the top mobile app development company can create a mobile CRM application that can handle it all, and connect seamlessly to the company’s main database. No extra data entry, no lost slips of paper, no misspellings and incorrect information.

“When it comes to customer relationship management, mobile CRM gives business owners a wide range of capabilities right at their fingertips,” says Anthony Smith, founder and CEO, Insightly. “Keeping track of tasks, contacts, organisations, opportunities, projects, emails and your calendar can all happen instantly within a mobile application. This alleviates the need to write down important details on old receipts or worse, trying to recall straight from memory.” 

Mobile CRM means scanning business cards and automatically adding the information straight into the CRM, with the capability to add notes and follow-ups. Sales professionals can check into places they visit, check their sales pipelines, and access client information, emails, quotes and orders, all while talking to customers. This make your company look more professional, saves time and gives your sales pros actionable data to use on every visit. Expect to close more sales!

5. Accept Payments

You have probably seen people use the tiny white Square cube for mobile payments at places as diverse as nightclubs and farmers markets; this mobile payment solution, and others like it, allows businesses to swipe credit cards right on a phone, tablet or point-of-sale stand. This enables companies to take payments on the go in just minutes, and can help with sales and deposits, and even collecting COD invoices. This is a great advantage for businesses, as app development can include integration with other apps via the cloud. Transactions records go straight into your accounting, tax and marketing apps to make your business run more smoothly with less manipulation and human intervention.

6. Scheduling and Follow-ups

For service businesses, one of the best things mobile app design companies can do is offer scheduling capabilities, follow-ups and reminders. This allows customers to make appointments, change things as needed or ask questions. You can use text messages to remind customers when they have a class or a medical appointment, and do it automatically.

7. Easier Communication

For communications between team members, there is nothing better than custom mobile app designs. It allows representatives in the field to stay connected to those in the office and get assistance as needed. Your team members can transfer documents, instructions and even contracts over the mobile app when someone is at a client site and asks for help. The best mobile app companies can set up a program for you to interact, collaborate and share, no matter where each employee is.

Mobile devices are in all of our pockets these days, so why not take full advantage of their functionality with a customised mobile application developed for your design? At their core, these applications make it easy to do business, both for the customer and the company. While your business might not need a mobile app to sell to your loyal customers, you can increase the number of loyal customers you have, and your sales and revenue, by using mobile apps.

Next Steps

If you’d like to know more, we invite you to send us an enquiry. We’ll get back with you promptly with answers to all your questions about how to improve your mobile app strategy.

Smartphone ownership is rapidly increasing across the world, making it critical for a business to work with a mobile app development company. Just like it’s now unimaginable for a business to not have a phone number, it will soon be unimaginable for a business to not have an app.

Pew Research Center reports that in 2011, only 35 percent of Americans had smartphones, while in 2015, 68 percent of Americans had smartphones. Four years from 2015, smartphones will be ubiquitous.

The smartphone app industry, though still in its infancy, is beginning to develop distinct trends which future app development teams need to be aware of. For those looking to get into the app development industry, here are the top mobile app development trends for 2017.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

We’re starting this list off with an item that was easy to guess for anyone who was watching mobile apps in 2016. Last year will forever be remembered as the year when the world finally accepted AR and VR.

Virtual reality is any system (such as the Oculus Rift headset) that takes over the user’s sense of sight and sound. Augmented reality takes over those senses, too, but also tweaks them, like “Pokemon Go.” This game uses your camera to see the real word, but augments it to let you throw a pokeball at a Charizard jumping on your friend’s head. 

No one could have predicted the wild success that “Pokemon Go” had with AR, but the AR door is now wide open. Any way an app designer can work AR into an app is sure to be met with success, if only through curiosity alone.

Similarly, VR got off to a surprisingly successful start. No one was sure if it would work in the market, but it has and it’s expanded. Now there are numerous VR platforms, and VR capability is the current benchmark for a successful smartphone launch.

Major companies like New York Times and Wall Street Journal have already jumped on the VR wagon, introducing ways to interact with their business through VR. The trend is still in its early stages, which makes it particularly exciting for mobile app development companies. You could be the one who sets the bar for an entire future industry.

Location-based Services

As smartphone ownership grows, so does the desire for app designers to tailor the experience specifically to the individual. With millions of users, this is impossible, of course. However, location-based services make it happen automatically.

Have you ever noticed your phone pulling up information based on places you regularly go to? Those are examples of both Apple and Android’s built-in location based service. It’s already a feature of both operating systems. As people get used to it, they’re going to begin expecting that service from individual apps as well.

Include location-based service in app design by showing users relevant information for their local area. Include local news and local businesses, and see if there’s a way to use location services to find out which industries the user frequents and wants to learn more about.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the future. It has such a wide variety of uses that mobile app development companies can find AI valuable no matter what organization they’re working for. Many predict the investment in AI products will double over the coming years.

AI takes shape in many different ways. One ties in with the previous point of location-based service. You develop an app that understands which shops your users frequent, but that doesn’t result in any action unless you have the proper AI to pull that information together and make something interesting out of it.

That’s essentially what AI looks like for now. We’re not trying to develop lifelike personalities, but smart AI that can aggregate relevant information and present it to the user in a way that feels meaningful.

AI that results in a smoother, more personalized app experience will certainly make strides for the top app developers.

Security

Security should be on every mobile app development list every year, but especially in 2017. In recent years, there have been widely publicized breaches of security in major tech companies around the world. Security is on the mind of users now more than ever.

Cloud-based technology is the clear path of the future. Though users are beginning to see the inherent benefits of the cloud, many are still suspect of cloud’s security. They feel uneasy putting sensitive data in someone else’s hands.

Due to this growing issue, mobile app developers need to keep two things in mind for security.

First, make sure the app is secure. You already know this; just make sure not to cut costs on this. Release the app with strong security, and update it often. Security breaches will sink an entire company.

Second, mobile app developers need to go a step beyond making sure security is tight. They need to somehow communicate that to the user. Security is a technical issue that most users won’t understand, but mobile app developers need to find a way to put its users’ minds at ease. If you can find a way to do that, users will see you as being a step above the rest.

In Short

There are a lot of trends going on in mobile app development for 2017. However, it’s not necessary to incorporate every trend into your app. Find a trend that works for your project and focus on that.

Your company has decided to hop on the mobile app bandwagon. They should, after all, since there are more than 2.1 billion smartphone users worldwide, and smartphone users spend 90 percent of their mobile time on mobile apps (not browsing the mobile web). If your company isn’t tech-savvy, or you are but don’t have enough time or hands to create an app, you may consider hiring a mobile application development company. Mobile application development companies have a team of dedicated development experts that can ensure that your app ends up working well — and looking good.

If you’re thinking about hiring a mobile application development company, check out the helpful information below. This info can help guide you through the process of hiring a company — from the research phase to sealing the deal.

Start Online to Find Initial Options for a Mobile Application Development Company

The first place to start when you’re thinking of hiring a mobile application development company is by doing an online search. Consider searching for development companies in your local area, since that will allow you to go into your office and meet with representatives from the company in person. While you do your research, look at things like reviews of the company from former customers (and even employees), look at the length of time it’s been around and try to find out information about previous projects they’ve completed and clients they’ve worked with. This can give you a good sense if the company does good work, and if they’re a good fit for your project.

Look at the Cost of Creating an App, and Compare It With Your Budget

Come up with a budget for your app, then look at pricing information on the websites of the companies you are interested in. If there is no pricing information on the websites, contact the companies via phone. You can have an initial conversation with someone on the marketing or sales team who can let you know if their company can make what you want for the price that you want to pay.

Meet With Representatives from the Company (or Companies)

Go in and meet with the mobile application development company or companies you’re interested in working with. The companies will probably have a sales or marketing representative meet with you, but you may also get a chance to speak directly to developers. Outline your ideas for your project, and listen to their responses. Make sure that they can create a custom app for you if you want, and that they seem to have values and passions that align with your own.

Check References

Call or email former clients and get an idea of what it was like to work with the company. You want to ensure that they were both happy with the product, and that the experience was enjoyable.

Make the Hire

Once you’ve found a company that seems like they can fulfil your vision (and that clients like working with), you can get in touch with the company to hire them. You can expect to pay a portion of what you owe for the app upfront — and then the rest in instalments later.

If you think you’re ready to hire a mobile application development company, start doing research. You may stumble upon a company who has done work that you admire and enjoy. Get in touch with that company to find out their availability and rates, and you may just find that you’ve discovered the perfect company to make your app idea a reality.

Talk to us to see how we can help with your app development project.

An application development agency can be a lifesaver for a company looking to create its own mobile app. Development agencies provide dedicated tech experts who can create apps that do what a client wants them to, in a way that is easy for users to understand, and that is also aesthetically pleasing. However, there are lots of app developers around the world — about 19 million globally — and they are all a little bit different. So, it can be difficult for companies to determine which application development agency is just right for them.

If you’re at a company looking to hire an application development agency and you want to know which one to hire, the following facts might help. These nine basic facts about a company can give you a pretty good idea about who the company is, what they do, and if they’re the right team to build your mobile app.

1. What Kind of Clients They Work With

What kind of clients an application development company works with says a lot about it. You can learn about the company by looking at what types of companies their clients are, as well as what size they are. An application development company that works with businesses the size of Coca-Cola will be very different than one that creates an app for the mom-and-pop chip shop on the corner.

2. Their Price Point

Another good indicator of the work that an application development company does is the price that they charge for work. Low-end companies often create simpler, or more cookie cutter apps, while companies that charge higher prices tend to be able to do custom apps, and those with more complex features and functions.

3. What Types of Apps They Build

There are multiple types of native apps that exist in the world. Native apps are ones that are built to function on a specific platform, like Apple’s iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS and Google’s Android. A native app usually yields the best user experience, since the app was built specifically to function on the platform on which it’s being used. Each platform requires its own programming language, so you should make sure that the application development company you’re hiring has expertise in the language needed to build for your chosen platform (or platforms).

4. Who Their Developers Are

Mobile application development companies have developers that specialise in building and programming apps. Some companies have on-staff, dedicated developers who are employees. Others use freelance developers who rotate in and out. Using a company with on-staff developers may ensure more consistency throughout your experience, and after the app is released, since employees will most likely stick around longer than freelancers (although not always).

5. If They Take the Rights to the App

Most application development companies allow the client to completely own the rights to the app. However, there are some companies that like to keep the rights or share them. Make sure that you will own all of the rights to your app when it’s finished, if you want them. To ensure that you will, sign a copyright assignment or “work made for hire” document at the beginning of the process.

6. How They Test the App

Beta testing an app is a very important process of ensuring that any bugs or glitches within the app are removed before the app is released to the public. Ask the application development company how they plan to test the app once they’ve finished building it. Also, you should ask how they plan to fix bugs once they’re discovered, and how fast you can expect the process to take.

7. Payment Terms

You don’t only need to know the amount that you’ll pay an application development company before you hire them. You should also know how and when you’ll pay them. Every development company has different terms. Some companies require customers to pay by the hour, while others will charge a flat fee for the project. Also, payment schedules differ, with some companies requiring a portion up front, while others requiring the whole fee before work starts.

8. White Label vs. Custom Apps

Some application development companies are equipped to develop custom apps. Others use white label apps, which are basically application templates that they simply add your custom information into to make it your own. If you want your app to be unique and have custom functionality, make sure that any application development company you go to can handle that, and that they don’t recycle app frameworks from previous clients.

9. Length of Client Relationships

In general, app development companies will build your app, then work with you for several months past its release. Make sure that the app development company has the capacity, and expectation, to work with you beyond when they deliver the final product.

If you’re planning to hire an application development agency, doing research about the company beforehand helps. Knowing basic facts about the team will help ensure that they have the capability to do what you want, that you can afford their services, and that your experience working with them will be a pleasant and fulfilling one.

There’s no doubt we’re living in a mobile digital age. Studies have shown that all digital growth is now coming from mobile usage, and that 65 percent of all media is consumed via the mobile web. For those reasons, companies across the world are shifting their marketing and branding strategies to focus on mobile – targeting consumers where they actually spend time.

Lagging behind in mobile app design

A few business sectors have been somewhat reluctant to adopt mobile as a main marketing strategy. Luxury and household brands, for example, have tenaciously clung to old ways of doing business. When it comes to marketing via mobile means, they’ve largely overlooked those consumers who embrace smartphones and tablets, instead relying on outdated desktop technology. In fact, as recently as 2014, 94 percent of luxury watch brands included in this L2 digital marketing study relied on desktop technology, and less than half supported touchscreen technology. Furthermore, only one-sixth of those brands offered consumers a mobile-friendly version of the website.

Luxury brands are clearly neglecting mobile marketing at their own detriment while the rest of the world goes increasingly mobile. According to Smart Insights digital marketing reports, conversion rates on mobile devices lag behind traditional desktop websites. However, those low conversion rates appear to be due more to a lack of functionality and care given to mobile presentations, especially considering that tablet conversion is roughly double that of smartphone conversion. 

Furthermore, data that reveals how 90 percent of time spent on mobile devices is spent within apps means creating an interactive, engaging mobile application is no longer optional. Indeed, mobile usage surpassed desktop access for the first time in November 2016, and there is no turning back. Brands need to go where their customers are online.

Brands that have nailed mobile app design

Some luxury brands have jumped on the Android app design and iOS app design bandwagon and are reaping the rewards of this dynamic marketing channel.

Michael Kors – InstaKors offers merchandising far beyond a storefront experience. Michael Kors offers a truly interactive experience via mobile, responsive ads, social networks, content shoppable via mobile app development, and even in-store technology. On Instagram, double-clicking an image takes consumers to an email with direct links to the product’s purchase page.

L’Oreal Paris – Makeup Genius is a virtual makeup tester application that lets consumers try out different products and makeup looks on themselves. Users can create their own looks or open up custom portfolios and try them on in a single click. L’Oreal’s scan-to-shop app was created first in iPhone app development and has since been extended to Android app development. It allows consumers to scan products advertised in magazines or in-store to buy on mobile.

Lexus – As Lexus worked with top app developers to create TouchSense technology, they saw steady improvement in responses to mobile marketing of their products. Significant increases in click-through completed views, replay rates and ad recall were noted for those advertisements that were touch enabled. This allows them to understand what works and engages consumers, and where to further target their mobile advertising. TouchSense is also a great way to stand out in the sea of marketing.

Optimizing the reach and power of mobile app marketing

Mobile app design is critical for achieving maximum reach for any luxury or household brand, as is finding a good mobile app development company to partner with. They need to understand your product, your goals, your target market and your marketing vision to serve up the type of mobile design that drives success and brand reach. Furthermore, they need to grasp the reasons why mobile app marketing is so powerful.

• Google – Google has made mobile search results a priority with its Mobilegeddon update, which actively penalizes sites that do not embrace mobile marketing. Your site needs to be responsive and viewable on mobile devices to avoid getting a search ranking slap by the SEO giant.
• Broader target audience – Some people use mobile devices exclusively, so companies that don’t market via mobile are neglecting those consumers altogether.
• Social media integration – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter now offer integration and advertising opportunities for mobile marketers. These consumers are already mobile consumers, so reaching them easily requires just a few minutes for setup.
• Virtual reality – Plenty of exciting possibilities are in the near future for mobile marketing. Virtual reality offers more effective and engaging ways to profit easily via mobile app design.
• Rinse and repeat – Like always, it often takes an audience seeing information about brands and products before they take action. Social media, mobile ads, desktops and billboards all play into those “hits,” with consumers paying more attention as long as they are offered value for the intrusion. For instance, geotargeting allows brands to offer promotions when a consumer is near a brick-and-mortar outlet. Also, when you discover a successful strategy, you can easily repeat it for greater campaign success.

Getting closer to consumers is not difficult, but it is a challenge without a solid mobile strategy. Start that strategy by interviewing mobile app development companies to find the one that works best for your brand, and be sure to create a mobile app design that engages a wide audience. Mobile marketing is personal, and it allows brands to get closer to consumers than ever. Take full advantage of that power and reach for maximum success.

We’ve all noticed the increasing popularity of mindfulness and meditation, but have you considered investing in this growing industry? In 2015, the meditation and mindfulness industry made nearly $1 billion. If you’re looking for app development opportunities, mindfulness apps should be at the top of your list.

Before you come up with an idea and contact a London app development agency, you need to know what’s already out there. Mindfulness apps aren’t just about meditation, so there’s plenty of room for innovation.

Read on to get inspiration from five top mindfulness apps.

1. Calm

The Calm app offers meditations in a variety of formats to appeal to a range of users. The 10-minute “Daily Calm” sessions are perfect for those who want to meditate daily, while specialised programs such as “7 Days of Sleep” help users solve specific issues. 

Calm has recently expanded its offerings to include a guided breathing section, new ambient background sounds, and relaxing “Sleep Stories” to help users drift off at night. A wealth of regularly released new content helps Calm stand out from the crowd, which is something to consider when developing your own app.

2. Daily Yoga

Daily Yoga pretty much does what it says, which is no bad thing. Yoga programs are designed to be completed one day at a time, spanning seven, 10 or 30 days in length. There are sessions designed to suit complete beginners as well as more in-depth guidance for advanced yogis. Yoga is all about connecting with the body and the breath, so this app fits seamlessly into the current mindfulness movement.

Mindfulness and healthy exercise go hand in hand, so consider combining the two in your app.

3. Journey

This simple diary app encourages users to savor the positive moments in their lives, express gratitude, and focus on the present moment. Adding daily entries is an easy way to stay mindful, and it’s possible to add photos, weather information and location tags to posts. In a world filled with social media, this is a great way for users to store memories they want to keep private.

Mindfulness apps don’t always have to be as obvious as meditation guides; they just need to help people to stay present and aware.

4. Forest

It’s hard to be mindful if you’re constantly checking your phone. This app helps users beat overuse of phones and tablets by allowing them to plant a small tree attached to a timer. Leave the phone alone for the entire length of the timer, and a tree will grow. Use your phone, and the little tree will die. Users can earn coins to unlock new trees, and the app even plants a real tree if you earn enough.

Using Forest is a great way to stay mindful of how much you’re using technology and help the environment. Consider adding a charitable aspect to your app to encourage users to stay motivated.

5. Fabulous

It’s easy to be mindful once in a while, but making it a habit can be harder. The Fabulous app helps users to develop healthy morning and evening routines, which can include meditation, mindfulness, yoga and gratitude. Handy reminders and visual cues make remembering to practice mindfulness a breeze.

Maybe your mindfulness app could be dedicated to helping users fit the practice into their busy lives.

If you’re interested in developing your own mindfulness app, why not get in touch with us. As one of the leading mobile application development companies in London, we’ll take your project from idea to execution, handling design, development and marketing. Talk to us today.

Sources

http://fortune.com/2016/03/12/meditation-mindfulness-apps/

https://www.calm.com/

https://www.dailyyoga.com/

https://2appstudio.com/journey/

https://trees.org/sponsor/forest-app/

https://www.thefabulous.co/

If you are a business owner, you’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of having a mobile web presence. After all, the world is becoming a place that is more and more focused on mobile technology, with 2.1 billion smartphone users worldwide.

Creating a branded app is a great way for a business to build brand awareness and encourage interaction with current and potential customers. Smartphone users spend 90 percent of their mobile time using apps as opposed to browsing the mobile web, and there are expected to be around 197 billion app downloads this year. By creating and marketing a mobile app, companies can gain exposure and generate revenue.

If your company is not tech savvy or does not have developers on staff, one great way to go about creating a mobile app is hiring a mobile app developer. Mobile app developers London clients use can create apps for businesses that look good, function well and stay up-to-date. If you’re thinking about hiring a mobile app development company and want to figure out which company to choose, read on. The following are tips for choosing mobile app developers London business owners should keep in mind when deciding who to hire to create their company’s app.

Look at Other Apps They’ve Created

One good way to get a good sense of what a mobile app development is all about is to look at the prior work they’ve done, as well as a list of clients. Mobile app development companies will have a portfolio of work that you can browse through. You should choose a company whose apps appeal to you – both functionally and aesthetically. Another good reason to learn about prior work is that it can give you a sense of whether the developers have a certain set of values or passions. You want to make sure that your company’s values and mission align with theirs and that the process of working together will be pleasant.

Check Client References

In addition to looking at the apps they’ve made previously, ask a mobile app development company for client references. Then, call or email those references. You want to learn more about what the process of working with the company was like — and not just how the product turned out. Try to check with multiple references in order to make sure that people have a good experience across the board.

Ask About Price

The cost of developing a mobile app in London can vary wildly. Some app developers charge a project rate, while others charge by the hour. Some developers offer affordable services to young companies, while other high-end developers have astronomical prices and are geared toward large corporations. Ask about cost at the beginning of your developer-finding process. You want to make sure that the development process fits in your budget and that you know what you’re going to be spending from the get-go.

Meet with the Developers

Many development companies use marketing teams to communicate with clients. Then, they pass along the work to the developers who actually do the coding and development work. While it’s okay to meet with marketers or sales teams that have a lot of information for you, ask to meet with the actual developers before you begin your product. Meeting with the developers can ensure that you’re both on the same page about what the app should be able to do and look like, and it can ensure that there are no miscommunications that will require more hours of work to repair.

Ask About Their Process

Ask the development company what their process is like — particularly for ensuring that the app is finishing on time. If the developers get behind, ensure that they make you aware of that — as well as why they’re behind and when they’ll catch up. Knowing their process beforehand (and ensuring it’s one you’re comfortable with) will help alleviate stress and guessing for you once the app is being built and give you a good sense of when you can expect a final product.

Never Pay Upfront

You should never pay your mobile app development company the cost of building the app upfront. Paying for the app should take place over time and in multiple payments. If you pay for an app upfront, you may end up getting the app much later than anticipated or having problems with the developers — then not have any leverage to encourage them to do better work. Ensure that the payment schedule with the developers is one that you’re comfortable with and that extends the payments out over the process of development.

If you run a business in London, consider hiring a mobile app agency to create your company’s app. A company that develops apps can ensure that your app is as high-quality and well-functioning as possible. If you learn the tips for choosing mobile app developers London business owners should know, then you can make sure that your company chooses the app development company that is a good fit.

Most people tuned into culture today spend a good amount of time accessing mobile apps on Internet-connected devices. In fact, studies have shown that mobile users spend 90 percent of their time in apps as opposed to browsing the mobile web. However, what many people don’t realise is that several of the apps that they regularly use were slated to fail — and there success was somewhat of a shock to tech experts everywhere. The following four app success stories were surprising to many people.

Pou

The app name might not sound like much, but Pou is one of the greatest — and most surprising — app success stories out there. Pou does essentially what the Japanese digital pet invention Tamagotchi does — it allows player to care for and grow an alien pet (that looks like a brown rock). Pou was created by Paul Salameh, a 24-year-old Lebanese developer, who predicted that Pou might have a somewhat addictive nature. The app costs $1.99 in the Apple app store, and it is free for Android users (with in-app purchases). While the app doesn’t sound like much (caring for a brown rock), it caught on with people — it’s spent a good amount of time in the Top 5 Paid iOS apps list, and it sees between 260,000-320,000 downloads per day by Android users.

Periscope

Periscope is a live video streaming app that was bought and launched by Twitter. Periscope’s success is not a surprise because its concept was odd — it’s surprising because its technology is very impressive. The app was created by Kayvon Beykpour and Joe Bernstein, who wanted people to be able to digitally “teleport” or see what was going on somewhere else in real time. The technology to create and broadcast live videos to anywhere in the world is staggering — but Beykpour and Bernstein were able to do it, and they quickly raised a seed round of investments from angel investors before getting bought by Twitter. Today, Periscope has 1.9 million daily active users. 

Hours

The Hours app was created by Jeremy Olson. It is a time-tracking app that is useful for small businesses and freelancers who need to keep track of the hours they work. The reason the success of Hours is surprising is because Olson and his team shelved Hours multiple times, thinking that it would never be able to be built (to their standards). After several years, however, Hours was finally built — and despite being an independent developer, Olson was able to launch the app to success by focusing on marketing it. The Hours team built an email list by regularly writing optimised blog posts, then announcing the app to subscribers. Olson also reached out to press outlets, like Forbes and TechCrunch, who featured the app. Eventually, Hours became the number-one grossing business app in the Apple app store, and it reached the 27th spot overall.

iFart

iFart is a whoopie cushion app that people can download to their smartphones in order to make a variety of fart sounds. Sounds silly, right? Well, it might be silly, but the app is beloved, and it can bring in more than $10,000 every single day. iFart costs $1.99 to download from the Apple app store, and it once made $40,000 in just two days (over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2008). iFart’s success is surprising, since who guessed that so many people wanted to pay to have a whoopie cushion app on their phone?

The mobile technological world is more exciting than ever, with companies inventing mobile, internet-connected devices that are improving lives in a myriad of ways. One realm that has taken off is the wearable tech world. There are countless wearable tech devices today that are paired with mobile apps that make life easier, more comfortable and more fun. Here are five of the most exciting wearable tech devices that are available this year.

Myontec Mbody Connected Shorts

For runners who always thought they’d have to wear a heart rate monitor on their wrist, something exciting has arrived. Myontec, a wearable tech company, has created smart shorts, which can track electrical signals from your leg muscles as you move. The Myontec shorts can also track heart rate and cadence and, via an app, provide insight into how each muscle is performing on each leg. Athletes can use the smart shorts to analyse and then improve performance.

Ringly Smart Ring

This year, Ringly, a smart jewelry company, has made their smart ring available. The ring, which is stylish and looks like a regular piece of jewellery, tracks activity and records it via an app. The ring counts steps, measures distance moved and tells how many calories a person has burned. The ring also alerts people to when they are getting a phone call or message, and it is water-resistant so it can be worn all day.

Fitbit Alta HR

The Fitbit fitness tracker has been around for quite some time. However, this year, the company is coming out with an even more exciting product: the Fitbit Alta HR – a fitness tracker that is designed to do more than just track things like steps taken and distance moved. People can use Alta HR to track and improve their sleep habits. The device was created in conjunction with sleep experts at Johns Hopkins University, and it can detect what stage of sleep a person is in (and for how long). The Alta HR, in addition to doing all of the other normal fitness tracker things, can tell wearers how long they were in deep sleep and REM sleep through the night. The app can also offer helpful advice via the app so that a user can try to improve their sleep. 

NFC Ring

The NFC Ring is a wearable tech device that people can wear on their finger, then use for payments. The NFC ring uses Near Field Communication to power devices that also have NFC technology. Rather than take out their credit card, ring wearers can simply tap an NFC device to pay. They can also use the ring to lock and unlock doors, access apps on their phone, and more. The NFC ring is water resistant, and its matching app securely stores personal and payment info for convenience.

LVL

LVL is a wearable hydration monitor that can help people ensure that they’re drinking enough water. People wear LVL on their wrist and the device measures their hydration, heart rate and activity. The device can prompt wearers in real-time to drink more fluid, and it keeps records of people’s activity and health in a paired app. By inputting their moods into LVL’s app, LVL can also learn to predict how well a person will sleep and how their hydration levels will affect future moods.

Next Steps

If you’d like to know more, we invite you to send us an enquiry. We’ll get back with you promptly with answers to all your questions about how to improve your mobile app strategy.

Mobile apps are all the rage these days, particularly on Android phones. Over the past year, the time spent on apps on Androids grew 63 percent, and by 2020, experts believe that mobile app downloads will reach 284 billion annually. For companies that have created a mobile app for Android, some platform-specific marketing tips can help ensure the app gets noticed and used. The ideas below can help companies guarantee that they’re making the smartest Android app marketing decisions possible.

Submit It to Multiple Stores

The main marketplace for Android apps is Google’s own Play marketplace. However, multiple outlets sell or promote Android apps. Some of the most popular Google Play alternatives include Amazon Appstore for Android, GetJar and SlideME. Submit the app to multiple stores in order to maximise its exposure. Companies don’t want to miss out on any potential place where the app could sell.

Get the App Reviewed on Mobile App Review Sites

Having reviews featured on mobile app review sites is one of the most important and effective ways to get exposure for an app. Companies should submit their apps to Android-focused companies like PC World or BlueStacks that specialise in reviewing Android apps or research services they can pay to test the app, and then write a review. 

To submit an app, business owners can create a document that contains a link to the app in the app store, a paragraph summarising what the app is all about, a few screenshots from inside the app and instructions on how to download the app for free. Reviewers will evaluate and write about things like the quality of graphics and art, the functionality, and the overall enjoyability.

Use SEO to Boost Visibility of the App in Google Play

The Google Play Store works much like the search engine itself. An app has to be optimised with the right keywords and information in order for users to search and find the app in the store. Search does matter; studies show that 80 percent of high-quality, organic downloads in Google Play come from people who searched. People can do many things to optimise an app’s page, including putting a main keyword in the app’s title, using the keyword at least five times in the app’s description and encouraging good reviews and ratings, since the store’s algorithm takes them into account for rankings.

Take Advantage of Social Media

Companies should make sure that they, or the app they create, has a social media presence. Then, use it to market the app. Marketers should create posts about the app and post them on social media pages regularly. They should be sure to take advantage of multiple networks, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. One of the best things about social media marketing is that it’s cost-effective. To reach the right Android audience, marketers should join Android-focused groups, both for developers and fans. They can then ensure they get the word about the app out to people who will be interested in it.

Companies that have created Android-specific apps should consider using Android-specific marketing strategies to increase the success of the app. By marketing an app properly, companies not only increase the number of downloads of the app, but also encourage consumers to engage with the app regularly.

One great way to promote your company and gain exposure for your business today is to create a mobile app. After all, tech experts expect there to be more than 160 billion app downloads this year, and users spend 90 percent of their mobile time in apps — not browsing the mobile web. If you are planning to create a mobile app for your company, you may want to consider hiring an application development agency to help. App development agencies provide dedicated teams that have the technical and customer service expertise to ensure that the app gets built well, and that your experience building and updating the app is a smooth, stress-free one. If your company is planning to hire an application development agency soon, check out the list of questions below. You should ask these questions to any application development agency before you decide whether to hire them, because they can help ensure that you and the agency are a good match.

1. What Apps Have You Developed Before?

Ask an agency to see examples of their previous work. You can ensure that you’re impressed with what they’ve done and that their aesthetic matches with what you like. Another good reason to ask for examples of previous work is that previous clients can clue you in to what the company’s passion and values are and whether they’ll actually be interested in your project.

2. How Can I Monetise My App?

Apps can help your company gain exposure and boost customer satisfaction. However, apps are also a good opportunity to make money. When you meet with a developer or sales team at an application development agency, ask them how they can monetise your app so that it generates revenue. Some ways that apps can make money include pay-per-download (giving the app a price), display ads or in-app purchases. Agencies should have ideas that align with yours about how your app will make money (and the capability to make those a reality).

3. Can I Have the Contact Information of Former Clients?

Checking references is key when it comes to hiring a mobile application development agency. You may look through a portfolio and be impressed by a company’s work, but that final product tells you little about the experience making that product. Get the contact information of multiple former clients from the company, then get in touch with those companies to ask about their experience working with the agency. You want to ensure that you not only end up with a great app at the end of the process, but also that the development process is stress-free, easy and enjoyable.

4. What Level of Involvement Will You Need From Me?

Be sure to ask a mobile application development agency how much involvement they’ll need from you throughout the process of developing your app. Of course, no development team will be able to create an app without ANY input from you (they’ll need info about the concept, approval of wireframes and designs, and more) but some companies may want you to be more collaborative — while others will want to handle almost everything themselves. Get a feel for what the agency you’re talking to prefers, then see if it aligns with your available time and desire for involvement.

5. How (and How Often) Will We Communicate?

Throughout the development process, you may have questions about what’s happening with the app, or you may want to make tweaks and changes. Ask the development agency how you will communicate with them throughout the process. Some agencies will want in-person meetings; others will prefer phone calls or emails. Make sure you feel comfortable with their preference, and let them know yours as well. You should also ask how often you should expect to hear from them with updates, questions and more. This can help ease stress and anxiety when the app is being built, since you’ll know when you can expect to hear updates from the development team.

6. How Big Is Your Team?

When deciding whether you want to work with a mobile application development company, you should ask them how big their team is. Small application development agencies may only have a couple of people working on projects, while larger companies will have a large team of developers that work on projects. You want to ensure that you have at least a developer or two who will be completely devoted to your project and that the developers don’t have too many projects on their plate (which results in apps that are tardy or that take too long to create). 

One of the best moves you can make to ensure that your company creates a successful and popular app is hiring an application development agency. Agencies provide experts who create apps that function well and look good. One of the other great benefits of bringing an app development agency on board is that they can maintain a relationship with you, even after the app is released. This means that they can make updates on the app when need be, fix bugs and generally be present to answer questions about the app as they arise.

Netflix is the leading Internet-based television network worldwide, with over 69 million members watching over 100 million hours of TV per day. With all of those customers relying on Netflix to provide a steady video stream, the recent outage that Netflix experienced could have had a devastating effect. Fortunately, Netflix relies on a cloud-based platform that allowed them to get their site up and running quickly, so their customers remained relatively unaffected by the outage.

The Netflix outage could have impacted millions of users, but their disaster recovery plan spared them the hassle.

How Did the Outage Happen?

The outage affected far more than just Netflix, with the entire Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform experiencing complications. The AWS platform is used by countless firms to manage their online businesses, and its failure resulted in over 20 different services experiencing intermittent problems. The problems initially became apparent around 3am PDT on September 2nd, when users started receiving error messages as they attempted to access websites.

AWS found the source of the problem, which they say was caused by “failure of an internal sub-service that manages table and partition information.” Fortunately, the problem was solved in a timely manner. Netflix was particularly prepared for the outage, experiencing fewer problems than any other company thanks to their excellent disaster recovery plan.

How Did Netflix Respond?

While many companies were affected by the outage, Netflix incurred the least of the damages. Netflix has adopted a cloud-based platform, ensuring all of their data and applications are backed up to the cloud. This allows for rapid recovery in the event of any disaster. In fact, despite their vast consumer base, Netflix reports that their business was scarcely impacted by the outage. 

They experienced no apparent increase in customer service related calls, nor were customers unable to access their site and stream videos. While streaming was said to be a bit slower during the time of the outage, the site as a whole continued to operate as normal. They attribute their success to their cloud-based platform, which allowed them to instantly reinstate services to customers while they worked out the kinks in their AWS platform.

With a cloud-based platform, their entire business was backed up online, allowing the seamless recovery of services.

What Can Be Learned By App Developers?

Disaster can strike technology at any time, and app developers are at high risk of bugs and technical difficulties. However, the experience of Netflix makes it apparent that the cloud is an incredibly useful tool in mitigating disasters and restoring data. By having all apps saved to the cloud, the services can be quickly restored and operate as normal, no matter the disaster at hand. This provides developers with ample time to solve any internal errors, without inconveniencing their customers in the process. Customers expect secure and reliable service, and the cloud offers app developers with an easy way to ensure technical difficulties never interfere with the functionality and efficiency of their apps.

For app developers to build a strong rapport with clients and create a positive public reputation, providing a secure and reliable app is imperative. People rely on apps to facilitate business transactions, save time, conduct their shopping, hail cabs, and simplify virtually every other aspect of their lives. When an app fails to perform as normal, it results in tremendous inconvenience for the innumerable users that rely on it.

The cloud provides an indispensible service to app developers (and users), allowing them to back up all of their apps in the event of disaster. When disaster does strike service can be resumed even as problems within the primary network are being explored and remedied. For an advanced app development studio that will simplify your app creation, contact us today.

If you’re at all versed in today’s dating apps, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Tinder. Tinder is a free, location-based dating app that allows people to see other users looking for a date or hook-up in their geographic vicinity. One of the most popular features of Tinder is that it allows users to swipe another user’s photo to the right if they’re interested in that user, or to the left if they’re not interested. Users can only contact one another if they both swipe right, indicating they both want to proceed. Tinder’s formula has worked, and the app has soared in popularity; by the end of 2015, it had more than 9.6 million active daily users and 25 million registered users.

What Is Tinder Stacks?

How to Get Tinder Stacks

Tinder Beyond the Dating App

Communicating from the Gutter by Michael Coghlan is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

In today’s digital world, it’s important that ever company has a mobile app in order to reach its customers. Statistics show that consumers are using mobile more than ever — and nearly 90 percent of that mobile usage time is spent using apps. If you run a travel company, however, it’s particularly important that your company have a branded app. Apps can help reach customers on the go and thereby maximize your business. Here’s why branded apps are so essential for travel companies.

1. Consumers Book Their Travel Plans via Mobile Devices

2. Consumers Research Their Travel Plans via Mobile

3. Apps That Offer Offline Resources Are Extremely Useful for Travelers

4. They Help You Better Understand Your Customer

5. It’s Expected

Travel by Moyan Brenn is licensed under Attribution License

Creating a branded app is a great way to get users engaged with your brand on mobile. After all, today is an increasingly mobile world, with nearly 64 percent of all Americans choosing to browse the Internet on a smartphone, and 90 percent of mobile time is spent using apps. However, while creating a new app is a great way to score some initial attention from customers, simply creating an app is not an effective enough way to boost business. In fact, it’s essential to having users engage with your app regularly in order to make the creation of an app a worthwhile investment. The below strategies can help ensure that users use your app — and interact with your brand — regularly.

1. Send Push Notifications to Absent Users

Push notifications that appear on a mobile user’s device screen without their prompting can be annoying if sent too often. However, they can be an extremely effective tool for bringing back customers who’ve abandoned your app if used strategically. Send push notifications to users who haven’t visited your app beyond the first couple of uses including information about special deals and discounts if you sell a product or service. You can also send them notifications including helpful, informative content (i.e. a bank balance) in order to encourage them to return and engage.

2. Incentive with Points

One good way to ensure that users return to your app again and again is to use a points system that rewards users for their engagement. Give users points every time they make a purchase or use a service via an app, then offer special, exclusive features based on how many points a user has. Users will be motivated to build their point levels if they know they can access or “unlock” special functions by building points.

3. Build It With Utility in Mind

One important strategy for guaranteeing engagement is ensuring that you build the app with utility in mind. This means that your app should have a purpose and it should do something for users — whether that is allowing them to purchase something, provide entertainment, etc. Simply creating a mobile copy of your desktop website is not an effective strategy for creating an app, and users will not revisit it if it cannot help them accomplish something.

4. Advertise

5. Offer Excellent Support

Flickr app by Kārlis Dambrāns is licensed under Attribution License

About the Moodivator App

How to Get the Moodivator App

Smile by Nazer Khalid is licensed under Attribution License

How the Contest Will Work

Judging the Contest

The Opioid Epidemic

Governor Wolf Announces Pennsylvania Capitol Police to Carry Naloxone by Governor Tom Wolf is licensed under Attribution License

A lot goes into designing an app. One of your concerns is how to best market the app so it appeals to your ideal user. Although the adage warns us not to judge a book by its cover, the fact remains that first impressions can make or break someone’s decision to download or purchase your app. One factor that you need to consider when designing your app is the psychology of colour. Choosing the right colours can make the app more attractive to those most likely to use it, evoke feelings that will boost your odds of success, and even make your app easier to use.

It’s Not as Simple as You May Think

You’ve undoubtedly seen memes, posters and random posts on the internet that say things like, “yellow makes people feel happy” or “blue evokes feelings of calmness.” While this may be true for some people, the fact is, perceptions and experiences are stronger than simply what colour something happens to be. So choosing a yellow icon for your app is not going to automatically make users feel happier and more likely to click “install.”

… Or Is It?

That being said, there are some factors that are common to most people. For example, everyone is conditioned to stop at red and go at green. If you were to switch those colours in your app, making a red circle mean “go” and a green circle mean “stop,” people will be confused and the app will be difficult to use. 

There are also a few features that some colours tend to have almost universally. Red and orange are warm, dynamic colours. Blue and green are cooler, cleaner colours. Purple can signify royalty, white can stand for cleanliness and pastel pink is almost always seen as a feminine colour. Keeping these ideas in mind can help you choose a good colour scheme for your app.

Colour Theory

For a great grounding on colour theory, head over to Canva; their Design Wiki on Colours teaches you everything you need to know about colours, their meanings and the colour combinations that will hopefully give inspiration to your next design!

Considerations for Branding

The human eye sees and processes colour before just about anything else. Look at the image of the Coca-Cola can. You know with barely a glance that it’s regular Coke. Diet Coke has a different colour can, as does Coke Zero. If the can were green, your assumption would be that it was actually one of the lemon-lime sodas, such as Sprite or 7-Up, before you read the Coca-Cola script running down the side of the can.

When choosing colours for your app, be consistent. Your branding strategy should include keeping the same logos, fonts and, most of all, colours consistent for your product once you’ve made a final decision. Whether you’re designing the icon, the cover screen or a website to promote it, don’t switch up the colours used.

Making Your Choices

You might wonder whether the actual colours you choose really matter. They do, but it can be hard to determine which colours would work best for your particular target user. The best way to find out is to conduct some tests. Offer up your beta version in two different colour schemes and see which one does the best. Ask your social media followers to choose between two or three schemes in a poll. Be “that guy” and bring your tablet to family dinners and holiday get-togethers to quiz your relatives (focusing on the ones who are in the age and gender demographics that you’re hoping to reach).

You can also check out this Kissmetrics infographic, which details which colours are preferred by men (blue, green and black) and women (blue, green and purple), as well as what colours seem to be disliked by all (orange and brown).

In the end, you’ll need to choose the colours that speak to you and that your polled audience prefers. Just keep the colour consistent as a vital part of your branding, and you will see success build as your app logo becomes more recognisable.

Resources:
Seeker.com
ColorMatters.com
Kissmetrics.com

Cola by cyclonebill is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

Snapchat has been taking the world by storm recently, especially in the eyes of millennials. What was once just a fun app to send disappearing photos to your friends is now full-blown mobile communication powerhouse and traditional media disruptor. With the advent of their stories feature, where users piece together photos and videos within a 24-hour span, and the Discover portal, where digital media companies release custom videos and articles, Snapchat has turned into a force to be reckoned with in mobile media and advertising.

More Engaged

Advertising Growth

Snapchat by AdamPrzezdziek is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

It should come as no surprise that your electronic devices are keeping an eye on you. You already know that if you search for, say, the latest Taylor Swift CD using your smartphone’s browser, there’s a good chance you’ll see it later when you open up Facebook or Pinterest. Yes, your phone is keeping tabs on the websites you visit and what you type into your favorite search engine.

Did you know, however, that it’s very likely your phone is listening in on what you think are private conversations and activities of daily life? It’s not just phone calls; your phone may have apps that keep an electronic ear out for certain things going on in your home, your workplace and even your bedroom.

The Controversy

There are reasons why your phone might need to be alert to various sounds. For example, if you have an iPhone, you might have the “Hey Siri” function enabled. If you leave the phone lying around, you can just call out “Hey, Siri!” and your virtual assistant will be ready to tell you the weather, text your mom or teach you how to spell a word that’s stumping you. Another app, called HappyWakeUp, listens for signs you’re beginning to exit the deepest level of sleep so it can time your alarm with a rise in your alertness. This leads to happier mornings with less yawning and a lower chance you’ll whack the phone to put it into snooze mode. 

Other reasons your phone is listening to you might make you less than thrilled about the whole premise, for example, if an app can tell whether you’re a male or a female, whether you tend to talk to males or females, when you go to bed and a variety of other seemingly trivial bits of information. With this information, companies can market their products to you without you knowing they’ve gleaned this data.

The Truth

You might have had experiences where you have said something and, seemingly out of the blue, your phone’s search engine or one of your apps pulls up information about that very thing, for example, when you discuss upcoming vacation plans. Say you’re planning a trip to Denver in March to ski. Within a few days, you might see advertisements on your phone pointing you to great airfare prices to Denver. Coincidence?

While your phone might be listening to you, it also might be the Baader-Meinhof principle at work. Humans are designed to look for patterns and explanations and to take them at more than face value. If you notice this happening to you, keep in mind it might be nothing more than a simple coincidence.

Protecting Your Privacy

If protecting your privacy, and that of the people around you, is important to you, it makes sense to take some steps to disable apps that are listening to you without your permission. The easiest way is to simply disable the microphone on your phone. Go into your settings, and look for apps with microphone access. Turn off those you don’t want eavesdropping. If you’re going to be having a sensitive conversation, you can turn off the microphone access to all apps, then turn it back on later.

You can also be mindful of turning off your phone or leaving the room when you’re doing something you don’t want anyone, including your phone, overhear. This is a good way to prevent accidentally enabling the voice-to-text feature, texting the wrong person gossip you’d rather not pass on.

Keeping your privacy intact can take some extra steps in today’s ultra-connected world, but it’s worth it in some situations.

Resources:

Baader-Meinhof

Phone by Moyan Brenn is licensed under Attribution License

On September 20th, 2015, the Apple App Store experienced the largest attack ever on its apps. An infected software was used in the creation of 50 apps, which resulted in a widespread phishing attack that impacted millions. Given Apple is viewed as a technological guru by many, this major attack has signaled panic throughout the digital world, making many wonder what can be done to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Fortunately, this hacking attack could have easily been prevented, and app developers have it within their means to ensure they don’t repeat the same mistakes.

iPhones are used by 25 percent of mobile phone users, meaning a single attack could impact millions globally.

How Did the Apple App Store Get Hacked?

App developers in China were cutting corners on their app development in hopes of saving some time. The developers were searching for a specific software for their app. According to MacRumors, rather than downloading the software from the Apple Store, as standard protocol dictates, they opted to save a few minutes by downloading it from a Chinese Network instead.

This proved to be a fatal error because the Chinese software was actually counterfeit and had been created by hackers to the gather personal information of users. They used the software to develop 50 new apps, each of which was released to the public. Due to the infected software, the apps could send personal information of the users directly to the hackers in China. While Apple has since taken steps to mitigate the disaster, the ramifications of the attack were tremendous. According to Arsene and Palo Alto Networks, the attack potentially affected hundreds of millions of people.

How Can App Developers Eliminate Hacking Risks?

Hacking is never ideal, but when it comes to apps, there is even more at risk. When an app has been hacked, it compromises the personal information of all of its users, and the same app is often downloaded by countless people across the globe. This can rapidly create a problem of catastrophic proportions, creating a mass hacking attack that impacts millions of people simultaneously. App developers need to ensure the highest level of security and oversight possible to prevent future hacking attempts and keep the personal information of users confidential. 

More oversight and stronger network security could have prevented Apple’s App Store attack.

Three takeaway lessons to consider include:

1. Always download software from trusted sites. Hackers create malicious counterfeit software and pass it off as the original, so downloading software from unknown origins could increase your vulnerability to attack.
2. Provide meticulous training and oversight of all app developers. Apple’s situation could have been avoided had someone been overseeing the development of the apps. Instead, the developers were left to their own accord and decided to take a fatal shortcut.
3. Be wary of phishing attempts. Hackers often send out fake alerts intended to phish information from the user. If you’re randomly prompted to provide personal information or alerted that you’ve suddenly fallen victim to a virus, it’s likely a malicious phishing attempt.

The most critical concern among app developers regards the security of the app. When an app is hacked, it not only compromises the sensitive information of its users, it subsequently puts the developers at risk of litigation. However, while Apple’s App Store attack may seem daunting, it was the result of a single error that could have easily been avoided. Provided app developers utilize only authentic and professional software and remain aware of malicious phishing, they can create apps that are safe and secure for the public. To build secure and innovative apps from a trusted service, contact us today.

Organisations generate boundless quantities of data throughout the years. Analysing these datasets is essential in order for your app developers to create apps that directly impact the success of your company. However, in today’s highly digitalised world, there are seemingly endless amounts of data meandering around the Internet, much of which is of little worth to developers. Not all data has the same value to your company, and to create apps that cater to your most pressing needs, it’s important to understand which datasets offer the most critical information.

Prioritising data allows you to save time, while creating better apps for your company.

What Constitutes High Value Data?

With all of the data that accumulates throughout the years, it’s essential to prioritise high-value data, so it can be organised and safeguarded from tampering. The most critical forms of data for organisations are documents, such as word and excel, as well as emails. Any documents or emails that were created or used within the last 90 days are of particular importance. While some businesses are tempted to clean up their inbox by deleting read emails, this can compromise useful datasets. According to Imation, a storage and data security company, most organisations archive data for over 6 years, and they regularly reference between 9 and 24 percent of that data.

The Subjective Nature of High Value Data

While some datasets are considered more useful than others, the quality of data largely depends on the goals and objectives of your organisation. To determine which datasets are most imperative to your company’s app development, ask yourself a few simple questions.

• What data is available in real-time? Real-time data is more useful than older datasets, because it provides insight into the current successes and failures of your company, allowing you to assess the data most pertinent to present and future progress.
• Who does the data affect? Consider the long-term ramifications of the dataset and who is affected. Does it affect the whole organisation or just a certain department? Are customers impacted by the data? Datasets that influence the customer experience or the entire organisation are the highest priority.
• What kind of impact could the data create? Think about how the data could be analysed and applied to your company or society as a whole. Does this data provide information that could significantly benefit your company in the future? Could your app developers utilise and apply this data to create tools for your organisation? If you’re unable to think of ways the data could be used to advance the goals of your organisation, then it’s likely of low value.
• How easily can the data be accessed? Some data is trapped away in embedded systems and nearly impossible for businesses to access and utilise. With the plethora of data available to your organisation, spending crucial minutes accessing hard-to-obtain data is a waste of time and resources.

If accessing the data is like finding a needle in a haystack, it likely isn’t worth the effort. 

After answering these questions, it should be easy to identify the data that contains the greatest value to your company. This data can then be analysed by your app developers to help them envision and build tools that will advance the goals of your company.

How to Protect High Value Data

Once you’ve determined the most valuable data to your company, it’s essential to implement a plan to keep that data safe. Data can be compromised by disasters, computer malfunctions, tampering, hacking, and corruption. The most common approach to safeguarding data is by backing it up to external hard drives and creating duplicates of all datasets. Additionally, routinely update all computer software to minimise the potential of malfunctions.

High value data can provide businesses with useful insights into the most effective aspects of their current business strategy, while helping them prepare for the future. With the use of high value data, app developers can determine the greatest needs of your company, and design apps that are tailored to your precise goals. To build apps that will enhance your customer service, improve workplace efficiency, and strengthen your business, contact us today.

When Should You Hire a Mobile App Development Company?

With more and more of overall online traffic and e-commerce activity taking place on mobile devices, mobile apps are increasingly becoming the new website. In order to stay competitive, your business may eventually have to consider developing one to engage and retain customers and end users. In order to get the best return on your investment and commission an app that will meet your company’s needs, consider a few strategic questions before diving in.

Does Your Company Need a Mobile App? (Hint: Yes, It Probably Does)

The answer varies from company to company, but according to Forbes, businesses of all sizes — from small to mid-size businesses and large corporations alike — will eventually need to enter the app market in order to reach and effectively market to an increasingly mobile user base.

Some of the benefits of adding a mobile app to your company’s marketing and ongoing business development strategy include:

Stay ahead of the trend — At the moment, big corporations with larger market share and name recognition tend to dominate the mobile app market. But you don’t need an Uber or Airbnb development budget in order to design an app for your company or service. In fact, a functional, well-designed app that adds value to users and customers can actually help to build credibility and brand recognition for small to mid-sized companies trying to establish a presence, as well as build loyalty among predominantly mobile users.

More content and marketing channels — An app can provide a number of important functions that can add value and increase brand loyalty and user retention, such as:

• In-app purchasing and booking
• Provide general company information
• News feeds
• User account and log-in information
• Search
• Bonus content
• Sales and promotion information

Build and improve engagement — According to Ad Age, user engagement with brand content continues to soar, and the ability to actively engage with their favorite brands has been found to be a priority among millennials in particular. Mobile apps offer the perfect vehicle to engage users where they are already spending a large amount of time.

What to Consider When Hiring Professional Developers to Build Your App

As with any service or product, the old adage holds true: You get what you pay for. While there are a number of options for a low-cost or do-it-yourself approach, a mobile app should be a strategic investment in your company’s profitability and growth. Cutting corners by using inexperienced or lower-quality developers can ultimately cost more in the long run, in terms of actual dollars spent and compromised design and functionality. 

Some of the factors to consider when deciding on how to proceed with a mobile app development plan include:

• Design and functionality
• Security
• Usability
• Project budget and timeline
• Troubleshooting
• Scaling
• Platform (iOS vs. Android, or both?)

From designing an app that people will actually care about and want to use to knowing what to do and having the infrastructure in place to handle bugs and user issues once the app is live, the best app developers can help to answer questions and highlight issues that may not be immediately obvious to your internal team.

Like hiring an employee or contractor for any job or project within your company, finding the best developer to work on your app involves a number of factors like fit, experience, skills and past projects.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Team to Build Your Mobile App

The keyword is team. In addition to excellent coding and programming skills, a successful and popular app requires a number of features that incorporate excellent design that captures and enhances your brand identity, functionality, and a flawless user experience that understands user behavior and takes their needs into account in order to add value and turn first-time users into repeat users.

Entrepreneur suggests incorporating a few critical steps when hiring a developer for your company’s iPhone or Android app:

• In addition to finding a team with the right technical skills, it is also important for app designers and developers to understand your core business in order to build an app that makes sense and encourages an emotional response and connection with your users.
• Look for developers with diverse and well-rounded portfolios with projects that highlight their understanding of the importance of good user experience and design in addition to functionality.
• Don’t decide solely on price. Budget considerations are important, but choosing an app developer strictly on price can hurt your project and ultimately yield subpar results.
• Culture and personality matters. A developer may have an excellent resume, but that does not necessarily guarantee that they will be a good fit for your project. “Soft” qualifications like communication styles, working relationships, and understanding of your company and brand culture are also important factors in getting the results you want.

Finding the right mobile app development company to execute your strategy is essential to getting results. Whether you know exactly what you need or are unsure about how to get started, Glance’s top app developers can help to design the app development plan that is right for you. Contact us today for more information.

Mobile apps have revolutionised our lives in many ways. From the addictive puzzle game to the fitness tracking app, mobile apps are here to stay and they can mean big bucks for the brands that capitalise on their monetisation power.

However, turning that small screen real estate into money can be a tricky process, and it needs to be handled carefully. Monetise at the wrong time or bombard your audience with advertising and you could alienate and lose them completely. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the most effective ways you can maximise app revenue without driving your users away.

The Business of Building Apps

Building an app is a serious business and needs to be approached in the right way. Most app owners have two goals in mind when developing an app for their brand:

• To monetise the app to earn money that will keep them going
• To use app revenue to reinvest in further app development

Before we explore the different options available for monetising your app, let’s start with the golden rule of monetisation: make your monetisation method clear from day one. Whether you are running a free trial, offering in-app purchases or charging a set price for download, this will help you to validate your app idea and prove that your customers are willing to pay for an app that solves their particular problem.

Choosing the Right Pricing Model

When it comes to bringing in revenue with your app, there are effectively four pricing models to turn to:

• Freemium for games and apps
• One-time paid apps
• Paid apps with added paid features
• Free apps with advertising

Freemium for Games and Apps

This monetisation model is possibly the most popular model and one that generates the most revenue. Freemium apps are a great way to develop trust with your users and to demonstrate value without asking for any payment upfront. 

When you offer your app free-of-charge you eliminate risk to your users and offer them a taste of what they can expect if they pay for additional features or a full version of your app. Free apps also eliminate any price point barrier that could discourage your users from downloading your app in the first place. This gives them an opportunity to get familiar with your app, explore its value and decide for themselves whether they want to make in-app purchases to extend its value.

One-Time Paid Apps

As their name suggests, one-time paid apps are apps that your users only pay for once. With this pricing model, your users will expect any additional features or updates to be offered free of charge.

For a one-time paid app to be successful, it first needs to give your users a compelling reason to pay for it. Why should they part with their money? Can they try before they buy? Do you have good reviews? Where’s the value? If you can answer these questions quickly, your app should start generating a continuous revenue stream in no time. Good marketing, fulfilling your promises and a tempting price point are all important here.

Paid Apps With Added Paid Features

The paid apps with added paid features model is one that has really only been introduced quite recently. This model needs to be approached with caution, as it is definitely a model that could alienate your audience if not approached in the right way. Many users feel that it is hardly fair to charge for more features when they have already paid to download the app.

However, when done smartly, this model can work very well. For example, a major update that includes many valuable new features could be snapped up for the right price by users who are already in love with your app and couldn’t live without it. They will be intrigued by the new features and will likely be more willing to pay for them.

Free Apps With Advertising

This is a model that is seen frequently and which comes with a number of pros and cons. On the plus side, free apps are attractive to users as they offer something for nothing. On the minus side, because the cost barrier has been removed, brands need to attract a sizeable user base in order to make revenue through advertising. This model is best for apps that attract frequent and prolonged use.

The biggest caveat with choosing this monetisation model is the annoyance factor. Run too many ads, the same ad over and over or at the wrong frequency, and you could put users off of using your app altogether. This is where user analysis can come in very handy. By monitoring app usage, user demographics and other insights, you can choose which ads are most likely to be tolerated and even enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

With so many ways to monetise your app, it can be tricky to choose the right model to suit your brand, your objectives and your target audience. Your main objective, however, should be to focus on attracting repeat transactions from your existing users at the same time as attracting new ones.

This may take a little time to get right, but once you find the magic formula, you can go on repeating its success for many years to come. Working with an app development agency with experience in design, development and ongoing monetisation is a wise investment and will ensure you get started with the right model from the moment you launch your app.

5 App Design Trends in 2017

There’s no question about it, we’ve entered the age of the mobile internet. According to a study from comScore, mobile now represents more than 65 percent of all digital media time — and the desktop is becoming a “secondary touch point” for internet usage. Because of the huge growth of mobile, more people are creating apps for users to access on their smart devices. In fact, by 2020, mobile apps are expected to generate $189 billion of revenue in the United States alone.

With the rapid growth of apps has also come a slew of changing app design trends. As technology develops and cultural aesthetics change, so do the look and function of apps — and it’s important to stay on top of those trends to create an app that functions well and appeals to a wide audience. To learn more about app design choices that are dominating this year, check out the list of five trends below.

Calm Colour Palette

For years, bold, flashy and bright colours dominated the app world (e.g., Angry Birds or the frames and filters on Instagram). Today, however, app designers are trending toward a calm colour palette, where pastel, muted colours dominate the colour schemes — and companies are sticking to brand colours for cohesion. For examples of apps that have toned down colour schemes, check out the latest version of Pinterest or Airbnb.

No More Hamburger Menus

The hamburger menu — the three-lined menu symbol that reveals an app’s entire menu when tapped — was introduced originally to simplify things for users. However, designers now believe it may have made things more complicated, jumbling unrelated concepts and tasks. To simplify things for users and improve UX, app designers are going back to individual icons for navigation — allowing users to specifically target what they want to do and see on an app. Facebook’s app is a good example of one that has moved from a hamburger app back to navigation icons.

Social Media Integration

When designing apps in 2017, developers will focus on integrating social networks into those apps — making it easy to login to social media networks with simply the tap of a button in the app. Social media integration allows for easy app login (no need to type personal information into numerous fields), and it helps improve app personalisation. 

Material Design

Material design is getting bigger and bigger in 2017. Originally developed in 2014 by Google, Material Design is a design language that helps onscreen elements appear three dimensional — or material. Material design uses things like edges, shadows and “cards” to make users feel like they are interacting with something tangible, and the animations in things that are designed with material design mirror the physical world (no more pointless animations). Good examples of apps made with material design include Evernote and Inbox by Gmail.

Gestures Over Buttons

For years, app designers included tappable buttons that allowed users to complete actions in an app. Today, however, designers are preferring gestures — like swipes (e.g., Tinder), spreads, pinches and more — to allow users to do things in apps, such as delete an email, zoom in or advance to the next page. Gestures, like materials design, mimic reality better than buttons do — and they create a more sensible, engaging experience for app users.

4 App Fails and What You Can Learn from Them

For people tuned into the tech world today, it’s hard not to know about the major success of several mobile apps, like Instagram and WhatsApp. However, while such success stories are inspiring, it’s possible to learn much more from the many apps that were created and complete tanked. Looking at failed apps can help companies determine what missteps were made and how they can avoid those same failures themselves. These following four app fails teach important lessons about creating an app that will succeed.

Hailo

In early 2013, Hailo was poised to take over the taxi cab market in NYC. The on-demand taxi app had already succeeded in London, and the company planned to provide New Yorkers a way to order transportation via their smartphones. However, Hailo ended up failing, thanks to a flawed strategy. 

Hailo was entering the market at the same time as Uber and wanted to dominate the lower end of the market, connecting riders with Yellow cabs. However, drivers of Yellow cabs failed to embrace Hailo for several reasons — including the fact that most NYC taxi drivers didn’t have smartphones (they didn’t need them because the city is a grid and easy to navigate) and because NYC cabs use outdated payment processors that had a hard time integrating with Hailo’s app. Hailo represents the failure of the company to gauge actual interest in the app (with drivers and riders), as well as a mis-assessment of their technological capabilities.

Color

Color was one of the first photo-sharing apps that was ready to revolutionize social media. The company created a program that would merge users’ photo-streams together based on location. Color succeeded in securing $41 million in investments, offices, a website and a lot of buzz. However, once the app launched, it had many glitches. Users struggled with an interface that wasn’t intuitive. The also had a hard time figuring out how to master privacy settings, and they didn’t want to share all of their photos in public. The company tried to fix the app — then rebrand as a live broadcasting video app — but the damage had already been done. The lesson? Don’t launch a product until it is tested, ready and flawless; a glitchy app only has one chance to succeed before it’s abandoned.

Meerkat

Meerkat, a live-streaming video app that made a huge splash at 2015’s SXSW Interactive, recently had to pivot — an unexpected failure for an app that caught on quickly. Meerkat was undeniably the favorite app released at the technology expo, and celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Madonna started to use it to broadcast live. However, quickly after Meerkat caught on, Periscope, created by Twitter, appeared on the scene — and since the app was able to leverage Twitter’s user base, it left Meerkat behind. Ultimately, the failure of Meerkat was due to two things: Its UI just wasn’t as good as that of its competitors (it didn’t have the same resources), and, as a small indie app, it couldn’t keep up with the audience of Silicon Valley giants.

Secret

Like its name suggests, Secret was an app that allowed people to post anonymous bits of text. It was mostly used around Silicon Valley for sharing rumors and gossip. However, despite buzz, the app failed to catch on, and the company recently shuttered. Tech experts attribute the failure of Secret to several things: First, Secret had no ground rules. It allowed people to post and share hurtful material — and, anonymity without limits can breed cruelty. Next, the company wasn’t looking to grow. Secret was what it was, and its creators were not planning to expand or evolve the product. Finally, its market was simply too small. Secret appealed only to Silicon Valley insiders, and it didn’t build a social network of teens or adults like Yik-Yak and other anonymous posting sites.

Understanding usability will help you create a stronger app for your target market, which is essential for growing your business. The word “usability” refers to how easy an app is to use. High-usability apps have more users who are more willing to share the app with others, thereby helping you grow your customer base. Here are six ways to increase your mobile app’s usability.

Goal Funneling

Your app may have multiple possible functions. For example, a realtor’s app might include options for those looking for homes to buy or apartments to rent, as well as options for those looking to sell a home. If the app opens with a search form for houses for sale, this brings usability down for apartment-seekers and home-sellers. A stronger option is to have an opening screen with three tiles, one for each goal (buy, rent and sell) so that users can select their own objective. Goal funneling helps streamline the users’ app experience.

Intuition

Understanding the app users’ overall goal and anticipating their needs helps increase usability. For example, in the United States it’s customary to tip people in the service industry, such as wait staff, porters and taxi drivers. So, for example, people who use a ride share app may want to tip their driver. This should be an integrated part of the app, not some separate process that takes the users to a third-party site (away from the app) or forces them to carry cash to tip their driver.

Choice

As much as possible, give consumers the ability to opt in or out of a particular function. If users don’t want to leave a tip, there should be an option for them not to. If users don’t want to write a comment after leaving a rating, they shouldn’t have to. Forcing users to respond, even if it’s just for their opinion, can cause frustration.

Readability

If your users can’t read what’s on their screen, they can’t use your app. Making sure that all the text in your app is readable means watching out for the following:

• Light text colors that could be difficult to see against a light background
• Text that’s too large or too small (between 12 and 16 points is the sweet spot)
• Elaborate scripts (Edwardian Script, for example)
• Lack of clarity (if you don’t have any strong writers on your team, hire one)
• Lack of spacing (don’t squeeze text together, especially on a small field like a smartphone screen)

Import and Save Options

Usability also includes speed and convenience. Having to enter credit card, address, email and other information you may need for the app is tiresome for users. Always be sure to offer users the option to save this data in the app so that they don’t have to enter it manually again.

Let the App Do the Work

If there is an email that needs to be sent, a phone number that needs to be saved, or a location that needs to be navigated to, structure your app to be able to do these simple tasks automatically by working with the user’s phone. This streamlining of your app increases its usability, because there are fewer things that the user has to do manually. Users then see your app as a time-saver, which makes them want to use it more often. 

If your app has all of these characteristics, you’re probably dealing with a strong piece of software. If, however, you see some areas for improvement, get to work strengthening your app so that you attract loyal users.

Next Steps

If you’d like to know more, we invite you to send us an enquiry. We’ll get back with you promptly with answers to all your questions about how to improve your mobile app strategy.

Eye-Catching Mobile App Design

During mobile app development, much focus needs to be on how the product actually looks. This means using mobile app development companies with designers capable of building creative and professional User Experience (UX) designs.

Don’t just assume that a coding masterpiece will guarantee your app is successful. If your mobile app design fails, it results in fewer downloads, bad ratings (causing even fewer downloads), and a lower value per acquired user.

The worst scenario exists when you’re marketing to your current audience. You may have tailored leads, expected to convert, but a poor design means a bad UX. This won’t get you anywhere, and it may even tarnish your brand’s image.

What an Eye-Catching Mobile App Needs

Any Android or iOS app development job is incomplete without an eye-catching design. Think of it as a “theme,” consisting of the visualization of various elements. From color scheme to typography, once the design schematics are figured out, it will be easy to add pages to your app.

An app designer has many responsibilities, but building the brand’s identity within the app might be the most important one. Your app might take a similar theme as your website, or it could be completely different. If you want it to grow, the best bet is a stand-alone branding design that’s not just a mobile version of your site’s UI.

Take it a step further by incorporating Interaction Design, creating visualizations and effects that result in a user action. This could mean anything — maybe you made a sale, earned a Facebook share, etc.

If done right, you can offer real value to the users. With the addition of app notifications and updates, you can further optimize the app to convert. It can be tricky, and even notifications require custom design efforts.
[et_bloom_inline optin_id=”optin_1″] Some unique things you can do with the right design efforts include:

• Obtain shopping wish lists, such as by tracking Likes in the app
• Run notifications via the calendar app to make it stand out
• Require a confirmation before the app gets deleted
• Push notifications whenever an enhancement is made to the UX

Basically, you can send out notifications and app update requests when a big enough change is done. It will be like A/B testing your website; you can see the difference in the two versions, and how they perform for you.

Designing for Android vs. Apple

iOS app development typically involves Swift programming (similar to Objective-C), while Android app development takes AngularJS, JavaScript, jQuery and even PHP. There are many other languages as well, so the best app developers tend to have a vast programming background.

There are also different platform standards, whether you’re designing an Android or Apple application. You can learn more about platform-specific application design standards by reading the Android app guidelines and the iOS app guidelines.

For Android, it’s increasingly important to grasp Material Design, which has many great features — including Cards, Lists and even “touch feedback” animations. With cards, for example, you have fast delivery of small content. To detract from the one-page website feel, you can use drop shadows and outside gutters. This won’t go so well for an iPhone app design. In this case, you’re better off using depth of transparency and overlay to accomplish the same look. “A Tale of Two Platforms: Designing for Both Android and iOS” explains this subject well.

Many big brands will benefit from releasing a mobile app. Smaller companies aren’t in as good a position, since the apps needs to be heavily marketed. However, if your company has a following, it can be easy to turn your creation into a hit in the app stores. All your company has to do is prove itself worthy to your core audience. This means you’ll have to plan out the best app design strategy and have the top app developers bring it to life.

Imagine being able to reach out to customers and prospects wherever they are, and whenever you have something important to share. With a mobile app designed for your business, that is a reality. Mobile devices and applications are a huge and thriving part of the business world and can help your company grow in many ways. Luckily, mobile application development companies exist all over the world today, so having an app designed is relatively simple for your part.

What Should You Look for in an App Designer?

How do you separate the professional app developers from all the rest, and more importantly, how do you find the mobile app design creators that are right for your business? While this is certainly challenging, working through these tips will help you find the best app developers for your situation. That perfect fit is vital, because the right partner can also assist you with mobile strategy and app marketing, and this other side of your mobile marketing plan is as important as a great mobile app.

Check Out Portfolios

Look for applications that are similar to what you desire, and apps that look great and function well. Keep your eyes open for great user interfaces, as that will determine how often your app is used and how successful it is.

Keep Budget in Mind

App development is complex coding work, and it is not cheap. However, do not let price be your driving force. You need a great app, and that requires a competent and professional app development company. You likely will not find that by going with the lowest price. In fact, the cheapest option can end up costing more if things don’t work out right. Get an estimated cost from each of the mobile app designers you talk with as a starting point. 

Narrow the Field and Engage

Once you have narrowed the field to around three to five app development companies, talk with each of them. You undoubtedly will learn much more about mobile app development through this process, and you might even be stunned by how much the very first person knows about iPhone app development and feel ready to sign on the dotted line But press on, and talk with each one, as they will have a unique take on development, and the next might be a huge proponent of Android app development.

Find a Developer You Can Work With

Finding a developer who is interested in you and your business is key. A good app development company should be versatile enough to develop designs for both iOS and Android apps, and be able to guide you through the development process, while also giving you creative input along the way. Good app developers know what works and what does not because they’ve worked with numerous clients.

Even more important is choosing someone who you can build a solid working relationship with. Mobile app development is not a quick process, nor is it a one-time activity. You will want to refine your app based on user feedback, and having a developer who sticks around for the long haul is best.

Ask for References and Check Them

Always check client references, and look especially for developers who are happy to share these with you. Talk with at least two of their clients, and at least one of these should be a customer with a current project in development. The former will tell you how satisfied customers are with the end product, and the latter gives you an idea of how busy the developer is and if they are good at hitting deadlines. Top app developers, and really any with a solid track record, even if it’s limited, will have no problem providing references to a potential customer. Do thorough research before hiring; consider talking to business contacts, check online forums and groups. In fact, do a Google search for mentions of the company and see what you can find out.

Ask About Progress Tracking and Post-Deployment Support

Talk to the developers about their process and what you can do to make it more successful for both of you. If an app developer suggests that they will immediately start coding, run for the hills. A well-planned approach is best, and they should be prepared to give you a detailed project scope ahead of time. This will include deadlines for deliverables and perhaps milestone payments.

Supporting your application developer as needed from start to finish will ensure that your app turns out the way you want it. Again, be sure this is someone who you can work with long-term, as switching developers mid-project can be painful and costly.

Finally, find out how your app developer feels about post-deployment support. One of the best signs of a professional mobile app development company is their ability to provide continuing technical support after the app is hosted and tested. After all, you want someone to call when a bug pops up in your app that makes it unusable. Be sure to ask about their support system, and how they handle updates.

After all of your research and extensive vetting, it will likely come down to deciding who you like and respect. All other things being equal, go with your gut instincts and make a good choice to move your company forward.

From shopping and dining to improving workplace productivity, mobile apps have transformed the lives of people everywhere. For an app to be successful, it needs to solve a common problem, provide value to users, and simplify daily tasks. There are a variety of predictions for 2016 that will allow app developers to design apps around the specific needs and trends of the public. Here are the top predictions that will inspire the future of app development.

More people are using apps than ever before, and the market continues to grow.

1. Apps will emphasise security. In 2014, Gartner predicted that over 75 percent of mobile apps wouldn’t pass basic security tests. Given the infamous hacking attack against Apple’s App Store last September, app security is a topic on everyone’s mind. Apps are vulnerable to hacking and viruses, and this can compromise the sensitive information of users, while sabotaging the integrity of the app developers. In 2016, app developers will be focusing more time and energy into added security precautions to assuage the general public and keep hackers at bay.
2. Apps will be mostly hybrid. According to Gartner, as of 2016, over 50 percent of apps will be hybrid. Gartner claims that enterprises are under tremendous pressure to create mobile apps that will assist with mobile working, while providing people with more functionality and efficiency.
3. The market will strengthen. The number of smartphone users is on the rise. In 2010, just 62.6 million people owned smartphones, and by 2015 that number has grown to 184.2 million. It’s anticipated that an additional 14.3 million people will get smartphones in 2016, leading to an increase in app revenue of $12.84 billion. With a perpetually strengthening market for app developers, the competition in app deployment will be more fierce than ever. 

Children compose a growing market demographic for apps, and developers need to keep their interests in mind.

5. Wristwatch apps will fizzle out. For app developers seeking to create apps that accommodate watches, such as the Apple Watch or Sony SmartWatch, you may want to consider new avenues. The Apple Watch, as well as its competitors, has been fairly unsuccessful, and its future looks no brighter in 2016.

Many app developers are hoping to kick off the new year with innovative apps that cater to the trends of consumers. By applying these 2016 predictions to the development process, you can create apps that are more in tune with the needs and desires of the public. 2016 will bring with it a surge in children with smartphones, an increased demand for security, an emphasis on hybrid app development, and a strengthening market for developers. To enhance your app development, contact us, and learn about our premium app creation studio.

What if you could place a sticker on your bike that would track your routes around the city? Or, what if you could visit a restaurant and send your order to the kitchen before you’ve even spoken to the waitstaff?

As it turns out, you can!

Glance recently spoke with Wojtek Borowicz, Community Evangelist at Estimote to learn more about geolocation technology.

In what ways can apps work with geolocation devices?

At Estimote, we’re building a microlocation technology based on beacons. The number of applications is infinite. Beacons provide apps with context of the physical world hat are more granular than anything before. An airport app can know which gate you’re at, a restaurant app can know where you’re seated, and a museum app can know which painting you’re looking at. We’ve even seen beacons installed at a nuclear facility and integrated into the staff permission system. The possibilities are endless, and our developer community surprises us every week with new projects and ideas.

Location context is a huge power. And yes, with great power comes great responsibility – especially concerning privacy.

How is microlocation a benefit to the user?

Imagine that you’re in an airport and an indoor navigation system guides you to the right gate. Or that you’re in a massive retail store and you can call a customer service rep to your location with a single tap.

What businesses have used this technology?

Take a look at:

Wisely: their loyalty platform for restaurants uses Estimote Beacons. The moment you enter the venue, staff can see your profile and preferences.

Robin: they turn offices into smart workplaces with the use of microlocation.

CrowdCompass: makes event apps more relevant thanks to physical world context.

Think of contextual computing as a way to make mobile experiences frictionless. Smarter apps benefit both the user and developers.

Are there any setbacks with the technology, and how are those problems being worked through or addressed?

Beacons are still a new technology, and there are many misconceptions about them. There was some concern about spying with beacons, but it was nothing more than fearmongering. User privacy is important, and that’s exactly why iBeacon itself was designed as an opt-in solution. Beacons cannot send or gather any data themselves. It requires people to download an app and grant it a permission to access location data before any interaction with beacons can happen. 

And because beacons are fresh, everyone is still experimenting and testing. Best practices and standards are still being established. Brands and SMBs are developing different strategies for driving revenue through microlocation. Technology vendors are figuring out how to best monetize their stack, and VCs are making bets on beacon startups; but this is still uncharted territory. We’re yet to find what the best ideas and the most successful strategies are.

Contact us!

1. Offer Utility

2. Make Sure It’s Designed for Mobile Usage

3. Include All Platforms

4. Test, Test, Test

5. Make the App Intuitive

The App Store by PhotoAtelier is licensed under Attribution License

If you run a business or are planning to start one, there’s a good chance you’re well-versed in the importance of having an Internet presence. After all, the audience you become exposed to when you’re present on the web is staggering: there are more than 3.4 billion Internet users today, which is about 40 percent of the world population. You may think you need to create a website viewable on desktops, or a responsive site, in order to reach potential consumers on the web. However, in reality, it may be wiser for you to go mobile-only (or mobile-first), creating only a mobile app for customers to use rather than focusing on a larger desktop website. Here are a couple of reasons you may want to consider starting out with a mobile company app.

More People Are Using Mobile Than Ever Before

Big Companies Are Looking to Acquire Mobile Companies

It Can Work

Going mobile-first can be a smart strategy for companies – particularly those who provide a service or product that is used on the go. Several companies that chose to go mobile first have found huge levels of success and many are now valued at more than $1 billion. Some of these companies include Snapchat, WhatsApp, Uber, Rocket Fuel, Square, Waze, AirWatch and Evernote. 

App Store by Cristiano Betta is licensed under Attribution License

It’s that time of year again…

Labor Day has passed. Summer is beginning to fade into autumn. The school year is starting. And football has graced us with its presence once again.

Oh, and of course, Apple is rolling out its major annual updates that make the world stop for a moment. While a lot of focus was on the hardware of the iPhone (new generation of the iPhone; no more headphone jack, ugh!), it’s the overhaul of the iOS operating system, which will be released this week, that will revolutionise, yet again, how we interact with our mobile devices.

As with most advancements that Apple makes, one can expect the Android and Microsoft operating systems to follow suit since the Cupertino-based giant is generally the vanguard for large steps forward in mobile. Let’s take a look at just what the new updates have in store.

Messaging

Messaging is being completely overhauled. It will be a more seamless experience that enhances established features to make it easier and more enjoyable to navigate.

Rich Links

Rich links will be hyperlinks within the text messaging app that give a high-resolution visual preview of the link along with a preview for videos shared as a message.

Predictive Emojis

Emojis have become a massive part of the messaging and digital experience. They are an everyday part of how we communicate our expressions and feelings through lighthearted visual characters.

Well, now, the messaging platform will predict an appropriate emoji for what you are trying to say. Just like when you are midway through typing a word and it attempts to guess that word, it will offer an emoji as an option instead of plain text. 

Even after you’ve finished typing out your message, selected words will be highlighted as ones that an emoji can replace.

Animated Effects

Two new animation-esque effects are being added to allow users to add emphasis and context to what they are saying. Bubble effects will have the text bubble expand and shrink when a message is sent to emphasise the prowess of what’s being communicated. Additionally, there will be a hidden effect where a message or photo will initially be blurred out before magically appearing.

This allows users to limit confusion on the context of what’s being said while adding personality to the texting experience.

Maps

Apple Maps will receive big improvements to help it compete with Google Maps.

Third-Party Capabilities

The Maps app will be opened up to third-party app developers, potentially allowing for multi-functionality and an enhanced user experience such as ordering an Uber without having to go to the Uber app.

Enhanced Search

You’ll now be able to search for different types of location to search out on the trip to your destination. So, you’ll be able to search and be directed to gas stations and food vendors on that road trip you can’t wait to embark on.

You can even filter those searches, which will let you look for a certain type of restaurant, for example.

Dynamic View

The new Dynamic View feature will give you a different view of the map based on the landscape you are driving in. The app will zoom out for rural landscapes but will zoom in for city driving

Siri

Siri will even get its own upgrades to be a better virtual assistant.

Enhanced Third-Party Communication

Siri will be able to perform idiosyncratic features in different apps and can even send messages through those apps. It will even be able to order rides through Uber and Lyft without having to switch to them.

Messaging Interaction

Your messaging experience will be enhanced even further with the help of Siri! It will work in the background to pull out conversational contexts to respond better to your contacts.

Along with the new version of the iPhone, these software updates will provide a much improved experience to the leading mobile phone and operating system. These updates look to make its usage more automated and seamless for interaction between multiple applications and uses, exponentially increasing the functionality of the iOS platform.

iPhone by Gonzalo Baeza is licensed under Attribution License

While Bond Lifestyle reported that James Bond had a Sony Xperia Z5 smartphone in the movie “Spectre,” now he probably would have switched to an iPhone due to its superior data encryption. After all, even the FBI had to pay an anonymous, third-party hacker $1.3 million to access files on a 5c model iPhone, according to updates from the ITPro website.

Still, it’s not enough just to have the same phone as the leading undercover agent in British intelligence. Bond always has understated-looking accessories that pack a punch too. Here’s a list of the top four iPhone cases worthy of 007 that are legally available for civilian personal-surveillance missions as well. On this list, we’ve saved the best for last: 

1. Swipe up a space-inspired case for extreme temperatures.

Whether pursuing suspicious characters down a steep ski slope or escaping off into the desert, get a case that protects your phone under every temperature all the time. Using the key ingredient of NASA’s space blankets, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, Salt Cases reflect outside radiation and also insulate your phone from all drastic temperature changes. While most electronic devices fail when they get hotter than 95 F or colder than 32 F, the Space Foundation certified that Salt Cases actually stabilize the temperature of your iPhone. Salt Cases use three layers of astronaut-tested protection inside inconspicuously stylish skins of black, red or grey.

2. Grab an anti-gravity case with switchable backplates.

How many times do henchmen interrupt Bond to start a fight in the middle of his reconnaissance missions? That’s why both Bond and aspiring spies alike will greatly benefit from being able to literally “stick” their phone in a safe place instantly for ultimate hands-free use, even on some ceilings if needed. The anti-gravity case by the Mega Tiny Corporation uses a nano-suction surface on the back that won’t stick to pockets either. Instead, it sticks immediately to most flat surfaces such as mirrors, cabinets, car dashboards, tiles, whiteboards and most metal or glass materials. The suction is strong enough to keep your phone in place overnight for long stakeouts, too. Plus, the new backplates let you add the functionality of a leather wallet, a mirror with shatter-proof construction and a bottle opener to your phone case. How else will super spies enjoy a bottle of Heineken or a Perrier-mixed drink after a long day?

3. Snag a shock-proof diving case for action photos.

Remember when Bond plummeted off that train into the river after taking a deadly uranium bullet in the “Skyfall” movie? Well, here’s the kind of case that would protect Bond’s iPhone in those high-impact, underwater scenarios: Body Glove’s Optrix 6 Pro with a set of four camera lenses. Specifically, the Optrix Xpedition and XD5 models keep an iPhone dry for up to a depth of 33 feet, or 10 meters, underwater. Plus, reviews describe how this case can insulate your iPhone from drops of up to 20 feet or 6.1 meters too. We’re calling this case a definite go-to gadget for every modern-day Bond in training who needs great action footage in all sorts of outdoor terrain.

4. Weaponize your iPhone with real stun-gun casing.

No list of Bond gadgets is complete without one little device that has the potential to do some real damage to an unsuspecting opponent. Therefore, the Yellow Jacket smartphone stun-gun case is our “crowning olive” to this Bond-style martini of a list. On the outside, it looks just like a rubberized case that’s available with trims in every color in the rainbow. However, this case can deliver a shock of 7 million volts to your attacker that will make them collapse into muscle spasms in about five seconds.

Which iPhone cases do you think are the most “Bond-worthy”?

Sources:

http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/gadgets

http://www.itpro.co.uk/public-sector/26057/apple-vs-fbi-nsa-reveals-why-it-couldnt-hack-san-bernardino-iphone

https://saltcases.com

http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2016/pdf/cg_4.pdf

MEGAVERSE Anti-Gravity iPhone Cases

http://www.cnet.com/news/zero-g-is-the-spider-man-of-iphone-6-cases/

Optrix 6/6s Pro (4-Lens Kit)

FAQs

http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/iphone/best-waterproof-iphone-6-6-plus-cases-2016-3591137/

http://yellowjacketcase.com/pages/faq
James Bond by brava_67 is licensed under Attribution License

Experimental Delivery Projects

Pilot Requirements:

Sources:

Drone and Moon by Don McCullough is licensed under Attribution License

We’ve received high ratings across the board on their scales – they evaluated previous clients, past work, how much the app cost, and our overall market presence, but uniquely enough Clutch factored in client feedback.  They spoke with 4 British clients of ours, we pulled the except below directly from one of the reviews:

Project Summary:

The client is UK Music Apps. They sell a variety of music applications for iOS devices. Glance was selected to develop many apps for the client. They now act as true partners to market the apps and make sure they are successful.

Feedback Summary:
The client is extremely satisfied with the work produced by Glance. They understand the audio app business very well and work hard. There are no complaints to report. Glance is highly recommended to others.

“Glance continues to work closely with us at every stage as if they were co-owners of my business.”

Take a look at all of our Reviews , be sure to dive into how we were evaluated by checking out Clutch, and learn more about some of our recent projects here.

There was much ado in the news and on social media sites just two years ago when the versatile and seemingly “intelligent” Smart TVs were introduced to consumers. Shoppers cheerfully welcomed the tremendous number of ports and the opportunities for information sharing, viewing and manipulation that the Smart TV offers.

CES 2012 – Samsung Smart TV by The Conmunity – Pop Culture Geek is licensed under Attribution License

Every marketer requires data to formulate actionable insights and ultimately improve marketing effectiveness. By employing conversion tracking, you can see the steps a customer took to complete a desired action, such as the purchase of a product or a newsletter sign-up. By analyzing this data, you are more informed and thus better able to decide how to allocate resources and optimize operations.

App developers must understand how mobile app conversion tracking can help the team step up its game. Here’s what you need to know.

What Data Can Mobile App Conversion Provide?

App developers want to see the specific channel that led to the download of their app, or perhaps what action, while using the product, led to an in-app purchase. Possibilities are numerous, and some channels are more effective than others. Channels can range from search engines and social media platforms to websites, paid ads and in-store options.

You’ll have a clearer picture by analyzing channel contribution for your mobile app downloads (or other desired action). Then, once you’ve collected and aggregated this data in a unified system, you can begin the analysis.

Utilizing Analytics to Develop Actionable Strategies

Data is only useful if you dig through it, and that’s how you make conversion tracking work for you. First, analyze each channel’s conversion rate, or the percentage of prospects that move on to the next step in the sales funnel. Then, examine which channels work best and worst for you. You can dig even deeper into this conversion rate by examining the channels that assist with a conversion. For example, reading a blog post about your app may result in the customer conducting a Google search and downloading your app. These “assist interactions” are crucial to your conversions, and those channels helping with purchases must be given attention. 

Following this analysis, you could then consider ways to improve under-performing channels by discovering what drives potential buyers away. However, be careful not to spread your marketing campaign too thin because it could lead to bad return-on-investment. If resources are limited for your mobile app, it’s best to focus your marketing content on your handful of winning channels; clearly, this decision will equal better ROI in the long run.

Expanding With Mobile App Conversion Tracking

If you use mobile app conversion tracking wisely, you’ll see great ROI. Once revenue is up and you have more resources at your disposal, you can build an even bigger marketing campaign. Continue to analyze conversion data and grow with smarter business strategies, and you’ll find the sky is never the limit.

smarphone by miniyo73 is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

It will have no 3.5 mm headphone jack.

It will have a new camera.

It’s similar in design to the iPhone 6.

It is more water resistant than other iPhones.

It has better and longer battery life.

iPhone 7 by Jan-Willem Reusink is licensed under Attribution License

The battle to win your ears is upon us. Music streaming has turned into a highly competitive business, but Spotify jumped to an early lead and has retained its place at the mantle ever since. Its competition includes:

What Makes Spotify King?

Variety

Discovery Through Data

Collaboration

Spotify by Andrew Mager is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

Purge Announcement

App Store Statistics

What This Means for App Developers

More App Store Changes

The App Store by PhotoAtelier is licensed under Attribution License

For Apple product users, there’s a good chance that the app store is a frequently visited destination for shopping. The app store, which is Apple’s digital distribution platform for mobile apps, is the place where users can go to download fun and useful apps for their smartphones, iPods and tablets. Users can also access the app store via a browser such as Safari on their desktop computers, where there is also a Mac app store filled with desktop-friendly apps.

What Is a Notify Button?

What We Know About the Notify Button

What We Don’t Know About the Notify Button Yet

iPhone by Gonzalo Baeza is licensed under Attribution License

When you’re creating a branded mobile app for your company, you want to offer customers an enjoyable and useful experience. However, you also want to offer them a safe one. Mobile security is highly important to consumers, as it should be. Statistics show that cyber breaches are more common than ever: Gemalto reports that over 700 million breaches occurred in 2015, and 3 million mobile devices are affected by malware every six months.

1. Ask to confirm all user requests

2. Make sure data is encrypted everywhere

Content curation has become a standard model for distributing content on digital media. It gives users a variety of different subjects and sources to choose from so that they get multiple perspectives all in one location.

It’s About Organizing Personalized Content

“There’s so much coming at us so quickly that if we undertook to read just the first few sentences of everything in an effort to decide whether it was worth it to read the rest, that alone would take us from morning to night.”

“Philosophy matters. Diversity matters. Twitter is the WSJ gists in the digital age.” #opinions / SML.20130117.SC.NET.Twitter.seeminglee.lists.philosophy by See-ming Lee is licensed under Attribution License

Mobile technology has swept the globe, and multiple industries have taken advantage of mobile innovations in order to make consumers’ experiences better. One realm that has taken advantage of mobile technology is the retail industry. Today, retail stores across the world are using mobile tech in order to improve shopping for consumers, making it more convenient, easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the best ways that mobile technology has revolutionized the retail industry.

Mobile Wallets Make Payment Easier

Beacons Make Deals More Relevant

Messaging Technology Makes the Dressing Room Experience Better

Barcode Scanning Apps Make Shopping Quicker and More Affordable

Apps for Sales Staff Makes Shopping Better

Let me check on a few things first by Johnny Silvercloud is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

If you have a mobile device, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of 4G. 4G is currently the global standard for wireless mobile communication technology and it follows 3G as a faster, more powerful technology. Recently, however, mobile communications companies have announced that they will be switching to 5G – a new network system that is even faster and more capable than our current one. Read on to learn more about 5G, the players involved in developing it and how it will affect your mobile technology experience.

The 5th Generation

The “G” in 5G stands for fifth generation. That’s because it’s the fifth generation of mobile communications system that has been developed since the invention of mobile technology. The first generation – 1G – was an analog cellular system. The following three have been digital systems.

Global System

While 5G has not been released yet, some of the world’s biggest telecom companies are working to create it and the standards around it. Verizon and AT&T are currently testing 5G in the United States. Ericsson and Nokia have also announced that they are steps away from creating their own 5G wireless networks. Despite steps to create the powerful network, many of the most trusted mobile telecom experts don’t believe that the network will be widely available to consumers until around the year 2020.

The Fastest System Yet

Better Media Streaming Experiences

Completely Connected World

LG Spirit by Kārlis Dambrāns is licensed under Attribution License

1. Include Keywords in Your App

2. Do Beta Testing

3. Get Positive Ratings and Reviews

4. Keep Users Engaged

Snapchat by AdamPrzezdziek is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of a mobile presence for businesses today. According to internet usage studies, mobile now accounts for more than 65 percent of all digital time, and 89 percent of the time people spend on their smartphones are spent on apps, rather than browsing the mobile web. That means that if your company wants to succeed, it’s smart to create a company app. A company app can give current customers the ability to access your company, its products and its services while on-the-go, and it can also help mobile users discover your business via platforms like the app store. If your company is creating a branded app, it’s important to know about some of the most common mistakes. These frequent errors can result in an app that is disliked or nonfunctional — and one that does not help grow your business.

1. Simply Recreating Your Website Experience

2. Forgetting Your Brand

3. Forgetting to Market

4. Not Testing

5. Forgetting to Ask for Reviews

App by olle svensson is licensed under Attribution License

Mobile technology is bigger than ever these days, and tech experts expect there to be about 2.08 billion smartphone users worldwide by the time 2016 comes to a close. One common feature that companies are including in mobile devices is the voice-controlled assistant, such as Apple’s Siri. A voice-controlled assistant can take basic commands and perform simple functions on the smartphone, like sending a text, making a call or looking up information on the internet. Amazon recently announced that they are coming out with a new version of their smart tablet called the Fire HD 8 that will have Amazon’s own voice-controlled assistant, Alexa, included on it.

What Is Alexa?

The New Fire HD 8

Alexa on Mobile

It will be similar to Alexa on Echo.

Amazon announced that Alexa on the Fire HD 8 will do much of what it already does on Echo. It will be able to read headlines, tell jokes, set alarms, call Ubers and more.

It will use cards to display information.

Alexa will use “cards” to display information on the tablet (e.g., if you ask for the weather in New York, it will show you a box on your screen that includes the weather information).

It does not have far-field speakers.

It is activated with the home button.

It may end up being exclusive to Amazon products.

Apple iPad Mini 2 vs Amazon Kindle HDx 7″ by Maurizio Pesce is licensed under Attribution License

Sports are a powerful entity in the media and entertainment world. They’re regularly deemed immune to the effects of today’s shifting content consumption habits as ratings of live sports and other sports programs are among the highest.

Social Media

Fantasy Sports

Live Streaming

MLB Advanced Media

Twitter + Yahoo Streaming NFL Games

critique-4 by Willy Lange is licensed under Attribution License

What is Responsive Web Design?

Responsive Web Design is an approach where the design content responds to the user — their environment and behaviour according to their device, screen size and orientation. It should always provide the optimum experience no matter the device!

An illustration showing the same website layout on different platforms.

The illustration above shows an example of this. On smaller screen sizes, less content may be shown to de-clutter the view or even removed completely. The orientation of the device is also taken into account, holding the device landscape may allow more room for more content to be shown.

THIS IS NOT AN APP. IT CANNOT BE DOWNLOADED FROM GOOGLE PLAY OR APP STORE.

So What is Native App Design?

Native app design is an application which has been written in a specific language for a specific device. So essentially an app written for the iPhone would have to be developed in a different language if it wants to work on a an Android. Double the work!

Infographic showing Native app design.

This is a proper app however, and is available for download on Google Play and App store.

Pros for Native App Design:

1. Takes advantage of the device’s native APIs operating system such as push notifications, camera, and in-app purchases.
2. Easier to use and perform quicker.
3. Can be easily found and downloaded on the App store and google Play.
4. Fully integrated and flexible. 
   Responsive Web Design is an approach where the design content responds to the user.Click To Tweet

Pros for Responsive Web Design:

1. Cannot be downloaded on the App store or Google Play.
2. One website design that looks equally well on all types of devices.
3. Takes a lot less time and money to create.
4. Adapts automatically according to platform, orientation and screen size.

Cons for Native App Design:

1. Can be costly and time consuming if you want the application available on multiple platforms.
2. More complex to design and needs regular updates.

Cons for Responsive Web Design:

1. Sometimes web pages are scaled down leaving some areas to become inaccessible. Important features may be hidden or removed when scaling down for smaller screens.
2. Much slower to use.
3. As they are not real mobile applications, they are not available on the App store or Google play. This also means that the device’s native features are not integrated so can lose the look and feel of a brand majorly.

The last few decades have brought a whirlwind of developments in many areas of our lives. From the personal computing and personal device boom to the broad-sweeping advances in commercial and retail inventory design and architecture, technology has increasingly made both our personal and professional lives more integrated and mobile.

It seems unlikely that the pace of change will slow down anytime soon, so let’s take a look at some of the ways that technology will increasingly affect everyone’s workplace.

Ubiquitous Mobile Platforming

One of the cornerstone effects of technology on the workplace is the increasing access to commercial software and applications from anywhere. Whether it’s the broad use of Google Docs, which natively supports collaborative creation across multiple users, or the proliferation of BOX, which is the leading enterprise file sharing, storage and collaboration platform, workplace IT infrastructure is increasingly opening up to platforms that allow access to documents from anywhere.

In fact, on September 7, 2016, BOX and Google announced a partnership promising the complete integration of both platforms and to make secure, enterprise-level document access more standard. Knowing this, it is clear that as security becomes less of a concern, workplaces will increasingly open the door to allow their documents and architecture to be available remotely.

Increased Mobile Secure Communication

Along with increased remote access to information is the attendant concern about security. While technology is a boon for communication, with tools gaining quick adoption where the risk is low, online platforms that have more open/accessible interfaces have been more slowly adopted.

Take Skype and WhatsApp for instance. On a broad scale, they are used widely, but it took until Skype’s Microsoft integration and WhatsApp increasing end-to-end encryption for workplaces to start to feel comfortable having business-sensitive information sent across their architecture. Look for this trend to increase.

Increased Focus on Worker Productivity

With the workforce moving away from a “brute-force” focus on hours-worked and face-time, workplaces will increasingly have to account for and facilitate the efficiency of their workers. Getting the most out of the time spent working is the specialty of outfits like Regus and other co-working companies that focus on attracting workers through facilitated spaces and incentives, but even big employers like Facebook and Apple have implemented intentional systems like workpods to allow for workers to make the most of their time while they work. 

Even small advances like the advent of standing desks and treadmill desks are designed to maximize both the motivation and ability of employees. This is a classic win-win.

Less Static Presentations

Everyone knows that Microsoft’s PowerPoint is currently the standard in the workplace, but unfortunately, standards tend to become less and less effective as they become more and more ubiquitous. As a strictly human rule, it is tough to pay close attention to each and every PowerPoint you end up sitting through, because while incredibly utilitarian, the platform is not very dynamic.

Enter the increasing bandwidth for online video, the ubiquity of broadband access, the increasing availability of cheap storage and tools like Prezi, and we are sure to see increasingly dynamic presentations in the workplace. Whether those presentations are creative or not, expect for meetings (internal and external) to involve more video/audio and less and less text in the next 10 years.

Facilitating the Rest of Your Life

The continued proliferation of mobile options has made remote work and freelancing more and more standard even within the biggest companies. See Amazon and their new 30-hour workweek.

When employers have the ability to leverage the value of time for their employees, it makes their work environment more and more attractive. This is something that will permeate all workplaces that want to remain competitive.

Whether through products, services or just greater flexibility, technology has and will continue to change the way the world works.
Connections by Billie Grace Ward is licensed under Attribution License

How Much Does it Cost to Build an App?

If you’re considering building an app, you probably want to get an idea of how much it will cost. Unfortunately, there’s no single figure that you can identify as the definitive cost of app development. However, by taking several factors into account, you can get an idea of the amount you need to budget.

Who Will Create Your App?

Many people assume that building an app themselves is the cheapest option. While you can develop your own app in-house if you have the right skills, many people realize during the app development that they don’t have the skills to deliver a polished and fully-functional app. They then turn to professional app developers to rescue the project, which results in costs that can be just as high as using a professional developer in the first place.

Another option is to hire a freelance developer to create the app. While this is often cheaper than working with an iPhone development agency, it also presents risks. Your freelancer may be busy with other clients or simply not have the skills or motivation to deliver your project on time and on budget.

For these reasons, many people choose what is at first glance the most expensive option: working with an agency to create their app. When you choose this option, you have a team of app developers working on your project. These include a designer who creates the visual content for your app, a product manager who oversees the whole project, and an account manager who keeps you up to date with the app’s progress. These people work together to create your app quickly, avoiding the opportunity costs associated with delays.

How Much Does the Average App Cost?

A good rule of thumb is that creating the initial version of an app often costs around $150,000. If you later want to update your app, you’ll also face ongoing development costs. The best apps often change substantially after their first release, as their creators respond to user feedback and incorporate new features into the design. 

Sophisticated e-commerce apps, which require advanced back-end systems to handle customer payments and shopping carts, can cost much more, perhaps as much as $500,000. Many companies raise the funds they need to develop a prototype of the app and use that proof-of-concept to ask investors for more money.

How Much Will Your App Cost?

The best way to find out how much your app will cost is to ask professional Android or iPhone developers for an estimate. Experienced app developers can reliably predict how much it costs to develop a particular type of app from the initial concept to a polished product that is ready to upload to the App Store. They can also let you know how long the development process is likely to take, so you can plan your marketing campaigns around the predicted launch date.

If you’d like to know more about the costs of building an app, get in touch with us today. We can arrange a time to discuss your app ideas and get to work on creating a plan that takes into account all the costs you are likely to face in the first round of development. Let us know your budget and we’ll advise you about the kind of app we can help you create.

Some mobile apps earn millions of dollars for their owners, but many others earn very little or even nothing at all. Working out how much you can expect to make from your mobile app can therefore be tricky. Here are a few tips for predicting the return on investment of your app.

What Platform Are You Working With?

Are you planning to launch your app on Android, iOS or another mobile platform? This decision can have a huge impact on how much income your app generates. Although the Android platform has many more users, the top Apple developers actually earn more income from their apps. More than 25 percent of iPhone developers earn at least $5,000 per month from their apps, compared to just 16 percent of Android developers.

Launching your app on the Blackberry or Windows mobile platforms is rarely a good idea if you’re hoping to make big bucks. Both these platforms have much smaller user bases, which limits the market for your app. Although you may want to expand into these markets later on, most app developers choose to launch first in the Android or Apple App Store.

What Kind of App Are You Developing?

Certain types of apps generate more revenue than others. Many of the highest-grossing apps are games, with Pokemon Go, Mobile Strike and Candy Crush Saga topping the Android charts in 2016. These games attract huge numbers of users, who pay to access features within the game, such as extra levels, equipment or lives.

If you’re not a game developer, however, there are opportunities to earn a lot of revenue through other types of apps. For example, if you have an existing e-commerce business, a mobile app may allow your mobile customers to shop more conveniently, which could increase their overall spending in your online store. 

Another option is to develop an app that people find so useful that they are prepared to pay a few dollars to download it. Many developers of these kinds of apps produce a basic free version of the app so users can see what it is like and then ask them to upgrade to the paid version to access certain features. Alternatively, you can offer your app for free and earn income by showing ads, but be careful with this approach — many users find ads irritating if they are too intrusive.

Pricing Your App

Setting the price point for your apps and in-game purchases can be tricky. For many apps, experimentation is the key to success. If you launch your premium app with a price of $4.99 and get very few downloads, try reducing it by a dollar to see whether that helps. You’ll need to carefully track numbers of downloads and revenue to see where the sweet spot is. Alternatively, you could offer your app at a discount for a limited period to build up a large user base and plenty of five-star reviews before increasing the price to a level that allows you to make money.

Quality Counts

If you want to earn money from your app, you must focus on creating a professional-quality product. Users often forgive bugs in free apps, but releasing a premium app that doesn’t work properly is likely to lead to complaints, negative reviews and users demanding their money back. For help creating a high-quality app that wows your users, get in touch with our team of professional app developers today.

Mobile messaging apps are having their moment in the spotlight. If you look at the iTunes Chart for apps (as of September 9), five messaging apps are in the top 100:

Facebook Messenger app camera by Kārlis Dambrāns is licensed under Attribution License

A stroll through any city in the United States will tell you that Americans love their technology devices. Teenagers, young adults and senior citizens alike are glued to their smartphones, wear exercise trackers and have various health trackers hidden under their clothing. Pew Research reports that 72 percent of Americans have smartphones; while they use them to make calls and text their loved ones, various types of data about them and their usage is being collected — often unknowingly — by third parties. The ethics of this type of data collection is a topic that has appeared only in the last handful of years and is worth exploring.

Smartphone by Christian Hornick is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

Today, numerous apps for smart devices make everyday activities more convenient to complete, which in turn makes people’s lives easier. There are apps that facilitate communication, apps that make note-taking simpler, and apps that allow people to take photographs and document memories. In addition to all of the straightforward, traditional apps that enhance living, however, there are some apps that create controversy — either due to their intended purpose or their misuse after release. The following 5 apps remain available for download regardless of the serious debates they’ve sparked across the tech world and beyond.

Yik Yak

Yik Yak didn’t aim to stir up trouble, but it happened. Originally, this location-based social media app was simply meant to connect people to other people in the same geographic vicinity. However, the app allows people to post anonymously to any user within a 10-mile radius, and it’s this very ability that has led people to use it for cyber-bullying and threat-making. Media outlets such as the New York Times have reported about Yik Yak’s reputation as a bullying platform, and many colleges and high schools have tried to block students from using it. Despite the controversy, however, the company refuses to remove its anonymous posting option.

DOWN

DOWN is a “dating” app that lets Facebook users determine if friends are interested in hooking up. DOWN asks users to classify the users on their Facebook friends list by either “Get Up,” which means to go on a date or potentially have a serious relationship, or “Get Down,” which means to have a strictly sexual relationship. (It also offers the option to swipe left for “NOPE”). DOWN then notifies users if they have swiped each other in the same direction. DOWN is much like Tinder, except that it quickly makes motivations clear.

The League

Another dating app that causes eyebrows to raise is The League. What makes The League so controversial is that it’s exclusive — you have to be considered “elite” to join it, and there’s a long waiting list to get in. The League claims to vet date options for elites so they can be sure the people they meet via the app are good looking, successful, from a good neighbourhood, and well-educated.

Telegram

Telegram, a communication app, is controversial for a completely different — and perhaps more serious — reason than the other apps on this list. It’s been used by ISIS members to communicate securely. Telegram has been hotly debated because it can be easily encrypted, and ISIS has used the app to do things like spread propaganda and sell sex slaves.

Mr. Checkpoint

Mr. Checkpoint is a free app that alerts people to DUI checkpoints in their area. Mr. Checkpoint can help save time for people who are in a hurry and don’t want to deal with a sobriety checkpoint. This is controversial because it also alerts people who have been drinking about where they might get stopped — encouraging them to take another route and potentially drive while intoxicated. Several years ago, U.S. senators asked Apple to remove DUI checkpoint apps from the Apple Store. However, Mr. Checkpoint lives on. 

There are countless apps available in app stores today — many of which are straightforward and useful. However, some hotly debated apps remain on the market — many with equal numbers of critics and fans.

App Icon Grid by Ash Kyd is licensed under Attribution License

Technology is everywhere these days — from the laptop computers you use for work to the smart refrigerator that keeps track of what groceries you need to buy. Today, technology has even been incorporated into fashion, which means that people can wear devices that makes their lives both easier and more entertaining. The below wearable technologies are some of the most exciting on the market. These devices help wearers navigate the difficulties of daily life — and many make a fashion statement, as well.

Ringly’s Smart Ring

Smart jewelry company Ringly has created and released a smart ring, which connects to an app downloaded on your smartphone. A little bit Inspector Gadget and a little bit fashion plate, the Ringly smart ring has Bluetooth technology, and it gives you customized notifications via subtle vibrations and lights on your jewelry. Ringly allows you to customize your ring so you only get notifications about the things that are most important to you. One of the coolest features of Ringly is that it’s paired with Mastercard, so you can use it to make payments without ever getting out your wallet.

Leaf Wearables

Sometimes wearable tech is for fashion — and sometimes it’s for safety. Indian company Leaf Wearables invented smart necklaces, which can inform friends and family about your GPS location, even if you don’t have a reliable internet connection. Leaf Wearables’ necklaces send emergency alerts in the case of an urgent situation if pressed twice — and when pressed once, can simply and conveniently tell people where you’re located.

Nuzzle Smart Collar

Wearable technology is not just for humans. Today, dogs can wear tech devices too, and one of the best is Nuzzle, a smart dog and cat collar. Nuzzle has GPS-tracking technology, so you can see where your furry friend is if he gets lost. The collar also offers cool features like temperature monitoring, geofencing, LED lights, an activity monitor and impact detection to see what your pet is up to when you’re apart from him.

Sensoria Smart Bra

Sometimes, wearing a fitness monitor on your wrist or around your neck while you exercise can be bulky and annoying. Instead, enjoy seamless, simple fitness tracking with the Sensoria Smart Bra — a smart sports bra that tracks your heart rate while you wear it. The Sensoria Smart bra connects to an app and measures your heart rate while you work out; it is also built with smart sweat-wicking technology to ensure you stay dry and comfortable while you move. Sensoria has also created smart socks that can measure your heart rate while you work out via your ankles.

Sony Experia Ear

With the Sony Xperia Ear, your day to day life can be easier than ever. The Xperia Ear is a small, smart earpiece you wear in your ear, and it listens and reacts to commands it is given. Users can ask the Xperia Ear questions they would ask a personal assistant — about appointments, dates, times, directions and more. The Experia Ear is sleek and small so it can be worn in professional and recreational settings, and it functions via Bluetooth — so you don’t have to have a device in hand when using it. 

Technology is more advanced than ever today, and designers are even incorporating it into apparel to make life both better looking — and more convenient than ever before. Investing in wearable technology has multiple benefits — and soon what you wear may ultimately replace the devices you’re used to carrying around in your pockets.

Sources

http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/

https://ringly.com/

https://leaf-wearables.myshopify.com/

http://www.hellonuzzle.com/

http://store.sensoriafitness.com/sensoria-sports-bra-hrm/

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/smart-products/xperia-ear/

Ringly by Becky Stern is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

No longer the latest device released from Apple — the iPhone 6 — was bigger and more powerful than previous models, although now less powerful than the new iPhone 7. Released in September of 2014, the iPhone 6 had tons of benefits over the earlier iteration of iPhone 5 — including a bigger screen, better camera and faster performance. However, one of the coolest parts about the iPhone 6 is that there are several steps users can take to make the iPhone even more powerful and user-friendly than it naturally is. The following iPhone 6 hacks are easy for users to do — and make the smartphone better than ever before.

1. Invertible Display Colors

2. Favorite Website Access

3. Mute Group Chats

4. Longer Passcodes

5. Self-Destructing Photos

6. Take Multiple Photos Simultaneously

iPhone 6 by Eduardo Woo is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

School is back in session across the country, and one way to bridge the summertime learning gap is to get equipped with the latest tech gadgets. Gone are the days of pencil boxes and erasers. To keep up, students need to incorporate technology into their day-to-day learning. From pens that take notes for you to the latest laptops, here are the top 10 gadgets for a successful start at school this fall.

1. Livescribe Pulse Smart Pen

We weren’t kidding about the pen. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the lecture as this smart pen with a built-in recorder saves everything. Go back and listen to the lecture anytime, and glean notes at your own pace.

2. Amazon Kindle DX

Are heavy books weighing you down? Leave the heavy-lifting for the gym and get a lightweight Kindle DX from Amazon. This handy device stores everything from your favorite pleasure-reading to textbooks, magazines and more.

3. MacBook Pro 2015

This version of MacBook Pro has a long battery life and ample storage for assignments, music, photos and more. We’re still waiting to hear when the MacBook Pro 2016 will be out.

4. Kensington ComboSaver Notebook Lock

Use a combination lock to keep your notebook or laptop safe anywhere. From the dorm to the locker-room to a quick trip to the bathroom at the library, no one can access your top-secret stuff without the combination.

5. Logitech N100 Cooling Pad

Cool your overworked laptop or notebook with this must-have cooling pad. Perfect for late night studying or writing essay after essay, this cooling pad is sleek and blends well with dorm decor.

6. Brita Ultramax Water Dispenser

If you’re a college student living on campus, don’t take a chance with the tap water, and don’t waste money on bottled water. Filter your water with this latest version of the Brita Ultramax water dispenser to have clean, cold hydrating water at your fingertips. It’s so good for your brain.

7. iPhone 7

It’s here! The iPhone 7 is available for purchase beginning September 9. What’s new about this version? First of all, if you accidentally jump into the pool with it in your pocket, or it falls into the toilet — come on, we’ve all done it — you won’t have to worry because it’s waterproof. 

Another unique feature is that Apple decided to get rid of the headphone jack. Instead, everything is done with the charging port. The iPhone 7 also boasts a better camera.

8. Apple iPad Mini 4

Thin and powerful, the Mini 4 is a lightweight, extremely portable iPad that keeps your social life as busy as your school life. You have the internet at your disposable to help study, research or find out what everybody is doing over the weekend.

9. Symphony 1 Headphones

Whether you live at home or have roommates, these headphones let you enjoy all your favorite music or audio books without interfering with other people’s studying or TV-watching. They also cancel out everybody else’s noise, which makes studying so much easier.

10. Seagate FreeAgent Go

Backing up your work is essential, just in case there is an accident like a spilled drink or a fried battery. Don’t lose a thing by regularly backing up your schoolwork, photos and everything else that’s sacred.

Sources:

http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini-4/

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/mac/new-retina-macbook-pro-2016-release-date-specs-rumours-uk-8-3593988/

http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,1913479,00.htmlhttp://www.digitaltrends.com/gift-guide/back-to-school/
Dorm room @ NEU by Jeff Dlouhy is licensed under Attribution License

In April of this year, BMW started a car-sharing service called ReachNow that it’s rolling out in three cities in the U.S. for 2016.

How It Works

Consumers can use a smartphone app to rent a nearby vehicle for as long as they want, whenever they would like to. Vehicles are located in most major neighborhoods of the cities where the service is offered and users can simply park the cars when they’re finished using them and walk away. Public meters and parking zones in residential areas are free to use — even if they’re right in the heart of a city’s downtown. Cars on offer include gas-powered and electric BMW 3 models, BMW i3s and MINI Coopers and Clubmans. By the end of 2016, BMW plans to add its X1 Sports Activity models in some markets. All vehicles come with heated seats, GPS navigation, audio with USB and Bluetooth connections, premium interiors and moon roofs. Some vehicles offer extra options like LED headlamps, all-wheel drive, rear-view cameras and parking distance controls.

Tiered Pricing

Vehicles can be reserved in advance or right on the spot for customer convenience. Users can change their reservation times on the fly, meaning that a day trip can turn into a weekend getaway without a fear of incurring surcharges or other additional costs. Fuel, insurance and up to 200 free miles are included in ReachNow’s prices, which are set by the minute. Three pricing tiers allow users to drive for up to 3 hours, 12 hours or 24 hours, including periods of parking and non-use.

Near-Instantaneous Driving

Users can park one car and drive away in another — the app and instant approval process are that simple, with most registration-to-drive times clocking in at under two minutes. Apps are available for iOS and Android operating systems and include real-time availability and monitoring information with SMS and email notification for instant updates.

Drivers simply need to be 21 or older and have a valid driver’s license, possess driving records with no major violations and have a major credit or debit card.

Availability

At the present moment, ReachNow is being offered in Seattle (including at the city’s International Airport) and Portland, with plans to expand to one other American city by the end of the year. 

In Seattle, ReachNow is in 75 percent of the city’s most populous neighborhoods. Seattle’s ReachNow fleet currently totals 520 vehicles. As of May 2016 — one month after its launch — more than 13,000 Seattle residents had signed up for the car-sharing service. BMW has had talks with company management at large local employers such as Microsoft, Boeing, Expedia, Starbucks and Amazon to see if it could help employees make their job commutes easier. The company is competing with two other car-sharing services in the city — Zipcar and car2go — both of which have more users than ReachNow, but neither of which provide the instantaneousness and premium options that ReachNow does.

Future Offerings

Long-range plans are for BMW to offer ReachNow in 10 North American markets to match its current availability in the same number of European cities under the DriveNow banner. In Europe, the DriveNow program has more than 600,000 registered users, who have driven roughly 100 million miles with its 4,000+ vehicles.

For its part, BMW sees ReachNow as a way to offer consumers limited driving experiences with its cars prior to possible purchasing or long-term leasing — especially for its new electric vehicles. Particularly for the latter models, this allows consumers an opportunity to see what real-world driving with the company’s cars is like, without making a large upfront investment. BMW also is able to learn about consumers’ driving habits and can tailor the availability of its cars and charging stations accordingly. As the program matures, more capabilities will be added to the company’s App, allowing consumers further options and providing them with more features at lower prices.
BMW by Dushan Hanuska is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike License

Apple is a technology industry leader with a solid reputation and highly coveted products. Despite this, Android had amassed a commanding 86.2 percent of smartphone sales as of the second quarter of 2016. How did Apple’s biggest rival slip past them in the race for tech dominance? While the list is quite lengthy, here are 10 of the top reasons that so many enthusiasts choose Android over Apple.

1. Universal Chargers

Apple’s Lightning connector works on all mobile Apple devices purchased after 2012. If your Apple device is older than that, its charger won’t work on your newer device. The new Lightning connector won’t work on devices other than Apple without a Lightning to Micro USB adapter. Android, meanwhile, already uses the standardised and ubiquitous Micro USB connection for its chargers.

2. More Phone Choices

Apple enthusiasts have a limited selection of phones available for upgrades, whereas Android users have several brands of phones to choose from at different price levels.

3. Removable Storage and Battery

Increasing memory capacity in an iPhone or iPad requires a costly upgrade, but many Android devices have expandable microSD card slots. Android batteries are also removable, allowing for replacement of just the battery and not the entire phone.

4. Widgets

Widgets, or self contained programs, add functionality and flexibility to Android devices. Android has far more to offer than Apple, such as Battery Widget Reborn and Circle Launcher.

5. Better Hardware

Some Android flagship phones compete well against iPhone, with better hardware. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, for example, out muscles the iPhone 6S Plus with a faster processor, more RAM, increased battery capacity and better screen resolution.

6. Better Charging Options

Android’s fast charging is enticing enough without another added Android charging perk: wireless.

7. Infrared

Why would you be happy that your Android has infrared? Think wireless cross-device interaction, and more importantly, it can act as a TV remote.

8. More App Choices

With Android devices, you can shop for apps outside the Play Store at places such as Amazon.

9. Custom Keyboards

If you don’t like your Apple keyboard, your options are limited, whereas Android offers alternative choices such as Swiftkey.

10. Google Play Is More User-Friendly

Both the Apple App Store and Android’s Google Play offer over one million downloadable apps. However, the App Store has restrictions, such as a mandatory iTunes interface and a requirement that downloaded movies be played on Apple devices. 

Android’s Google Play, on the other hand, uses a more open web interface for app downloads and offers movies that are playable on any device with a web browser.

Sources:

http://lifehacker.com/5801862/top-10-awesome-android-features-that-the-iphone-doesnt-have

http://crambler.com/10-reasons-android-phone-better-than-iphone/

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/android-is-better-than-iphone,news-21296.html

https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/18/gartner-androids-smartphone-marketshare-hit-86-2-in-q2/

http://www.howtogeek.com/175734/htg-explains-can-you-use-any-charger-with-any-device/
Android Lineup – Beige by Rob Bulmahn is licensed under Attribution License

For Starbucks, mobile payments mean more than just convenience for customers. They mean a chance to make venti-sized profits. Mobile payments now account for over 20 percent of total transactions at Starbucks — this percentage is higher than that of others in the food and beverage industry. Indeed, the coffee giant is a pioneer in this technology.

Starbucks Places the Customer Experience First

Starbucks Integrates Mobile Payment With Its Loyalty Program

Starbucks Mobile Payment Platform Enables Customization

Starbucks: Ahead of the Game

Starbucks app: home screen by Rob Enslin is licensed under Attribution License

When reflecting over the past decade, there is no doubt that the last ten years have been a game-changer in the world of technology. The smartphone, originally developed by IBM in 1992, became a staple in every household with the debut of the iPhone in 2007 and other devices, such as laptops and tablets, began to replace bulky desktop computers. With a lot of focus placed on smartphones and other mobile devices, it is easy to forget all of the other trendy technologies that have been introduced this decade. While the use of some of these technologies may eventually prove to be nothing more than a fad, there is no doubt that some of the top trendiest technologies of the decade are here to stay.

1. Virtual Reality Gaming

Virtual reality gaming is not a new concept, however, in March of 2016, the release of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset turned the concept into a reality for the general public. The headset is worn in the same fashion as sunglasses and features built-in headphones. The thought behind this is that gamers are able to become completely immersed into the game. As virtual reality headsets are new to the game, it is expected that more games will be designed for virtual reality over time.

2. Drones

The first drones were used by the military in situations where flying a plane or helicopter overhead was not feasible. In this decade, the military technology was altered to create small drones that could be operated by anyone. Most drones are equipped with cameras and have the ability to record videos while in flight. This technology has enabled photographers and average Joes alike to capture incredible footage from overhead. Aside from recreational uses, it is expected that drones will be responsible for delivering packages by air in as little as five years.

3. Hoverboards

Years ago, children and teens with shiny new bicycles were the envy of the neighbourhood. This decade, however, the focus has shifted to hover boards. Hoverboards are battery-powered self-balancing platforms with two wheels. They can move at speeds up to around 15mph and are essentially hands-free scooters with power. This technology involving electricity and magnetic force is enjoyed by people of all ages although with questions of safety and cases of exploding batteries, it is hard to tell where the technology used to create hover boards will ultimately lead.

4. Smart Homes

A home that can “learn” desired room temperatures throughout the day and remind its owners when they need to purchase eggs certainly appears to be something from The Jetsons. This decade, however, intelligent homes became a reality. 

Homes that are equipped with WiFi enabled products are capable of turning lights on and off at scheduled times, adjusting temperatures and activating security features. Smart refrigerators can even allow owners to access live views of the inside of their refrigerators while they are grocery shopping. With all of this technology, it’s safe to say that it won’t be long before a large quantity of the population is living in a futuristic-style home.

5. Mobile Payments

Cash and coins are being used less frequently by the day. Debit and credit cards certainly began this craze, but in recent years, mobile payments have been on the rise. Users of mobile payment services can pay a bill at a fast food joint or their local department stores by simply tapping a few buttons on their smartphones. Credit or debit card information is stored through the service and then payments are able to be made without ever removing a card (or cash) from a purse or wallet. The use of this technology may eventually eliminate the need to carry cash or cards.

Sources:

https://www.artinstitutes.edu/blog/the-history-and-evolution-of-cell-phones

https://cims.ncsu.edu/the-simon-personal-communicator/

https://www3.oculus.com/en-us/rift/

http://blogs.umass.edu/Techbytes/2015/12/13/virtual-reality-next-generation-gaming/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-unveils-futuristic-plan-delivery-by-drone/

https://u.osu.edu/2367group3/safety/self-balancing-hoverboard/

https://postsocial.gwu.edu/2015/02/17/everything-we-know-about-apples-smart-home/

http://euro.ecom.cmu.edu/resources/elibrary/epay/pwc-payments-on-the-go.pdf

https://u.osu.edu/2367group3/safety/self-balancing-hoverboard/

https://postsocial.gwu.edu/2015/02/17/everything-we-know-about-apples-smart-home/

http://euro.ecom.cmu.edu/resources/elibrary/epay/pwc-payments-on-the-go.pdf
drones by Andrew Turner is licensed under Attribution License

Steve Jobs once said, “As soon as you have a stylus, you’re dead.” For years under his leadership, Apple mostly stuck to this philosophy. The company thrived with their easy-to-use, capable touchscreen devices. It seems like adding a stylus to the iPhone or the iPad might be messing with a good thing. However, years after Steve Jobs mocked the stylus, the current Apple CEO, Tim Cook, announced the Apple Pencil. In recent years, the stylus has made a comeback. It seems that this time, Apple is jumping on board with the trend. While many users think the idea is foolish, experts argue that it could give Apple an even greater edge over the market. So, what features make the Apple Pencil special, and how can it change the mobile market?

It’s Not Necessary

It Works Like a Pencil

Bonus Features

iPad Pro & Apple Pencil by brett jordan is licensed under Attribution License

Do you need inspiration or want to energize your day with healthy habits? Examining some of history’s most creative minds can help — let’s explore how famous achievers managed to do their best work thanks to these easy-to-replicate habits.

1. Finding Inspiration Everywhere

Tchaikovsky wrote in 1878: “A self-respecting artist must not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in the mood.” Many people think they have to be in the right frame of mind or in the perfect atmosphere to get creative. But, look at J.K. Rowling, who famously wrote the first Harry Potter drafts on the back of a napkin while traveling on a train, sparking the imagination of children and adults across the globe.

2. Getting Enough Sleep

“I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know?” said Earnest Hemingway. While some folks think that creatives are night owls and do their best work even when tired, the reverse if often true. Getting enough sleep actually makes you more creative. Sleep resets your brain, making the connections that help you solve problems once you are awake, alert and back to work.

3. Knowing When to Take Breaks

Not all creative souls sleep through the night, however. Leonardo da Vinci preferred a different routine, stopping every four hours for a short power nap. This habit is also known as polyphasic sleep, an alternative sleeping schedule some creatives choose in order to get more done when they are awake.

4. Making Time for Meditation

This is not necessarily the type of meditation with oms and other chants. Rather, it is a simple rejection of daily stress by tuning the mind to focus solely on the present and whatever task is at hand. “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them,” said Albert Einstein — and he knew a thing or two about solving intellectual problems! 

If you like this post, share it with your creative friends and give them artistic inspiration to help guide them through the days and nights.

The human brain is amazing. It can be more powerful and faster than any computer on Earth. When you learn, the structure of your brain changes because messages are passed along the neurons (brain cells) to form new connections, so that the next time you do the same activity, you remember how to do it. Cognitive processes have become a hot topic, leading scientists and gaming developers to work together to produce games that sharpen the mind. Here are five fun apps to boost your brain activity:

1. Peak (Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

2. CogniFit (iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

3. Quizlet (Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

4. Lumosity ( Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

The Lumosity Training Program is the product of extensive cognitive research into the way brain games are played. After subscribing, you will get to play three games to establish a base line in how you perform on memory, attention and flexibility tasks. Although, to get full access to all the games you will be required to pay a monthly subscription fee. The purchase option allows you to customise your training and gives you the opportunity to try out experimental games, tools and more.

5. Duolingo (Android/iOS) Free

Learning a second or third language is good for your brain and job prospects as many employers seek out those who are proficient in more than their mother tongue. And there is no better way to get started than with Duolingo. This app has a selection of European languages to choose from and it has been designed with the novice in mind, so it doesn’t matter if you are an absolute beginner. Simply select which language you want to learn, then build up your vocabulary by memorising keywords through the listening, pronunciation and word identification activities. After completing methodical lessons that feel like games, you will learn how to read, write, speak and listen effectively in your chosen language. 

Brain training apps have become a popular pastime for people of all ages and abilities. If you are looking to improve your memory and develop better problem solving skills, why not see what these apps can do for you?

Sources:

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s3

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s4

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s7

http://www.peak.net/

https://quizlet.com/

https://www.cognifit.com/

https://www.lumosity.com/landing_pages/970?gclid=CJKV-L6_gM8CFWUo0wodWdsGaA

https://www.lumosity.com/hcp

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s8

https://www.duolingo.com/

Your Amazing Brain!

brainwaves by Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter is licensed under Attribution License

Top 5 Brain Training Apps 2016

The human brain is amazing. It can be more powerful and faster than any computer on Earth. When you learn, the structure of your brain changes because messages are passed along the neurons (brain cells) to form new connections, so that the next time you do the same activity, you remember how to do it. Cognitive processes have become a hot topic, leading scientists and gaming developers to work together to produce games that sharpen the mind. Here are five fun apps to boost your brain activity:

1. Peak (Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

2. CogniFit (iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

3. Quizlet (Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

4. Lumosity ( Android/iOS) (Free + in-app purchases)

The Lumosity Training Program is the product of extensive cognitive research into the way brain games are played. After subscribing, you will get to play three games to establish a base line in how you perform on memory, attention and flexibility tasks. Although, to get full access to all the games you will be required to pay a monthly subscription fee. The purchase option allows you to customize your training and gives you the opportunity to try out experimental games, tools and more.

5. Duolingo (Android/iOS) Free

Learning a second or third language is good for your brain and job prospects as many employers seek out those who are proficient in more than their mother tongue. And there is no better way to get started than with Duolingo. This app has a selection of European languages to choose from and it has been designed with the novice in mind, so it doesn’t matter if you are an absolute beginner. Simply select which language you want to learn, then build up your vocabulary by memorizing keywords through the listening, pronunciation and word identification activities. After completing methodical lessons that feel like games, you will learn how to read, write, speak and listen effectively in your chosen language.

Brain training apps have become a popular pastime for people of all ages and abilities. If you are looking to improve your memory and develop better problem solving skills, why not see what these apps can do for you?

Sources:

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s3

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s4

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s7

http://www.peak.net/

https://quizlet.com/

https://www.cognifit.com/

https://www.lumosity.com/landing_pages/970?gclid=CJKV-L6_gM8CFWUo0wodWdsGaA

https://www.lumosity.com/hcp

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/705-best-brain-training-apps.html#s8

https://www.duolingo.com/

Your Amazing Brain!

brainwaves by Cambodia4kids.org Beth Kanter is licensed under Attribution License

In August 2015, OpenSignal counted more than 24,000 types of Android devices used around the world. Despite the large number of models, few have come close to the iPhone’s usefulness and popularity. That could change in the near future as developers create new Android handsets with features that rival those included in the latest iPhone models.

If you want one of the latest, greatest Android devices, keep your eyes open for these three models.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro

Google’s Project Tango recently developed a new approach to the way mobile devices interpret their surroundings and place themselves within the world. With Tango, features like augmented reality, 3D mapping and physical space measurements get integrated into your Android smartphone or tablet. 

The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is one of the first devices to offer Tango, so it’s certain to become a popular item by the end of 2016. Lenovo expects to release the phone by the end of summer.

Tango’s augmented reality abilities aren’t the only reason to buy a Lenovo Phab 2 Pro. The smartphone also boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor, three microphones for 360-degree voice recordings and a 6.4-inch QHD display that automatically adjusts to your environment’s lighting conditions.

Moto Z Force

Motorola’s Moto Z Force is a modular phone that lets you pick and choose which features you want. It comes standard with a 21 MP camera, fingerprint reader, up to 40 hours of battery life and a 5.5-inch Quad HD display that’s guaranteed not to crack or shatter. The Moto Z Force even has TurboPower Charging, which lets you add 15 hours of power to the smartphone within 15 minutes.

While these features make the Moto Z Force a good phone, most consumers will purchase the device for its Moto Mods. The modifications let you add JBL SoundBoost speakers, a Moto Insta-Share video projector and an Incipio offGrid Power Pack that gives you 22 extra hours of battery life.

Motorola expects to release the Moto Z Force by the end of September 2016.

Sony Xperia Z6

Sony hasn’t released much information about its Xperia Z6. In fact, some rumors suggest that the smartphone may never reach consumers. Hopefully, those rumors aren’t true, because the Xperia Z6 could offer laser auto-focus, a Snapdragon 820 processor and a large HD display with rounded edges. There has also been talk suggesting that the Xperia Z6 learns your charging routine to maximize its battery life.

Expect to hear more about the Xperia Z6 in October 2016.

The Android operating system has all of the features needed for developers to keep up with Apple. This year, you might see a smartphone that takes advantage of the system’s abilities.
Adventures at IFA 2015, Berlin by whatleydude is licensed under Attribution License

Android and iOS smartphones dominate the mobile device industry, but alternatives exist that don’t use either operating system. If you want a device that doesn’t rely on an OS designed by Apple or Google, consider these three options.

Acer Liquid Jade Primo

Acer’s Liquid Jade Primo has most of the features you would expect to find in the latest Android devices. Some of those attributes include a 5.5-inch AMOLED Full HD display, 21MP camera and Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. It also comes with 32GB of storage that you can expand to 126GB by adding a microSD card. Unlike most phones, though, the Liquid Jade Primo has dual SIM slots that will appeal to international travelers.

The Acer Liquid Jade Primo runs on the Windows 10 operating system and retails for about $649.

Blu Win HD LTE

The Blu Win HD LTE might match your needs if you prefer spending less money on your smartphone. The Windows 8.1 device retails for about $149, making it one of the most affordable phones you can buy.

Despite this device’s low cost, it offers quite decent features, including a 5-inch ISP HD display, 8MP camera, dual SIM slots and 8GB of storage (you can upgrade to 32GB with a microSD card). As long as you don’t care about having the latest accessories, you can stay connected without straining your budget.

Microsoft Lumia 950 XL

Phablet fans should take a close look at the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL. This Windows 10 device has a 5.7-inch Quad HD display that makes it easy to read lengthy emails and use Microsoft Office apps. The device also comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 20MP camera and dual SIM slots. You can expand its 32GB of storage to 200GB with a microSD card. Thanks to the smartphone’s USB-C port, it only takes 30 minutes of charging for the battery to reach 50 percent capacity. 

Microsoft’s Lumia 950 XL retails for about $499.

If you love using Windows operating systems, you don’t have to feel pressured into buying an iPhone or Android device. You still have plenty of options that rely on your favorite OS.
Acer Liquid Jade Primo by Maurizio Pesce is licensed under Attribution License

Smartphone batteries keep getting stronger, but new devices also require more power for high-definition displays and faster processors. The result is that people still have problems keeping their mobile devices charged throughout the day. Professor Ioannis Ieropoulos, a researcher at the University of the West of England, has created a way to recharge batteries without relying on electrical outlets.

If you want to take advantage of the technology, though, you’ll have to get accustomed to using microbial fuel cells that draw power from urine. You read that right. Urine.

Turning Urine Into Electricity

Ieropoulos’ invention is a first, but he based the concept on existing science. The prototype has fuel cells that contain microorganisms similar to those found in the soil and the human gut. When the microorganisms come into contact with urine, they start to break down the liquid. The process creates electrons that are then channeled into usable electricity.

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time that Ieropoulos and his team at the Bristol Bioenergy Centre have created electricity from human pee. A nearby university bar contains an earlier invention that converts urine into electricity.

Recent tests show that it takes about six hours of charge time to give an average smartphone three hours of talk time.

A Cheap, Renewable Form of Energy

While urine-powered fuel cells might sound icky, they offer a cheap way to generate electricity from a renewable resource. The fuel cells developed by Professor Ieropoulos only cost about $2.65 to build. As long as a smartphone owner can produce 600ml (about 20 fluid ounces) of urine, he or she can keep the device powered without plugging into the electrical grid. The technology offers an affordable, eco-friendly option for consumers. Perhaps even more importantly, though, it could allow people living in remote areas to power their devices and stay connected to the internet without help from power stations. 

Generating electricity from urine may seem a little gross, but scientists need to find ways to turn waste into energy. The world will eventually run out of fossil fuels. When that happens, people will need an array or renewable energy sources to power everything from mobile devices to apartment complexes. In addition to solar panels and wind turbines, urine may play a role in powering the future.
HTC EVO 4G Battery by Tony Webster is licensed under Attribution License

App development can seem scary at first, but it’s actually fairly simple.

For many small businesses, the idea of developing an app invokes a sense of fear. Between the cost of development and the time-investment, some small business owners simply don’t view app development as an accessible marketing strategy. However, as the app development industry evolves, it’s now spanning every corner of the business world, making itself far more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

What Types of Small Businesses Benefit from Apps?

Many small businesses have already jumped into the app development game. According to a 2015 analysis of app development, some lesser common industries are even beginning to leverage app development. Though restaurants have been in the game for a long time, app development is now expanding its reach to incorporate hotels, golf courses, plumbers, and more. Part of this stems from increased accessibility. Today, apps are cheaper and more efficient to develop than ever before. It’s a one-time investment that will continue to pay off indefinitely.

In What Ways Do Small Businesses Benefit from Mobile Apps?

Just because you can develop an app, doesn’t mean you should. You need to know that the investment will be well worth the return. Small businesses have been utilising app development for a multitude of purposes, but the primary application is for marketing and improving customer engagement. No matter the industry of the small business, all businesses can benefit from the push notifications that apps provide, enabling you to maintain a steady stream of contact with your most loyal customers. 

A business app is a smart business move that will provide the brainpower to fuel your marketing.

How to Know if an App Is Right for Your Small Business

Though mobile apps can provide value to any company, there are some businesses that will benefit more than others. One of the main perks of app development is its ability to improve customer engagement, allowing you to better compete within your industry. Analyse your market competition. Are your competitors using apps to draw in customers? If so, having an app is essential, as it will enable you to provide the same level of satisfaction and value to clients.

If your competitors aren’t providing apps, then an app is less essential, but it still provides you with a way to remain ahead of competition and leverage a trend before it sweeps your industry. You also need to consider the number of customers you engage with daily. The more customers you engage with, the more profitable the app will be. Independent contractors who engage with a small number of clients each week may experience less return, in terms of responses, than a retail store that engages with a high number of customers, but should expect higher revenue per user.

How Accessible Is App Development to Small Businesses?

As with anything else, once the industry is saturated and demand increases, the cost is driven downward. This has been the case with app development. Whilst once requiring a hefty investment that few small businesses could achieve, it’s now incredibly cost-effective to develop an app, provided you start with the right studio.

The key is to find an app development studio that is cost-effective, whilst providing a range of services that will considerably reduce your time investment. Find a platform that not only helps to develop the app, but will take the process a step further by assisting with the promotion of the app. This saves small businesses a lot of time, in turn resulting in a more cost-effective solution. At Glance, our app developers work alongside small businesses to innovate, create, and promote your app, thus offering a highly efficient and affordable solution that can help your business grow. Contact us today to get started.

With the right approach, you’ll save money while creating greater returns.

Nowadays, nearly every business wants a stake in the app development game. Yet, the process of app development feels more accessible to some businesses than others. With the time and money that needs to be devoted to the process, some small businesses are reluctant to take the leap. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to reduce the cost of app development, whilst ensuring the app is of exceptional quality.

1. Do your research. The expenses that you sink into the app don’t end when the app is released. In fact, it’s usually after releasing the app that you discover bugs that need to be corrected in updated versions. However, the more research you conduct on your target market, the more you’ll be able to fine-tune your app from the start, reducing the need for updates later.

2. Consider the experience of the app developers. The app developers you hire can range widely in cost and experience level. It’s important to find a balance between the two. On the one hand, it’s tempting to save money by opting for a less expensive and less experienced developer. On the other hand, this will likely result in more complications down the road, which will require greater ongoing maintenance costs and produce lower returns.

3. Determine your preferred platform from the start. Designing an app for Android entails a much different process than designing an app for the Apple App Store. You need to decide on a platform in advance, so the developers focus on a single platform and don’t need to backtrack later.

4. Opt for efficiency in app development. The cost of an app can be measured both in time and resources. In addition to looking for ways to save money, you need to look for ways to save time. Streamline the app development process as much as possible and seek the most efficient methods of addressing development, so you can save both time and money throughout the process.

5. Ensure the app works offline. When contemplating the cost-efficiency of the app, you also need to consider its potential for returns. Apps that can only be operated online will have a much smaller market reach than those that can be operated offline. There are a lot of people living in rural areas and homes without Internet access that require offline usage, so you can turn a greater profit by catering to that segment of the market. 

6. Choose the right app development company. The cost of the app largely hinges on the app development company you choose. App development companies range in cost, features, services, expertise, and efficiency. Find an app development platform that will not only assist with development, but will offer creative advice and marketing tips to ensure the ongoing success of your app. This will enable you to develop a better app the first time around, thus saving you time and money on future updates.

Find a company that will aid in innovation as well as development.

App development needn’t be a painfully expensive process. Provided you approach it strategically, there are a lot of ways to keep costs to a minimum. The most important factor is choosing the right app development studio. With the right development studio, you can increase the efficiency of app development, whilst designing a finely-tuned and fully-tested app right from the start. Embark on your app development journey today. Contact us to learn more.

Gaurav Kanabar is the Director and Founder of Alphanso Tech, a globally acknowledged IT consulting company providing services in the arena of Mobile App Development.

We recently asked for Gaurav’s insight on considerations businesses should make when developing mobile applications and about any app development trends he’s following. Here’s what he had to say:

What are the most interesting trends or innovations you’re following in software and app development today?

Cloud-driven enterprise applications and apps are gaining lots of traction. The Cloud makes it possible for software and apps to access data and use it in sync with other devices and users. It has multiple benefits such as enhanced data security, increased collaboration and disaster recovery of data. Companies are quickly moving their applications towards cloud computing.

Internet of things (IOT) is changing the way we live. What if you can manage the temperature of your room from your mobile? Yes, this is reality and IOT is changing the way we interact with devices around us. IOT integration with mobile tech will disrupt this industry in next few of years.

Machine learning and AI is getting a lot of attention from software developers. Machine learning uses algorithms to process data, learn from it and make predictions or decisions on executing the certain task. This can be applied in multiple business applications. Leading brands are also increasingly using AI to learn more about their consumer and to offer them better product/services.

How are companies approaching app development today?

First a RFI (Request for Information) document is sent to the client. Once we receive the RFI we start analyzing it to understand the flow of the app and start the wireframe of the app.

Wireframes are sent to customers for review, once they share their suggestions, we start backend coding along with UI/UX design.

Leading app development companies follow Agile development methodology. Agile is a creative process that provides flexibility and iterative development of incremental modules so that the project can be completed in the estimated timeframe. 

Once the design and coding have been done, Quality Assurance (QA) testing is performed on the app. QA testing is done to find out the bugs and remove them to make the perfect app. After detailed testing, the app is finally deployed.

What types of applications are businesses most interested in today?

Businesses are interested in developing apps that makes their life easier. In addition, apps that make their organization workflow easier and smoother, and increase overall productivity are popular among small- and medium-sized businesses.

Apps that serve the customers are also very popular. For example, a customer can generate a support ticket directly from the app and track the progress of the report. Some businesses want to use mobile apps as a branding and marketing exercise.

What considerations should companies be making when developing mobile and web applications?

The development objective of the mobile or web application should be very clear. Companies should write down their requirements and expectations for the application in a document and share it with their developer. Customers demand an optimized user experience, whether using laptops at home or mobile devices on the go. You need to make sure designed applications have sleek User Interface (UI) and amazing User experience (UX).

What types of conversations should businesses be having with app development companies like yours during the development of an application?

A business owner should clearly communicate their objective to the developers. The objective of the app could be branding, acquiring a new customer, growing sales, increasing customer loyalty, etc. Understanding the goal will help them to plan the development accordingly. Businesses also need to make sure they are actively involved in the development process and communicate their likes and dislikes to the developer.

What are the most common mistakes or oversights you see businesses making in this process?

If you have a complex application in mind, launch it with minimal features first rather than developing the full application at one go. Before you roll out all features, develop a core set as the MVP (Minimum Viable Product). You need it to make sure that the basic idea behind the app is something that your customers are interested in. Instead of focusing on including too many options and features, concentrate on User flow and Interaction. Businesses often cut corners by reducing the development budget or time.

What should businesses do to ensure the applications they’re developing are what their audience needs and that they function they way they’re intended to?

Proper market research needs to be done before making the app. Business needs to do intense research on what their customers need or what are their pain points.

Before building the full web or mobile application, develop MVP. MVP is a prototype that can be developed rapidly with minimum possible features, to show to potential clients and stakeholders. The main idea behind building MVP is to find out whether other people find it worthwhile and would pay for it. This will help them to improve on the app and launch it so that it’s successful.

What are the most common reasons that an application fails to perform?

If a user struggles to perform basic functions on your app and can’t figure out core functionality easily, that can lead to failure of an app. Due to bad UI/UX design, the mobile app often fails to take off. You also need to make sure the app doesn’t have any bugs or errors on its launch. If an app isn’t tested properly, it can lead to bad user experience and negative ratings on app stores. And the more negative reviews you have, the more likely your app is to fail.

What advice do you find yourself repeating to customers over and over?

Do intensive research well before making an application. Start with MVP before developing a full-fledged application. A company needs to develop a structured marketing plan well in advance of the launching of the application. The plan needs to tell existing customers and prospects good reasons why they need the application.

Need help with native app development? Contact Glance today.

With mobility on the rise, mobile shopping is hotter than ever.

This year has been a hot year for app development. More businesses are recognising the importance of developing a mobile app for their company. However, you can’t just enter the world of app development blindly. It helps to know the key trends defining the current marketplace, so apps are developed with the customer in mind. In a recent Forrester report entitled “2016 Mobile and App Marketing Trends,” they revealed a lot of the key insights that are guiding the current wave of mobility and marketing.

1. Over 50 percent of all searches occur on mobile devices. Mobile Internet traffic is now exceeding desktop traffic, which makes it more critical for businesses to develop a mobile app in conjunction with a strong mobile marketing strategy.

2. Business app development is growing. According to a 2015 analysis of app development, typical industries like retail and restaurants were highly likely to have an app, but even less common industries, like plumbers, hotels, golf courses, and politicians were developing apps. In fact, app development is increasing across a wide range of industries, even those less typically reliant on mobile marketing.

3. Mobility needs to be a key element of marketing. For businesses to continue to excel, Forrester outlines the importance of mobile devices when it comes to marketing. They claim that, whilst many brands have some sort of mobile marketing strategy, few are truly implementing mobile marketing to the level that will bring about results. For brands to exceed their competitors, they need to leverage mobile marketing in a way that provides customers with real-time value. That’s where app development comes in. App development can provide your customers with coupons, in-store promotions, online shopping, easy payment options, and more, allowing you to provide additional value that will help you distinguish your brand from competitors.

4. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will become more pervasive. Both AI and IoT have their place in the world of app development, and their role is continually increasing. 2016 could be the defining year for both of these technologies, as brands seek to incorporate them into their apps. With voice-based personal assistants, wearable technology, in-store beacons, and more, AI and IoT can offer a lot of potential for app developers.

With AI and IoT, there will be an increase in wearable technology.

5. Search engines will be expanding their reach. Google has already been increasing the types of things that appear in search results. Alongside webpages, social media posts and videos can also appear. This offers a lot of potential for video marketing and can greatly increase brand visibility. It’s just important to ensure all videos are optimised for mobile devices. It’s also predicted that apps will begin making their way into search results, which could greatly improve the download-rates for business apps. 

The year 2016 has already been a big year for app development and marketing. Businesses need to leverage these trends to entice consumers and keep shoppers engaged. Business apps are more relevant than ever before, and, when designed with the consumer in mind, they can greatly increase sales. However, in order to create a great app, you need the help of top app developers to advise you in the process and develop the app for you. That’s where Glance comes in. We have a long history of partnering with companies to design apps that improve customer engagement, increase sales, and strengthen customer relations. Contact us to learn more.

Modern retailers are using apps to improve customer engagement.

Many businesses are leveraging mobile app development, but the trend has been particularly pervasive among retailers. With so many people conducting shopping from their mobile devices, mobile apps provide a viable tactic for connecting consumers with a retail brand. Here are some major ways retailers have been leveraging mobile apps to improve customer connections and fuel sales.

Target Creates a Coupon App to Improve Sales

Target is a prime example of the value that mobile apps provide businesses. After creating their app, Cartwheel, they noticed a substantial rise in sales. Cartwheel is an app that allows users to browse for the best coupons by category, so they can quickly find all of the coupons they need to simplify their shopping experience. The app turned out to be wildly successful. In March of 2014, the app’s usage rates skyrocketed by 241 percent, amounting to 100,000,000 million hours total. Target’s executives claim that Cartwheel users spent an average of 30 percent more money per trip, demonstrating the clear value the app has provided their company.

Wal-Mart Creates a Mobile App to Discourage Online Shopping

As online shopping increases, brick-and-mortar stores are becoming concerned about the future of in-store shopping. As such, more are turning to mobile apps to bring people into their stores. Wal-Mart is particularly focused on this goal. They’ve added a variety of tools to their mobile app that makes it easier and more efficient for customers to navigate their store and find what they’re looking for. It allows users to make shopping lists through the app, and the app will immediately assign the aisle where the product can be found. This greatly simplifies the shopping experience, thus encouraging more people to visit their local Wal-Mart locations.

Office Depot Is Making It Easier than Ever to Shop

Office Depot was recognising the growing phenomenon of mobility and how more consumers were seeking out efficient methods to shop. They revamped their mobile app to meet these trends. Now, their app can connect people to their nearest Office Depot location, it can facilitate online shopping, and it creates personalised homepages that offer product recommendations based on the person’s shopping history.

Mobile apps are making shopping faster and easier than ever before.

Why Are Consumers Using Mobile Apps?

When designing a mobile app for a retail location, businesses need to consider what factors contribute to usage rates among customers. A survey conducted by Apptentive delved into this topic, and came up with the following statistics. 

• 29 percent use apps for in-store discounts,
• 25 percent use apps to compare pricing among similar products,
• 20 percent utilise mobile apps to search reviews about products,
• 18 percent like to use mobile apps to help them find the product they’re looking for,
• 14 percent are incentivised by rewards programs,
• 13 percent use apps to learn about the products and various features it offers,
• 12 percent use apps to order out-of-stock items,
• And 5 percent utilise apps to make payments.

Use Mobile App Development to Help Your Small Business Grow

Big brands are leading the way in retail app development, demonstrating the clear value an app can provide to a company. Small businesses have the opportunity to leverage this trend as well and create apps that can increase the convenience and value for shoppers. To create a mobile app for your company, you need to start with the right app developers. At Glance, our team is dedicated to ensuring your mobile app is designed with your business’s needs in mind, and we’ll work to solve the toughest issues your customers are facing. Contact us to get started.