Simple Tips to Reduce Mobile App Development Costs

Jun 07, 2017
 Ever since the mobile app revolution started in back in 2008, the field of app development has witnessed a complete evolution. Right from smartphone/tablet apps to apps for televisions, connected cars, game consoles and VR devices, app development is gaining traction when one considers the potential number of devices.According to Statista, the number of mobile app downloads expected to grow in the future to meet the demand for quality of apps that customers need. As of April 2017, the number of apps available in the leading app stores from Google Play was 2.8 million available apps, a figure which made it the world’s leading app store. Apple’s App Store was ranked second with 2.2 million apps.Mobile application development process can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Many time startups and mid-sized organizations face an uphill task of controlling app development costs and at the same maintaining the performance of mobile app. In this blog, we will provide pointers about reducing mobile app development costs. Here are few issues to keep in mindHere are few pointers to keep in mind during the mobile app development process

Number of platforms and Devices

Android, iOS, Windows or all. The cost of mobile application development services is directly proportional to the number of platforms and devices being supported. Each platform comes with its set of challenges and opportunities. Android app development is associated with fragmentation with different screen sizes and devices. Type of devices also needs to be taken into account. Will your app support phones or tablets or both?

Get into Iterative Development

Traditional methodology mainly revolves around developing all features planned, testing for performance and optimization for speed. Even if some features are not important for your app or rejected during the testing stage, you’ll spend resources implementing them. The Agile methodology reduces risks and expenses. This methodology splits the development cycle into small stages for manageable set of features. Each set will be developed, tested, and deployed through iterative cycles known as Sprints. Simply develop the core idea of your mobile application, and leave the development of secondary features for a later date.

Minimum Viable Product

The concept of Minimum Viable Product goes along with agile methodology. It requires launching product with core functionality. You can add advanced features once you understand the demand and the potential to earn revenues. This approach not only saves costs, but also provides safety against potential technical glitches.

Maintenance & Upgrades

Mobile app development is not all about deploying your app. It is all about constantly improving your app based on user experience and suggestions. Keep in mind that your development team needs to actively respond to negative feedback or bugs during the maintenance phase. Timely response to user feedback is essential to avoid user attrition due to poor performance.

Custom Designs and Animations

Custom user interface and animations would increase the cost of mobile application development compared to standard features. While each mobile app is different, there are several elements, such as buttons, navigation type that are common. Both the App Store and Google PlayStore have laid out guidelines in terms of UI/UX to get approved. For this reason, it is important to use standard and common elements wherever possible and customize only if necessary.

Cross platform development

There is no doubt that native apps offers speed and high performance, but developing for multiple platforms such as iOS, Android and Windows can increase mobile app development costs. In such cases, cross-platform development can significantly reduce the cost. All you need is just a professional developer with extensive experience working on cross-platform tools.Cross platform apps can be seamlessly accessed through the Internet. As a result, updating apps becomes a simple task. User will not be required to download every update. This will also minimize supporting several app versions. The apps get automatically; ensuring all users access latest versions. However, there is a caveat; cross-platform development can if your app is not very complex and if it doesn’t require hardware integration.Will performance suffer? If the answer is no, then go for cross-platform development!

Conclusion:

Based on your business objectives and long-term goals, it is important to decide if you want to invest in a native app or a hybrid app. Native apps are typically more expensive to develop, but are a more premium product that will give you better performance and more custom-designed features. It is very important to partner with right mobile app development company or hire dedicated mobile app developers to transform your vision into reality....
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Tips for Apple Watch App Development

May 03, 2017
According to CSS Insight's global wearables forecast, sales of wearable will jump from 29 million units in 2014 to 172 million by 2018. Juniper Research predicts global revenues from wearables reaching an all-time high of $53.2 billion by 2019, a nearly 12-fold increase compared to 2014. Apple released its Apple Watch smartwatch in 2015 and it is redefining the power and reach of wearable technology. If you are taking a plunge into Apple Watch app development, here are few pointers that will help you leverage the power of Apple Watch.

Go Minimalistic

Remember, minimalistic design is the key to Apple Watch design and development. Stay above the clutter and keep the use of graphic elements to the bare minimum. Real estate screen space is premium: so don’t clutter the screen space. Think in terms of characters to persuasively display impactful content that users will connect with just one look at their wrists.

Don’t create replica of iPhone app

Remember, creating a replica of iPhone app is not the right strategy. Think about designing your app from ground up. Don’t forget the screen size of Apple Watch. It is important to focus only on essential elements which accentuate on Apple Watch screen and highlight on core functionality. You can use the entire space of the screen, edge-to-edge. There is no need for margins, as the wearable’s bezel provides the much needed visual padding.Your app should not be like an app designed for a smartphone or tablet: it has to be truly modified and adapted to be used on a wearable device.

Glances and Actionable Notifications

Glances and Actionable Notifications display only glimpses of information on the Apple Watch. A Glance provides context-driven overview of app content. The only interaction available is tapping on the notification to open the app to the appropriate screen.Notifications goes a step further by providing text and app icon. Users can activate the long notification by keeping their wrist raised or interacting with the screen. Long notifications provide additional information and optional actions (like a dismiss button). Like the Glance, users can tap on the notification to open the app and view a screen of the developer’s choosing.

User Interfaces on watchOS

Apple Watch comes about as one of the most personalized device ever. This makes designing Watch app one of the most challenging tasks. User interface for Apple Watch needs to display information effectively, quickly as well as facilitate seamless navigation and interactions. In order to create such kind of interface means you need custom approach and not just porting your existing iOS app behavior over to Apple Watch.

Make Apps Contextual:

Apple Watch apps needs to anticipate the user’s needs and the best way to achieve this goal is to ensure that the information on screen is highly relevant and contextual. Your app should take complete advantage to update information, use background to get new data, and update complication or refresh snapshot. The custom notification interfaces include common actions to handle most frequent tasks without opening the app.

Conclusion

Apple Watch’s guidelines for developers advise that interactions with the device should be limited to 30 seconds or preferably less. With just a raise of the wrist, users can receive and respond to notifications, the challenge has a lot to do with the ability to seek simplicity. Developing for Apple Watch means providing app users with helpful and impactful information in the most convenient way...
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Steps to Publish Android Application on Google Play Store

Apr 04, 2017
After spending hours and hours in Android app development, burning the midnight oil, it is about the right time to launch your app in the Google Play Store. With more than 1 billion active Android users, this step will take you closer to reaching out users from across the globe.If this is your first time publishing an app on Google Play Store, here are quick steps to prepare your mobile application for publishing in the Google Play Store.

Google Play Publisher Account Registration

You must create a Google account in order to publish. You supposedly have a personal email, but it’s better to open a different Google Play developer account. After paying a $25 Google Play registration fee, you can approach your Google Play Developer console.Choose Developer name to represent you company/business on Google store, and fill in the basic account details, and then you should wait approximately two days to be registered.

Google Payments Merchant Account (for paid apps or in-app products)

If you want to sell apps, include in-app products, or subscriptions, it is imperative to setup a Google payments merchant account.To setup Google Payments Merchant account:
  • Sign in to Google Play Developer Console, open financial reports and setup a Merchant Account now to update information relating to business.
Exploring the Google Play Developer Console and publishing tools
Courtesy: Google
From the Google Play Developer Console you can manage all phases of publishing and reach over 1 billion active Android users on Google Play. Google Play Developer Console is focal point and primary dashboard for app publishing operations and tools. It is essential to familiarize with the dashboard.Here are the points to check
  • List of developer countries and merchant countries.
  • Locations where distribution to Google Play users is supported.
  • Review Developer Distribution Agreement and the Google Play’s terms and conditions.

Alpha and Beta testing the app

Testing your Android app is paramount and essential to the success of your app. Google Play gives you the option to test. In the APK section of the Developer Console, there are options related to Beta and Alpha Testing. Once you have uploaded your app’s .apk files, you receive the URL that can be shared with the testers. With this link, testers can download app’s alpha or beta version, as well as provide feedback and reviews. This feedback can help you fine tune and optimise the performance of your app by making relevant changes in it before publishing it in the store.

Upload your Android App

This is most important step of uploading your Android Application to the Play Store. However, you need to prepare for few things such as the maturity rating of your app.
  • Click on “Add New Application” in the “All Applications” tab.
  • Log in to the Google Play Developer Console
  • Select appropriate “Default Language” from the drop-down menu
  • Type the “Title” of the app that you want to appear in the Play Store.
  • Select the “Upload APK” button to land on a new page that would be the homepage for your app.

Provide details for Store Listing

The way your app page looks like in the Google Play Store will play an instrumental role in attracting Android users. After uploading the “.apk” file of your app, go to the “Store Listing” tab. Now, add details of the app, like a “Short description” (of 12 to 80 characters) and a “Full description” (of up to 100 characters) of the app, add screenshots, and promo video link.You will need to prepare a high resolution icon, a Feature graphic and a Promo graphic. While the last items are marked as optional, it is important that you consider these items as mandatory. Think about it how would your app feature anywhere within Google Play Store without a feature image.You can also provide details such as contact, category, and more. Remember, store listing can be updated any time. So don’t get in panic mode.

Pricing and Distribution Details

Now, let’s move to “Pricing & Distribution.” Follow these steps:
  • Select whether “Free” or a “Paid” app.
  • Select the distribution countries
  • Check the boxes stating that your app complies with the content guidelines.
ConclusionPublishing an app on Google Play is a simple process and can be done in a matter of few minutes. However, the most important part is developing a high-quality Android mobile application that will help you stand above thousands of apps launched in each and every category....
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How Mobile Payments Can Improve your Sales?

Feb 09, 2016
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The number of people in the US using smart phones to make payment for goods and services at the point of sale will continue to consistently increase in 2016. This year is being touted to witness tremendous growth for the technology. According to the latest mobile payments forecast from eMarketer, the total value of mobile payment transactions for the year 2016 will grow at a phenomenal rate of an astounding 210% in the US.Related: Mobile App Development Trends 2016By 2016, total mobile payment transactions will reach $27.05 billion, with users spending an average of $721.47 annually. Total mobile payment sales will rise faster than average spending per user in 2016 because of the growth in the number of overall users of the technology.
us-proximity-mobile-payment-forecast


Are you wondering about the reasons behind the substantial rise in mobile payments?There are several factors that have spearheaded the growth of mobile payments in the U.S. In 2015, we witnessed several mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay becoming a standard feature on newly launched smartphones. Merchants can attract new users by mobile payments at point of sales systems.Advantages of Mobile Payments for Business

Enhanced customer experience:
Mobile payment ensures seamless user experience while making the final payment. You can not only save time, but also reduce the chances of errors at point-of-sale. Several new and emerging technologies such as beacon technology have opened up new frontier to improve user experience. An in-store beacon connects with an app on the customer’s phone using Bluetooth technology. This allows access to information such as store layouts, product details, deals and payment.Security & Privacy:
Undoubtedly, robust security and privacy will deeply impact the overall acceptance of mobile payments. Despite several attempts to tighten security, credit card fraud continues to be one of the biggest pain areas. On the other hand, Apple Pay takes the potential of mobile payment security to new heights. The device uses encrypted NFC technology for connection with the payment terminal wirelessly and requires the user to touch the phone’s built in fingerprint scanner to confirm identity. As a result, sensitive customer details are not compromised. This protects customer’s privacy and merchant from data theft.Cash flow management:
Mobile payment makes it relatively easier to keep a track of money spend. It also contributes to effective and seamless cash flow management, allowing organizations to manage all transactions from a single terminal.Starbucks and Mobile Payment App Success Story

Undoubtedly the success of Starbucks mobile payment app comes to our minds. A leader in mobile payments, Starbuck encouraged consumers to use mobile apps to make payment. Starbuck announced that 11% of sales volume comes from its own mobile wallet in late October 2013. This effectively means about four million mobile payments per week and eight million consumers using mobile apps to pay.Innovation, Technology and Simplicity: Key to the most successful wallet apps in the US Back in 2009, Starbuck launched its mobile card app in 16 stores. The encouraging response to this program resulted in nationwide expansion. This program allows consumers to pay by allowing scanning of a barcode at the point of sale. At a time when most technology experts were skeptical about 2D barcode and the way it’s used, Starbuck’s team took 2D barcode and reversed the use by allowing the register to scan the 2D barcode instead of user scanning a 2D barcode.Simply Brilliant & Elegant This new program effectively utilized existing POS found at each and every Starbucks. Quintessentially, it was brilliant use of the technology, rather than reinventing the technology for change. Starbucks had one of the most successful retail loyalty programs in the US. But this success was based on diligent and meticulous research of the team. The company worked for decades to chart out the perfect program. This was not an overnight success story.It is obvious that Starbucks app is helping the business at different levels. For instance, the app has helped lift its loyalty program My Starbucks Rewards. This app makes it easy to track purchases and get free drinks and other perks.Finally

While we are still few years away from mass adoption of mobile payments as the new norm across merchants and consumers, there is a very urgent requirement for businesses to embrace this technology and prepare themselves to ensure they don't lag behind competitors and always stay ahead.
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Top 5 Best Practices of Mobile App Testing

Dec 02, 2015
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Everyone associated with the mobile app development industry is aware of the intricacies of the business. The mobile app development process beginning from mobile app strategy to app design and mobile app development is incomplete without the resolving of bugs that may incur – and this is where mobile app testing makes its mark.   (more…)...
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Apple CarPlay vs. Android Auto: Who will rule the dashboard?

Jul 08, 2015
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The clash between the titans just does not seem to stop. Apple and Google are back trying to win over users by offering safe and intuitive mobile user interface for car. Both tech giants have developed operating-system extensions geared specifically for the dashboard: Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto.According to a report, the connected car is fast emerging as one of the most important new digital platforms and of the 220 million total connected cars on the road globally in 2020, it is estimated that consumers will activate connected services in 88 million of these vehicles.While the two platforms are pitted against each other, it is worth noting that there are subtle differences.  Android Auto and CarPlay are designed to perform with native mobile platform and expected to release over the next year.Here is a quick comparison between both operating systems.Home screen and organizationBoth Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are designed keeping safety in the mind and minimizing distractions while driving. Just plug in your iPhone and CarPlay will put all the things that you might need on the car’s in-dash screen. You would have options you’d expect: Phone, Music, Maps, and Messages all in the way that you can focus on driving. The icons are all structured and laid out just like an iOS device. Most of the actions can be controlled using Siri and can be accessed through apps or work with car’s controls such as knobs, buttons, or touchscreen.Android Auto too was designed keeping in mind safety while on the go. With integrated steering wheel controls and powerful new voice actions, Android Auto is specifically designed to minimize distractions so that you can stay focused on the driving part.Android Auto automatically displays useful information and organizes it into simple cards that appear just when they're needed.Android Auto features Google Now with live-updating stream of information cards displaying contextual weather information, notifications and shortcuts based on user habits and recent searches.Maps Now coming to Google’s strong area, Maps. Google Maps is the default navigation app for Android Auto. Undoubtedly, Google Maps provides turn-by-turn direction in well-laid out maps, traffic updates and suggests alternative routes. Android Auto integrates well to suggest destination with information cards.On the CarPlay, Apple Maps is your only choice that integrates with CarPlay and Siri voice commands. While Apple Maps does the job, Android Auto leads all the way. It is worth noting that both Android Auto and CarPlay don’t offer the driver the choice to use third-party navigation software or offline navigation options.AudioWhen it comes to audio streaming apps, users thankfully have options to select from. Each system supports its native music app. For instance with CarPlay, it’s iTunes Music, as well as Podcasts. For Android Auto, it is Google Play Music.However, both allow third-party music apps such as Spotify, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Radioplayer (UK-only) and Umano. While Android Auto system lets you set service pops up with a press of the music button, CarPlay requires that you hit dedicated app icon. This step might require some scrolling to the annoyance of users. Both OSes have APIs that let third-party audio app developer to adapt their software for Android Auto or CarPlay.Voice commands and searchThis is an area where the battle between both giants gets tough. Both Google Now’s voice search and Apple’s Siri are extremely powerful and user friendly. Driver can simply make calls schedule reminders, reschedule appointments or send text messages by talking.  The battle between the virtual assistants is fiercely competitive and both go head-to-head.Messaging appsCarPlay keeps things to the point and very simple when it comes to messaging. It supports only Apple's native messaging application- Text and iMessages. In this case Android Auto is the clear winner with support to integrate third-party messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, ICQ, Kik and its very own Hangouts.Synopsis: When it comes to functionality and ease of use, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are evenly matched. The main difference between the two boils down to core design. Android Auto provides information with contextual Google Now cards that seemed to know driver’s next move. CarPlay provides well thought-out and simple design.While CarPlay and Android Auto offer similar experiences, both require sacrifices depending on what matters the most to the driver.  But the decision was already made when you opted for your phone....
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Mobile App Marketing Promotion Strategies to Increase Downlo

Jun 25, 2015
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So you have done what it takes to develop a killer app. Now is the time to launch your app and watch your app move up the rankings. Right? Well, for most naive developers, it is about time for some reality check. In the entire mobile app development cycle, probably mobile app promotion is the most difficult task. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but most apps get stuck in this same stage and probably lost in oblivion.According to Gartner by 2018, only 0.01 percent of consumer mobile apps will be considered financial success by developers. With millions of apps out there, the app world is a highly competitive and saturated market. You can’t sit back and relax once your app goes live.In fact, now begins the most difficult part of promoting your app. It is all about beating odds and using some promotion techniques that will help your app get discovered and create a flow of downloads.Don’t wait till the day of submissionMost developers wait till the very last moment to kick start promotion activities. However, the actual work starts even before the app is released. The main objective behind starting early is to make sure that users eagerly anticipate your app’s arrival. Think about it there are millions of apps in the app world and let’s not forget nearly 2,000 new apps release on a daily basis.It is important to schedule your marketing activities much before launch. Ideally, pre-launch marketing should begin at least a month in advance before the expected launch date.You must design landing pages for your app. Keep away from complex websites and just focus on key features. The main purpose behind landing page is to develop your app’s target audience and gather emails. This helps sending timely updates about release date to your target audience.Get in a story-telling modeThere are thousands and thousands of app for virtually every task under the sun. So how is your app different? Tell the story behind your app. Remember, stories and the emotional quotient tend to attract eyeballs and grab interest. Every app has a story. What about your app? You need to tell your side of story and showcase the emotional accelerators that made you go for the app. Share this story everywhere and make it a part of your PR efforts.Go free for a day or at launchWhen launching your app, as part of promotion strategy offer it for free. There is no point in creating a hurdle to download at the very initial stage. If you don’t want to launch app for free. There are several services that feature apps directly to the user’s smartphone for free for a day. Such sites can help you create a lot of buzz and put your app in front of many users. Mobile users trust these services to deliver high-quality apps from across the globe. This service can help you get users click on the much important download button.Focus on reviews and ratings Reviews and rankings (favorable ones of course) count a lot in the app world. A higher rating means more downloads and a better ranking. But how do you ask your users to spread word about your app? Thankfully, there are a number of ways of doing it. You can leverage mobile analytics tools to identify your most engaged app users and target that group with in-app message to rate your app. There are several mobile app analytics and marketing tools that will help you identify such user segment.Synchronize your efforts The launch of your app should be designed to gain maximum exposure and swing the momentum in favor of your app. It’s better to synchronize your efforts such as blog posts, PR or banners to reach out to your target audience. Exposure in several outlets can have a multiplier effect and persuade users to click on download button.Finally In the world of app promotion there is no one-size-fits-all or rule of thumb. It is best to identify which strategy works best for you. Keep in mind mobile apps are an incredibly powerful way to connect with your customer. In order to taste success, it’s important to spend quality time upfront planning your marketing efforts. This will help create buzz around your app and get people to click on download option....
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iCloud Support, Apple TV and Siri: Everything you Wanted to

Jun 23, 2015
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HomeKit is a framework to communicate with and control all connected accessories in a user’s home by iOS device. Users can explore accessories in their home as well as configure them. Most important, HomeKit allows users to create actions to control devices and group actions together and execute them using Siri.How Does HomeKit Work?HomeKit will control all your smart devices from one central hub. It’ll allow you to group products into “rooms,” “zones” and “scenes”.
how-apple-homekit-works Image Courtesy: Apple
The control mechanism in “rooms” is fairly simple.  User can switch on or turn off all smart devices in any room, for instance, a bedroom.Zones are a cluster of rooms, as compared to a single room, enabling user to control smart devices in multiple rooms at once. Just think about it, you are working on important presentations late night, just switch off lights in hallway, kitchen and your living room in a matter of snap.“Scenes” are the most powerful medium to simultaneously adjust the characteristics of multiple accessories. Each Scene has a name and can contain multiple actions associated with an accessory and its characteristics in a Home.The devices will be controlled directly via Siri - which would provide the convenience that users typically associate with a single app. Siri can easily execute sophisticated operations with a single statement. Siri will recognize Home, Room, and Zone names and support statements like “Siri, lock up my house,” “Siri, turn off the lights in bedroom,” and “Siri, make my living room warmer.” Siri also recognizes accessory names and characteristics.Apple TV:  Remote to control your houseWith an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) software version 7.0 or later, users can control all HomeKit-enabled accessories while away from home using iOS device. User can sign into iCloud with the same Apple ID on iOS device and Apple TV. This will let user remotely control accessories by using Siri commands.HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) It is important to note that Apple TV isn't a full hub (as rumored), it can be used to remotely control devices. With iOS 9, Apple is launching a new iCloud-based HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) for remotely accessing devices even without an Apple TV.HAP works over iCloud. It is encrypted, secure and will be available for free to developers. This will let users control notifications remotely. Apple is allowing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices to send notifications to the device. Taking a step further, BLE devices can send notifications irrespective of "connected" status. You can use Wi-Fi to extend the range of Bluetooth devices.HomeKit: What’s in store for future?  
homekit-future Image Courtesy: Apple
It’s been almost a year since Apple announced HomeKit. While Apple dedicated a substantial portion of time at its Worldwide Developers Conference last year to announce this cutting-edge health platform. This year was different. It was blink and miss appearance for HealthKit. Apple announced that HomeKit will be able to handle more products such as security systems and mechanical blinds.While Apple announced complete revamp of its new music streaming app, there is no Home app. But industry experts believe Apple’s new Home app, which didn’t feature in WWDC is likely to release in iOS 9. This new Home app will provide the ability to manage and monitor all HomeKit accessories from one central location.HomeKit compatible products are just trickling now and there is confusion about how Apple really plans to make HealthKit, a high-performance Internet of Things platform and a coherent experience. Products using Apple’s HomeKit framework recently hit the market almost after a year of development since the company first announced the platform last year.It certainly looks like a tough ride ahead for Apple’s Homekit. We will wait and watch....
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Apple’s iOS 9: Expectations & Rumors

Jun 05, 2015
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Nothing can beat the excitement of Apple Inc’s Worldwide Developers Conference; and this year’s WWDC15 is no different. Apple loyalists and iOS enthusiast worldwide will gather once again at the annual event on Monday, June 8 in San Francisco. While everyone expects Apple to launch a new iPhone every fall, not much is known about the same – but yes, iOS9 expectations is definitely soaring and rumor mills are busy churning predictions. Let’s check out!Well, what makes me take notice of the new WWDC15 logo is the tagline “The epicenter of change”. As a matter of tradition, what message is hidden in this is as always worth ‘decoding’ when it comes to making prediction for any Apple event. And we actually have to wait for the D-day to finally happen.What to Expect from iOS 9ENHANCED APPLE MAPSUnarguably, one of the most expected features for iOS, enhanced Maps from Apple is on everyone’s mind, especially after its traditional rival Google’s impressive update to Google Now.  The new Apple Maps feature is expected to pull data from several sources like Calendar, Passbook, Contacts and other third-party apps and help you deliver transit directions along with likely notifications on alternate public transit routes if there are potential delays when en route to an event scheduled in your calendar. This Search functionality can be accessed by swiping your home screen to the right.NEW KEYPADA fresh new Keyboard is possibly in the offing for Apple loyalists. News is rife that the enhanced keypad will work in both portrait and landscape mode; however, users will get a wider choice of useful buttons when in landscape. The Shift key is also expected to get a makeover, and is anticipated to additionally support Force Touch display with haptic feedback.SUPERIOR BACKWARD COMPATIBILITYUntil now iOS users with older devices like iPad2 or iPhone 4S were deprived of upgrading their OS. However, the iOS9 is expected to offer more power to users as there are possibilities of it being slimmed down for old device users to update their devices.PERFORMANCE & SECURITY ENHANCEMENTSOne of the major optimizations iOS users are looking for in the upcoming iOS 9 launch is a diminution in the amount of space the operating system takes up currently. This is crucial, as most of you are aware, iOS 8 (that requires more than 2GB of free space to install in devices limited to 8GB or 16GB) of storage was not warmly adopted in the initial period of launch – mainly because of its sheer size. iOS 8, which can difficult to clear up on devices.NEW FONTExpectations are high following Apple’s creation of a special font called "San Francisco" designed for Apple Watch that makes readability easier on a small screen. And as rumors suggest, the new font will be used as the system-wide font in both iOS 9 and OS X 10.11, replacing the currently used font Helvetica Neue.HOMEKITOne of the other prominent expectations is of iOS9 being empowered with a new "Home" app. This will function as a central location, enabling users to wirelessly discover and manage HomeKit (Apple's home automation platform) based devices. It is also rumored that the "Home" app may interface with the Apple TV – believed to be the key hub of a connected HomeKit home.SynopsisAlthough expectations are running high for iOS9 launch, rumor suggests that the update may focus more on optimization and stability enhancements rather than too many design changes and new features. Some of the other prominent expectations are:
  • Siri enhancements
  • iPad split-screen multitasking
  • Transit directions
  • Augmented reality Maps feature
  • Refurbished search/personal assistant system
Stay connected here for more updates on iOS9!...
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Android Security: Know Why Mobile Developers Need to Impleme

May 28, 2015
Google I/O 2015 is one of the perfect occasions when the world looks forward not only to the key announcements that are to be made, but also to the strategic decision at the core that can change the future of how mobility is perceived. In this article, let’s talk about Android security.As most of you are aware, Google has made some significant developments by adding multiple security enhancements to the platform to improve Android security in 2014. This was an utterly necessary step considering the popularity of its Android mobile operating system, and the associated security threats that looms with it. But have we been able to get over the threat perception? Perhaps not.While Google proclaims that more than a billion devices benefit from Google Play's security mechanisms, it is blatantly true that Android users still face quite a number of non-trivial challenges and prominent security risks.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="528"]Android Security Development Banner Click to enlarge[/caption]Android Security – Significant Developments in 2014
  • Enabling deployment of full disk encryption.
  • Expanding the use of hardware protected cryptography.
  • Improving the Android application sandbox with SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux) based Mandatory Access Control system (MAC).
  • Developers provided with improved tools to detect and react to related security vulnerabilities, including the SecurityProvider and the nogotofail project.
  • Providing device manufacturers with ongoing support for fixing vulnerabilities related to device security – along with development of 79 security patches.
  • Better adapted to respond to potential susceptibilities in key areas, such as the updateable WebView in Android 5.0.
IDENTIFYING THE LOOPHOLESAs per Google's report on Android Security,  “By February 2, 2015, Android 4.4 has become the most widely distributed version of Android with over 41 percent of Android devices that check in to Google services running Android 4.4 or greater”. So the catch here is identifying the loopholes and creating viable solutions for it.
  • Android app developers has a crucial role to play in implementing Android security. It has been identified that in spite of Google trying to help app developers improve SSL transport security for Android apps by providing developer resources to educate and help improve the state of mobile SSL, not many mobile app developers implement SSL correctly.
  • Now with Android 4.4 representing almost 41 percent of Android devices, it is understood that more than half of all Android devices and the majority of Android users are running older software. Thereby, the challenge and the risk not just remains confined to the older versions of Android being actively maintained or patched by either Google or its Android device partners.
TAKEAWAYS & IMPLEMENTATIONS in 2015Google besides releasing 2 major milestone updates to Android in 2014, with Android 4.4 and the Android 5.0 preview; reveals in its Android security report that it has provided 79 security patches for Android in 2014.
  • Addition of SELinux controls in Android 4.4. SELinux provides an auxiliary layer of security policy and control to shield running processes and applications. Beginning with Android 5.0, you will find that there are even more security enhancements including improved full-disk encryption and verification mechanisms.
  • Enhanced Android Security features supports use of the Google Safety Net technology that aims to provide security for all Android applications a user might install (even the ones that were not installed from Google Play). Elaborately speaking, Google's report explains that Safety Net "detects and protects against non app-based security threats such as network attacks."
  • It has been widely known by now that Google is scanning every single mobile application that finds its way on to your phone, irrespective of whether you downloaded it from Google Play or a third-party source.
SYNOPSISGoogle has always been very clear about its deliverables and aspirations regarding the implementation of Android Security. While Google’s systems use machine learning to realize patterns and make connections, which is beyond human capability; its app store Google Play can help analyze millions of data points, asset nodes, and relationship graphs so as to build a high-precision security-detection system. The addition of the Safety Net from Google empowers Android Security as it helps scans all apps regardless of their source/origin....
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