The mobile app developers are maturing with experience in devising higher number of useful mobile applications in 2016. With IoT, Cloud computing, wearable devices creating a buzz in 2016 the Mobile App Development trends also reflect some of these latest revolutionary impacts like the launch of IoT mobile apps for connected cars. The mobile apps are also converging with the cloud technology in 2016 hence, are becoming bigger and better. Some interesting trends in 2016 in mobile development are worth noting.

1.     Horde of enterprise mobile apps launches

The mobile Smartphone devices are absolutely the most used interfaces for web and overtaking desktop surfing by leaps and bounds. A research further suggests that the apps being faster and more convenient than the mobile websites are mushrooming on the web in higher numbers.80% of time spent on web is for shopping and surfing time is via Smartphone apps. The apps are first thing which are used for personalized jobs like hiring a taxi and ordering food. Hence, the enterprises have no option but to remain in line with the trend. They need to aggressively focus their marketing by developing their enterprise apps to witness a good lift in the bottom-line in 2016 and also remain competitive.

2.     Mobile app security enhancement

Elimination of the weak security problems in the Mobile App Development are the focus plans of most mobile app developers in 2016. The ecommerce stores are paying more attention to the security of their apps to prevent the leakage of the important details fed by their customers. Beefing up stricter security protocols is the agenda in 2016.

3.     Cloud technology to rule on the apps 

The cloud computing in apps is gaining ground in 2016. This technology is conferring a number of benefits. The app users are now able to sync their apps with a number of smart devices. Both large and small apps can conveniently manage the speed, security and other functional issues in the cloud.

4.     Increasing number of wearable apps on the Smartphone

The ever-growing trend of wearable technology has made the developers busy in making the multifunctional wearable apps. These apps make the wearable Smartwatches or smart glasses interesting gadgets.

5.     IoT apps for connected cars

The connected cars are ultimate fascinating IoT developments in 2016. The apps of advanced technology are being made in 2016 for this IoT. The apps of connection of cars basically sought connection with the traffic signals. This helps the users to know in advance the traffic ahead, or any kind of car mishaps which are creating the traffic besides knowing the directions and alternative routes.                              

6.     Additions of  offline and voice command features

The progressive web applications of 2016 are also featuring an option to work offline on apps. Also, integrating intelligent personal assistant feature in the apps is on the schedule for the year 2016. This includes making the mobile apps use voice commands given by the users to perform the task. This step towards gaining more convenience while driving, bathing is definitely what the customers can look forward in 2016 and beyond.

Bangalore Mirror newspaper featured Sonia Sharma, MD & Co-founder of GoodWorkLabs.  The story quotes entrepreneurs from startups like DriveU, Morning Fresh and Myra Vineyards, amidst the buzz around Mark Zuckerberg’s post on Facebook. Sonia spoke about her style statement that she carries to work everyday.

Read complete article on Bangalore Mirror here – FASHION HERE IS NOT YET ZUCKERBERG-ESQUE

A Loosely typed language is a language that can create variables of different types easily. It refers to those programming scripts that do not require defining a variable type. To put it simply, while declaring a variable in these programming scripts, there is no need of defining or classifying the data type stored in them. While working with these programming scripts, you need to use a sign for each variable type(like string, integer, float, etc.) to declare them. You just need to assign a string value to the variable, to define that our variable is an integer. This is the reason why PHP is a loosely typed language. 

What is PHP Script?

As PHP does not require defining the variable type. As a result, you are not restricted to a limited type of data. Quite inevitably, it proves to be highly beneficial for programmers, as they enjoy optimum flexibility.

The PHP script is very much popular among programmers and developers to develop various kinds of applications. As a loosely typed language, this particular script offers golden opportunities to programmers for designing great software programs. It is the most widely used language for developing web applications. There are many factors that attract developers and users to use PHP in their applications. Here in this article, we have jotted down the reasons that make PHP so popular among all – 

1. Optimum Flexibility

While creating dynamic applications, it is the flexibility of a loosely typed programming script that renders the most useful assistance. Because of their nature, dynamic applications are quite tough to work with. Often, these applications have to determine actions based on unknown data. Using the PHP programming script proves to be the best shots, in this context. It does not enforce data types on variables, and hence offers complete flexibility in complex programming.

2. Complete Programming Liberty

In cases of strongly typed languages, the programming rules are already pre-set and pre-determined. Therefore, the programmer cannot do any changes to it as per preference. In this context, however, situations are completely different with PHP. By allowing programmers to set their own programming rules, this particular programming script offers them freedom of operation.

3. Simplicity & Cost

The PHP language is one of the most simple programming languages. Like other languages, it is bound to have its bits and bytes, but still, it is compatible to run on any system productively. Writing a PHP script is pretty much straightforward and simple as opposed to another language. It also allows programmers to write customized scripts. The cost factor also makes PHP popular! As PHP is an open-source framework, that means it is completely free to use and is fully supported by documentation.

Summing Up

PHP programming script has gained traction with ingenious programmers and has become their current favorite, but as any other script PHP also comes with its share of drawbacks. While working with PHP, programmers need to have proper knowledge, otherwise, they might create vulnerable programming codes. As a loosely typed language, PHP creates some major possibilities of errors. Say, for instance, your code needs integer input, and your variable is in a string. As the most undesired output, the entire function will break. However, it is possible to overcome this issue by creating a properly structured and organized programming code.

So now you know why PHP is a loosely typed language and why it is so popular. PHP has various advantages  and it is widely used for web application development. Want to know more details about PHP? 

Stay tuned to this space! 

Or are you looking forward to having your dedicated web application built by using PHP? Contact GoodWorkLabs, one of the best web application development companies in Bangalore. Reach out to us and our team will discuss further about your requirements. Email us at – contact@www.goodworklabs.com or call at +91- 9863077000

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Gone are the days of traditional software development designs. The present times herald the need of for a change, and it is lean UX that is leading from the front on this endeavor. What this particular concept does is brings out the best possibilities in a designer’s toolkit and combines them in a unique manner. And this is where it establishes relevance with the existing trends.

The practice of UX development and design is perhaps impossible, without functional knowledge on the topic. Look around and you will find many designers working on it, but without knowing the nuances of the topic. As the most undesired outcome, they are belting out nothing but poor designs. There is a need of knowing the nitty-gritty of lean UX for using it to the advantage of startups.

Read on and discover the benefits offered by this unique concept.

Collaboration and coordination

Lean UX promotes collaboration and cross-functionality to the tee. As a result, software designers no longer have the liberty or luxury of working separately. In the first place, the process demands perfect communication and coordination within the entire production team. Regular team engagement is required on a daily basis. If you are one of those passionate product designers, lean UX will not let you keep your team members waiting for your assistance, each time there is a need of figuring things out.

Stripping away heavy deliverables

Another significant benefit of Lean UX is that it allows the stripping away of heavy deliverables. Improved techniques are adopted, which give designers the opportunity of building shared understanding with teammates. Other than that, lean UX completely transforms the perceptions of designers. Earlier, it was only about the design features and the documents. But, after the emergence of Lean User Experience, Designers think about the workability and functionality of those features.

Reframing according to market feedback

Additionally, designers have perfect access to market feedback. Quite inevitably, it proves to be highly beneficial for them. Market feedbacks render useful assistance by helping designers reframe existing design conversations. Moreover, they can perform this reframing, in complaisance with the objective goals of business. What lean UX ensures is a great way of thinking about software management. And it is easily understandable by designers, which is a major benefit for startups.

The book

Of late,“UX for Lean Startups” by Laura Klein is stirring up great excitement amongst potential UX designers and developers. Some of the major benefits of referring to this book are:

• Say, for instance, you are a first-time designer and wish to breeze through the pages of a book on Lean UX. Quite inevitably; an excessive amount of technical jargon will make the entire process quite difficult for you. Well, this is where, the book mentioned above stands apart from its contemporaries. Its comprehendible language makes sure that you understand every bit of it.
• The book also speaks about certain useful methodologies, perfectly usable in the software testing process. These methods happen to be cost-effective as well as quicker compared to the ones that are currently prevalent.

So, if you lack a formal training on User Experience and wish to do your startup alone, this book will prove to be your best investment.

For someone conversant and interested in new technologies, it’s a whirlwind of terms. UX, IxD, CX, UCD, guerrilla research, emotional design, strategic UX, etc all seem to be fancy names for the name things. Keywords in resumes are getting more ‘cool’ and at the same time more complicated. This is the same when one talks about lean UX and agile UX. Many think that both these terms refer to the same end – the connection between design and product development. Both aims towards making designing faster, both implicate a broader user experience and both bring in tools that facilitate the processes. So, why are there two different terms for the same thing? Let’s check out the differences.

What is Agile UX?

The agile revolution is rooted in software creation. In the days of the past, design wasn’t as valued an asset as it is today. Consequently, less attention was paid to its form and less investment was made in designers. Software development was all about being able to deliver results – the look of the interfaces didn’t matter.

However, design gradually became important for a more functional product. It facilitated a better user experience, easier handling of interface, intuitive user interaction and consequently, a faster understanding of the product. Agile design concept followed a simple set of principles:

• Interactions and individuals against tools and processes
• Working software against comprehensive documentation
• Change response against following plans
• Customer collaboration against contract negotiations

These are still the golden guidelines that are being used to develop agile digital products. To be a fit for the new concept, UX (user experience) need to change focus and working techniques. Agile UX today, essentially unifies designers and developers to support a more intuitive and easy product development.

What is Lean UX?

The main difference between Agile UX and Lean UX proceeds from the ‘startup culture’. Startups, as businesses in competition, are expected to deliver products as fast as they can and develop better sales strategies for the business to survive. Thus, it is essential that a vast amount of knowledge in the form of data and information is gathered to serve the iterations of a product. The goal of Lean UX is to present the best way to develop a minimum viable product and push it towards the customers as fast as possible. Generally, the process involves bringing out the core product first, checking its market demand/acceptance and then bringing out newer versions/updates to realize a better adoption. The lean development process involves several learning loops, involving build – measure – learn.

It’s a lean UX if a product is being constantly updated by gathering customer/user feedback. Thus Lean UX requires better understanding of customer behavior, giving it the alternative name of “Executed UX”.

Which is better?

Agile UX bring out a more polished product from its onset but Lean UX would support several versions of product that is constantly being polished/refined. The method you choose would thus depend on the type of product you are working at.

If we could go back in time to the year 1999, not many would believe that there would come a day when watches could talk to us, vehicles could drive themselves or houses can prepare themselves to welcome you back! Well, today, all of this is reality. Widely known as the Internet of Things or IOT, technology has come a long way in making our lives simpler, safer, easier and more convenient. It’s an exciting idea when we begin to think of what technology would be capable of, ten or twenty years from now.

Internet of Things has been here for some years now but the journey had started as soon as internet started playing a greater role in the lives of humans. Back in 2008, the number of things that was connected to the internet surpassed the total population of this planet. Also, by 2017, the market for IOT will surpass the sale of PC, smart phone and tablets combined. Another report from the IDC suggests that the global IOT market would grow to $7.1 trillion by the year 2020 which was just $1.9 trillion in the year 2013.at the center of all these innovation unfolding itself in industrial, geographical, technological and home environment would be the “connected person”. Technologists, across the globe are working to build a massive networking and infrastructure to gain a more pervasive connectivity. The concept of smart cities, smart cars, and smart buildings will word through sensors in your phone, in your body, etc.

The aim of IOT is to extend smarter networking, data collection, deep optimization and predictive analysis. This would be done by leveraging actuators, sensors, mobile communication, microcontroller, big data and other technologies. IOT will allow vaster amount of information to be gained through more number of connected devices across industries and environments like transportation, energy, healthcare, education, administration, security, etc. A great example of IOT would be small sensors which could be stuck to a patient’s body. These devices would be constantly relaying health related information and help monitoring, analysis and special services for assisted living. Consequently, IOT would help people live healthier, longer and independently.

IOT today has been the result of several small developments over the years. However, there have always been some key challenges to allow the level of interconnection that is required to build smarter ‘things’. A good example would be the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) that addressed sufficiently to accommodate billions of devices that bring in data and support automation.

For industries and workplaces, IOT facilitates expanded inter-connectivity, communication and operability. Sensors in ID card would be automatically detected by sensors in the doorway and before an employee reaches his desk; his system would be ready with the schedule of the day.

Wearable like the Apple Smart Watch and Google Glasses facilitates easy and independent travel, a better monitored exercise regime, making communication hands free and working on the intuition of the users. The concept of IOT is both simple and complex but for the connected person, it opens up a world of possibilities.

Market research from IDC suggests that we are already experiencing the sharpest drop in the sales of personal computers for a single quarter. Technology is evolving fit computing devices to our pockets and modern day tablets are more than capable of replacing the traditional desktops. Today, Android’s and iOS’s shipments are greater than PC shipments across the globe. Every company is worried and changing the way it tried to encourage the sales processes. In the first quarter of 2015, Gartner reports that PC shipments have dropped by more than 5.2%. The segments that plummeted were notebooks, tablets and hybrid tablets. Personal computers that we have grown up with are fast being replaced by thin, lightweight and more importantly, highly mobile devices.

This is certainly the end of a revolutionary era in the history of mankind. The PC revolution began in the late 1960’s when Hewlett Packard began selling its 9100 desktop calculators. Then came microprocessors and finally the internet revolution gave the strong kick to the adoption of PCs. By the 1990s, personal computers were universal home fixtures and office tools. However, now that we have come to the 50^th year, the sales of conventional PCs are falling fast. A lot has happened in between!

Today, 7% of Americans own a smart phone but don’t have an alternative device that could connect them to the internet or have a broadband service installed in their homes. IDC even goes on to predict that by the year 2017, 87% of the connected devices would be smartphones and tablets. PCs, including both desktops and laptops will just have a 13% of the market share. Forrester Research, on the other hand forecasts that by 2017, 1 out of every 5 tablet would be an enterprise device. Businesses are in fact investing more on tablets rather than limiting their employees to their desks with a desktop.

Following the trend, Apple CEO, Mr. Tim Cook says that there is no reason that someone would buy a PC anymore. Apple is already ready with PC alternatives devices like iPad Pad Pro. Tim Cook believes that the iPad Pro would be a replacement for several PC and notebook users. It is also being said that the free Windows 10 would be a humble end for the PC era. Google’s Android can do pretty much everything that you would want out of the traditional desktops. Well, gamers might disagree but even so, Playstation sells more than graphics cards today! The meaning of personal computers has changed. A truly personal device should be mobile, fast, easy to use and always connected. Users are looking beyond keyboard attachments, mouse, an accessory webcam, a connected printer, etc. smart devices of today integrate all of these functionalities into a small device that can fit into your hands, wirelessly!

While some people and businesses will continue to advocate personal computers, this surely is the beginning of the end of the PC era. Most of us have lost the reason to use those bigger devices!

The iOS X is all set to release next year there are several across the globe waiting eagerly. According to a recent report by 9to5Mac, Apple is already testing the version and some traffic is being identified from the to-be launched OS. Though this could as well be fake, Apple would certainly roll out the new version anytime in the coming year. It has been just some months that the iOS9 was released but this makes us better equipped to put down our expectations for the next version.

The release

First of things, the iOS 10 is likely to be announced at the WWDC 2016 conference to be held around June. Going by the previous trend, the update would be first available to developers and then for the general users. This should take another three to four months. It can also be noted that Apple has always released every major iOS update with a new iPhone product release. So, the iOS 10 should come bundled with the iPhone 7 by October next year.

A proactive SIRI

It is being strongly rumored that iOS 10 would bring about an interesting combination in Voicemail and Siri. As per business Insider, Apple is already testing a service that allows Siri to answer calls for its users and then transcribe a message in voice that has been originally a textual content. Though this system doesn’t necessarily need an update as most of the work is done in the server side, Apple has always tended to add a new Siri with an OS update.

The WWDC 2015 conference strongly featured the importance of a more “proactive Siri”. For long the process was getting smarter but it’s time that Siri anticipated what users would like to do before they saw/heard a communication. This would also bring Siri closer to Google Now features that present information based on what the user is doing. Where he is and how he would likely respond in such a situation.

The iOS 9 was a tad lackluster. Proactive Siri would largely suggest apps and make them do things that you would want them to. The easiest example would be launching the music app when you plug in the headphone or when set on commute mode, it will suggest Kindle. Siri integrated with voicemail will also suggest other applications based on your set schedule and notifications.

HomeKit

HomeKit, as many readers would already know is Apple’s growth in the sectors like Internet of Things and Home Automation. However, for so long, it has just been a stealth product. Though there are a few products in the Home Automation, Apple hasn’t really talked about them strongly. With iOS 10, Siri could play a bigger role in Home Automation like knowing when you are home, when it’s time to turn up the heater, at what temperature should the AC be set to, smart locking doors, etc.

These are the two top features that users would expect Apple to integrate with iOS 10. Hopefully, our answers would be heard!

Tag Heuer, in collaboration with Google is all set to launch its first Android timepiece, to be called the Connected Watch. As one can guess, the Connected is different from the regular watches from the Tag Heuer product lines. Priced at $1500, this luxury watch is clad in titanium and has more than passing resemblance to its analog timepieces. Jean Claude Biver, the CEO slipped a few details about the design recently and we can comfortably believe that the new product would be quite similar to the Apple Watch but with the design aspects that Tag Heuer has always stuck to. So finally, we are getting a watch that looks like the watches we have grown with and also has the capabilities of the most modern time-telling devices.

What makes Connected different?

The company had gone through a rigorous research to ensure that the design of Connected isn’t like a smart watch but rather the timepieces that the brand has been popular for. The first of things in the design is the titanium construction that makes the watch very lightweight. The Connected comes with a “transflective display”, making it readable under direct sunlight and is programmed to show you the time at all times/screens. The screen of the Connected itself is a vibrant and sharp. For someone trying to guess the exact design of the Connected, it would be very similar to the Tag Heuer Carrera – a previous analog model from the company. The connected will however come with six textured rubber watch bands that are completely customizable.

The best and also the priciest element of the Connected are the titanium case and the 46mm sapphire crystal display. Though its display (240ppi) would be a tad lower than the Apple Watch (290ppi), it should be enough to engage the user is a ‘cool’ experience. Further, the entire watch is made to be water resistant and thus can be comfortably worn outdoors.

While the watch has been designed to impress on the outside, it is equally complimented by the Android brain and Intel’s guts. The watch would most probably integrate a 1.6 GHz Intel dual core processor and this should be enough to support a range of smart functionalities.

Coming to the performance, it would again be similar of what can be expected of an Android wear. Leaving aside the customized watch face and the Tag Heuer applications (to be called ‘micro applications’ in this case), the ‘Connected’ would be completely compatible with an Android wear. It comes equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, weather / wind monitoring applications and a microphone that responds to your commands. The 4 GB of storage, supported by a 1 GB of RAM should be enough to download and store some music for your travels. Also, the Connected integrates a 410 mAh, double the size of the Apple counterpart.

Like any other Android watch, the Connected too is compatible with iOS but users might run into certain limitations when connecting your iPhone.

The complete package is priced at $1500. While it might seem overwhelming, it’s also a fact that the $17,000 rose gold Apple Watch Edition didn’t do badly in the market. The Huawei Watch is another example how a $450 smart watch can get a profitable customer base. Tag Heuer has luxury and brand as its advantages and it is expected the Connected would be getting a good response when finally launched.

Just five months after loading the ‘instant article’ feature into its news feed, the format is progressing into iPhones. According to Chris Cox, Facebook will now be able to publish several thousands of articles every day. The format will also be tested in Android devices and the same would be available by the end of 2015. Aptly called as ‘the package of journalism’ Instant articles will allow many readers across the globe will now be able to read stories inside the realms of the social networks instead of following links that lead to websites. Since May, Facebook has been able to come up with more than a dozen publications of instant articles. The new feature however would be available only for mobile users.

So what would be the implications?

To start off, there would be huge decline in traffic that publishing websites received from Facebook. However, on the other side, it also gives businesses an opportunity to connect with targeted users (even a larger audience base) via their Instant Articles news feed. To top that, Facebook is also collaborating with comScore to develop analytics into the number of people that read a particular article. The traffic will be credited to the publisher. For Facebook, this feature will enhance the social networking experience by keeping the users inside the platform. TR Viswanath, a Facebook engineer says that the technology powering Instant Articles will allow content (both text and video) to load faster on mobile apps that it would have been the case with website links. Interactive maps, embedded audio, tilt to pan photos and auto-play video are other features that will engage more number of audiences.

Instant Articles will not necessarily show up on every iOS user’s new feed immediately. Though a timeline hasn’t been confirmed, the company suggests that the feature will be available to around 12.5% of iOS device users and this number will gradually rise. However, this incredible feature has also become one of the most discussed media issues. Media organizations will now have to give up a chunk of their revenues to Facebook for the targeted readership. This would be a big problem for small publications but brands like BuzzFeed, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Slate, Vox Media and the Atlantic have already tied up for the platform.

How it impacts businesses?

Facebook aptly believes that users will be more interested to share news and articles that load instantly (10 times faster as promised) and this will enable the publisher to get a higher rank in the social networking site. Publishers across the globe are already scrambling to change the content management systems to compete with Facebook’s efficiency. The faster loading pages are achieved by stripping down the tracking codes and advertisements that normally run on web page links. However, Instant Articles are also made more interactive where users can tilt down their phones to browse photos and also seek 3D maps to seek out more information about the business. Basically, instant articles will be a “Facebook version of your website promotion”