What if, instead of waiting for long, you get to book tickets, order your favourite food, do shopping, get your health tips, chat, call and do much more? That’s the covetable concept behind having a mobile apps. Mobile apps have the ability to merge the virtual world with technology and thus offer businesses the chance to increase and expand customer interaction with their products.
Nowadays the thought that mobile apps are only for big brands must change as even more small businesses are following this trend. This helps them interact with customers on day to day basis and its also a solution for business to take their marketing to the next level.
Having a mobile app can help you many ways like being visible to customers 24/7, create direct marketing channel, provide more value to users, build a better brand and recognition in the industry, improve user engagement, stand out from other competitors and even help you build customer Loyalty.
Either way, a mobile app would be an essential element of any business in the coming years. So make the right choice for your business to set the right base for the future.
Now take a look at the below given info graphic and get an overview on the different purposes of creating an app!
It is indeed a daunting task for parents to constantly keep a tab on what their kids are watching on their smart phones. The internet abuzz with loads of adult content can pose a serious damage to the developing psyches of kids. While most of the kids spend time texting their friends all day, some of them love watching videos. Childproofing is the need of the hour for all parents to ensure that their kids view content that is kid-friendly. In an attempt to enable children to view only child-friendly content on your smart phone, here are some hacks that will come handy.
1. Effective Management of Adult Content in Online Videos
It is a common sight to witness young kids toying with a smart phone to watch and enjoy online cartoon shows, rhymes and funny videos. If you are the parent of a child who is glued to YouTube most of the times, it pays to steer clear of online adult content that your child can accidentally come across. All thanks to the in-built feature of YouTube that you can now restrict your kids from browsing videos that call for adult supervision. This is an effective means to manage what your kids watch via YouTube videos.
2. Allow Your Kid to Watch Age-Appropriate YouTube Videos
Make the most of YouTube’s algorithm which can successfully block inappropriate content for kids. To enable this function, you need to tap the three dots that are present on the top right side of YouTube’s home page. Then you need to select Settings, followed by the General option. After making these selections, you will see the Enable Restricted Mode. Aptly named, selecting this option will allow you to heave a sigh of relief that your kid will not accidentally browse inappropriate online content.
3. How to Make Netflix As A Child-Friendly Entertainment Platform
Netflix has caught up as a popular video streaming platform for the young and old. Featuring a host of entertaining animation videos for young kids, Netflix is a chosen interface for all such videos which do not stream on YouTube. With Netflix, you have the luxury of creating a separate profile for kids. To activate this kid-friendly viewing option, you need to navigate to the main menu on Netflix by swiping from left to right. You will then find an arrow icon on the top. You need to tap this icon which will prompt you to add a children’s profile by checking the kids’ box. This is a safety mechanism in place to ensure that your smart phone does not become an instrument of inappropriate viewing.
4. Safer Web Browsing Strategies
It is not only for entertainment that your kids pick up your smart phone. Growing kids look up for online assistance to complete their academic projects and school assignments. Your kids might need your smart phone for all such academic purposes. They will start browsing the internet to extract information in the form of educational content and images that will help them with their homework. However, they can be unmindful of the plethora of malwares that plague the online territory. Your kid can click on a malware that can harm your smart phone.
You can enable the “safe browser” settings and activate them. Another way to safeguard your smart phone is to install an anti-virus software which enables browsing features.
5. How to Play Safe While Installing Gaming Apps
Notwithstanding the fact that you can find a host of gaming apps featured on Google Play Store or the iStore, but you need to exercise some caution while installing games. While some of the games are authentic, you should be wary of many fake and unwarranted apps that not only post online content but can also damage your smart phone. Since it is impossible for a kid to identify a fake game from a real one, you as parents should ensure that your kids are not exposed to such games which contain explicit content. If you have an Android phone, you can ensure that your phone is made child-friendly by restricting inappropriate content on Google Play.
All you need to do is to go to Settings, followed by an option called “Parental Controls”. You then need to enable this option. Upon enabling it, Google prompts you to key in a 4 digit pin number. This will work as an authentication code for your kids to install genuine gaming apps.
6. Mindful of Health Hazards Caused By Smartphones
Smartphones have already turned into an addiction not only with kids but also with adults as well. Along with causing an irreparable damage to the eyes, smart phones are also leading to back problems with frequent users. Headaches and migraines are following suit.
Another precautionary measure that can be taken to protect the eyesight of your kids who browse via smartphones is to install a Safety Screen app. This is an app that sends constant reminders about the ideal distance kids should maintain between them and the phone so as to stay safe. Once your kid comes very close to the phone, a distance that is damaging to his eyes, the app blocks a part of the screen with a warning. This warning disappears once the optimum distance between your kid and the smartphone is maintained.
7. Make the Most of the Kids’ Mode
You don’t need a pair of eyes to keep a close watch on what your kids are viewing on the net; through your smartphone. Parents can check out the Kids’ or Child Mode that is made available in a number of branded smartphones. Along with Windows Phones, Android Smartphones too have this child-friendly feature which needs to be activated. Once this mode is chosen, your kids will be able to view only those apps and games that are exclusively meant for kids.
The recent announcement from Facebook that it is all set to launch a child app specifically for kids to chat with family and friends is an innovative move. Once this comes up, parents will be comfortable with their kids staying in touch with their connections through safe means.
Key Takeaways
Tech savvy kids are attracted to various online games and videos that at times contain explicit content. While you as parents can fail to keep smartphones within the reach of your kids, there is one thing that is within your circle of influence. And that is about ensuring your smartphone displays only child-friendly content to your kids.
All the above mentioned tricks can work in your best interest. However, if you find your kids outdoing the tabs you have installed for them, it is best to keep an open channel of communication with them. Allow them to speak up their concerns as and when the necessity arises so that they don’t fall prey to a host of explicit and kid-unfriendly content that is posted on various online platforms.
The most important thing in a scientific fiction, thriller movie is that you get to watch the endless usage of technological gadgets that could be used in future world. Technology never stays still and it keeps moving forward and so does the concepts in Hollywood industry. And with the advent of computer and app technology, its not at all difficult to portray someone’s vision in movies.
For creators, film makers and story tellers, future technology and the world of imagination has always been a fountain of possibilities and innovations. The rapid evolution of CGI effects and better technology in devices has enabled people to shoot movies even in phones. Night fishing shot on 2011 is the first film which was entirely shot on an iPhone.
The consequences and influence of smart phones in our daily lives has mostly used and explored in the latest released movie ‘starve crow’ which is called to be the world’s first selfie movie. Many of the technologies predicted years ago in movies like swiping gestures, touch-screen computing, motion-controlled sensors are these days used in real.
As digital technology is making changes in film-making, this visual graph depicts the real-world technologies showcased in movies years ago.
After experiencing great frenzy and thrill in mobile gaming in 2017, here is 2018 when mobile game lovers anticipate the most exciting upcoming games. Due to a lot of new fun elements, creative graphics and technology-enabled gaming solutions, this year is surely going to be more exhilarating than the past year when it comes to mobile gaming entertainment.
From strategic, action-packed themes to casual, light-mood games, game development companies have made available an ample number of games to Apple store and Google Play store. While we can always expect new games hitting the market, there are an intriguing few that have most outstanding characteristics and interesting stories.
Here we will take a look at the 9 most anticipated games of 2018 for Android and iOS phones. Check out the list below:
1. Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Adventure has already gained its fans due to its finest attractive graphics and engaging, clever gameplay. So the sequel called Alto’s Odyssey is anticipated to be more exciting due to the promise left by the first one. This game is worth a buzz for 2018’s most awaited games because there is much to be intrigued about.
For once, there is little information revealed to the public on the game, but it can be believed that there will be bits as interesting as mountain adventures and daring flips and a lot many other athletic moves. People also expect a new colour work done to the game visuals with a new environment to explore. Alto will be a thing to watch with a new variety of tricky coups.
2. Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion
The team of Behaviour had created incredible Fallout Shelter that became a sensation among mobile game fanatics and is still earning positive reputation from game addicts. The team is to hit back with an all new title Assassin’s Creed.
With the theme of assassins getting intense in the game, players of Assassin’s Creed will enjoy creating the army of killers and sending them on missions to make some cash. The game is more fulfilling and engaging than Fallout Shelter since it inspires players to participate in the game mission to hit the target without letting anybody die.
Assassins are given a new touch of style that is likely to be both appealing and funny to game fans.
3. Durango
Open world mobile game with survival tactics is a theme people are dying to play on their mobile devices. Durango from Nexon seems to be the best game in this genre with convincing gameplay. This is quite a mature MMORPG in its league as it features a lot of immersive elements to keep the gamers engrossed and active as they survive the odds and dangers through the relentless wilderness riddled with dinosaurs. Here players will find it creative to build their own farm, crafts, settlement and indulge in other activities in the wild fields.
Among other survival-based titles in Android and Apple store, Durango holds much more weight and fame due to its multiplayer experience and strategic defence.
4. Marvel Strike Force
Marvel mobile games are all the rage, and in 2018 the games are expected to go even more successful in making more fans. The Marvel Strike Force designed by the developers from Marvel: Contest of Champions is the one interesting phenomenon this year.
Players are going to be surprised by a dazzling range of characters right from hyper-famous Marvel comics. Players will grab a chance to form a team with Nick Fury to defeat the villains of the comics. It is not fixed when this game is precise to be released, but if you are a true ecstatic fan of actions you can go ahead and opt for pre-registration.
5. Badland Brawl
Badland Brawl has carved the remarkable place in the mobile gaming territory. It is enriched with some novel mechanics that further enlivens the Badland universe. This upcoming game has the power of slingshot for brawler where players hurl their units onto the battlefield to battle it out and overpower the enemy and destroy the enemy tower.
Here the thrilling part is that players will need to earn units and build decks. Players can also grab the opportunity to share units with other players of the clan. With in-game BadTube players can watch previous brawls and learn to dominate their opponents.
6. Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars is a new upcoming sensation in the mobile gaming world in 2018. This is a multi-player shooting gameand engages players divided in three teams. They will have to battle it out each trying to conquer over the other or kill one another to achieve certain objectives and scores as the set game mode will allow.
To fasten the pace of the game to suit your needs, gamers can even opt in to 10 person mode where you can enjoy rough speed for more excitement and fun. Another best part about Brawl Stars is that you can have heroes that can be customized or upgraded and you can build up your own clan or adjust colours to create personalized world of game.
Thus, Brawl Stars makes for one epic milestone to look forward to in 2018.
7. Royal Blood
In the past, people who are addicted to mobile games could not believe how MMORPGs genre is going to be frenzy soon. With the emergence of Lineage 2 Revolution things changed and so did the perspective of gamers for this genre. Just like this game which is already thrilling gamers in Asia, Gamevil’s Royal Blood is about to excite the players in 2018.
Royal Blood is packed with rich battles, ample vivid customization and almost everything that a gamester on PC based MMO games can imagine. You can enjoy the mobile game with as much delight as you grabbed on the PC version.
You can scale up you hope for this one this year as the promising game has already claimed several awards for its vibrant graphics.
8. The Walking Dead: Our world
Augmented reality has bred for us the whole new world of wonders ever since its inception and mobile games is the place where it contributes to bringing more surprises. Smart developers have evolved the gaming structures with AR so far and created brands like Pokemon Go.
With The Walking Dead: Our World, Next Game developers leveraged this technology to enhance the dangerous world of shambling zombies with augmented reality. The game has landed developers among top 50 developers.
Having AR and brilliant location-based game theme, the game will definitely have players feeling enchanted, enjoying the heart-racing sessions of wandering about their neighbourhood for resources while struggling to evade zombies and survive. This is the game full of stimulating surprises for zombie fanatics in 2018.
9. The X-Files: Deep State
While TV is soon to be hit by X-Files show, mobile gamers will also receive the brand new version with the same engaging story features. In 2018 The X-Files: Deep State will make players resolve tricky puzzles and unlock mysteries involved in aliens and government conspiracies.
Mulder’s intense obsessions with aliens will take new form mesmerizing the audience for much more enlivening game play. The developer FoxNext has woven all new cases for players each month with monsters of the week and customization for characters.
Before it strikes the market, perhaps there will be more to the X-Files game story as the show returns to the TV in 2018. You can be ready for the great experience with The X-Files: Deep State.
Conclusion:
These are some of the most anticipated games you can expect to rock on Android and iOS phones. While some of them have already electrified the mobile gaming market with lots of creative graphics and inventive characters, others have won hearts by offering unforeseen themes and unique features that made fans out of gamers. In 2018 the mobile game developers are going to unravel more stories gamers can’t wait to explore.
2017 was the proof that we are clearly living in the era of digital revolutions since businesses realized the potential of emerging technologies and adopted mobility to simplify organizational processes. With enterprise mobility being used across a range of industries, companies experienced great boost in growth management and employees engagement by reinventing the routine processes.
Since consumers engage more on their personal devices, enterprise mobility has a greater scope of delivering more innovative experiences. In 2017 IoT, AI and BYOD ruled the top technological trends with mobility being the integral essence of organizational productivity. industries that leveraged the power of IoT and wearable technology observed significant growth and yielded more output through faster employee collaboration.
This discussion leads us to top 11 enterprise mobility trends in 2018. Let’s take a look:
1. The Regime of Artificial Intelligence
AI has become more heroic than ever and is increasingly pervading the space of digital solutions as the year goes on. AI’s machine learning capabilities have been a central focus to the buzz last year. Machine learning technology is expected to go even further with many industries sincerely considering the integration of automation in their everyday processes. Despite such excitement, there are companies that have ignored the usability and importance of AI for their business operations. In 2018 a significant surge in integration of artificial intelligent machines is likely to be observed as innovative companies hope to leverage and learn more about the power of AI and machine learning together.
2. IoT Continues to Impact the Growth
IoT is a second most used phrase in the domain of enterprise mobility. Due to interconnected devices in place, the adoption of mobility in enterprises seems more fruitful. Through IoT, businesses can make precise decisions at the right time by reaping information from user’s daily interactions and shaping the map of their behaviour pattern. With BYOD becoming a chief consideration for growing enterprises, the rise of IoT as connected devices combined with enterprise mobility will surely drive productivity and growth for technology-ready companies in 2018.
3. Cloud gets Louder
The practices of enterprise mobility are further about to get enhanced with increased migration to cloud platform. Due to improved quality and maturity of cloud services, businesses can have easy access to information whenever and wherever they need without bearing massive cost. This is why Big Data has moved to cloud in order to provide more power to the idea of enterprise mobility. Despite the concerns of security big organizations, enterprise solutions a have moved to virtual platform of cloud services at lightning pace. Also, to alleviate security challenges and vulnerability issues, companies have begun to prefer hybrid structures so that apps with critical information are hosted in local system whereas those with little privileged information stay on cloud.
4. Lowered Dependency on Computers
The word mobility is not just deciphered as people and things going mobile, but it also proposes how the increased attention towards commercials apps will boost the mobile usage and limit bigger computing devices like on-premise computers. As customers fiddle with their handset for even the smallest of their needs and inquiries, enterprise mobility will revolutionize how customers engage with the business and gain more interactive experience.
5. Enterprise Mobility Management will Pick Up
Since enterprises are prepared to unleash the full potential of mobility, they have commenced moving their in-house processes to digital devices. This approach has helped them improve communication standard, work flow efficiency, decision making as well as their business process cycle. On account of this, there will be a possible rise in using EMM (Enterprise mobility management) software for the purpose of achieving credibility and security resolution.
6. BYOD will Grow more Rapidly
According to a research, the number of employees using smart phones to collaborate and manage their tasks at work is likely to reach 2.5 million by 2018. This means there will be less traction on hardware maintenance and more on dynamic enterprise mobility. Due to this BYOD adaptation, work environment will grow more flexible and employees will experience enhanced productivity within or outside the premise. Its the ability to transform business processes and bring down operational cost makes BYOD the most thought-worthy point for companies in 2018.
7. Chatbots will Impact Employee Conversations
Enterprises can take ample advantage of Chat bots based on AI technology. Intelligent robots can take control of most of employee interactions helping them with their queries, FAQs, holiday requests, meetings management and much more. Companies will helps employees free up their time by scheduling tasks for chat bots so that they can engage with more crucial tasks. Also, businesses will gain more precise insight into their employees by learning from their chat bot interactions, thus improving their efficiency and performance.
8. Burgeoning Focus on Functionality
Using newer methods to enhance the user experience and digital interactions is becoming the main motto of building apps. With this idea playing a vital role, the focus on improving functionality of mobile apps is gaining much attention among enterprise market. To engage more users for longer life cycle, rich features are designed which ultimately makes the modern apps responsive, fast-loading and compact in use. As every bit of companies is going mobile, using data analytics and constant monitoring, businesses can easily connect with users at reduced cost of hardware maintenance. In 2018 we will see more sophisticated functionalities simplifying business operations.
9. Location-based Services will Grow Predominant
More and more customers are opting for mobile apps that offer extra services and care for their users. Thanks to location-based services, consumers can use apps that interact with their GPS for local geographical information and suggest personalized solutions. Such services include finding nearby spots like hospitals, theatres, coffee shop, malls, restaurants and barber salons. In 2017 relevance of offers made location-based services more desirable, which will continue to grow in 2018 as anticipated. With innovations coming handy, mobile apps can even notify users for the nearest store with their favourite merchandise.
10. Growing Interest in Instant Apps
This is another new trend that is likely to dominate the digital market soon in 2018. Even though Cloud computing offers pretty good amount of benefits, entire migration of software development to cloud is still doubted because of obvious security issues. This is where launching instant apps directly to users come to assist. In the future, enterprise mobility will involve such instant apps that do not compel users to visit the app store for search and download. Due to quick streaming and access like websites, instant apps will save a lot of time, resulting in one of unusual revolutions for enterprise mobility move.
11. Veteran Developers will be Sought Extensively
Since new innovations are in demand and quickly adopted, businesses rely exponentially on those developers who are skilled to invest technological insight into driving more growth. Due to emergence of technological use in business operations, brand marketing and employee engagement, the demand for veteran developers is soaring high. Developers with their experience and talent can helps businesses overcome competition and other challenges in the relevant market. This is the reason many enterprises are developing their own in-house training modules to harness and hone the skills of software developers.
The Future of Enterprise Mobility
With almost 67% employees relying on their own devices at work, there is no surprise how flexible working system has contributed to the consideration of BYOD. Mobile technology can truly improve employee engagement, cost reduction and process management.
However, security is also a big concern for now. Therefore, even though enterprise mobility is on the rise, businesses still need to mull over their process-specific requirements and scrutinize their financial goals, ROI, project size and affordability. This is why enterprises looking to adopt mobility must build a strategy to achieve effectiveness.
Conclusion:
As technology evolves, we will experience much more polished services through digital innovations. Enterprise mobility is one promising sphere where transformations can make vital difference. With rapid adoption rate across industries, enterprise mobility has already shown it has more to offer and revolutionize than marketers and businesses can imagine. With an informed strategy, enterprises can leverage mobility to shape the future of their business.
It is incredible how mobile apps drive our life and make it even better with its digital evolutions. While we can spend a day without using mobile handset, the temptations of apps will always draw us close in to use them. After all, mobile apps make it faster and easier to get things done. But recently, mobile app development industry has experienced a ripple of new trend: Micro apps.
Unlike the normal-sized mobile apps, the micro version offer a unique way to engage the same amount of users while giving developers much boost in ease and speed of development. This approach is beneficial to individual users, enterprises as well as developers in so many ways. This blog explores more on micros apps and their importance in mobile app development.
What exactly is the idea of micro apps?
Micro apps represent the minimalist version of original full-sized apps that has potential to help and engage users with specific features. Micros apps do not conform to the widely practiced size of popular apps and focus on one or small number of features, benefiting both users and mobile app developers alike in the matters of:
Speed
Brevity
Attention span
Size
Convenience
Technically speaking, it is an HTML-built, custom-feature application that consists of limited functions and supports most essential aspect of the business.
Facebook Messenger is a good example of micro app in use that focuses just on the chat feature of its web version. Since it holds on to single functionality, it is easier for users to address their needs without feeling compelled to open and scour the entire heavy app just to chat.
Why are Micro apps gaining a lot of gravity these days?
Statista suggests that an average smart phone owner tends to spend nearly 2.8 hours a day interacting with their apps while 80% users explore maximum 3 apps daily. Despite this large audience, mobile app developers now find it difficult to capture long-term attention from prospect users.
One of the reasons behind decreased rate of consumers is increased number of features in any given app, which further makes the app bulkier than ever. Now that consumer behaviour is changing, it is not favourable for developers to keep creating bulky apps with loads of features.
Instead, simplicity is gaining a lot of traction. Focusing on one feature and making it stronger, quicker and fancier in a controlled environment is the main principle of micro apps.
1) Much compressed and highly customized
This is the era of compressed style where virtual world is going minimalist offering a lot of ease and flexibility on the go. Unlike mainstream giant apps, Micro apps enable users to keep the mini version of app with them and use it wherever they go to fulfil their specific needs.
With micro apps, users are guaranteed to enjoy that one feature they have always wanted exclusive and separated from the pool of other confusing features. It comes highly customized, compact and goal-oriented making for a perfect mobile companion for users.
2) No need to comply with app stores
Not only micros apps are impactful for developers, it appeals to almost every category of individuals ranging from customers to enterprises and start-ups and employees. Customers will not have to mind keywords and push more efforts to locate the micro app in App store.
Micro apps are built using HTML/HTML5 and developers can embed it in full featured web app or as communication tool within existing mobile app. Thus, they can avoid the struggle of app stores and load onto users’ device directly just like Facebook Messenger and Snapchat.
3) Micro apps are gentle to your pockets
Since micro app developers will not have to worry about integrating multiple features or optimizing the micro version for available app stores, they can save great amount of time and money even after development. Think about how much you may need to spend in case the app is big and bulky with array of glittering features.
4) Engaging user experience
As app stores are inundated with myriad of heavy apps, there is a big chance for apps to be rejected abandoned. There are many large apps that fail to offer good user experience or ease of navigation which inspires users to uninstall it immediately. If users are unable to feel engaged or satisfied with the app functions, they will sure quit it.
Micro apps are seamless and easy to use and quick to load. Users seek an app that does one job for them properly and swiftly, and micro apps are the best way for developers to make sure they deliver seamless and engaging user experience.
5) Micro apps address many technical issues
Massive apps built with radical mindset of including most elegant features in one app can disappoint users in many ways. Due to certain technical performance issues, traditional apps can’t do what micro apps can. Such issues may involve:
High load times
Sluggish, annoying performance
Heavy registration formalities
Complex navigation
Limited accessibility
Micro apps seem to address these problems quite well, resulting in impressive user experience, lightning fast access, easy navigation and seamless performance.
As they contain limited functions, there is a great chance for developers to channel their energy in enhancing one feature at times.
6) No burden of making all-rounder apps
Due to much general emphasis on building heavy apps, businesses often lose attention of consumers. As they champion the idea of conformist mobile app development by making an all-rounder app, they fail to engage users and keep them stuck to their apps.
Also, these apps are just direct versions of their existing apps or websites, giving the same old user experience as delivered by their bulky counterparts. This could be an additional burden for mobile app developers, too.
By strategically building micro apps to drive a single functionality can bring more customers to the portal and boost brand interactions. Developers can feel more focused and creative while working on just one feature instead of the bunch of them.
7) Elimination of production issues in the development process
One of the dreadful factors that often cause start-up companies to withdraw from the development project is the hint of flexing their budget. Traditional apps with sundry features can put mass on your shoulders, making companies to rethink over their budget decisions. Due to jitters related to app development economy, such apps are more often withdrawn than sent to app store.
Micro apps make the scenario seem economical, controlled and much favourable to businesses that may otherwise pay high upwards. Since micro app architecture is simple, straightforward and fast to build, developers can create and deploy apps at greater pace and lesser cost. This eliminates the cost issues during production while also improving the final face of the product.
8) Unique micro-service approach for software developers
Micro apps follow unique micro-service architecture so that developers get involved in a unique process for each service and manage an independent database. This kind of approach allows micro app developers to adopt even more decentralized method of software development and manage each task carefully.
This way, each focus area is properly maintained and each service is managed and deployed with much efficiency and without any complications. This in turn helps businesses economize the entire development process to cut overall cost.
9) Micro apps are deployed across all devices
People are getting more dynamic and need more flexible and result-oriented solutions. Users want to engage with apps that support functioning across all devices in use. This is where micro apps emerge as saviour.
Developers can build apps that support all devices both mobile and desktop. Because they don’t have to build separate versions for each platform, developers can proliferate micro apps more rapidly than ever. Users can get these apps from their browser, or via push message or email.
Concluding note:
The role and importance of micro apps for businesses truly justifies the buzz wafting in the world of mobile app development. The condensed version of applications is a trend as interesting to mobile app developer as it is to enterprise companies. The amount of ease, simplicity, speed and affordable cost of micro apps development are convincing businesses to consider it seriously. For developers, it is easy and quick to build functionality-based apps that target specific goal. Micro apps definitely herald the future of mobile app development.
Kotlin has emerged as a sterral new programming language for Android app development as Google has approved Kotlin as the second official Android language at I/O conference. Kotlin community is flourishing, which means that now Java isn’t your only resort even though many android apps are written in Java. JetBrains have introduced this compelling programming language Kotlin that runs and is compatible on Java Virtual Machine.
In this article, we will go a little deep into why you being an Android app developer need to make a switch from Java to Kotlin and how certain features of Kotlin as a programming language can power-charge your Android app development. In the end you will realize the benefits of moving to Kotlin and decide what could be a better choice for you.
About Kotlin:
Kotlin is a static general-purpose programming language designed for JVM and JavaScript. Built to improve coding efficiency and development productivity, Kotlin contains many features that promote lucidity, interoperability and versatility.
So far Kotlin has achieved glory and fame due to its distinctive ability to enhance coding experience and eliminate certain drawbacks that Java offers to developers. The purpose for creating Kotlin was to increase productivity of android app developers in a practical and effective manner.
Some of its features are:
Incorporates both Object oriented and functional programming
Support for high-order functions and types
Enables developers to incorporate both OO and FP forms
Powers mixed-language operations
Full compatibility with Java and Objective C
Much improved syntax and concise abstractions
Supports usability with Android, web and server development
The chief purpose of Kotlin is to enable Android developers to work on mixed-language projects using its compatibility with Java and Objective C so that developers can relish broader learning curve.
The Emergence of Kotlin/Native
To allow developers to leverage universal language across all platforms, JetBrains has released Kotlin/Native that enables inter-platform coding. Since Kotlin/Native runs on LLMV compiler infrastructure, developers can easily write platform-specific components and reuse them on any platform it supports. It gives access to Objective-C API on iOS platform so that developers can also write iOS apps in Kotlin.
Kotlin/Native is not completely ready as the development of compiler, library and runtime is still a work in progress. When fully mature, Kotlin will have consistent interoperability of code and build common libraries.
Prime advantages of Kotlin over Java
Although developers are quite accustomed to Java, it also suffers many critical drawbacks. Kotlin seems to surpass them all with its significant benefits such as:
The comfort of Succinct Code:
Unlike Java where developers are compelled to write bigger forms, Kotlin proves to be succinct for the same code results. By enabling Android developers to avoid redundant lines and syntax while coding the app, Kotlin saves them from meeting complications or entering the room of errors.
With Kotlin’s concise nature:
Same functions can be written in less code
Occurrences of bugs are greatly brought down
The code lines remain quite uncompromised when it comes to clarity and cleanliness
Coders save almost half the efforts put in composing Java code lines
You can observe much more brevity, more power and productivity as a developer
The amount of boilerplate code is significantly reduced
Coding experience in is much more enjoyable for Kotlin developers
Having succinct code becomes especially important when Android app specialists have to handle much larger and demanding projects than simple Android apps.
On the other hand, Java code snippets are relatively long-winded even for the same output or computing function. This results in consumption of more time and strenuous job for Android developers to craft a single function for the app.
Interoperability and Versatility:
This is one of the surprising quality of Kotlin that fascinate any Java developer. In Kotlin, modules can be simply written in a way that immaculately fits into existing Java code. All that is required is emitting Bytecode so that Kotlin compiler can have the two languages work harmoniously in the same development project.
This is termed as interoperability that allows you to try Kotlin in a small portion of your existing project. Kotlin and Java classes co-exist without having developers convert entire coding in Kotlin.
Also if you wish to continue with Kotlin, migrate the completed Java code to Kotlin or alternatively leave the Java code in its original form and build new features and class with Kotlin. The interoperability is so seamless users will not have any clue about parts that are written either in Java or Kotlin.
Android apps developers can even use Java libraries in Kotlin development making the language a most versatile option for building Android apps.
Easy Learning Curve:
Before learning any new language updates, developers often dread how much time and energy it may consume before they are thorough with it. Kotlin does not disappoint those who want to learn coding fast since you just spend a few good hours reading the language references to be able to use it. This is because:
Kotlin acts as a Java enhancement enabling developers to use their polished Java skills in Android projects
Kotlin has lean, lucid and intuitive syntax offering easy learning curve to Java developers
Kotlin and Java classes can exist and work in the same project
It is Intelligible and so easy-to-read that even an unforeseen code can be interpreted quickly
Programmers find Kotlin flexible as they do not need to convert the existing project into Kotlin or work afresh on a new project with Kotlin.
Android Studio Support:
JetBrains who developed Kotlin is also behind IntelliJ, which is responsible for the existence of Android Studio – which means developers will have sufficient support from Android Studio. All you need to do is install Kotlin plugin and Kotlin will be configured in your current project in a few straightforward steps.
Kotlin users can easily understand and run its code once once the plugin is installed. Some of the development areas where Android studio offers support are:
Auto-completion
Debugging
Unit testing
Code navigation
Refactoring
You can even convert your existing Java source file into Kotlin code with Android support at lightning pace.
Ensured Safety
The main cause of Android development errors NullPointException is eliminated in Kotlin since Kotlin system comes with in-built safety measure. Usually, null represents the absence of value, but it can cause the app to go dysfunctional. Kotlin has inherent null protection which saves developers extra effort to write code to address the problem.
No problem of raw types
Usually, raw types were used too often to help ensure backwards compatibility. However, raw types also caused the error of CastClassException during execution but it did not occur in compiling stage. Kotlin resolved the issue by forbidding raw types and improved coding efficiency.
Checked Exceptions are purged
In Java programming, checked exception feature is unnecessary and annoys developers with empty catch blocks. It misinforms developers to identify a non-existent exception in coding. Again, Kotlin eliminated them completely to reduce code density and increase type safety and productivity.
Does adoption of Kotlin mean a farewell to Java?
To answer this, let’s first mention the enormous brands that have converted to Kotlin. Some of them are:
Pinterest
Netflix
Amazon
Uber
Trello
Such adoption of great scale means Kotlin is definitely considered as a superior choice in programming language for Android apps development.
Still, Java is a highly reputed programming language for many years and offers a bounty of open-source tools and libraries to assist and support developers.
Kotlin’s Unfavourable Cons:
No programming language is impeccable. Though Kotlin is growing more stable and popular, there are certain cons about Kotlin:
The issue of Runtime Size
Due to Standard library and runtime of Kotlin, your .apk size will go up by extra 800KB. This may become a problem for applications having large size since users don’t download large-sized apps.
Limited help of community
Android studio does support Kotlin users, but Google is still not the official supporter of Kotlin. Moreover, since the language is still new and emerging, the community is quite smaller compared to beloved Java. Kotline may not offer the same amount of tutorials, documentation, blogs and community support. This might be a heavy disadvantage for Kotlin starters.
Conclusion
Kotlin has certainly taken the world of Android app development by storm mainly due to its innovative coding benefits. As a JVM-compatible language, Kotlin is undoubtedly beneficial to developers and better than Java when it comes to speed, efficiency and clarity of Java coding. But the decision of whether or not to switch entirely to Kotlin depends on the project requirements and suitability of developers.
The digital landscape is shaken with a lot of buzz around investments and integration of AI in businesses. While Artificial intelligence could be an answer to so problems regarding customer services and business revenue, the potential of AI technology has become one of business apprehensions due to uncanny doubts about the application of fully automated, data-driven work models.
On hand, words like competence, efficiency, personalization and automation are highly connected to AI-enables solutions. On the other, the mobile app development scene is unable to surpass prejudices and challenges the technology induces. Today a lot of enterprise companies feel cynical about adopting Artificial Intelligence in their future business model and mobile apps. Here we have narrated a few reasons behind this ongoing hesitation.
1. Cost Concerns:
If one of the potential advantages of using AI technology in organizations is its ability to perform and automate mundane tasks, one of the chief drawbacks of using artificially intelligent machines is cost. Mobile app development companies especially know how much efforts and cost consumed in the process of integrating AI in mobile apps. The process is comparatively costly and requires flexible budget to manage AI-powered apps. Moreover, companies have to implement frequent upgrades to complement changing trends, policies and business requirements, which further makes the cost heavier.
2. Breakdown and Recovery Challenges:
Since machine learning and its precise implementation come with a lot of research work, it is big challenge to meet the expectations and fulfil new demands every day. When there is an instance of serious breakdown in the system, AI-enabled machines demand a length of careful procedures and actions that may exhaust the operators and monitoring assistants. System maintenance and codes recovery processes would need great patience and resources, increasing the loss of productivity.
3. Consumption of lots of Resources and Time
Artificial intelligence may sound fancy, but when implementing it requires significant amount of human resources to develop intelligent interface, predictive analytics automation and natural language processing. Integrating these parallel technologies mean you can’t just think and act on it instantly. Also, AI-powered apps must be highly adaptive and configured to process incoming data in an intuitive and intelligent fashion.
If you are deprived of time, financial support and essential human resourcefulness, there is a big chance that you may create software or app that does not leverage AI in desirable and efficient manner. Mobile app developers also believe that the idea of eliminating sophisticated features sounds better than including their underdeveloped or partially functional version.
4. Lack of human-like acumen
It may come as a surprise, but AI contains the word ‘artificial’, which means it still lacks true human power and intelligence. One of the arguments that stand against AI technology is that the machines and intelligent robots are not completely capable of producing reliable judgement calls, or of being as flexible as human brain. Algorithms and machine computing have certain limits and can’t work in places where human supervision becomes necessary.
Machine learning is stubbornly programmed and completely mechanical when it comes to making sensible decisions based on ongoing crisis. It can be understood that in critical situations of emergencies or other ulterior incidents, AI may fail to pull off what is most expected of it.
5. Unimaginative and mechanical
It is a valid argument that artificial intelligent machines are low on creative imagination and innovation. This can be especially disadvantageous in the process of mobile app development where you must be original and creatively talented to yield high-quality competitive products. Only humans can be inventive and deal with elements like aesthetics, layouts, graphics, storyboards and many creative design ideas. Machines can only help proceed further what designers have already ideated since they lack human sensitivity and emotions.
6. Inflexible knowledge and stiff insight
Humans can think logically and learn a lot through their every day experiences, developing a cognitive flow of knowledge. This may not be the case with artificial intelligence machines that do store a plethora of information without gaining ability to access it the same way as done by humans. AI machines are rigid and subject to what is fed and programmed as part of its algorithm. When the environment changes, their responses and insight remain inflexible, failing to be fully adaptive to evolving updates and requirements. Due to such stiff knowledge and limited insights, enterprises may find it undesirable to integrate AI in their mobile apps.
7. Still toddling in marketing sphere
Even with so much admiration and enthusiasm brought around the discussion of AI-powered applications, artificial intelligence and machine learning are still struggling to meet expectations as set by futuristic Sci-Fi movies. Seen as too fantastical or exaggerated, the concept of artificial intelligence getting integrated in mobile apps is still not fully understood or trusted by online brands who believe conventional user interactions and readymade analytics are the only reliable way by far to address imminent customer requirements. We can deduce that AI is still taking baby steps for certain group of business ventures.
Why to consider AI in mobile apps?
Despite all the hesitation and speculative fears enterprises have against the use of AI in mobile apps, here are certain facts of AI mobile apps to consider:
Consumer expectations are on the rise and they rely extensively on their Smartphone while seeking unique offers and brand information.
If done creatively, integration of AI in mobile apps personalize the user experience and enhance UI.
Due to personalization, relevance and improvements experienced in AI-driven offers, user abandonment rate will diminish.
With precise analytics and predictions of user behaviour and trends, brands can retain, engage and acquire more customers.
Based on this market scenario, we can say that businesses that soberly favour AI integration in mobile apps will gain booming competitive advantage and unrivalled position in relevant market.
Conclusion
They way AI technology is evolving, it is inevitable for businesses working in digital sphere to adopt AI to strengthen their online presence. The fact that users already have apps and portals generating auto-responses approves artificial intelligence as a future for customer engagement and business acquisition. Digitally sound enterprises should think of hiring employees conversant with AI-driven business models. Organizations that are truly focused on building awareness of AI and grasping the potential of intelligent machine learning will be among the high revenue gainer in future.
Digital marketing on mobile devices is predominant to any online brand marketing strategy since people using their smart devices are increasing wildly. This is why companies trying to engage and charm more customers must have to adopt this global trend, or else they will be flung out of competition. For this purpose to serve better, businesses can think of building either platform-specific native applications or hybrid apps that work across multiple platforms.
Marketing leaders often emphasize going hybrid because it requires a single version of app that functions across multiple devices and platforms. This is the best way to engage majority of target customers. With hybrid apps now becoming extremely dominant in 2018, we have a convincing excuse to explore its eminent advantages. But first it is important to know the difference between native apps and hybrid apps.
The difference between Native and Hybrid apps
Native apps
use platform-specific language like Objective C or Java and interact with all native functionality of user’s mobile device and common UI elements. Native apps constantly remain connected with mobile GPS, stored files, camera, calendar, contacts, personal profiles and other in-built features, offering a seamless user experience and swift performance.
Hybrid apps
on the other hand resemble the functioning of web apps but have native qualities and web view experienced via device’s native browser. Moulded in native container, they are built from special frameworks that enable the smooth interactions between app’s interface and some of Smartphone’s native features and its hardware. For this to be possible, it requires cross-platform APIs. Any web developer skilled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript can ably create high-quality hybrid apps.
Benefits of Hybrid mobile app development
There are many positive aspects of hybrid app development. Here are top 9 advantages of building hybrid apps as compared to pure native mobile or web apps.
1. Low cost with ease of development:
Due to unified development of hybrid mobile apps, businesses will not have to spend separately for building multiple versions of apps for multiple platforms. Instead, hybrid frameworks allow developers to build a single version, and write and maintain individual code bases for various platforms. This approach saves significant amount of money for small companies that want to save big and attract more revenue.
Another secret advantage hybrid app development offers is that companies who want to beat other and hit the market first can release the MVP before competitors do. This results in introducing viable solutions much faster, resulting in an absolute competitive advantage.
2. Native experience with simple backend:
Although native app delivers excellent user experience, a hybrid app does provide the most of what native UX offers along with keeping back-end structure simple. You can opt for comprehensive development frameworks to build a hybrid app UX that beautifully connects to device-specific functionalities. This UX remains seamless even while working on fixes and updates across all platforms. Users of hybrid apps experience fluid native feel and no difference as they shift from one device platform to another.
3. Creative ideas meet target audience:
Ordinary web applications do not stay in touch with device’s OS and built-in environment. They are not as smart as today’s evolved apps and fail to emulate much polished native apps. Hybrid applications are spruce and sophisticated as they cleverly marry device OS with its inherent functionality without much overhead. This enables app developers to think of more creative ideas to do more with hybrid development and capture great attention of target audience.
4. High-speed performance:
So far native apps have set mighty standard in terms of speed and performance. But when it comes to hybrid development, there is no question of speed either. Practically, when making comparison with other mobile development options, hybrid apps are quite faster than mobile web apps or responsive websites.
Since they don’t have to rely that much on network communication, a hybrid app is always expected to run quickly on device screen even when there is an ample amount of users.
Twitter, a social media app handles overwhelming amount of traffic every moment, is also an example of how hybrid app development epitomizes performance.
5. Attractive UI/UX designs:
Consistent experience and attractive design are two core elements that drive more users to your app. With hybrid app development, you can be sure your mobile app offers superior UI experience and flawless performance to app users. Due to its un-compromised operation and look on each platform, hybrid apps are more welcome to app store than any other mobile apps. Users don’t encounter the problems of observing low performance or loading time when using it on multiple operating systems. This makes it a preferable choice for businesses that seek maximum engagement on both iOS and Android device users.
6. Offline Support:
Offline support of any hybrid app could be one of the most rewarding features for people who:
Have limited data consumption plans
Live in rural or underdeveloped neighbourhood
Have connections that often get interrupted
Are always on the go
Pure web applications could be beneficial to only those individuals who reside in urban areas where high-speed internet access is seamless.
Offline support keeps the users connected to some of their apps features even when they lose network connection
Consumers living in a fast-paced environment immensely depend on mobile apps that limit number of attempts their apps take to reconnect
In hybrid apps, due to device’s API, users can store certain data locally as offline storage, which is useful to those in transit or who frequently lose coverage
7. Hassle-free integration with other apps:
As native apps run only on the same OS, it is challenging for users to make it integrate or work in harmony with other apps. There will be a lack of inter-app interaction. However, hybrid mobile apps break free from such issues. Hybrid apps have power to seamlessly integrate with other apps, which is a great advantage to hybrid mobile app developers who would put little efforts in integration. Also, since hybrid mobile apps effortlessly connect with device’s system environment much like native app operations, users won’t experience slightest of friction while using hybrid type of apps.
8. Multi-platform support:
Usually, hybrid applications have no limit to how much it can expand and support almost all platforms if they are popular. Its performance across different platforms depends on the framework used to build the apps. Expert hybrid app development companies can create great, interactive hybrid apps that work superiorly across leading mobile platforms. If platform is widely recognized, there will not be any problem getting expected support for newly introduced operating system and its successive updates.
9. Qualified for online marketplace:
Google Play and Apple store follow strict guidelines for the kind of app that can be published in there. App developers must respect these two dominants in the app market since it has enormous amount of global users (nearly 17 billion downloads). Google and Apple are austere in their selection of apps and they tend to welcome apps that are either native or hybrid. You are most likely to receive great number of downloads if you submit your apps to these stores. Of course, no competent mobile app developer will risk not considering these giant stores. This is why it is highly recommended to build hybrid apps that are qualified to appear in online marketplace.
Conclusion:
With competition burgeoning in digital market every day, it is important to leverage the process that offers greater speed and lower cost of mobile app development. Hybrid mobile apps not only resolves the problem of targeting each platform with separate native apps but also helps find quickest spot in online app store market. Also, hybrid apps have integrated backend and some functionality of native apps, combining the best of both. Hence, companies who wish to remain unrivalled can choose hybrid mobile app development and grow exponentially.
In this fast-paced age, keeping up with the customers and their changing habits means pushing more than you have already done. We are living in the digital age and user engagement has become essential for all businesses and developers to create loyal, long-term customers.
Since they have more choices than ever, your users tend to abandon the app the moment they find it is not worth while anymore, thus diminishing your hard-earned user base.
Therefore, while you focus on growth prospects, you should not lose your existing customers. Having a great app or seeing more downloads is not enough. User retention matters, too. This is where push marketing comes to rescue, reducing your churn rate.
Here are 8 ways push notification strategy helps retain customers and reduce churn.
Effective Role of Push notifications
The word ‘push’ in push notifications doesn’t really mean you need to pushy and lame about convincing customers of your brand or app. Push marketing actually means sending contextual, relevant messages to users when they are offline or logged out of your app.
Using effective push messages fulfil your expectations you had behind all the investment you made after online app marketing (PR & Social Media) and App Store Optimization (ASO). Without using meaningful messages for better engagement, you may miss out on great opportunities to attract and retain them for longer life cycle.
With Apple and Android both supporting push messages, your viable push marketing strategy can:
Allow users to gain more knowledge about your app/brand
Remind users of your app content and advantages they get
Enable users to take quick action on brand approach
Strategically improve customer interest in your app
Reduce churn rate considerably
Help keep users exploring your app more often
Let’s get into the depth of how your future mobile push marketing strategy help reduce user churn rate:
1. Get the Users Onboard, Smoothly
The journey of retaining existing customers with push notifications starts a little before you get users for your app. Before you opt for push notifications content, first you should be religious about getting your users to opt-in to your app.
In this process of user on-boarding, the principle of first impression works as well as it does in real life. If users are upset at the very first stage of on-boarding, they will delete your app instantly.
iOS enables app developers to customize their splash screen to convey their message to users. Be creative as you try to craft an appealing message for making them believe that opting-in to push notifications will not be regrettable. If they are positive, you can give an opt-in prompt for confirmation. If not, either withdraw or gently ask again a little later.
2. The effect of purely quality-oriented messages
We all know to an extent how push notifications can save your app from drowning. But rarely do you come across its true effectiveness. This is because fruitfulness of your push marketing strategy depends greatly on the quality and meaning it serves to app users.
Weave certain value in your messages and avoid randomness in your timing, frequency and message structure. On the contrary, users will get annoyed and some of them may even uninstall your app if you keep pushing wrong, irrelevant, random notifications to their screen.
3. Pick your target audience
Push notifications show proper results only when you have picked the nerve of your target users. If you don’t know who you are planning to touch or retain, you might end up hitting the wrong target. Look into your dashboard and use reliable analytics services so that you can build a user-oriented, action-specific push marketing strategy and pro actively reach your app users.
When you are sure you are addressing right customers, you increase your chance to capture your real audience and reduce the old tendency to lose user base, which ultimately improves your churn rate.
4. Contextual thinking in custom messages
The success of push notifications partially depend on how tailored your messages are, or how meaningful. In order to truly influence readers, you must first gather accurate insight about each user and how they interact with your mobile app.
Based on this data, you can powerfully compose a custom story designed to interest a specific group of users/customers.
The effect of customization is deep as it makes customers feel privileged, important and cared for. To provide such insightful push text to your target users, install strong analytical software that displays everything from user’s preferences, visited app pages, geographical location to their behavioural history. This way, you will be able to cut down on existing churn rate on your app.
5. Spark off re-engagement
Some users tend to use the app once a month or even less or not all. In this case, revitalize their interest and eradicate their lull by re-engaging them into your app. Here their past behaviour is key to understanding their needs and sending effective push messages.
There must be a strong reason why they almost abandon your app. But they still have it installed, which means you can still convert them from inactive to active.
Solidify your push marketing strategy with case-specific offers, discounts or other elements that can re-capture their engagement with your app. E-commerce business apps can hugely leverage such marketing campaigns to minimize app churn rate.
6. Personalizing your reach
Leanplum in its analytical report on push data discovered how personalized content of push messages are four times more effective than generic ones. This indicates that users must be segmented in order to send them customized messages so that you can reach different users based on their personal profile.
Personalized approach can be well built using the analysis of users’ reasons of installation and their resultant interactions with the app.
Once you determine the life cycle and navigation journey of users, it becomes easy to segment and personalize the content of push notifications. Such content is conversational and rich with all personal details of demographics including their age, locations, favorites, choices, gender and recent history.
7. Special time-sensitive offers create temptation
There is no wonder why putting a tag of time on your push offers attract customers to your app more rapidly than with any other method. Irrespective of nation’s economy, using limited time offers in your next push marketing strategy is a great way to engage more users.
Device a special time-sensitive deal that you know will be valuable to your app users.
Incorporate it into your upcoming push notification prompt and keep the balance between your objective and customer’s comfort level.
If you own an e-commerce store, prompt them to take advantage of a 24 hour deal that has merchandises sold at flat 50% discount. This can draw them in to learn more.
8. Show the Benefits of App Updates
Not all devices or apps support automatic app updates. Many users still remain unaware of new improvements and updates in your app. This can be a great opportunity for you to engage with users using app updates push notification.
Based on what they like or prefer, you can craft a beautiful, personalized message showing them the benefits of installing latest updates. Toss a message to prompt them to update the app for more amazing features.
Finally, why push notifications?
Gone are the days when app success was measured with number of downloads and installs. App marketing analysts say that nearly 23% of users uninstall an app after one-time usage.
Also, smart marketers believe that customer engagement is new way of customer acquisition since acquiring new ones could cost 5 t o25 times more than retaining the existing ones.
Further, existing customers are more likely to consider your new product than prospective visitors. Just 5% increase in user retention can boost profit by as much as 25 to 95%
A well-made push notification strategy therefore makes a huge difference when it comes to controlling app churn rate and increase customer loyalty. It lowers the number of customers leaving your app. Ultimately, it also helps increase the revenue of your mobile app.
Conclusion:
Above discussion helps you gain more leverage and satisfaction among your app users. Executed thoughtfully, push marketing strategy could an effective way to keep users immersed in your app and reduce app churn. However, use push messages at right frequency since too many of it can exasperate your users, leading them to quit your app.
Lack of it can harm your app engagement quotient. Be strategic and clever and you can make things work in your favour.
