Search site

Contact

iPhone App Development

Blog

Android Apps: What you need to know about them

27/12/2012 12:05

Make yourself acquainted with Android applications and their usage. Android apps are applications that have been typically devised with the Java programming language, in collaboration with the Android Software Development Kit. However, there are other development kits such as Android NDK or indigenous tools for extensions or apps in C/C++.

There is a visual setting which is known as Google App Inventor which the beginners and trainee developers use. This is also used by the multiple phone web-based application framework.

The end-users can get Android apps in two methods. They can get them from an applications store like the Amazon App store and Google Play. They can also download them and set up the APK file of the app from a third-party website.

If you are using the Google Play Store, you can surf through, download, and modify apps that are created by the developers and launched by Google. These apps are featured on Google Play Store and can be pre-installed on gadgets which stick to the compatibility criteria of Google. The list of applications that are well-suited to the gadget is screened by the app. In addition, the app developers might limit their apps to specific bearers or transporters for commercial purposes.

Till the month of September 2012, the number of applications available for Android crossed 650,000 and the projected figure of apps which have been downloaded from the Google Play Store surpassed 25 billion. Statistics say that the number of devices in which Android OS was installed crossed 400 million.

Multitasking of Android Applications
The multitasking feature of Android application has been upgraded with the launch of Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 version. If the users keep pressing the multitasking button or the home button of an Android gadget, a task manager will come up which features a list of the apps which have been opened lately. The users may choose to start using the app in the state it was used on the previous occasion.

Android software development
This is the procedure where new apps are being generated for the Android OS. A survey conducted in June 2011 substantiates that over 67% of cellular phone developers have utilized the Android platform for publishing apps. Mobile developers are finding the platform extremely user-friendly. In the second quarter of the year 2012, approximately 105 million Android smartphones have been sold which represents an overall share of 68% of smartphone sales figures until that quarter.

Android app development tools
The following tools are used for the app development process:

  • Android Software Development Kit (SDK)
  • Android Open Accessory Development Kit
  • Native development kit
  • HyperNext Android Creator
  • App Inventor for Android
  • The Simple project
  • Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL)
  • Basic4android


It is worth mentioning that the app developers always face challenges associated with Java standards since no set standard is used for developing them. For this issue, many tools have been developed which help in Android conversion activities. When you review the credentials and prospects of Android app developers, you must make sure to take following tips into consideration, including experience, location, skills etc.

iPhone Developers | iPad Application Development | Android Developer | iOS Developer

The New Features of iOS 6.1 and the Progressive Apple World

14/12/2012 16:21

iOS 6.1 has arrived with a bang with incredible new features. Here is an overview of some of them. The iOS 6.1 beta has been talked about everywhere since analysts are of the opinion that the new features are many and good enough for the new version. It has been revealed by many tech magazines with Apple’s upcoming update which was expected for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

One of the magazines discovered several new features within a recent update  with Apple’s mobile devices. The beta version gives a taste of what iOS 6.1 has to offer and would be more aboard the update because of the new features. One of the big new features of iOS 6.1 includes the features which will leap through the UI concepts around the place. Before, iPhone and iPad one could check movie times but one could not insert memory cards more than 32 GB since they were not scalable externally. Not all features were greeted by applause and cheers, but most users loved the new platform.

Apple Maps is now better with less bugs and more presence with iOS 6.1.The location search has been improved from the version 6.0 and now it feels less jerky to use them. Now 6.1 does have the "Report a Problem" function in Apple Maps where all problems can be sorted out without worrying much. This button was very small and difficult to spot after a user swipes up the screen. Now with the latest version and update, the button to Report a Problem is situated in front and center on the iPhone as well as the iPad. Apple will improve application as time goes by with Apple Maps expected to be targeted for enhancements.

One of the minor cosmetic changes that would be skipped by any company while observing are the lock screen’s music controls which is now spaced out than in iOS 6.0 which would aid in navigation of music a fantastically comfortable experience. A new reflection affect is included now with the volume slider to add to the overall magic. So those features are just the start. There is a possibility that Apple would bring in more features with iOS 6.1 since there is a very good chance of fixing bugs and maintenance operations are performed on the platform in tandem after iOS 6. Those features will likely come to the fore with the beta versions of the software. iOS Developers are excited with the new platform and one can even watch movies by commanding Siri with their voice.

iOS 6.1 boasts Siri enhancements with specific quotes like "three tickets to see Toy Story 3" which would be acted upon without any glitch. The voice assistant will comply easily and use the Fandango app for taking the user to the purchase menu. Not all theaters are supported through the app but will soon identify compatible theaters with small movie tickets.

As discussed above, iOS 6.1 uses an updated Map Kit framework to perform map-based searches for any points of interest. Another portion is the relevance behaviour for boarding passes which has changed drastically. One needs to have the date matching the passes for being relevantly perfect.

iPhone Developer | Custom iPad App Development | Android Developer | iOS Developer

The best iPhone and Android Apps of the Year

28/11/2012 12:11

Both iOS and Android developers are launching incredible apps every month. Here are some of the best of the year.

Here are some of the best iOS apps:

Camera Awesome
The best new app of 2012 is led by a photo-sharing service which can help in clicking awesome photos. The app is developed by a decade old photo-sharing site SmugMug and is named as Camera Awesome. This app makes us to believe that you can ditch digital cameras any time. The app has automatic leveling features and comprehensive color adjustment options. It also includes many presets and filters for $0.99 for each of them or nearly $10 for all of them. You can share the photos across your social channels including the new Instagram app.

Pocket
The Pocket app is known as the best bookmarking app which is free and was earlier known as Read It Later. It has new features including the ability to view videos and images seamlessly  which is part of its simple and classy interface.

TouchTV
News provider SkyGrid has come up with a new app called the TouchTV, which shows videos from cable networks onto the iPad. TouchTV includes videos of more than 5 minutes from 16 different providers which include hotshots like ESPN, Bloomberg and the like. The app also offers a glimpse of what app-based TV would be like. It is one of the best video discovery services on the iOS platform.

Any.Do
Any.Do finally comes up with an iOS version. The app is backed by Eric Schmidt, Google’s chairman to be one of the best productivity apps every made easily letting the user to complete their tasks with a swipe of a finger. It includes a comprehensive voice-dictation technology which records the words without the need to type manually. One can share lists with friends too.

HomeSnap
HomeSnap is an app which is assisted by augmented reality to help users to know the value of a home by snapping its picture. One can see school information and historical data related to the house too. Although it is not yet wholly reliable, it is efficient enough.

Here are some of the best Android apps of the year:

Flipboard
Flipboard is one of the favorite Android apps and a socially curated magazine which showcases news, photos and status updates. Flipboard is also one of the best ways to read content from third-party publishers on smartphones.

Instagram
Instagrams is one of the best photo-sharing apps which attracted more than 5 million downloads in less than a week. Instagram was later taken up by Facebook; the app has since then achieved cult status and the identity of a true pop-culture sensation.

Google Drive
Google Drive is rated to be a far superior and more cost-effective solution for sharing documents through Dropbox. Many companies rely on Google Docs, so Google Drive can be easily added to the list too. It has dominated the market in the face of ruthless competition from Dropbox.

Airbnb
Airbnb’s is part of the Android family since January and is a vacation-rental marketplace which helps property owners and travelers for sending quick messages. The app has reputed travel recommendations from celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Jack Dorsey.

iPhone App Development | iPad App Development | Android App Development | iOS App Development

The list of best recent Android Apps from the Google Store

21/11/2012 11:59

It is hard to pick the best Android apps nowadays since the number of apps being uploaded is huge.

Here are some of the best apps though.

Chameleon Launcher's developer shelled out thousands of dollars to get a better Android homepage and now it is out for public use. The Android's default widget system is given a fresh look and several APIs are provided for developers to tinker with, in it.  You can tweak the screens and add a bit of spice.

Amazon MP3 on the other hand, is not new but popular now with the Brits. Amazon launched its newly developed Amazon Cloud Player in UK which enables users to play music from the music locker. One can also add new songs to the Cloud Player automatically.

The new app Talking Ginger has more than 500,000 installs within days of its release, which is incredible to say the least. As the other "talking apps," its animal hero will repeat the words you speak back to you. This app is very popular with kids and adults alike.

Additionally, this year's Guinness World Records book has come up with its own augmented reality companion app developed by efficient Android app developers which brings different types of interesting sharks, slam-dunking parrots, unique set of spiders, the longest snakes and world's shortest men with spectacular effects.

Subscription music service eMusic has its Android counterpart which was launched in early 2012. One can listen to their listing of songs and even ask for recommendations from others. In its paid service, one can download music from the service too.

The International Cricket Council has released its own Android app which focuses on the latest cricketing news and action, team information, along with comprehensive text commentary during live matches. One can view live matches too.

Bloomberg is one of the most active broadcasters and has fantastic apps developed by different Android app developers for multiple platforms. The latest app brings its radio station to smartphones with live audio of the radio. Shows are also available on demand.

The Triggertrap is an Android app which is designed to work with an SLR camera and includes features such as time-lapse, long-exposure and Star Trail. A dongle is required to make the connection between the Android device and the SLR camera.

Geotracks is a GPS-based app which is also a location-sharing app with the ability to share location with friends in real-time. It is using the Geoloqi's API and functions as a standalone app.

Distress Signal is known as a mobile emergency solution app which can help people to contact local emergency services if they are far away from home. Emergency text is sent in the local language to the emergency services. It is working in few countries as of now.

Former athlete Michael Johnson is back with a fitness app Motiv8 in Android which tracks the runs while playing music. The vocal encouragement along the way will be from Michael Johnson himself.

Insomniac's official Android app is finally done with. This app provides comprehensive information and content of the events it is hosting along with relevant photos, videos and a radio station.

MyShelf is a new app which helps its users to store notes, pictures and links and is similar to Evernote. It can exchange data across devices with the help of Wi-Fi or USB.

iPhone Application Development | iPad Application Development | Android Application Development | iOS Application Development

Custom iOS app development in business and its far-reaching effects

07/11/2012 11:17

iOS app development has long been in demand and has resulted in far-reaching effects in the tech world today. The surge of apps is due to the increasing demand and craze for something innovative every time. The iOS trends have started owing to the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) culture that the offices have started employing. This has prompted individual employees to buy their own iPads and iPhones into the office. Many organizations and individuals were surprised by the productivity gains which they saw and many organizations have opted to develop custom business apps for the iOS platform. The most common business uses were taken into account before the development of custom apps. Apps were used for solving specific tasks including inventory management and bill invoicing. There are apps which help in dealing with customer relationship management, as well as research and surveys.

The new hi-tech Austin Convention Center proposed elimination of paper work orders resulting in 200 percent ROI for the tech giant. Similarly, Lee Medical automated its healthcare processes with business apps, which helped in quality of their services and several lives were saved at reduced costs. West Paw Design introduced FileMaker Go for iPad which prompted its entire business to go automated right from the first part of order entry to the final delivery, which saved thousands of dollars on an annual basis. Many organizations are very keen to automate their processes to iOS devices but most of them are stuck on how to implement them cost-effectively. The biggest challenge that many of them face is how to create and update iOS apps for business needs. Organizations need developers who can provide custom iOS application development but the remuneration per hour is huge.

It is good to have a web app which is advertised with mobile browsers. This requires extensive programming with JavaScript and CSS. Such apps lack complete interactivity with native apps and need a steady web connection to run. Additionally, the time and cost involved in the integration of custom apps is huge. Also, there is a strong need to acquire or build custom libraries for much of the functions in an organization including charting, reporting, or even signature capture. It is good to have an alternative which would imply using a platform designed for development and maintenance of custom business apps. One such platform is the popular FileMaker which is actually an Apple subsidiary. Employees expect a lot from the iOS platform and the iPhone experience since Apple is known to be the pioneer of smart design and great quality in smartphones. Its design is pivotal to adoption. The tools need to be easy to use and design. Additionally, the iOS apps need to be simplistic yet comprehensive.

The alternative platform should boast of support to the native iPad and iPhone clients since users will be expecting the same quality which Apple presents. It should have gesture support along with several touchscreen actions such as pinch and zoom, with support for location. A good platform goes far beyond client expectations and mostly offers support for common data exchange APIs along with integration with popular authentication systems. The popularity of the iOS and the supportive devices like the iPad and iPhone are making them essential for boosting business productivity.

iPhone Application Development | iPad Application Development | Android Application Development | iOS Application Development

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 >>

iPhone Application Development

iPhone, Apple’s most popular product has made its users swarm in bees in the rush for more and more apps as the demand is far exceeding the supply!

Apple‘s App Store just got bigger and bigger. Interest has surged with the advent of the iPad and iPad 2 and the apps just seem to strengthen and add to the company’s bottom line. iPhone App Development is making the growth possible and also managing to please its hard-to-please customers!

Do you have any idea how much it costs to make customized apps for the iPhone? It all depends on the reputation of the provider, the monthly charges or even hourly rates of iPhone developers for developing innovative apps. But one thing is for sure, with the rising demand, although most of the apps are replicated and are coming in cheap, the original ones are way pricier. iPhone has a plethora of exciting features  and various inbuilt apps for Music & Video, sound recording, GPS , social networking site widgets, Calendars and business planners.

A recent trend in the creation of the app is the making of Beer apps. There are thousands of beer apps which can be found in the App store created by brilliant iPhone App Developers. These beer apps are specifically for enthusiasts who can use them to quench their lager-inducing desires.  One can trace out beer taps or even get to know if their favorite beer is available or not. Do not be surprised if you find apps that can actually measure how drunk you are! Burrp to that!

For More Information about iPhone App Development Company visit: www.elantechnologies.com