13 Best Augmented Reality Games For iOS and Android (2018)

AR and VR have transformed immersive experiences, taking users to an altogether whole new level. Game concepts have by default, been a step ahead on the creative side, offering gamers a choice to live out fantasies with exciting games.

Taking the narrative further, AR has helped to make games more engaging and engrossing, without the need for special gadgets or expensive software for rendition. Gaming enthusiasts can now play AR driven games on their Android and iOS devices with similar immersive experience.

Here’s our list of the top 13 games.

1. Pokemon GO

This multiple award winning game does not need an introduction, as individuals who do not play games are also most likely to be aware of Pokemon. It is compatible with both Android and iOS and it brings surroundings to life as AR superimposes the game onto real terrain.

pokemon

The popularity of the game is largely due to the stunning effects and renditions that make players forget their actual locations as they play the game whenever and wherever possible.

Available : Google Play, App Store

2. Zombie Gunship Revenant AR

This is an intensively engaging high octane game with stunning visuals that will make iOS users addicted to this AR game that takes people places. Giving ultimate control to players, the game gives enhanced feel of situations to players making every session exciting.

zombie

For all those interested in high energy action and shooting, this is certainly going to keep you interested and going for long.

Available : Google Play, App Store

3. ARrrrrgh

Being an Android only game, this promises to be a lot better in the future as the early versions indicate this to be a truly immersive game that turns surroundings into a virtual treasure hunt location with its set of adventures and characters.

ARrrrrgh

Though there has been a clamour for improving the experience, the concept of the game makes it a very thrilling one and updates in the future will truly make this a winner.

Available : Google Play, App Store

4. Real Strike AR FPS Gun

This iOS compatible game is regarded as one among the best FPS games. The AR transforms avenues into life like battlefields complete with war ravaged locations. The short version also makes it easy for players to quickly get into the game and have a whale of a time.

realstrike

Players may actually never have enough of shooting, because of the satisfying effect experienced by an excellent AR rendition.

5. Temple Treasure Hunt

Another Android only game, Temple Treasure Hunt is a geo-location game that keeps players on edge with a fascinating treasure hunt that features fictional characters. The games keeps interest alive with a good rendition, as the AR makes the game a lot more engrossing.

treasure hunter

This game is more for the mysterious inclined players who love the challenge of trying to unearth treasure from the most unlikely of places.

Available : Google Play, App Store

6. Zombies GO

Adopted from the iconic and popular fictional series, Zombies GO is another iOS compatible game that will give you a real eerie and exciting feeling.

The AR game transports you to a completely new world, while remaining within the surroundings bringing zombies to life, challenging you to deal with the menacing zombies.

zombie

Nothing sells like a zombie. This is actually true, as users seem to be drawn to the concept of something that is both terrifying and thrilling.

Available : App Store

7. Sharks in the Park

This Android only game is most suitable for playing outdoors and syncs with the speed of actual movements of players. A very popular game, this is bound to not only increase the engagement, it will actually improve physical activity outdoors with increased adrenaline levels.

shark in the park

Physical engagement combined with virtual excitement makes this a one of a kind AR game that will surely find more and more takers.

8. Machines

This is an elevated level of game in the sense that it can only be played in AR mode. A multi player game, this iOS compatible game is studded with spectacular visuals and battle field scenarios that will keep players engrossed in every scene and sequence.

The machines

With multiple players involved, the skill levels are also demanding as players pit their skills against opponents to emerge victorious.

9. WallaMe

An entirely different game concept from the usual games that players are used to, this Android and iOS compatible game is more of a fun social media engagement through AR. While it is a game, it has many features and characteristics that make it qualify as a great way to engage contacts in an AR driven game.

wallame

Basically it involves the use of the game to hide messages in locations through AR, which means that other players need to visit the place to uncover the hidden messages.

Available : Google Play

10. King of Pool

This is a classic game of pool powered by AR which makes it a lot more interesting. An iOS compatible game, it gives players the opportunity to play pool easily by transforming a flat surface into an AR table on which they can play their hearts out with stunning visuals and exception response from the game.

kingofpool

Available : Google Play

11. Army of Robots

An Android and iOS compatible game, this turns the player into a first person shooter. It has a nice mission of asking the player to destroy enemy robots in the vicinity, through multiple levels that involve a very high level of interaction.

armyofrobots

The transformation of surroundings into a combat zone, makes the concept very interesting and immersive for users.

Available : Google Play

12. AR Drone Commander Lite

This game actually lets users to make their homes into battle grounds, giving great flexibility with creativity. The advanced gaming programming permits users to point their iOS devices to a particular place in their homes for the AR driven game to transform the location into a virtual battlefield, replete with characters and props to reprise a real combat like situation.

ardrone

You can then go about planning your strategies and playing a high speed game to deal with the enemies.

Available : Google Play

13. Nightenfell

This multiplayer game for both Android and iOS is another engrossing AR game that takes payers to interstellar galaxies to pit their skills against opponents.

nightenfell

With great concepts thrown in and modules and features, this game will certainly leave players spellbound with high levels of engagement.  A highly rated game this is one among the very few of AR games that have the concept of galactic games.

Available : Google Play, App Store

Closing Thoughts:

As AR turns games into more exciting versions, with scintillating renditions that transform real life situations and scenarios into virtual scenarios in the game, users find the options more engrossing and thrilling.

The advances in AR and VR will witness more changes and improvements in the future, bringing more aspects of the technology into the ecosystem of phones and devices.

Top IoT App Development Tools 2021

IoT and mobile app development have been two major buzzwords in the digital world for some time now. Nowadays as the impact of mobile app development is increasing in various sectors, many firms are exercising on this virtual power across industries including education, healthcare, smart homes, smart cities, automobiles etc.

The introduction of IoT automation technology, make businesses more capable and at the same time, it continues to make mobile apps simpler and more efficient for use in various ventures.

To fuel up the progressive trend of IoT, many of the software providers are coming up with tools that will help developers create novel IoT devices and applications.

Are you an individual, developers or a digital kind of a person? Then take a look at the infographic below to learn more about the top IoT tools.

An Introduction to IoT Mobile App Development

Introduction:

IoT technology connects smart devices and physical objects essentially to create a remotely controlled network for constant communication and data exchange. Powered with automatic capabilities, IoT connected devices can operate efficiently and remain accessible to users 24/7.

Such embedded network of ‘things’ includes electronic gadgets, analytics software & servers, mini-sensors and database management systems that cleverly enable objects to collect and share data.

Using IoT-enabled solutions, individuals can transform the existing state of dis-engaged elements into a much controlled and synchronized connections where interactions among different objects remain uninterrupted.

Internet of Things (IoT) has come a long way and evolved remarkably since its early days of toddling. With more sophisticated revolutions made in system optimization, IoT technology has grown to penetrate the mainstream application market effectively. Due to new protocols and disruptive improvements, IoT ecosystem has become more refined, cost-effective, energy efficient and, of course, more secure.

The IoT landscape is still maturing, expecting more development because of soaring demand in various industry-specific applications.

Smart Phone as an IoT-enabled gateway

It can be an undeniable argument that smartphone can be considered as the first primary and thoughtful version of IoT technology in real time. It processes user data via the internet using tangible mobile interface. Close to the actual concept of IoT, smart phone serves many purposes such as:

  • Parameters monitoring (monitoring health progress such as calories, heart rate, pulses, pressure, etc)
  • Location tracking (locating objects, destinations, people, navigation, etc)
  • Motion sensing (Responsive screen, screen rotation, motion-based interface control, etc)

Much of smartphone services and its apps are integrated with internet protocols which makes the device a perfect IoT gateway. With the help of active cell network or Wi-Fi, the device environment remains interactive and lively with its in-built sensors (GPS, motion sensing, sync, light intensity detection, etc).

Major Components of IoT

Major Components of IoT

The term IoT is composed of two major words “Internet” and “Things”. Literally, this implies connecting things (objects and devices) through internet to build an auto-operated network. There are certain core components that define an IoT-powered architecture. Some of them are smart devices, sensors, energy, cloud, interface, gateway, etc.

Here we have shed light on some of the most crucial IoT components for you:

1. Interconnected Smart devices and Sensors

Devices and external sensors are lead components that form the significant part in IoT-enabled connectivity layer. The smart sensors collect the data from the surrounding ambience and transmit it to the next layer to process it further. Nowadays, due to evolved technologies, we have more advanced semiconductor technology that offers much more capable micro smart sensors used in various industry-specific applications.

Depending on its ability to measure physical parameters, here are a few commonly available sensors:

  • Temperature sensors
  • Humidity or Moisture level readers
  • Pressure sensors
  • Light intensity measurement
  • Proximity detectors
  • Thermostats
  • Room ambience controllers
  • Motion sensors
  • Vibration sensors
  • Heat optimizers
  • Infrared and RF signal sensors

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Device Connectivity:

Since IoT network runs on low power, most smart devices and sensors feed on low-power wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, ZigBee etc. This is why IoT encourages the development of low-power, low-cost units with compact and easy-to-control wireless capabilities.

Each wireless unit offers both pros and cons when compared on the basis of data transfer rate, power consumption and operational efficiency. The promising benefit of such IoT structure is its ability to ensure long battery life, increased efficiency and performance.

2. Gateway

IoT Gateway is an important component that helps manage bi-directional data exchange happening on different networks and protocols. It also essentially translates various network protocols and establishes interoperability of the connected devices in IoT network.

The unique aspect of IoT Gateways is that they are configurable and can pre-process the sensor-generated data locally before it is transmitted to the next stage.

The Gateway also offers data security for IoT networks by means of high-quality encryption techniques that work as a protective layer for the system against unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

3. Cloud: Distributed Database Management

Since IoT networks generate massive amount of data from users and devices, it needs reliable management. IoT cloud offers sophisticated real-time tools to collect manage and store the data. Owners and service operators can remotely gain access to their data in the moment of taking critical business decisions.

IoT cloud is composed of high-performance network of servers, which forms distributed database management systems, configured to speed-process the data coming from billions of connected devices, sensors, protocols, data storage systems.

4. Predictive Analytics

Having powerful analytics software embedded in an IoT network helps process and converts the valuable data from billions of smart devices and sensors into meaningful insights. This insight can be further interpreted to develop more effective system improvement strategies or deliver smarter solutions.

5. User interface

Users conduct a physical interaction with their user interface which is a visible, accessible part of the IoT-powered network. For enabling smooth, effortless interaction with IoT devices, IoT developers and UI designers must build a perfect, easy-to-use interface.

UI technology has potentially improved in offering more advanced design and simple touch panels to simplify the management of complex tasks. Smart homes are now equipped with smooth touch-control panels instead of hard switches.

Why Businesses are Adopting IoT

Why Businesses are Adopting IoT

Technological advancements are taking place way too faster and their rapid-paced implementations across a larger scale of industries are transforming the way of doing business. IDC in its latest report suggests that the total global IoT investment has reached $772.5 billion in 2018. This is the clear indicator of how companies have already considered IoT mobile app development as an undeniable future.

For businesses constantly worried about surrounding marker competition, adopting trending innovations like IoT is a pragmatic choice. To sustain the monstrous competition built around technological solutions, businesses must see being adaptive as the only way to fight the chance of being extinct. The connected devices of IoT network offers realistic picture and detailed analytics of customer interactions which businesses can leverage to make timely decisions to enhance service quality and profitability.

Apart from these, there are a few more singular benefits offered by IoT connected devices. Here we have summed up a few good reasons why businesses thinking to revolutionize their enterprise model can turn to IoT and IoT app development company.

Real-time Insights from Connected Assets

Leveraging the power of interconnected IoT network, businesses can track and understand the functioning and performance of their assets. They know the location of their assets and when exactly the asset needs preventive maintenance. By predicting maintenance, the IoT system can automatically notify the operating people to rush to the site and control the situation.

Ambience data:

Through sensitive sensors, technicians are able to monitor the asset state based on the conditions of temperature, humidity, or other weather parameters. IoT apps help companies can predict maintenance cost and avoid possible threats to their assets.

Work planning and efficiency:

The data thus collected from devices will be sent to analytics to extend its meaning and effect. After processing the data, it becomes easy to plan ahead and make clear decisions about work, ultimately increasing operational efficiency.

Pro-active approach:

Since asset information is constantly monitored, companies can make pro-active strategy for upcoming maintenance, service improvement, procurement.

Better visibility and production:

Manufacturing companies can gain better control and visibility across various machinery, suppliers and plants by connecting all of them with IoT apps system and enable agile, scalable and cost-effective production units.

Decreased damages:

With the direct access to real-time data about equipment’s performance allows organization to assess and rectify the problem by significant margin before it causes a serious breakdown or other unthinkable hazards.

1) Increased Visibility of Business Functions

With myriad of IoT devices transmitting most valuable data internally, you have a greater opportunity to develop market awareness and boost performance scale of your enterprise. Using digital form of interactions in existing operating models, IoT offers enhanced business value and predictive capabilities to enable better visibility over core business processes and functions.

As a result, companies can gain transparency into how to use the collected data, which ultimately adds to efficiency and productivity

2) Staff Monitoring and safety management

IoT encompasses more diverse set of devices than you can possibly conceive. Practically speaking, organizations can strategically achieve better view of their worksite scenario by integrating advanced IoT wearables.

Staff workers can leverage wearable technology in precarious situations to allow companies to monitor the health, exact location and safety compliance of every employee. The data derived from the devices can help businesses refine their industry practices and policies, establish new regulations and adopt safe accident management standard.

3) Excellent aid for Cargo and Logistics

Cargo and logistics industry has a lot to gain from integrating IoT solutions as companies can get real-time data and insight about operational status of their fleet. Once connected inextricably into IoT network, Cargo companies can get accurate updates about minute interactions happening among customers and drivers and devices and operators.

The approach enabled by IoT apps can help monitor equipments as the travel on the road, track driver behaviour, predict its maintenance or accidental damages and ensure customers receive seamless experience through well-managed ETA.

4) Accurate perception about consumer’s choices and preferences

Abundant data and insights collected from connected IoT devices and sensors via IoT apps are what make companies evaluate their existing business model and build a refined strategy to create bigger influence on customers.

IoT network not only helps enterprises remodel their operations, but also blurs the age-old barrier between customers and brands. Cycling the data emanating from connected assets, businesses can grow resourceful to take smart judgement and intelligent decisions related to customer service improvement and product innovation.

5) Personalized Interactive experience

Addressing customer needs is the popular mantra for businesses to quickly to find themselves on the path to success. Using IoT as a core technology, IoT app developer can help businesses integrate interactive displays that provide real-time answers to customers’ queries. Through interactive displays, organizations can present their own set of products and solutions in a personalized way so that customers walk through their options and pick what matches close to their requirements.

Nike, the global footwear brand, has launched this solution to enable customers to use their phone for personalized experience. All you have to do is to point your device at any product in the store and use store’s interface, and your phone will show detailed information about the product and pricing.

6) Exemplary supply & inventory management

IoT apps and big data analytics can shake hands together to reform business model and introduce new approach for effective resource management. IoT solutions can be added advantage for emerging and medium-scale enterprises who wish to bridge the gap between demand and supply and empower their existing inventory management system.

IoT helps combine CRM and ERP of an organization and enable intelligent communication among devices to achieve superior goals of customer retention, timely delivery, and service consistency.

7) Transparent business with new opportunities

IoT has a lot more potential than what business enterprises initially considered. IoT mobile app development can produce more opportunities by changing the way customers and brands interact. In order to get best results, business must know the extent of IoT integration and grow more ability to adapt to innovative devices and sensors in a highly connected space.

Creating a well-controlled, secure and powerful nexus of millions of devices, IoT wave is perpetually creating new opportunities for major sectors like retail, healthcare, ecommerce, hospitality, manufacturing, security and more.

8) Revenue improvement

Integration of IoT apps help diminishes cost and increase more chances of generating newer revenue streams. According to tech market leaders, IoT has futuristic potential to save thousands of dollars often spent on business productivity alone and enrich the functioning of bottom line.

9) IoT sweeps through many industries

Another reason why IoT could drive your business to growth and success is its ability to touch and transform a wide range of industries. On the canvass of IoT mobile app development, you can paint the picture of any industry disruption you like including:

  • Retail
  • Household applications
  • HVAC power system
  • Manufacturing
  • Urban lighting
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Security

IoT has answers and solutions for many problems that hinder the future growth of ambitious enterprises and organizations provided that you have engineered the best business-specific IoT solution in place to work for your business model.

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IoT App Development Tools

IoT App Development Tools

The way Internet of Things is forging ahead in its capability to revolutionize numerous aspects of business and human life, we can say the impact of IoT connected devices is growing powerful.

This is why IoT mobile app development is an unstoppable market buzzed with a lot of opportunities for aspiring IoT app developers. However, IoT app developers must seek tools that actually mark the development process with swiftness, suitability and effective learning.

Thankfully, today’s avid IoT developers have brilliant range of open-source tools and platforms to build superior and goal-oriented IoT apps.

What are these tools and what should you know about them before you start with any of them?

Based on various development styles and industry challenges, here are top IoT tools that an IoT app development company can utilize to build successful apps:

1) Arduino

Arduino development kit is the best companion to emerging developers who aspire to be an established name in IoT development field. Using this tools, one can build an interactive app suitable to IoT economy.

Arduino stands out in its ability to offer software tools to IoT novices and enables cloud-based system so that developers can easily share messages across the boards. The system comes with its own Arduino based programming language & works best for users who lacks substantial background in app programming and wants to make a name in the IoT apps market.

2) Tessel -2

If you are into building basic-level IoT solutions and prototypes, Tessel-2 is equipped with numerous sensors and modules. It integrates with a number of modules such as RFID, camera, GPS and the accelerometer and more.

Since Tessel hardware device can be programmed using Node.JS, Java developers with expertise in Node.JS have a great opportunity to develop IoT apps. Tessel is known for offering a robust IoT platform.

3) Home Assistant

Home Assistant is perfect solution for developers who wish to master the space of smart home solutions and establish seamless connectivity between internet and living space of the house. Running on Python, Home Assistant suits modern IoT standards of IoT apps and is the best answer for interacting with digital hardware system for and tracking your device.

This tool can be also during internet outages and is reliable for data security. Its easy to use on Desktop and laptop, but it may not be the best option if you seek constant, uninterrupted connection.

4) Canopy

If you want to weave a viable structure of IoT cloud, the tool Canopy can be your apt companion. The platform helps you simplify the process of creating an IoT cloud where Canopy itself is a heroic cloud relay between IoT apps and IoT devices.

Canopy Cloud service is the server-side open-source component that you can run on any type of a Cloud platform.

5) Zetta

Built on None.JS, Zetta is a brilliant server-based platform that takes devices from the various brands to convert them all into API. Zetta is considered to be a pioneer in IoT mobile app development solutions and heavily uses cloud in order to be accessible and operable virtually from any location.

The best part about using Zetta along with Arduino is that users can benefit from marrying the best of reactive programming with WebSockets, which suits the requirements of data-packed IoT implementations.

6) Eclipse – IoT

Eclipse – IoT is perfect for an IoT app developer who is fond of building IoT hardware, Gateways and Cloud platforms. The IoT tool has a grand reputation of being a collaborative effort of various individuals and companies who are passionate about the development and implementation of IoT technologies.

If you explore the wide spectrum of services and projects accomplished by the Eclipse team, you will find that Eclipse IoT has potential to help you enrich technical expertise.

7) Device Hive

Device Hive is a popular cloud-based IoT apps development framework that enables machine-to-machine communications and allows users to create and connect their application effortlessly.

Like Home Assistant, Device Hive is promising in creating automotive system for your existing processes and is especially reliable for enabling smart home systems. This easy-to-use and handy, Device Hub empowers you with a remote-controlled operations.

8) Losant

Losant is a considerable option for developers who want to simplify IoT app development routine and get the most out of it. It could be your top-class platform that has admirable capability to help you build IoT solutions with speed, efficiency as well as security.

9) Platform IO

Platform IO is another solid cross-platform IoT development tools that contains a build system with a library manager and IDE. You can either port the IDE on tops of the Atom editor or use it as an installed plug-in.

What makes Platform IO stand out is that it is compatible with more than 200 boards and offers an impressive debugging integration solution.

10) IBM Watson

Close to AI, IBM Watson is an API that allows IoT developers to use a host of cognitive computing features in IoT apps. This innovative tool can be harnessed to predict the future requirements based on the current analysis of data it monitors.

IBM Watson not only simplifies the job of IoT developers with numerous services, but it also offers competitive advantage by employing chatbots and their power to process, analyse and understand natural language.

11) Dronesmith

Drones are one of the most significant and compelling topics of debate in IoT domain recently. Dronesmith offers a feasible rescue from these obstacles and helps IoT developers in many ways.

It has an in-built airborne computer, known as Luci, installed in drones. Using Dronesmith, an IoT app developer can easily develop custom drones based on pre-defined specifications.

As more companies and consumers take interest in smart approach and embrace IoT-connected devices, we observe the rising demand in IoT development. The main driving momentum for incredible IoT growth is provided by the expanding community and open-source IoT tools. The ambitious IoT developers can exploit these tools and platforms to achieve their dream of developing IoT apps and convert their distant vision into reality.

Things to Note While Designing an IoT App

Things to Note While Designing an IoT App

For a couple of decades, IoT has been a scintillating topic of discussion for Tech vendors and developers alike. The main reason for the hype around IoT mobile app development solutions is its awe-inspiring calibre to transform the business landscape through technological capabilities and advanced cognitive abilities.

Another advantage that makes IoT a phenomenal lynchpin is its increased affordability.

However, in order to design a perfect structure of IoT apps, there are certain guideline and tips that IoT designers and business innovators should ponder sincerely to get the best out of this resurgent technology.

Research and explore before developing IoT apps

Before you draw towards the action of development, its important to first mull over the requirements and suitability of the IoT apps and future challenges it is going to bring.

The best way to gain the insight is to research in deep and explore the IoT market and understand how inter-connected things should really work.

Think about data management and analytics

The next step for designing an IoT app is the ingestion tier – which marries both infrastructure and software to enable data exchange and management. In this subsequent layer, you can think of all the ways to organize and receive the data coming from devices and sensors.

Following this is Analytics tier which entails the process of processing the data organized in the previously. Then comes the app used by end-users. For designing purpose, IoT app developer needs to focus on more on understanding the end-user experience and data analytics part.

Hardware compatibility of mobile devices

Building an IoT app should also involve checking the suitability and compatibility of mobile devices with IoT app. Be it IoT iOS app or android apps, the app’s overall performance depends on the type of hardware OS environment you have chosen.

A lot of precaution and considerations go into IoT development strategy when it comes to making it compatible for device hardware platform since the design rework may get expensive and tiring if the app does not function harmoniously as an IoT android app or iOS app.

Determine the scalability of apps

Over time, as businesses flourish in the market and technology evolves, a business would have to collaborate with an IoT designer or a suitable IoT app development company to figure out scalability options for apps. This is one of most crucial factors while designing an IoT app especially when project is aimed at putting bigger impact on wide consumer base.

Ensure the better security of IoT devices

As it has always been, the aspect of IoT system security is still questioned by world-spread businesses that expect zero tolerance to data loss and vulnerability. If adopted on a prodigious scale, IoT security becomes an essential factor freshly built IoT apps need to address.

Some of the strategic implementations to be taken to fight system vulnerability generically include:

  • Sturdy encryption methods
  • Robust yet user-friendly authentication features
  • Knowledge of underlying ecosystem of each device in use
  • Easy-to-use and clear security features
  • Understanding and protection of digital touch points of end users
  • Multilayered approach of building firmware protection
  • Security of each hardware component in place

IoT applications, as opposed to regular applications, conduct interactions with hardware and not humans, which mean the firmware used by IoT mobile application development experts should ensure proper security with frequent updates.

Recognize the difference between usual mobile apps and IoT apps

Mobile app we use today are focused on end users unlike IoT apps. Usually mobile app development revolves around a niche market and reaps responses based on a specific function. But IoT technology bases its functioning on objects and processes the communication across industries and systems.

It is therefore important to consider the future IoT-powered vision of fully automated smart home or the rise of smart city and other similar disruptions. IoT app developer should recognize the fact that IoT system straddles beyond mobile app technology and enables controlled communications with security and utility industries to facilitate larger operations such as efficiency measurement, energy consumption optimization, peak load management, etc.

Conjure the future picture over instant profits

If you have already set eyes on IoT mobile application development, conjure a big future picture of how IoT is going to be beneficial in long term. While the job of building IoT applications is quite onerous, the results you get will be impactful and help your business thrive down the future road. Think of a smart automated home blended technologically with an evolved version of smart city.

In a way, the technology is still in into embryonic mode and growing. We are likely to see more of IoT apps in terms of growth, performance and innovations in the coming years. Hence, keep the product open for future scalability to secure more benefits and stability in the market. Keep your vision about IoT app development futuristic and supple.

Choose the right developers for an IoT development team

Though listed at the last, this comes down as the primary job: collaborating with the right developers and making a stalwart IoT development team. Make sure the IoT app developer you choose has project-specific resources and hands-on knowledge to identify potential security risks and is versed in profound aspects and challenges of IoT development. Take a logical decision while emphasizing on quality and relevance and not price as you look for the competent leaders in the IoT market.

Impact of IoT in Mobile App Development

Impact of IoT in Mobile App Development

From the smallest of economies to the considerably larger scale of city areas, IoT is prepared to transform the landscape of anything that can be connected through internet.

The most interesting part of IoT is that it innovates our digital culture as how creative minds and tech enthusiasts from myriad business verticals have begun to explore the space of IoT-powered mobile app design and development.

What initially commenced as a thought has now inspired many IT market leaders to tap into this domain which can help develop solutions and products to actualize the powerful, automation of connected world. IoT-connected world.

Importance of IoT for mobile app developers

From an honest perspective, mobile app developers are amongst those who have immensely progressed in making IoT technology work in their favour. By exploiting the full potential of IoT in mobile app development technology, they have effectively unlocked the bigger market while catering to the rising expectations of tech-loving demographics.

IoT enables app developers to fuel mobile apps with extraordinary features and seamless controls, thereby equipping users with enjoyable convenience. For instance, users can remain connected 24/7 and can remotely control various devices and appliances through IoT apps on their smartphone.

How IoT impacts mobile app development space?

The following are the major impact we are likely to experience from IoT in mobile app development:

1) New opportunities, unusual power

IoT developers are most likely to meet new challenges that will drive them towards new opportunities of app development. With IoT offering great promises, businesses will take a leap of faith, knocking the doors of a capable IoT app development company to discover innovative solutions that connect them well with their customers.

As IoT grows and advances even more, mobile app developers will be able to build better apps that improve connectivity among people just like Uber.

2) The demand for more evolved skills

As the mobile apps rolled out by developers have vague future and limited attention span, to stay competitive in the relevant market, IoT-powered apps have to be adaptable to device functionality, smartphone platform and new updates. With apps, there is usually a big chance of being obsolete if a new technology arrives to change the game.

3) Five-tier IoT development process

Another considerable impact to notice is the segregation of the entire development process. Presumably, five-tier approach for multistage IoT development would be preferable. The process will encompass diverse stages based on device, gateway, data, analytics and application, thus making the development complete and mature.

4) Use of ready-to-deploy Third-party platforms

In order to save time spent on IoT mobile app development, it is advisable to opt for ready-made IoT platform that enables rapid deployment of apps. These third-party platforms are born-ready to interact and mingle with diverse range of smart objects to be connected in an IoT system. By 2022, the number tools in considered to increase from 120 million from 2017 to 44 million.

We already saw widely used IoT development tools that help accelerate development process. All developers need to do is to learn how to use APIs to connect to these readily available platforms.

5) Device Specificity

In IoT network, what matters most is app’s ability to remain compatible with the nature of device it is integrated with.  It is therefore important for developers to make sure they know the exact functionality and tendencies about device environment they are designing the apps for.

Before embarking on building IoT apps, Software engineers must have profound insight into the technology of things connected in IoT as well as the ways to connect with the app.

6) Dawn of developers with dedicated IoT expertise

With IoT growing to resonate with the mainstream hybrid mobile app development market, soon there will be a demand for a much unified IoT approach and niche developers to build dedicated project-specific IoT expertise.

This signifies how the current trend of businesses expecting versatility instead of specialized IoT skills will fade away. There would be no one-developer-for-all lookout. When the technology reaches the pinnacle of maturity and usage, enterprises of any scale will emphasize the idea of hiring developers with specialized IoT knowledge.

IoT technology, thus, puts a larger impact on mobile app development industry, ready to pioneer the revolutionary trend.

7) Enhanced security strength

Of course, security has always been a big question for mobile app users who think mobile apps pose a constant threat to the data security in the existing online ecosystem. But as IoT expands in its strength and prevalence, it is most likely to influence the current status quo of security concerns.

IoT domain is greatly active and constantly updated, which will help an IoT app developer improve the defensive structure for mobile apps and create a mighty barrier to fight security threats.

Though device system can remain fairly accessible to developers as an entry gate, Data encryption and stronger authentication system will increase the overall protection of sensitive data by means of four tier IoT dev components.

Mobile is the main fuel

As businesses seeking lucrative opportunities are curious to dive into the IoT Ocean and connected things are becoming the future of mobile app development, IoT application development has increased potential to bloom in the space of enterprise-focused and consumer-oriented mobile apps. Since mobile devices offer superior control, immense convenience and technical compatibility for building IoT apps, it is unquestionable that mobile devices will be the major factor to fuel the IoT app development trends.

IoT Mobile Solutions (Android & iOS)

IoT Mobile Solutions (Android & iOS)

IoT mobile applications connecting a mobile device to various other smart devices and sensors mean a powerfully connected world with smarter control, monitoring and management. From enterprise businesses to consumers, IoT apps are transforming the way we experience and interact with devices. With IoT mobile solutions and development platforms, there are numerous possibilities of solving many puzzles with utmost security. Here are some of the IoT-powered mobile solutions you can build for Android and iOS device platforms.

Thinkable solutions across wide tapestry of devices

On the canvass of IoT mobile app development platforms, it is easy to build IoT mobile solutions for both Android and iOS. The technology can enhance the interactions with devices and enliven existing applications by giving it superior power and control. IoT developers can turn existing apps into IoT-enabled solutions by connecting them with diverse objects such as gadgets, sensors, devices, data management systems and cloud.

By making unthinkable thinkable, IoT technology partners help build perfect IoT solutions that deliver exceptional user experience. Through IoT hybrid mobile app development, mobile apps can be easily deployed to Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS X with an effortless single C++ codebase.

Proximity sensors and location tracking solutions

Despite GPS capabilities, IoT solutions can be built to detect proximity of connected objects or users without using mobile phone’s GPS tracker. Be it indoor or outdoor, precise user location awareness and events monitoring can be made possible for geometric zones for any physical location. Apps for Gadgets and Wearables

Read also : 10 Best IoT Development Tools 2021

IoT apps and ecosystem can work best for both gadgets and wearables. A lot of use cases have already been developed with incredible progress in the domain of IoT-enabled apps for gadgets and wearable devices.

 By bringing the interactive capabilities between these gadgets and smart wearable devices, developers can harness the boundless power of IoT to create unforeseen potential for refreshingly surprising user experiences.

Monitoring and Predictive analytics solutions for healthcare

For healthcare domain, IoT app developer can help build a versatile app with an intuitive UI that connects the entire existing network of sensors, devices, gadgets and monitoring displays and deliver a solution.

The app can be versatile enough to perform its pre-defined capabilities across a range of device platforms including mobile, TV, Desktop or watch. If desired, the comprehensive IoT solutions can be enabled to collect medical data, generate alerts and interact with cloud to produce accurate predictive analytics. Such solutions can be customized to control gadgets or keep users informed of existing environment and biological changes.

Digital transformation for manufacturing industry

Thanks to core technologies like IoT mobile app development and AI, enterprise businesses can now conceive the implementation of digital transformation models on an industrial level.

By using automation insight as key enabler, IoT developers can help manufacturing industry reap maximum advantage of enhancing productivity and quality through highly monitored, properly controlled and streamlined IoT-based solutions. Manufacturing plants can avail IoT solutions that are proactive, robust and user-friendly and offer complete support for real-time sensor control and data monitoring & management.

Connectivity methods

To enable the consistent data flow between IoT apps and the congregation of devices, gadgets, internet and sensors, the developers can supply communication-empowering solution. The final product not only comes out as streamlined features, but also ensures seamless connectivity of various internet-connected components by means of communication protocols (Bluetooth, WIFI, REST etc.)

Data security

Now that IoT technology has progressed a lot and is still evolving exponentially, data security of IoT-connected devices has significantly improved. As you collaborate with a professional IoT app development company, it becomes easy for your organization to capitalize on their time-tested resources that ensure layered protection and encryption of user data. With enhanced data security standard made possible through strong authentication process and encrypted communication, IoT developers can design apps that communicate in real-time with clouds, sensors and other devices securely.

Cost of IoT App Development

Cost of IoT App Development

IoT applications are essential for everyday activities like work life management, energy optimization, domestic lifestyle, transport and manufacturing industry. Based on the way IoT apps are advancing and developing our lives, we can say soon we all be as dependent on IoT-powered mobile apps as we are on conventional-style mobile apps. Looking at this promising scenario, businesses from diverse industries across the globe have elevated their interest in IoT app development, mulling over the thought of investing massively in IoT mobile app development services.

Therefore, while focusing on various aspects of IoT solutions, it is mandatory to discuss the cost estimation of IoT projects of many scales.

Influence of Preparative stage on cost

In this stage, the goal and main idea of the app are explored in details along with the benefits of the app and how it can be used by the end user when the product is finally ready to release.

In this stage, resources like essential hardware, platform, internet connectivity required to instigate the development process is calculated and discussed along with the features of the IoT app. one must also focus on possible issues and challenges that may arrive during IoT mobile app development. Hence, it is important to weight cost on these aspects right in the preparative stage

Make sure the developers engaged in the project have proper instructions and information to move ahead. Developers should be equipped with guideline enough to avoid the tedious, time-consuming corrections and iterations in the future.

Feature-dependency of IoT app development cost

Some of the features that may directly influence the cost of IoT app development mostly include geolocation, payments, synchronization, third party API integration, data encryption, auto learning feed, enhancements and content management system. For ensuring the cost efficiency, the IoT app developer tends to use the reusable components and the selected platforms for the purpose of development.

Scalability is another factor that drives the final figure of cost calculation. As IoT technology continues to expand and evolve, there is a big chance of the future enhancements and add-ons, which further augments the overall cost of IoT apps.

Cost estimation for different types of IoT apps

The cost of the IoT app varies according to the different features and technologies. The estimated total costs of different types of IoT apps are as follows:

  • Media- It starts from $ 10,000.
  • Infrastructure management- It starts from $ 25,000.
  • Environmental monitoring- It starts from $ 10,000.
  • Energy management- It starts from $ 27,000.
  • Manufacturing- It starts from $ 50,000.
  • Healthcare and medical systems- It starts from $ 30,000.
  • Home and building automation- It starts from $ 50,000.
  • Transportation- It starts from $ 25,000.
  • Consumer IoT apps- It starts from $ 35,000.
  • Management of smart systems and smart cities- It starts from $ 50,000.

The cost optimization through outsourcing

The cost of the mentioned apps depends on the geography location, experience and size of the IoT app development company. The best way to save money and time is by outsourcing the projects because the development partner of the IoT app project provides the necessary staffs required for the design, maintenance, conception and development of the app.

Total IoT development cost

The total aggregation o IoT development cost is attributed to the level of complexities as well. To justify this area, here is the cost slab for you to consider:

  • Simple development- It costs around $ 18,000.
  • Middle development- It costs around $ 18,000 to $ 24,000.
  • Complex development- It costs around $ 30,000.

Final costs of IoT app development

The factors upon which the cost of the IoT app depends entirely are hardware, infrastructure and the application:

  • Hardware– The cost varies according to the complexity of the hardware, i.e., more complex is the hardware, more is the cost. For example, the IoT device that uses smart locks, cameras, motion sensors and other smart technologies will cost higher than the simple and normal IoT app.
  • Support system-The IoT investment becomes expensive by the complex support systems provided for the security and safety of the users. Also, the implementation and development of the complex support system also adds to the investment. The factor of certification also adds to the monetary investment.
  • The Application complexity– The costs of IoT app development also depends on the complexity and size of the application. The application is the major factor that helps to run the device and therefore sufficient investment are done so that the apps run smoothly and provides the necessary benefit to the users.

Summary:

‘IoT’ the futuristic technology has incontestably taken the digital world by storm and changed the structure of mobile app development. By offering seamless connectivity through the network of various devices, sensors and gateways, IoT apps present in the smartphones and tablets are revolutionizing almost every sphere it touches, making the world around us smart, intelligent and more proactive than ever.

Gartner once predicted that IoT will see more than 26 billion connected things by the year 2020 – which is staggering. These things are not just limited to a few good devices and sensors. Instead, futuristically speaking, it has a broader perception of connecting smart homes, smart cars and smart cities in a cohesive, highly functional, extremely efficient model.

As for businesses, the best competitive advantage springs from the fact that customers are already down to using mobile apps for their routine chores. With that said, IoT mobile app development will also enable business enterprises to unleash more potential for interactive capabilities and personalized customer experience by affording the luxury of real-time data analytics.

With all this, IoT has definetly spread its wings tapping into diverse industries including healthcare, automotive, electronics appliances and manufacturing. Hoping that IoT continues to grow, businesses can roll up their sleeves for the upcoming future and collaborate with a renowned IoT app development company to propel their business growth model.

Read also : Top 7 IoT Trends That Will Change 2021

Now the only question left for today’s IoT development specialists is: How to create an effective IoT strategy to help businesses win?

Top 9 Apps That Pay You To Use Them

It’s exceptional to go anyplace nowadays and not see most of the general population you keep running into with their eyes stuck to their smart phones.

While I’m certain most of the people are posting their lattes on Facebook or thinking their lives sound way may critical than they are as they voice the bad form of standing in line.

The horror! A few, nonetheless, may really have discovered a couple of applications that will pay you cash for a couple of moments of your time.

There are many posts out there imparting how to win money using mobile applications.

With the increase in iOS app development and Android app development market, there are too many numbers of applications, but many of them are not legitimate and not worth your time while some consume too much time and hardly see any money. Or, they simply don’t have sufficient opportunities available.

So, here are the hand-picked mobile apps that help you make money. There isn’t any particular ranking it’s just a good mix of all good apps. So let’s check out.

1. Gigwalk

This is an in-person activity-based mobile application. Users can make money by completing tasks in your community. You can choose activities anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how much money you like to earn.

Everything will be done via the app, no need for email or time sheets. The payments will be made through PayPal once you finish the task and have been approved by the client.

Download : Android, iOS

2. Ibotta

There are technically 4 activities through which users can earn money with Ibotta app; Product s, video ad watching, survey participation, and other brand-related activities. Just by signing up, users can instantly earn up to $10.

You first have to unlock cash rebates in the mobile application before they even start buying.

Once it’s done, you can start buying products from the stores you love and then submit your receipt or even link your loyalty card. As soon as they verify your , you will get paid through PayPal or Venmo.

Download : Android, iOS

3. Ebates

This mobile app has partnered with over 2,000 online retailers to refer consumers through affiliate links.

Whenever you want to or have to shop something, instead of going to the official website of the retailer, just visit Ebates and then click via their link to wherever you want to shop.

They will tell you how much cash you are likely to get from the shopping you have done.

Most of the times, it will be around 3% to 6%.  In occasional cases, the offers go up to 25%. So it is definitely worth taking a shot at.

Download : Android, iOS

4. Inbox Dollars

Online surveys are one of the effective ways to earn extra money. As soon as you sign up for Inbox Dollars, you can instantly begin earning some additional money by taking surveys about different products you utilize and places you go in your daily life.

Once you complete the surveys, Inbox Dollars will pay you through PayPal or send gift cards to top online retailers like Amazon and iTunes. You can redeem your earnings once you have earned $30.

Download : Android, iOS

5. Swagbucks

Right from taking participation in surveys and shopping to playing games and watching entertainment videos, Swagbucks lets you earn great money.

Users can redeem their money on either online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart or receive cash from PayPal.

Partnered with big online retailers Gap and Target, Swagbucks offers rewards for shopping via their link instead of directly visiting store websites.

Read Also: 20 Best Reseller Apps[Make Money Online]

Download : Android, iOS

6. Shopkick

This is one of the best shopping rewards program offered by Shopkick. This app provides you gift cards for shopping in-store and online. All you have to do is visit a store, scan the products, and make the .

For every task you complete, you earn kicks a.k.a points and once you get 2,500 in your account, you can redeem your kicks for gift cards.

Download : Android, iOS

7. iPoll

Users can earn gift cards, magazine subscriptions, etc. by taking participation in online surveys by iPoll. Once you download the application, you need to fill a little bit details about yourself to help the app in matching the suitable surveys for you to take participation in.

Complete surveys as many as you can because the more you participate, the more you earn. Most of the surveys will be paying $1 but occasionally they offer up to $10 for each survey.

Download : Android, iOS

8. Loot Lagoon

You can earn money through Loot Lagoon by taking part in online surveys. With unlimited offers and surveys, users can choose what subject or product they want their survey on.

Every time the user reaches $30 in his/her bank account, they can redeem their cash either via PayPal or Amazon gift cards in the exact dollar amount of your existing amount in the Loot Lagoon account.

Download : Android, iOS

9. Field Agent

Users get to earn from nearly $3 to $12 per activity they complete such as visiting a particular store, checking the price of the given product, and taking a picture or a video of it.

Both iOS and Android users can download this app. You have to fill your profile before starting any task. Field Agent makes the payment to your PayPal account or Dwolla account.

Download : Android, iOS

Read Also: How To Create An App And Make Money

Closing Thoughts:

Smartphones aren’t just for communication anymore. With right kind of apps, you can earn some extra income just by clicking a few buttons on your devices.

Use your free time to earn with useful applications and earn additional income. You might not become a millionaire but it will certainly help you pay your monthly bills.

15 Must Have Features For Online Marketplace Apps

As they say, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool any business can have. To enable this tool, all you need to create is an exceptional user experience for your end users. This is the principle many startup as well as successful ecommerce companies have adopted for their mobile apps. As nearly 85% of consumers rely on mobile applications to conduct online transactions, businesses must understand the potential of delivering pleasant user experience in their marketplace apps.

Mobile technologies provide heroic help in creating a clean and custom infrastructure for cutting-edge mobile apps for online marketplaces. The biggest challenge is to use technology to build a responsive and interactive app feature that engages customers completely. So what are the features for typical online marketplace apps that boost revenue?

15 Must Have Features For Online Marketplace Apps-ad banner

Based on our experience and insight, we have presented the 15 must-have essential features to be noted while marketplace app development:

1. Spectacular Brand Logo

Logo symbolizes trust and brand commitment for online stores. A clear and outstanding logo can also be used to define business promises and identity for online marketplace brands. Built perfectly, it has reassuring qualities and trust value that help attract more users.

Popular brands can create a sleek and fashionable homepage with minimalist features, logo and a captivating image and video that can also persuade visitors to tap on ‘Buy’ button.

2. Simplified and Straightforward on-boarding

Not every customer loves the concept of filling long forms for registration or sign up process that demands a lot of information. Amazon is a typical example of globally celebrated ecommerce app that keeps things simple and easy from sign up to checkout.

 Like Amazon, you can allow users to explore and sign up only at the checkout. They can sign up using their email or mobile number with provision to save information for future use. The simplicity and straightforwardness of user onboarding helps keep buyers hooked and get them through checkout process.

3. Effortless Navigation

Nobody likes to see their space cluttered with uninteresting or useless elements. Your marketplace app should also be deprived of unnecessary distractions that may obstruct user’s journey. To enable smooth and neat navigation, the content of the app has to be optimized for the screen size of mobile screen (which is always limited). Hence, don’t cram mass of content on a small device. Make the app design responsive to automatically adjust to any given screen. Instead, emphasize on having an uncluttered design that encourages seamless navigation. Display your brand products in a clean layout.

4. Use Rich Customization

Users download a mobile app with an intent to take action and achieve the target in minimum time with minimum hassle. Online ecommerce customers also expect an excellent personalized experience while finding the best deals possible.

Customization is key to enabling rich user experience with engaging elements tailored only for specific users. Make sure your app has unique customizable features that complement user preferences and attitude to build a lasting relationship.

5. Search Box For Easy-to-Find Convenience

If your online marketplace app is really huge and showcases a wide variety of products and items, it is vital to have a search box option that helps customers seek and discover the desired item in little time. Customers who especially prefer your store to a specific product, should be able to find what they need without juggling much with keywords.

6. Latest Attractions and Trending Products

In the time of sales spree or exciting events, make it easy for buyers to know about it right there on the home page. When buyers enter your app, they must be presented with the best  offers immediately so that they won’t have to struggle to get to the exclusive deals.

7. Payment System Icons

Now that we are living in a highly dynamic, globally connected world, ecommerce apps can get orders from customers located in any part of the world. And users prefer an effortless payment system including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, PayPal or COD. These are primary options for online transactions whose icons can be displayed clearly at the top corners or somewhere near landing page banners or alternatively in a menu section.

8. Online Chat

Customers tend to rush to a customer support at the moment of need. This is why it becomes essential to include the feature of live chat or 24/7 hotline for your online store. Customers appreciate online shops that provide value-added customer service for pre-sale and after-sale problems. People usually go online and explore marketplace apps after workhours, so they expect their inquiry to be handled round the clock.

9. Irresistible Deals and Alluring Temptations

You have only a few seconds to please and coax users who are always quick to judge your app the moment they enter. To beat the competition and capture their interest, make a deal they can’t resist. People feel excited about lower prices and discount offers or even free gifts. you can make they buy under ‘Sale’ tag during peak shopping seasons

10. Reviews and Ratings

It is impossible to go forego this feature for online marketplace app. Reviews and ratings are meant to help customers understand the market scenario. It develops certain clarity and trust between a publisher and customers. With this feature in place, customers are able to express and see their views on listings and sellers can implement a strategy based on user comments.

Read also : Why You Need Mobile App For an E-Commerce Business

11. Push Notifications

Push notifications feature is crucial to making the ecommerce mobile app business successful and profitable. This is one of the undeniable features incorporated by today’s many established online marketplaces.

Push notifications instill instant interest in users and have subtle ability to inspire quick action by psychologically tempting them. You may include time-sensitive offers like hourly promotions, coupons, bank-related discounts or new product launches.

12. Social Media Buttons

After on-site reviews and ratings, online s made by users are often attributed to social media visits. Approximately, 20% of ecommerce s are fulfilled based on what people have to share about d products.

Facebook and Twitter are a few reliable sources for honest general public opinions on everything online. Apart from this, online community on social platforms can drive lead generation based on active prospects. This is why online shops must integrate social buttons.

13. Accurate Product list Management

The way your products are listed and managed on marketplace app matters to a great extent. Sellers must be able to publish and manage the items effortlessly. More accurate the product list is, more there is a chance for visitors to easily locate what they need as they enter your app.

Today, ecommerce mobile app developers have evolved enough to implement superior functionality for product listing (add, view, publish, edit) on marketplace apps which helps customers search, use filters and view detailed info.

14. Security

Security has become a top concern for all digitally powered online solutions. No wonder why GDPR for EU clients came into existence. With personal data being at risk of loss, customers and vendors will not feel confident about joining your online marketplace.

For modern ecommerce marketplaces that process payment details of customers must comply with encryption practices such as SSL digital certificates and PCI compliance. Application of both in your online platform ensures strict data protection and inviolable connections with server.

15. Analytics

From seller’s perspective, having an online business presence is not just about delivering superior user experience, but also about generating constant revenue and keeping customers clung to their business. Analytics assist online shop owners satisfy this motive by offering the clear insight into behavior pattern, buying tendencies, session time, click-through rate, page views and more. This buying scenario displayed by powerful analytics helps make better decisions.

Read also : How Apps Are Changing the World

 Conclusion

While building a marketplace app, you should always keep customers in focus as they are the ultimate drivers of growth. Your online store app, therefore, needs to deliver immersive and interactive user experience with features that stand out from other niche apps in similar market.

Make every attempt to enable simple, intuitive and seamless shopping journey for customers, which eventually pays off in form of increased sales and revenue.

How Apps Are Changing the World

Mobile application development is the domain infused with incredible discoveries and innovations. Mobile apps have shaped our lives in ways never imagined before. Today there is an app for everything you can think of.

Developers are constantly on a whim to invest their creative passion and vision in utilizing modern technologies. Smartphone apps have taken over many slices of our daily lives including banking, online shopping, digital payments, social collaboration, healthcare and much more.


The fact that we can communicate, work and play at unbelievable speed is the proof of sophistication and power mobile apps have brought to the world as we knew. In this blog, we are going to learn the impact of mobile apps on the world.

The Dawn of Mobile App Explosion

In a short run, Apple and Google have  done what nobody ever dreamed about. Statista report 2017 confirms how leading app stores currently house staggering 6.3 million of mobile apps.

This is the achievement hit in merely 9 years of the establishment of Google and Apple app stores. Mobile apps deliver incredible advantages and lifestyle convenience standards by using the power of super-fast processing of today’s highly evolved smart phone technology and its infallible supporting network.

Two major factors that drove the eruption of mobile apps are:

  • User’s ability to download and use smart apps on their devices
  • Luxury of carrying their mobile phones wherever they go

Due to these two major drivers, people owning mobile devices became enchanted by the mobile app experience and slowly began to expect almost everything they do on their mobile phones.

They began to realize how it is possible to replace sedentary computer activities with dynamic, interactive and innovative mobile app experience.

The Decline of the Computer

What mobile software development did to people is called dynamic mobility. Instead of pushing dozens of features in single version of program on desktop, advanced technology of Smartphones made people perform computing tasks from their phones.

Apart from providing basic single functions of desktop (calculator, convertor, flashlight, calendar), they gave more power to mobile users such as photo and video editing, blogging and designing, socializing and gaming and much more.

Instant communication and collaboration

Communication is made enriched and simplified with mobile apps that can be used for messaging, voice and video chatting or social networking.

Connect with people living in distant locations instantly or talk to your loved ones while you are away from home. With communication apps, all you need is just a fingertip to enable seamless, quick and fruitful communication.

Now you can have multi-function mobile apps with which you can collaborate with your office employees, friends, family and share media, files, work progress with them on the go.

Healthcare and fitness

Mobile apps have revolutionized the way people monitor and keep track of their daily health and fitness. Built with focus improving health of users, these dedicated mobile apps can include a range of healthcare purposes like patient monitoring, remote assistance and diagnosis, doctor appointment scheduling, online prescriptions, and so on.

Users wanting to maintain their fitness can depend on apps built to improve your workout routine, cardiovascular functioning, diet and food habits and offer motivational boost to stay healthy and fit. Either they use smart fitness tracking wearables or download a smartphone app to fulfil their fitness goals.

Influence on Education & Training

Prior to having apps that transformed the shape of education, having physical classrooms was a necessity that drove students bored.

Virtual education mobile apps brought in the new trend of elite learning programs that provide sophisticated solutions for kids’ education.

Thanks to the gigantic rise of mobile app development technology, you can now choose digitally feasible ways of education and learn the same courses without compromising the comfort of your home.

Moreover, such apps can act as a training tool for both training institute as well as organizational structures. With the integration of Augmented Reality into  learning mobile apps, even smart classrooms of science and engineering have become intense and effective, inspiring development of more mobile apps of state-of-the-art class.

Work Productivity

Earlier it was difficult to fulfil work leftovers outside the office hours, but now you can fulfil all your occupational commitments with mobile apps.

Not only are you able to make an online call through communication apps or send an email, but with company’s specially dedicated apps can help you stay connected to your office network 24/7.

Such apps are built around the idea of enhancing productivity and integrating your professional workflow into your digital apps especially when you are travelling a lot and need instant access to project-related updates.

Digital Virtual Assistants

The era of digitally smart and interactive virtual assistants has begun and will not cease. For instance, Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa  are set to make you life even easier, better and properly organized by helping you remember and find things you need.

Thanks to the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence, days of forgetfulness are gone. Virtual assistants programmed to help you with almost everything you request are changing the way we all conduct our daily life.

Conceptually, AI-powered digital assistant mobile apps have also found their way into mainstream industries such as healthcare, hotel and hospitality, banking & insurance, domestic lifestyle and many more.

Smarter home and smarter workspace

This is another revolution mobile apps have triggered with the help of IoT and AI technologies. Like Smartphone, Smart TV and smart watches, offices and homes are also growing smarter with the combination of IoT and Artificial Intelligence.

Machines can control your home appliances and amenities based on your tastes and usual preferences.

For instance, hotel customers can set the room temperature remotely knowing that in the background the combined technology of IoT, sensors and AI is working to match their specific standards.

This is how mobile apps can sophisticate and automate your living style.

Media & Entertainment

Mobile gaming has not yet completely overpowered the charm of gaming consoles, but there is no denial that the gaming base created by famous game development companies is attacked by mobile game development popularity.

Due to significant improvements in mobile hardware technology, we can see the rise of more advanced mobile games with intricate, immersive and engaging elements.

On the other hand, online entertainment media like YouTube, Amazon, HBO and Netflix enable cordless, TV-less small-screen entertainment, which captures young demographics and increases scope for growth of media advertising.

The eternal pool of infinite data

This is, we can firmly put, the era of delicious data as we as users are surrounded by and leave behind gargantuan amount of infinite data for company owners.

The apps used for social engagement and chat messaging open up the greater opportunities for marketers to generate relevant products and custom offers for end users.

Apps directly interact with user’s social profile as they allow access to their various online footprints on different online portals and location details.

The user data travel to brands that imbibe and assess this massive amount of information to convert it into custom product recommendations to hit the target audience at the right time and the right place.

Apps taking over the world, literally

Based on the history of past decade, it goes without saying that mobile apps have almost taken over the entire world.

The online galaxy of apps is so influential that even schoolchildren can easily memorize popular apps such as Angry Birds, WhatsApp, Temple Run, Candy Crush saga, Pokémon Go, Cut The Rope and so on.

Some of these have been epic blockbusters making their owners rich, creating an unstoppable source of revenue for start-up businesses and emerging app writers.

The app industry is indeed reaching new heights every day, setting new records with brand new innovations and marvellous technologies.

It is true that mobile apps have hit the world by storm, crafting a unique digital economy for professional developers, consumers and entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Mobile app development is perhaps the greatest breakthrough for the entire world. Enhancing the standard of interactions and methods of staying connected, mobile apps have undoubtedly come a long way, giving us a whole new perspective in life:

Living digital. Innovations like AR and VR have infiltrated mobile app market, offering us completely different realities of real and unreal world. We can conclude that as long as internet remains fast and secure, mobile apps will continue to turn the world around.

9 Most Essential Tips For Successful Mobile Game Development

The mobile game development market is both rewarding as well as challenging, stimulated with a lot of incredible opportunities for mobile game developers. Many companies have hit the top notch by making stunning games. However, it is undeniable that only a few games become profitable and joins the league of successful games. While the speculations about game’s future are high, certain important guidelines can help you improve your chance to beat others in the app store.

In this blog you are about to dive into top 9 most essential tips to develop a successful game for popular mobile platforms. Implementing these ideas, you can ensure that you game get acknowledged quickly in today’s booming mobile game market. Let’s start with major reasons for game failures:

Factors that impede mobile game success

Usually, mobile games often fail to capture its audience and get low scores because:

  • Lack of creativity and innovative appeal
  • Interesting monetization tactics
  • Banal features and lack of engaging elements
  • Poor user acquisition
  • Complicated or confusing game play

To help your game acquire more users and reach smashing success, the following are the essential tips:

1) Research to outsmart the competition

Online app stores are infused with tens of thousands of games at the moment. Hence, there is a pretty enough chance that there is already a few good games similar to the one you are trying to build. This is why it is crucial to do serious research on your game idea to ensure it is original or has original, more appealing elements for users. Download and explore all the games that fit close to the one you have in mind.

Determine the game platform

After you are sure you have a clear vision and a viable idea of game type, it is time to identify the best platform for success. Think of what platforms are trending and have humongous influence on users. Mobile Platforms (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Hybrid) set the foundation for game development. Since every platform comes with its own pros and cons, it is important to pick the right choice which depends on:

  • The target audience for your game
  • Technical requirements and graphics
  • Processing speed and available resources

If you are muddled between iOS and Android, it is judicious to opt for both the platforms as long as you believe your idea is resilient and functional. When you launch games on multiple platforms, you can reach maximum audience with increased visibility.

UI/UX Design should be a stunner

You have a greater chance to attract and engage more users if your mobile game carries an intuitive, user-friendly and compelling UI. In an effort to make UI more appealing, make sure you don’t overwhelm users with too many complicated controls. If you game promises massive play, design a set of instructions that introduce users to game structure and get them on board.

Also, your game design graphics should not blur or create distorted pictures on high resolution screens. Consider all screen sizes and resolution quality well before actually designing the game graphics.

Create addictive stories

Stories sell quickly especially if it is mobile game development. Be it fantasy games or strategy gameplay, beautiful stories fascinate users, bring objects and characters into a context and enhance game’s worth. A good meaningful storyline makes players addicted to your game, ultimately increasing user interest and engagement.

There is no specific formula that turns your game into an addiction. Keep up your creativity and find out why these big titles are big. You may require multiple iterations before the game is what it should be.

Create social engagement

Social media a blazing fad that drives engagement to your mobile game. People love to share victories, rewards and performance score with other members and connect with more users. Integrating social elements  improves community value and triggers word-of-mouth publicity.

Hook users with sensational sound effects

Every mobile game development buff knows how important it is to include music that obsesses users with the game. The best way to weave a musical surprise for users is to leverage open source library of game sounds. You can either pick free audio effects or custom-create your own. Your game has a better chance to be a brand and attract more audience with custom music. Users appreciate creativity of sound effects especially if it is in mobile games since it sets gaming vibes and mood.

Don’t prioritize Monetization

Although the mobile game development has business expectations, while building beautiful games of immense value it is better to keep aside the intents of monetization. Dedicate your time to creating the best game play possible. Make a monetization strategy after the game is up and in demand.

Read also : How To Create an App and Make Money

The stacks are high: you have to beat thousands of competitors, create the original and addictive and attract maximum users. If you fulfil all these criteria, the game will definitely earn you well.

Practice relentless testing standards

It is every game developer’s religion to test the game app for bugs, crashes and functionality of games they build. Users don’t install the game to experience obstacles in their play. They seek smooth, hassle free performance and enjoyable hours of engagement. Prepare a draconian testing format and pass your game through all the rigorous test routines on target platforms. Don’t limit the testing to just yourself. Instead, you can hire game testers or QA freelancers and ask your friends to for honest opinions.

Introduce frequent updates

The best way to receive more retention for your mobile game is to launch MVP with a promise of scaling it up with additional characters, levels and essential layered elements. This can be done during marketing and promotional campaigns as well. Asking people for their initial feedback can help you design new creatives and introduce more updates. Gradually, you will see a viral wave around the game. As you evolve game constantly with new features and updates, user retention improves.

Be creative and proactive for Marketing

Game will not become famous on its own. You have to be proactive and prepare for the launch from scratch. Your branding activities must reflect your ultimate goal and vision so that it becomes easy to launch and promote the game, and for the game to be absorbed in the market.

Blogging: Pull in massive traction from online influencers and communities who share similar tastes in the field. If you are not good with words, you may contact bloggers who can write about your new game, promote it and help make it more discoverable and visible. Blogging is also effective for increasing downloads and branding.

KPIs: Determine the clear objective and vision along with key performance indicators (KPI) from the beginning. Try to figure out custom KPIs to go beyond the general factors and dig up more specific changes that can boost game’s performance and put big impact on different user groups.

Localization: To make your mobile game achieve wide éclat, you ought to constantly seek stepping into new markets. Localizing the mobile game makes global distribution much more effective, rapid and profitable. The faster you reach the target user community, the more chance for terrific success.

Final words

Despite general belief that mobile game development is only full of fun and no challenges, bringing the concept to reality for game developers is a cumbersome process.  The job is both stressful and rewarding. Set clear and realistic expectations from the very beginning. Mobile game development success formula involves solid development skills and creative marketing. Those who have clear vision and awareness of upcoming challenges can attain gratifying results.

Read also : How To Create A Chat Application Successfully

Top 15 Employee Attendance Tracking Apps 2021

Attendance marking has moved from manual punching to biometric and employee tracking apps within a short span of time. Thanks to market competition, HR and managers have plenty of options to choose the best. New companies are coming with innovative technologies with each one offering solutions better than the other.

Selecting the perfect app for your organization can be confusing in this industry. For this reason we have listed top 15 employee attendance tracking apps. This will give you an overview of technologies in the market and what each player has to offer at different price points.

Here are top 15 Employee Attendance Tracking Apps for your company.

WiFi Attendance Edsys Timetable Time Clock Wizard
Aqua Teams Virtual Attendance ZOHO People
MyAttendanceTracker.com Time Station Kronos
Time Intelligence by Replicon When I Work primaERP
Time Doctor DeskTime Where’s My Staff

 

1. WiFi Attendance

wifi attendance - employee attendance tracking apps

WiFi Attendance is a cloud based attendance tracking system that uses office WiFi to mark employee attendance. Employees within the pre-set office WiFi range can mark their attendance through the app. They can also apply for leave and view calendar in the app.

Using WiFi can avoid problems such as punch-in failures and buddy punching that are common in biometric and usual attendance apps. It also makes live tracking possible so that you can know the real time location of each employee in the premise.

Because of live tracking, information on working hours and productivity is readily available with managers. This information can be used for leave management or easily integrated with payroll systems.

Unique Feature:  Ease of setting up is the biggest advantage of WIFi attendance. Since every office already has a WiFi network, it is easy to plug in this solution and get started with hassle-free tracking. It requires zero infrastructure investment and gives accurate time tracking.

Real time tracking and live location are other features that make this app valuable

Pricing: WiFi Attendance is free for up to 10 employees. The standard plan for up to 40 employees costs $1 per month per employee and Fast plan for 40- 100 employees is for $1.5.

Superfast plan for more than 100 employees is $2 per month per employee. It includes app customization, chat facility and integrated help desk.

Available : Android & iOS

Check this video to know more about WiFi Attendance System

 2. Edsys Timetable and Attendance Management

edsys timetable - employee attendance tracking apps

Edsys has numerous services for schools, colleges and universities. Timetable and attendance management is just one of the many services they offer such as parent portal, school bus tracking and school ERP.

They offer a simple solution in form of mobile app that can mark attendance of students, faculty as well as staff. Teachers can easily see their class schedule, student lists and calendar. It also has timetable scheduling service which is a big headache for educational institutions.

Unique Feature: If you run an educational institute, Edsys is the right solution for you. Since they specialize in the education sector, they understand your specific needs.

Pricing: Price on Quotation Request

3. Time Clock Wizard

time clock wizard - employee attendance tracking apps

Time Clock Wizard is a cloud based solution offering more than just attendance tracking. They have all the features related to attendance such as payroll calculation, leave management and employee scheduling. Since the service is cloud based it is possible for employees and managers to access dashboard from any device and any place.

For employee clock-in, managers can set geo-fencing so that clock-in is only possible in office or on site. This prevents incidences of proxy attendance. In fact, with the clock-points feature manager can know the exact location of clock-in using device GPS and IP address.

Unique Feature: Photo Capture Feature. Time Clock Wizard captures photo of employees at the time of clock in. This prevents buddy login and promotes honesty in remote office locations.

Pricing: They offer a Value, Pro and Enterprise plan. The Value plan is great for any business just wanting the basic time tracking feature. At $ 14.95 a month you can track attendance for unlimited employees. With the Pro and Enterprise version you have many more useful features such as employee scheduling, payroll reporting, photo capture, real time activity tracking etc. Pro plan is for up to 50 users and priced at $29.95 per month and the enterprise plan supports unlimited employees for $99.95 per month. All plans have a 30 day free trial period.

Available : Android & iOS

4. Aqua Teams

aqua teams - employee attendance tracking apps

Aqua app is positioned more as an HRMS rather than an attendance app. It gives managers detailed information on aspects such as employee check-in time, leave balance, late arrival, overtime, etc. Location tracking is via the app and it is possible for managers to view location log and distance travelled by employees. Attendance app is supported by multiple technologies such as biometrics, geofencing, and beacons.

Price: Price on Quote Request

Available : Android & iOS

5. Virtual Attendance

virtual attendance - employee attendance tracking apps

This is one of the employee attendance tracking apps that works in both iOS and Android smartphone. The admin generates profiles with QR codes for each employee. This QR quote is tracked using an Apple device at office. Unlike other solutions on the list it does not have live location, payroll and a plethora of other services.

Unique Feature: This is a simple to use app with intuitive UI. It’s great for start-ups who don’t want to bother with too many features. It’s also great for Generation X users who like simple app that does the job without other distractions in it.

Pricing: The app is free for up to 5 employees and 1 manager. Unlimited employees and managers are allowed at just $5 a month.

Available : Android & iOS

6. ZOHO People

zoho people - employee attendance tracking apps

Zoho People has many HR processes offered as a service through their elaborate web portal. Their services include leave management, job scheduling, HR documentation etc. As far as attendance is concerned, it can be plugged into current biometric system or employees can also punch-in using web portal or Zoho app. Geo-fencing can be set-up using IP address to restrict location of check- in.

Unique Feature: The advantage of this solution lies in freedom of customization. HR can define their function and processes in the dashboard and generate customized forms, documents and reports.  Attrition reports, job hour charts and attrition trends are some of the reports that are extremely helpful to HR.

Pricing: ZOHO People has 4 plans namely; Essential HR, Professional, Premium and Enterprise. The rate varies from $.83 per employee to $4.16 per employee per month. The higher end plans have performance appraisal, customized forms and attendance and shift scheduling which are not a part of low-end plans.

They also offer a 15 day free trial period.

Available : Android & iOS

7. MyAttendanceTracker.com 

myattendancetracker

This solution was built for school attendance but it is now used for educational events and employee attendance too. It’s essentially a digital attendance register where teachers or employers can enter student / employee data on cloud and access it anywhere and anytime. Teachers can also add grades in this online register.

Other features like live location or employee punch in is lacking in this. It’s suitable for employers who want to maintain a record on cloud without any action required on employee’s part.

Pricing: This solution is free for now.

Available : Android & iOS

8. Time Station

time station

Another simple cloud based app to track attendance. The technology is simple. Manager can sign up their company along with the employee list and generate a bar code for each employee. The print out of this bar code is given to each employee which they have to scan to punch in and punch out at office. Bar codes can be scanned with any smartphone or tablet that can be kept at the office reception.

Managers can login to mytimestation.com and see a full report time and attendance reports for employees. It’s also very easy to export the reports in other payroll software. Geographical location can be mapped my managers to allow punch-in only in office locations. There is a possibility of buddy punching in this app although it comes with its own unique feature.

Unique Feature: The good thing about this app is that it can work offline too! The device records all the punch-ins and syncs the data when network is available later. This makes it perfect for tracking attendance in multiple remote locations for companies in civil construction or social services.

Pricing: The plans range from $19.95 a month for 20 employees to $59.95 a month for 200 employees. All plans have a 30 day free trial period.

Available : Android & iOS

9. Kronos

kronos

Kronos is a business with a long history and reputation. The company was one of the pioneers in time tracking technology with the first patented microprocessor based time clock to its credit. Since then Kronos has grown a suite of services in human capital and workforce management.

Read also : How To Create a GPS Tracking Application?

They have a comprehensive set of HR solutions that cater to mid size and large companies. In fact, they have five solutions just under attendance and time tracking. Kronos strategy is solution based offering rather that product or service offering. For this reason you may end up buying a suit of solution for your company that is an expensive upfront investment in HR.

Unique Feature: Kronos strength is its reputation and a comprehensive HR solution package for businesses.

Available : Android & iOS

10. Time Intelligence by Replicon

time intelligence

Time Intelligence is a pre-build collection of solutions offered by Replicon. The company looks at time as a valuable commodity and has solutions for time tracking, scheduling, payroll and everything else related to time management. Services can be brought in a pre-packaged of the shelf solution or custom built to meet your company’s unique requirement.

It has all the usual capabilities of a time tracking service such as cloud storage, advanced reporting, biometric integration and mobile app tracking.

Unique Feature: Replicon is working with cutting edge technology like AI powered self service, face recognition and much more. They have the likes of  FedEx and Deloitte among their customers.

Pricing: Price on request for demo.

Available : Android & iOS

11. When I Work

when i work

When I work is an easy app that managers can use to schedule shifts, budget labour costs and track attendance. Managers can assign shifts to workers and also manage shift budgeting through a simple web based application. The app is highly communicative with chat features and ability to see when employees have seen their work schedule.

On the other hand employees can mark their attendance, know work schedule and raise request for day offs. The clock-in is GPS enabled to ensure honest and avoid attendance frauds.

Unique Feature: The app has an intuitive User Interface and is free for up to 75 employees.

Pricing: The basic features of app are free for usage by up to 75 users. Attendance feature is priced at $1.5 per user per month. For companies above 75 employees, price is available on request.

Available : Android & iOS

12. primaERP

primaERP

This is one amongst the great cloud enabled employee attendance tracking apps for teams working on client projects. The app has three main features which are attendance, time tracking and billing. For detailed analysis of tasks and time spent on project activities, the time tracking module is very helpful. It can give interesting reports such as return on activities, profitability of projects, billing accuracy, etc,

Unique Feature: prima ERP is used in more than 100 countries and is available in more than 7 languages.

Pricing:

  • Attendance module is charged $9 per month for every 10 users
  • Time tracking module is $4 per month per user
  • Billing module is $4 per month per user

Available : Android & iOS

13. Time Doctor

time doctor

This is a good app if you want employee monitoring along with time tracking. This cross platform app tracks time spent on each tasks as well as idle time. Screenshots of systems can be captured and web usage can be tracked. This means it’s possible to catch an employee spending too much time on Facebook and intervene. Automatic alerts for tasks also ensure that employees are kept at their tasks.

Unique Feature: Apart from accurate employee monitoring the advantage of Time Doctor is that it integrates seamlessly with most of the payroll, HR ERP and project management platforms.

Pricing: They have only one plan with all the attendance, time tracking, monitoring and integration features in it.  The cost is $9.99 per user per month

Available : Android & iOS

14. DeskTime

desk time

This is time management web app that tracks not only attendance but also the time spent on each task. Employees can log-in their tasks through a convenient desktop app. Everything from break time to meetings to app usage can be logged in. Reports on productivity are made available to both employees and managers in the web dashboard.

At the manager’s dashboard, managers can see important metrics on productive time, desk time, break time etc.

Unique Feature: Daily activity, sick leaves, vacations, over-time and employee monitoring can all be managed at one place by managers.

Pricing: Full features are available at $7 per month per user

Available : Android & iOS

15. Where’s My Staff

where is my staff

Where’s my staff uses NFC technique to mark attendance in office or institutes. The method requires an NFC tag that is fixed in the office. Employees can simply pass their phones over the tag after they have downloaded the app. The solution has geolocation feature for on-field staff like sales agents and consultants.

Unique Feature: The app works even in offline mode. Punch-ins are recorded in the NFC tags and updated in the admin account once internet connection is restored. It also supports QR code scanning for smartphones that do not support NFC technology

Read also : 24 Best GPS Tracking Apps For Android in 2021

Pricing: NFC tags can cost anywhere from $5 to $25. They have three plans of $9.99 per year (for 10 employees) $19.9 per year (for 50 employees) and $49.9 employees (for more than $50 employees). These plans are currently free but will be made chargeable soon.

Available : Android & iOS

Tying It All Together

You can find everything from simple employee apps to a comprehensive HR solution package for attendance and time tracking. Needless to say, you will pay more for any services availed in addition to attendance tracking.

Almost all providers offer services on cloud so that you can be up and running in a few hours. The difference between vendors is in the technologies and platforms used by them. As we saw, attendance can be marked using WiFi, NFC tags, biometrics, online app punching or portal login.

Because each sector has its own unique requirements, many service providers also specialize in industries such as education, health or IT. You should choose your vendor based on ease of implementation and a perfect fit for your requirements.

Siri Vs Google Assistant. Which is the Smartest in 2018?

It is hard to imagine a world without technology. Virtually all aspects of life have been transformed with technology. As ICs get smaller, batteries become efficient and software become smarter, technology has ushered in digital sidekicks that perform most tasks bringing in speed and convenience to mundane activities.

As brands launched their own versions of digital assistants, loyal customers waged online battles claiming superiority. While the basic functions of most digital assistants were more or less the same, some scored better than the others in certain functions, while others outperformed elsewhere. We help users to rest their case by pitting Siri Vs Google Assistant.

Here’s the low down on the best between the two popular brands.

1) Depth of information

When it comes to posing questions, Google Assistant steals a march over Siri. This is understandable considering the search engines access to most of the traffic on the internet. With algorithms that help users find answers to questions on the browser, it is not difficult to understand how Google Assistant leverages this access to powerful search engine tools to offer quick responses to questions. This makes it a more reliable option if you are looking for answer and insights. You can be sure that you will get the most accurate information here.

2) Compatibility

This is the all important question that you need to ask yourself. If you are an Apple lover, with the iconic logo adorning your devices, then it would be a good idea to go for Siri as it works best within its ecosystem. While Google Assistant is compatible with both the platforms, the experience is a bit different. You will find it seamless to use a Siri on iOS devices. And Siri does not work elsewhere, so its basically two different platforms that you are looking at. If you an Android user, then Google Assistant will be the only choice, between the two.

3) Natural language processing

The idea of having a device for convenience is to make things simpler and less complicated. This effectively means that you would certainly not want to spend time training yourself to shoot out commands that the assistant understands.

You would certainly want one that understands you. In other words you would love to give directions in a natural manner, in a language that you use conversationally. Here it is Google Assistant that walks away with the trophy. It understand your language easily and you do not have to actually take time to frame your commands in machine friendly context.

 4) Playback options

Here it is Siri that takes the honours. This may have a lot to do with the fact that the iOS devices are famous for the music experience. Here the experience is a lot better when it comes to accessing the library and playing your most favourite tunes, including playing back songs on commands that are contextual. While Google Assistant has greater flexibility when it comes to being contextually aware, Siri scores on the music front, being able to do it faster and with equally, if not more contextual commands.

5) Pioneer to grouped commands

While Siri introduced a new feature ‘Shortcuts’, it was regarded as an attempt to match the features of Google Assistant and others. However, Siri was the forerunner in this with the versatile ‘Scenes’ feature. This offered users the power to direct one single command which would then proceed to get all devices execute the command. This gave it a head start over the rest of the digital assistants. This feature was upgraded in Google Assistant with additional options that gave it more traction than Siri, which probably prompted Apple to come out with the Shortcuts feature. However, despite the inclusion of the new feature, Google Assistant took the lead with the inclusion of more features.

6) Ease of Commanding

For instance, when it came to setting of alarms, both fared equally well.  Well almost, actually. The setting of alarm were more or less the same. However, when it comes to cancelling of alarms, Google Assistant clearly had the lead here. This was because of the ability of the latter to understand simple language commands.

Also Read : Best Voice Search Apps For Android (2018)

With Siri it takes a sharp command to get the work done. This is the obstacle that prevents Siri from performing tasks easily. Google Assistant seemed to intuitively understand the commands. The use of AI in search has certainly helped the developers to put together a far more intelligent device than the others in the market.

7) Ability to take questions

When it came to the ability to take questions, it was Google Assistant that outran the entire opposition. As various studies that have been undertaken to determine the better of the digital assistants, typically threw questions at the devices. The speed of the response and the quality of the response indicated the ability to the assistants to process the information. Across all metrics, it was Google Assistant that performed better.

Contextually aware and throwing responses in the fastest possible time, it was Google’s baby that outdid Siri. Though Siri had responded to all the questions, the time taken and the need for framing the questions in a particular manner robbed it of it shine. When it came to accuracy, Siri was as good as Google Assistant, provided the device understood the question.

The jury’s take

Google Assistant scores over Siri, mostly by virtue of its association, and by extension, the access to the substantial search engine algorithms and AI. Siri, despite having an array of stunning features that work wonderfully on iOS devices, is limited to the closed iOS, and is handicapped by limited access to search engine algorithms and AI.

Despite coming a close second in the race among digital assistants, it is fair to conclude with finality that Google Assistant is the leader of the pack, and unless the others come up with something spectacular that changes the convenience levels, the narrative will remain unchanged. Google Assistant rules, and is by far the most enterprising of the two.

Amazing App Features That Will Blow Your Mind

Mobile has carved an all new frontier for businesses and companies to grow and connect with their new as well as existing customers. Even small businesses choose to penetrate the relevant market by developing a smartphone app rather than opting for the responsive, mobile-friendly version of the website. However, not all apps you discover in Android or iOS app stores offer the same value to users and businesses alike.

Since mobile apps are also responsible for your business reputation and brand personality, you must consider designing the exemplary features for your mobile app that best suit your business model.

If you are looking for fresh outlook for integrating trending app features, the following list based on latest industry standards will surely help you make the right decision.

1) Feedback and ratings

This can be seen as an integral feature that every mobile app aspiring grow large should have. Having a way for users to provide honest feedback and ratings is key to growing your app from nothing to something. Either you offer a button or a link or message box with request to post review. Users can find it easy to report bugs, share improvement suggestions and critical remarks on their overall experience.

2) Customization

Users appreciate it, if the app they use has great options to adjust its various settings such as font colour, size, background and privacy setting. This is especially more important if it is a social app or game app. your app is likely to take off exceedingly well if you give your users opportunities to tweak and take the charge of customization.

3) Geolocation

Geo-location can be an epic feature for your mobile app in 2018. It helps send relevant notifications to the users based on their specific location. Mobile apps focusing on fitness, traffic and tracking can leverage this feature, enabling users to discover their current status, track their workout, running routes and more. Outdoor fanatics have a lot to gain from Geo-location feature.

4) Push notifications

If used without intending to nag users, sending push notifications or alert messages can keep users engaged and coming back to your app with more interest. This is the most essential support feature in your app that helps make your communication effective. You can build this feature to keep users updated on new features, upcoming attractions, promotions and offers and a lot more. It increases your chance to further enhance engagement level and creates monetization opportunities.

5) Google Indoor maps

Walking an extra mile for users will give you extra returns, of course. Think of Google Indoor-maps, for example. While exploring a premise with many attractions or stores, this feature can help users as they navigate within indoor locations. The feature is of much use especially when the users are visiting malls, museums, restaurants, libraries, etc.

6) Social media integration

Logging in to your app can be interesting and easy with existing social media credentials of users. Getting registered via Facebook or Google or other popular media can make user experience even better, faster and more convenient. Social integration not only simplifies the sign up process but it is also a beneficial feature for brands who want to connect with consumers on a common app ecosystem.

7) Payment gateway integration

If built to outlast customer expectations, Payment gateway has power to represent your mobile app. it makes payment acceptance a wholesome experience. Though it does not fit into the category of charismatic features, the payment gateway does have bragging rights for it gives your business an uncanny advantage of boosting sales by delighting customers.

8) Forums and Support Groups

Be it iOS or Android, mobile apps integrated with community forums and support group do add some value. Users can easily stay connected with other fellow members.

You can think of affording the luxury of chat-based connections to inspire conversational sharing among users. If it is a health and fitness app, users can resort to the support group to consult with experts in the business right in your app.

9) Augmented reality

If there is any technological innovation that has brought unforeseen standards in the world of retail shopping, it is this: Augmented Reality. It offers dynamic features that step out of the reality to encourage “try before buy” model. Consumers using AR apps can avail the advantage of try on items of interest before making the decision. Thus, AR can be considered as one of the amazing app features in 2018, making your experience unreal, exciting and quite interactive.

10) Elements of Relevance

What differentiates common browser-based websites from mobile apps is that app content is focused around the concentrated information. The condensed structure of essential content in mobile apps minimizes the customer journey so that users can grab relevant information quite easily. Adopt the practice of building apps that are not just another extension of web portals, but are strategically built apps offering valuable information in the most straightforward fashion.

11) QR code scanning

The number of layers between customers and quick transaction are depleting with the help of QR and Barcode scanning facility in mobile apps. This feature allows customers to experience immense convenience while making a at ecommerce retailers. The process helps save time and provides hassle-free user experience.

12) Voice-enabled services

As the decade progresses, the mobile apps add more capabilities and power to users’ life. For instance, voice-enabled UI provides highly interactive experience to users. The success of virtual voice assistant Amazon’s Alexa has inspired the rise of voice assistant apps. Enhanced with friendly voice agents, such apps are creating hot trends in app market. This is why the number of users seeking feature is soaring up. The trend of touch-free voice search is intrusive and irresistible as it enhances user experience and offers tremendous convenience.

13) The power of IoT

IoT technology redefines what ‘smart’ exactly stands for. For instance, cable service providers have already started providing voice recognition into TV remotes so that users can quickly discover their favourite shows and channels in a matter of a few seconds. Philips has also developed smart light bulb technology that integrates with mobile app to control the bulb intensity through voice commands. We expect to experience a significant rise in the adoption rate of such creative app features into mobile apps.

14) Advanced analytics

The idea of implementing advanced analytics with comprehensive dashboard is every app maker’s thought while creating back-end architecture. Advanced app analytics is central to understanding user’s behavioural pattern and specific decisions deeply. It helps you track user activity as they interact and navigate through different pages of your app. ultimately, the numbers and figures about users will further boost marketing strategy and help design perfect user experience.

15) Don’t forget to keep it straight and simple

It is easy to think that throwing in a handful of alluring features will entice more users, and that app users will find it cool and attractive. But overkill of such approach may turn your business upside down. Users are now growing smarter and expect great things in simple ways.

Hence, it is wise to focus on a small set of features that you believe are going to resonate with end users. Remember that users seek and trust in mobile apps that let them complete the action in shortest time and with smooth navigation. With this idea forming the major part of user experience, try to create a straight, intuitive and interesting UI.

Conclusion

Your Android and iOS mobile apps will elicit user satisfaction only if there are features that make their in-app journey worthwhile. While all of the features described above capture users’ attention, what puts powerful impact is the simplicity mingled with innovative design. In 2018, these features are must-have for mobile apps built with the considerations of latest standard and trends. They also act as the best value proposition for your customers and help engage increasing number of users