Month: April 2018

Which is Better- A Mobile App or Mobile Website?

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Planning to build a mobile presence for your company to reach a greater audience? Confused between choosing a mobile app development and mobile website development? Then, let me tell you something. For people who think there isn’t much difference between these two, actually, there’s a lot of difference. Here, we are talking about two connected and important different aspects of a company’s presence.

Today, in this post, we are not going to tell you which one is better. Instead, we will make you understand the huge difference between these two and the final decision will be yours as to which one you want for your business.

Before going further into this discussion, you should understand that these two elements serve slightly different purposes. Now, let’s get started.

What is the difference between a mobile app and mobile website?

Before you even start counting the advantages of one over the other, first let’s understand the important differences between a mobile app and mobile website. iOS and Android users (Includes smartphone and tablet users) can access both mobile apps and mobile websites.

Mobile websites are very much similar to normal websites which consist of browser-based HTML pages which are connected together and can be check with an internet connection. The basic and major difference between a normal website and a mobile website is that the latter one is developed especially for smartphone users. Increasingly, companies are now turning to responsive web designs as not only is a number of smartphone users greater than traditional desktop users but also they can scale to any sized device right from basic PC to all popular smartphones and tablets.

Just like any normal website, a mobile website too shows everything (Content, pictures, etc.) Users can also get to access certain mobile-specific features like click-to-call or even geographic based mappings.

Mobile apps, on the other side, are applications that are installed on our smartphones. Of course, there are apps which work on only online mode and offline mode such as games, image editing apps, etc. are built in such a way so that users do not have worry about having a good internet connection.

Which is better- A mobile app or mobile website?

Now the biggest question is that which is one is better. Honestly, that actually depends on your company/business goals. So you are the deciding factor here. Let’s say you are building a game then probably a mobile app would serve your purpose in a better way. But if your aim is to provide your users a smartphone-friendly content to a greater and broader audience then a mobile website would be the best option. However, in some scenarios, you may want to have both a mobile website and application but there are fewer people/companies who would want to develop an application without already having a mobile website for their business.

Nevertheless, if you have a specific goal which cannot be achieved through a website then you should consider building a mobile app first. Otherwise, a mobile website should serve your purpose of reaching to a greater audience.

Benefits of a Mobile Website vs Mobile App:

By the year 2019, India’s smartphones users number is predicted to reach 1.1 billion and China’s to 1.5 billion.

Benefits of a Mobile Website vs Mobile App:

If your goal is to increase customer base or even remotely close to public communication, then having a mobile website built first always makes sense in your mobile outreach approach. This is due to the fact that mobile website has more number of advantages/benefits over mobile apps. Let’s see how.

1) Compatibility

When compared to mobile applications, mobile websites are greatly compatible with almost all smart devices. No matter what kind of smartphone your customer is having, a mobile website just works fine on all smartphones.  Whereas a mobile app needs a different version (iOS and Android) to be built for each kind of device.

2) Upgradability

Without much effort and time, mobile websites can be seamlessly updated. They offer great flexibility when it comes to updating content. Whether it is color or design, all you need to do is just to click on the edit button and the changes are instantly updated. On the other hand, updating content in an application needs the updates pushed to the customers as well. And then should be installed so that the content can be updated for every type of device.

3) Reachability

More than mobile apps, mobile websites can deliver your get your message to a wider audience as they are accessible across platforms, search engines, and devices.

4) Shareability

Mobile websites can be shared easily. All users have to do is share the link within an email, SMS, or to even post on social media networking platforms. Businesses, with much ease, can direct their customers to a mobile website from a portal or even blog page. A mobile application cannot be shared in the same way.

5) Time and cost

Cost and time for developing a mobile website consume less as to a mobile app. Mobile websites, for sure, take less time and cost-effective than building an application and especially if you are trying to build a native mobile app.

Now, what about an app?

Despite the obvious advantages a mobile website has, applications are increasingly becoming companies’ choice and just like a mobile website, a mobile app has got its own benefits.

1. Gaming

For games, mobile apps engage and interact with users in the best way possible.

2. Frequent usage

If your targeted audiences use your mobile application on a frequent note then nothing does the job better than an app.

3. Works offline mode

If your app doesn’t need an internet connection to work or interact with your users then without any second thought you can go for it.

4. Native functionality 

Do you need to access your user’s camera, contacts, or anything related to their smartphone then an application will do a better job much more effectively.

At the end of the day, whether it is a mobile website or an app, everybody wants to get an optimal return on their investment. So the choice will be the one that costs less and gives you moderate ROI. Also, even if you are getting a mobile app done at a cheaper price, don’t make the most common mistake of making your app into the clone of your website. Your mobile app should solve a purpose. So choose features and functions that mirror the objective of your business.

Final thoughts

Of course, there is no doubt that the usage of a smartphone is only to increase, the common question “Mobile app vs. website” will remain as a question for companies who are seeking to build a mobile presence for their business. Nevertheless, if your business objective is marketing-driven or to deliver good content and build a wider mobile presence which can effortlessly maintain, and easily found on search engines then the mobile website would be the right solution for you.

On the other side, if your goal is to offer and enhance a better user experience which would be similar to a gaming app then a mobile application would be the logical choice. However, there is no such rule that says you can have either mobile app or mobile website.  So in the end, it’s all about requirements of your business and your users.

11 Top Services to Create Android Apps Without Coding

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Before, creating an app was a tedious task that takes months of time for professional coders and developers. But now, with the introduction of hybrid mobile app development its now possible for even non-developers to create Android mobile applications with easy to follow steps. As people tend to spend most of their time in mobile phones, its important to have a mobile app for anything and everything. Now as you have such services its possible for anyone to create visually stunning & feature-rich apps without any technical knowledge, with very less or no money and without even a single line of coding.

To make the work easier for you, in this info graphics, we have listed the 11 best and most powerful no-code Android app builder platforms that can help you reach your niche and goals. Take a look…

services to create android apps

React Native vs Xamarin – Which is Better?

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

As thousands of applications are launched on Google Play store and Apple app store, the demand for business-specific mobile application development is booming huge. Whether it is for iOS or Android platform, the ultimate success of your mobile app depends on the cross-platform technology in use and the development standards to be maintained.

Though Java, Objective-C and Swift were used to write applications in past, the new cross-platform development tools that are making enormous buzz are React Native and Xamarin.

Recently, the question of react native vs xamarin performance has come to interest people active in mobile app development arena. These frameworks not only stimulated the era of highly engaging and performance-oriented mobile apps, but they also transforms coding phenomenon, simplifies development cycle and emerges cost effective for modern businesses.

So who is superior to the other? In the below section of xamarin vs native, we are embarking on finding the answer and will discuss how to make an informed decision.

Xamarin at a Glance

Xamarin was launched in May 2011 and was acquired later by Microsoft. Xamarin was intended for addressing the prevalent issue of disconnected technology to facilitate the native app development using its open source platform.

The framework uses C# language that functions seamlessly across multitude of platforms (Android, iOS, and Windows). Due to its ability to write native UI codebase for mobile app development, more than 1.4 million developers were using Xamarin in the first quarter of the year 2017.

Used by many popular brands, this cross platform app development framework offers competitiveness in building exceptional native app interfaces that effectively surpasses the limitations of hybrid apps.

React Native at a Glance

Introduced by Facebook in 2015, React Native stands out as a cross platform app development technology due to the fact that it uses JavaScript to develop a native mobile app.

The annual survey by Stack Overflow confirms that JavaScript is one of the most illustrious technologies mainly because it involves steel learning curve for developers.

Xamarin vs React Native 2018: Which One Feels Better and When?

When it comes to making a candid, unbiased comparison between React Native and Xamarin cross-platform native app development frameworks, both seems to surpass each other in many situations. Here is what you need to know about their working standard before you can pick the one.

1) Cross-Platform Development Environment

While discussing xamarin vs native, one can easily discover how Xamarin cross platform provides immense flexibility in terms of development environment.

Once can build and compile a code for different platforms with Xamarin unlike React Native that does not offer similar support unless via Expo. However, Expo may not be as powerful since it also has limited support capability.

2) Code Deployment

Xamarin developers will need to opt for compilation to generate an executable file to be tested later on emulator or a device. This process takes good amount of time depending on how complex the project is.

React Native on the other hand enables you to save the code and see results instantly using “hot module replacement”.

Read Also: React Native App Development Company in UK

3) The Question of Choices

Being a JavaScript expert, you will find it easy to get started with building native apps with React Native.

On the other hand, if you are conversant with Microsoft-owned C# expertise, then Xamarin would be the most appropriate choice as you can build iOS and Android apps using C#.

4) Accessibility and Availability

React Native is fully open source framework, so you can use it for building applications for tablet, iOS and Android.

However, when thinking about Xamarin, you need to spend some amount since its free version offers limited resources and features especially for enterprise-grade app development.

5) React native vs Xamarin Performance

As far as React Native vs Xamarin performance goes, significant factors like GUI, 64-bit support and fast code execution matter most.

Xamarin emerges more beneficial for the fact that it allows developers to run the code fastest on both iOS and Android platforms.

It provides full range of support for 64-bit mode and enables rapid UI development because of direct access to native tools.

This factor is not much favourable for React Native as it does not support 64-bit mode on Android completely. Additionally, it gets worse for iOS where it appears to run code at dissatisfying speed.

6) Advanced Capabilities For Development

Xamarin vs React Native must include this critical factor that focuses on which among Xamarin and native offers advanced development capabilities.

Usually, this one goes in favour of React Native as it is JavaScript based and offers more features, making the process more convenient for mobile app developers.

Xamarin, on the other hand, enjoys the reputation of being a legacy or classic tool that does not contain as many snazzy or evolved features in Android studio as carried by JavaScript framework.

Some of them might be automatic restarting, cold swapping code, instant updates, etc.

7) Testing Capabilities

Though you can perform UI testing on both platforms, it is easier for Xamarin developers to do unit testing in Xunit and debug in Xcode Simulator for iOS.

However, with React Native you are compelled to debug in the Android Emulator where issues are likely to occur.

8) Brand Users

React Native has brand users such as Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb, Walmart, Skype whereas Xamarin is used by big names such as Slack, Siemens, Honeywell.

Who Wins the Battle?

Even after exploring all the pros and cons of React Native and Xamarin, it is not easy to conclude that one s better than the other. Developers can decide it based on how accustomed they are with a specific framework.

The Xamarin vs React Native battle is subject to certain aspects of development, maintenance, code sharing and testing, and developer’s personal experience and preferences.

But developers who is familiar with .NET and C# may choose xamarin cross-platform app development. It is after all a matter of opinion as the entire community of developers are split between both frameworks.

Hence, the ultimate choice comes down to what framework a developer is quite comfortable with. No matter what you decide, the native-like look and feel, performance, quality and usability of the end product must come into focus when telling which one wins the battle for you.

3D Sensing in Mobile Phones

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Just like the users anticipated in 2017, the iPhone X has indeed received a great attention for its new 3D sensing technology. On the other hand, the vendors of Android mobile phones is also likely to follow the same footsteps of Apple, intending to increase the demand for vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), an important element of 3D sensing technology. Hence, VCSEL manufacturers will start laying the basic foundation in this domain.

What is 3D Sensing Technology?

In the recent IT developments, 3D sensing technology is one of the biggest achievements. Various electronic devices are now aiming to integrate this technology to the upward trajectory in its demand.

When it comes to mobile phones, and just as expected, 3D sensing technology is bringing a major transformation with its features and functionalities.

One of the most common instances of 3D sensing would be how it will be integrated into mobile phones via gesture recognition into the user interface.

Now this kind of addition will definitely result in customers being able to run their devices via touch motion and facial recognition.

Even though 3D sensing is most commonly used in smartphones and tablets, this innovative technology has various applications which include robots and drones.

In addition to that, 3D sensing is also utilized to let users have better connectivity between the real world and the artificial intelligence.

How does 3D Sensing Work?

Understanding how 3D sensing works is not as simple as it sounds as it is one of the most greater scientific achievements and also complex which left various people left perplexed. Nevertheless, this can be better explained when the 3D sensing is used in the most common things around us.

For instance, Nintendo gaming is entirely based on 3D technology where the player would be able to enjoy action games via mere gesture without having to tap keys on devices. Wondering how that is possible? Infra red light is the reason behind that.

The process that makes it easier is when an infra red light passes through and ocular component which will spread the light into a pre-organised way which is similar to the idea of prism light divergence.

By interacting with the infra red light, that device will get the required data across the room by identifying the things off of which the light had reflected.

This 3D sensing will enable players to control the automated home entertainment system which has the 3D technology without having to use remote control.

What’s ahead for 3d Sensing Technology?

Regardless of whether 3D detecting is just an overnight sensation or conceivably a future standard element in cell phones may well rely upon Android telephones. Market responses and accessibility of 3D detecting modules will be basic components for Android telephones in choosing whether to receive such innovation.

At this stage, the creator trusts that it is still yet too soon to choose if facial acknowledgement would turn into a standard element. On the off chance that clients don’t give positive criticism, it is improbable that the Android camp would stick to this same pattern.

Rather, they could center around upgrading unique finger impression acknowledgement innovation, (for example, under-show arrangements) keeping in mind the end goal to increase first-mover advantage.

Also, the utilizations of 3D detecting module are not constrained to confront acknowledgment just, and numerous conceivable outcomes stay to be investigated with such innovation.

Thus, 3D detecting and unique finger impression acknowledgment are not fundamentally unrelated, which could be helpful to the long haul advancement of 3D detecting.

Apart from iPhone X, the number of Android devices and mobile app development brands which are offering such 3D technology a very limited currently.

Also, there still some stuff technique dost in the process of assembling 3D sensing modules and even Apple also to considerable amount of time in the assembling process.

Therefore, it will take another good 2 to 5 years for Android brands to start producing devices that are capable of providing touch motion and facial recognition.

From Apple to Samsung to Sony, every single electronic Goliath of the world is consolidating 3D technology to their devices and other smart products to give the most one of a kind customer experience.

A popular 3D imaging sensor producing organization plans to dispatch 3D sensors that can infiltrate through the dividers. This element could be a major leap forward for home security frameworks as families would have the capacity to screen diverse rooms of the home from even a remote place.

Tips To Use Firebase Security Rules To Build Incredible Web Apps

Posted on by Super Admin Testreveal

Firebase Security Rules control the access that users of your web apps have to read and write your database. The real-time database rules help determine who can use how much data, the structure of your data and how indexes work. Once defined properly, these rules remain active on Firebase servers and are applied automatically all the time. Users’ request to read and write will be fulfilled only if your rules consider it fair and allowable.

Firebase rules recognize authenticated users and allow them full access to your database by default. This sensible approach keeps at bay undesirable access and protects your database from being abused. You can always customize your rules around authentication, though. However, it is not always easy to set up Firebase security rules to protect database. Let’s learn more about all the necessary tips to use Firebase rules for web apps.

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Introduction to Firebase security

Firebase real-time security is comprised of handy tools for web app developers to manage the overall security for the app. With Firebase authentication and validation tools running on server, it becomes easy to:

  • Authenticate users
  • Limit their access to database
  • Define permissions
  • Validate inputs/functions

The quintessential aspect of Firebase-powered apps is that it handles more client-side code unlike other available technology stack in the market. This ensures that your approach to secure your app is unique and deep with strong protective layers within.

The Central Components of Security Rules

There are three major components to Firebase Security rules:

  • User identification
  • Data Access Control
  • Input Validation (to create, read, update & delete Operations)

Once you know user’s identity through Firebase rules, you are allowed to automatically set restrictions for what action they can perform to the database (such as reading, updating or deleting).

The Firebase authentication process involves two options:

1. Firebase UI Auth: This option along with a few good code lines can help establish a complete sign-in system in your app for Web, iOS and Android. It will ask for user email, password, Google+, Facebook, GitHub, etc.

2. Firebase SDK Authentication: This one allows complete freedom to manage authentication based on your choice. You can also opt for Facebook and Google Sign in as Valid Identity providers.

The successful sign-in gives you access to user’s basic profile which is useful while controlling user’s access to stored data.

Firebase Database Rules

The security of Firebase is attributed to powerful JSON-formatted security language. Due to its great flexibility, you can easily access and define rules in Firebase Console using Database->Rules tab.

Firebase Security Rules structure contains syntax like JavaScript and is divided in four types:

.read: Defines when and if users are allowed to read data.

.write: Determines if and when users can write data.

.validate: It defines a value in a correct format and its child attributes and data type.

.indexOn: Specifies a child to index to support ordering and querying.

Firebase Authentication Process

Identifying your users is a basic and the first step when it comes to securing your app. As all users have unique story and profile, their data and capabilities vary from person to person. In chat apps, users are allowed to create messages and delete them if they wish. Deleting messages sent by other users is impossible, though.

Through firebase authentication, users can sign in to your app. It involves popularly used authentication practices with inherent support for Google, Twitter or Facebook along with email login, anonymous log-in, etc.

Authorization

After identifying users, the next step is to limit and control their access to your database. Firebase authentication and Database Rules can be applied to perform data restrictions in several scenarios such as:

  • Strictly authenticated users can access(read) data
  • Authenticated users are allowed to only write to his own node
  • No one can create a new node except users

Built in variables and functions present in the Firebase security rules allow to refer to other paths, authentication information and server-side timestamps. Using similar format of rule that includes user ID obtained from Firebase authentication, you can also grant write access for authenticated users as well.

Data validation Phase

Owing to seamless nature of Firebase database rules, you can easily tweak and apply changes during development process. However, data should remain consistent once your app is finally ready. The validate rule of Firebase is to bring in validation logic with the same expression as used for .read and .write rules. However, validation rules do not cascade and have to be true for .write to come to effect.

Just like .read and .write rules, you can use the same built-in variables and functions to create Validation rules that know all data locations in your database.

Using Predefined Variables

Firebase has certain predefined variables you can find handy to define security rules that restrict, usher, read, write and validate. A few of them are:

auth: Functions as token payload of authenticated users

root : A node that represents the root path in the Firebase database before the attempted operation.

newData : Contains data that exists after the attempted operation

Data : Contains the data that existed before the attempted operation

now:The current time in milliseconds

$ variables:A wildcard path used to represent ids and dynamic child keys.

Defining database indexes

The Firebase Database security makes it possible to order and query data. Indexes are declared with .indexOn rule.

The data of small sizes do not require indexes during development because of ad hoc querying. However, before the app is launched, it is important to specify indexes for your queries so that it will still work when the app is scaled up.

Conclusion:

This blog was our attempt to show how Firebase Database and security appears and works for mobile app and web developers while creating incredible web apps. Hope you will learn a few tips you may need for your next mobile or web app development project. You can always find more details about how to set up and define different security rules for user authentication, authorization and validation by reviewing Firebase Security Rules. If you are trying to build a highly secure, functional and user-friendly app, you can seek collaborative assistance from our company.