The last time we checked Statista; there were 1.6 million apps in Google’s Play store while Apple’s score was at 1.5 million available apps. Even if all these apps were free to use (they aren’t) and you could try them before buying, it would be a tough ask for both, you and your phone. So how do you choose the best app in any category? Well, we have some staples like WhatsApp, Skype or Instagram that the world recommends and without a good enough alternative. However, what if you are interested in the best “photography app”, or say, the “best Weather” app? Here’s our take on how to choose the best app under a given category – 

1.     Firstly, the “Top Lists”

Both the Android and iOS app stores have handy charts to help your search for the best app. if you are on an iOS device, search for “Top 25” and you will get to see the current top sellers across categories. Though, top selling apps are by no means the best pick for your needs, this is a good place to start with. The Play Store too has a “Top Chart” helping out new smart phone users.

If you don’t find the relevant app in these “top” lists, it’s time to navigate to the “categories” section. The Play Store has a helpful demarcation of all kinds of categories you would normally seek an app in. find your area of interest and generally, the top users are features ahead in these “categorized” lists.

2.     Reviews

Customer and user reviews are invaluable when looking for an app. at the first glance, anything that has acquired more than 4 stars would be a good app and anything under 3 stars would be worth avoiding. Further, the reviews of users would lead you to the specific advantages and disadvantages that people are enjoying/facing with the app. Browse through all the details to ensure that your device is compatible enough to give you the features you are looking for.

3.     Featured

Featured Listing is another handy place to start your search. Since neither Apple of Google receives payments for these features, the apps in there can be believed to be the best in what they are promising.

4.     Ask around

Well, if you are seeking something niche-specific, it’s also a good idea to ask around. Going back to the start of this article, if you have been looking for the best photography app, it would be helpful to reach out a photography community in Facebook. Your colleagues and friends too can advice on your pick.

The above should do the job, but you should again understand if you really need an app. Apps certainly are the driving features in smart phones but maybe, you don’t need some Afterall. Some apps like Facebook eat up a lot of RAM and if you aren’t going to browse too frequently, it is advisable to look into the mobile version of your Facebook (m.facebook.com) profile when required.

The app stores love to flaunt their size and say that the choices are close to being limitless. But having hundreds of choices will also mean more stress and more complicacy. Choose only the ones you really need to add convenience to your life.

The world is becoming more and more addicted to Smartphones. The variety of unique applications racking up on our devices proves how quickly we are getting hooked onto the technological revolution. User engagement levels are also up and surging like never before, be it about fitness or shopping from the convenience of your home. 5 major developments dominating the scene currently include:

1.     Internet of things leading to creation of apps with an edge

The network connections to a multitude of objects like wearable technology have surged in the modern times. Powered by IoT, wearable technology will grow from a $20 billion market in 2015 to a $70 billion industry by 2025. This has made it necessary for the mobile apps to keep pace with this towering trend. The outstretching imaginations are leading to more and more innovative apps which are beneficial for both commercial and industrial usage.  The smart sensors in the apps will alert and perform a number of useful functions.

2.     Beacon technology- a big leap from the native technology

All iOS users can now get alerts from even the dormant retail store apps as these are woken up by the beacon technology. Whenever customers are physically inside a store, the beacon allows identifying the exact location. If the customer is standing in the jeans section, the message is immediately received by the store app which alerts the customers regarding the discounts on the needed product. This technology is the new profit racking instrument for retailer and the trend will continue into the future.

3.     Craze for building mobile videos in Enterprise Apps

More and more enterprises have sprung up to take advantage of the growing trend in app usage on smaller screen. Hence these apps are leading to excessive profit making for the enterprises. Creative mobile videos have become an important tool for brands and enterprises to reach out. These video ads are no more just meant for the websites; but to directly target customer’s attention clearly on the mobile screens.  The enterprise video market will in fact grow to a $36.84 million industry by 2020. The companies are increasingly seen using multimedia site apps to project their videos ads so as to successfully propagate its image.

4.     The cloud app integration

Millions of apps that have mushroomed on various platforms are becoming very more user friendly with the integration of cloud.  Larger mobile apps are now able to fit in as a small subset of the bigger space, bandwidth and memory availability in the cloud network.

5.     Secured apps are a cut above the rest

The security of the apps has become a serious agenda for all kinds of applications, old and new. Serious competition among brands and businesses has led the need to address any security concerns in the apps at the earliest. While there are about 4 million apps in the major app stores, 75% of them would fall short of passing the basic security tests.  This is directly linked to the credibility of a business and isn’t a thing that can be taken lightly. Developers are thus continuously preparing and updating themselves to meet the expectations.

Mobiles and more specifically smart devices hold our future. As we roll into 2016, smartphones will become the change-bearers.

Finding the best hotels in a new place takes just an app! Hotel booking sites like Hotels.com, Expedia, and Venere have recently gained a lot of popularity with 76% leisure travelers accessing them for the better deals and lower prices. The other side of the coin also reveals that most travelers today are less likely to go for branded hotels. Statistics suggest that 13% travelers are looking for mobile convenience when booking accommodation and branded sites are failing short of the required urgency.

Intermediary hotel booking apps have the mobile muscle to come in between the hotels and their guests.  Hotel apps ensure “hospitality on the move” and major brands across the globe are focusing on new mobile strategies to improve their guest’s experience. The fully customizable apps ensure that all types of transactions and searches are made simple, before, during and post the stay. Mobile apps for hotels are also changing the way guests interact with the service staff and vice versa.

Looking beyond the booking process

Several hotels are coming up with apps that facilitate a seamless booking process. Some even step things up a notch to take advantage of in-app messaging and push notifications that would remind guests about valuable information about their lodging and booking. A good example of such an platform is the Ritz-Carlton app that gives guests access to early check-ins, access room services, access special offers, and use their reservation code to stay in contact with their guests at all times.

Technology raising the bar

The increasing demand of self service hotel apps have been met by technology that has helped automate requests both on and off the property. Businesses that have deployed these mobile apps invariably improve their guest satisfaction score, regardless of being independent properties or as a part of a hospitality chain. The digital experience is possible long before the arrival and this provides enough opportunity for the hotel to reinforce their service experience.

Catering to instant gratification

Mobile application across the hotel industry ensures on-demand services with just some taps on a smart screen. One of the best examples of such a service is i-Guest, deployed by several boutique hotels. Developed by FCS Computer System, this multilingual application allows guests to customize every part of their hotel experience, right from accessing property amenities to ordering dinner. Apps like this offer a range of convenience including mobile check in/out, room service requests, housekeeping requests, laundry orders, scheduling spa appointments, valet parking requests and restaurant reservation, without the need to go to the front desk. Sometimes this bundle of features also includes mobile concierge, local information, current news, travel guides and other locational services.

Increased staff efficiency

Self service apps don’t just connect the hotel and guests but also makes it easy to organize staff participation. With every employee’s login time registered and tracked, it’s more convenient for hotels to schedule orders coming from the guests.

All of the above only prove that if you are associated with the hotel industry, it’s time to take apps more seriously! The power and popularity of apps today is beyond boundaries and there are many opportunities to be explored.

There are a lot of options these days for companies to engage with various audiences through mobile technology. As they seek to stand out from the masses, these companies are continually looking for innovative solutions that go beyond the norm, or expected, to drive interest and engagement.

That’s where GoodWorkLabs comes in. GoodWorkLabs is a leading new-age software and design lab that delivers cutting-edge products and solutions for a growing list of global clients. The firm specializes in outsourced product development, high-end mobile/gaming apps and custom software development.

Mobile app development is highly in demand these days, and many companies are emerging to meet that demand. So many, that it can be challenging for businesses to determine which offer the best, and most reliable app developers. That’s where Clutch comes in. Clutch is a Washington, DC-based analyst firm that identifies top services providers in mobile and web development. Using a proprietary framework, the Leaders Matrix, Clutch maps firms’ focus areas and ability to deliver on client expectations.

Clutch is committed to identifying the leaders in a variety of industries, such as software development, advertising and marketing, web and mobile app development and IT consulting. GoodWorkLabs is on their radar screen. The firm has been selected by Clutch as a company to provide as a “firm that delivers.”

Our profile offers potential customers a thorough summary of our services, including detailed charts showing prospective clients which industries we serve, a list of some of our clients, and a sense of what it’s like to work with us. As we move forward our profile will be augmented by the inclusion of customer testimonials to offer an even more realistic feel for what we can do.

Our name says it all: we’re GoodWorkLabs and we do good work! But don’t just take our word for it. One of the most important features of our profile is the client reviews section. What’s unique about the reviews is that Clutch actually reaches out and interviews our clients over the phone. This allows our clients to give unbiased feedback about our products and services. While this feat might make some business owners nervous, we welcome the unbiased reviews, as it’s the only way we can truly know how we’re doing. We want to constantly be evaluating and improving our services, and these interviews allow us to do that. As of right now, we have a 4.8-star rating, so we’re feeling pretty confident about our ability to meet our clients’ needs.

The client testimonials which accompany the review section are crucial in giving potential clients a glimpse into what it’s like to work with us. One of our valued clients, the CEO of Audetemi, a mobile development company said: “GoodWorkLabs did a good job of designing the user experience…I would say their attention to detail is what sets them aside. They insisted on coming up with a design of their own before discussing my ideas.”

Another client, the founder of ID Verify Wizard, a fraud prevention company, said: “One of the things that stood out for me was their level of service and approach to the customer’s need. GoodWorkLabs is focused on what has to be done.”

We couldn’t be more pleased with our profile, and our relationship with Clutch. If you haven’t already, we invite you to check out our Clutch profile, and let us know your thoughts!

Android attracts the majority of app developers, thanks to the continuous innovation of Google Play. Apart from providing an open-source environment, the Play Store has definitely become a refuge for those who have been overwhelmed by the strict guidelines of the iOS App Store. Also, the lack of any definitive approval process makes it easier to submit your application and invest your time and money in the development process. However, if you are daring enough to look beyond these loose ends, there are special Android development platforms that can give wings to your imagination.

However, given all the opportunities present in the Google Play Store, there are hurdles to be crossed by the developer to create a smash hit mobile app. When it comes to the hardware, Android can be provokingly fragmented, leading to manufacturers having their own proprietary modifications (HTC Sense).  Here’s a list of the top 5 Android Development Platforms:

1.       Android SDK

The basic Android ‘Software Development Kit’ can be the go-to platform for any developer looking to start his career with app development. The platform offers easy tools for API documentation, debugging, system images that support testing, and other tools that perfectly integrate with the Google ecosystem. Android SDK further includes essentials like licensing and Google Play billing that enables an easier and more secure app sales and distribution.

2.       Titanium Mobile SDK

Developers are specifically interested in platforms that help them maximize their effort in reaching out to maximum users across a wide range of devices. For developers interested in crafting apps that can reach out to both iOS and web users, the Titanium Mobile SDK can be a game-changer. Developed by Appcelerator, Titanium SDK supports a minimum of 5,000 different devices and mobile OS APIs. It gives developers the freedom to run their applications like the native apps for both Android and iOS. Titanium SDK even goes a step further by offering device-agnostic HTML5 applications that will be compatible with any device, increasing your audience reach in the process.

3.       Gimbal Context-Aware

Mobile applications that are based on geography and user experiences can not only impress developers but can be life-changing for end users. Gimbal, developed by Qualcomm integrates context awareness and offers a platform that is secure and resource-efficient. Using web-based dashboards; developers can easily set up Geofence locations that identify hotspots in-app interactions. Gimbal further tracks web activity and user preferences to customize the application experience for individual users. Additionally, there are some strict regulations to user privacy and developer controls.

4.       Vuforia Augmented Reality

Another android development platform by Qualcomm, Vuforia has impressed many developers. Augmented Reality promises developers a tech vision that recognizes and produces real-world imaging and 3D targets. For developers building a game for Android, Vuforia can be the perfect solution to the desired AR experience.

5.       AppMachine

An easy to use developer platform, AppMachine supports designing and development of native apps for both Android and iOS. Developers simply need to combine building blocks across features that include photos and videos. Developers have complete control over fonts, icons, colors, navigation paths, and the overall layout.

Apps for Teachers

Technology has changed teaching trends significantly. Today, the focus has shifted to STEM education and more emphasis is being given to STEM classes. The educator has also become the student and requires more than just a workbook to teach and motivate students to learn and understand using technology.

Just like every sphere of life has an app, there are numerous apps available specifically for teachers to engage students, improve student behavior and make classroom sessions more interesting and fruitful.

Here are 5 must-have apps that all teachers should have to get desired results in the classroom.

1. The ClassDojo App

The ClassDojo app acts as a classroom tool that provides techniques to bring quick changes to classroom behavior. One good thing about this app is that it allows the teacher to capture and generate date related to student behavior and share with parents as well as administrators.

Teachers also can use the app to give feedback and encourage or motivate students. The app allows teachers to submit and view data and reports related to student behavior.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/classdojo/id552602056?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.classdojo.android&hl=en

2. Edmodo

The Edmodo is a wonderful support aid for teachers. This amazing app helps teachers improve their level of interaction with students, even when both are not physically present in the school. The Edmodo app lets teachers and students enjoy secure classroom discussions and easy sharing of assignments. Besides these features, the app lets teachers upload important files related to projects and lessons that students can use and refer to.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/edmodo/id378352300?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fusionprojects.edmodo&hl=en

3. Remind 101

The Remind101 app helps teachers send announcements and notices to parents and students. Although a common functionality, this app has a unique feature – it prioritizes privacy.

The app lets the teacher hide their contact details and/or identity when sharing information with parents and students. In addition, the personal details of recipients too are kept hidden. The ‘privacy’ feature offered by the Remind 101 app makes it different and more effective compared to apps that offer the same features and functionalities.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/remind-safe-classroom-communication/id522826277?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remind101&hl=en

4. Math Formulas

It is quite difficult to remember all the math formulae related to different equations and mathematical concepts. Not remembering the formula in a classroom setting can send teachers into a tizzy. This is where the Math Formulas app comes to the rescue.

It is a compilation of innumerable math formulae. These formulae cover almost every topic in math, from trigonometry to geometry and algebra to matrices. However, this particular app is available only for Android devices, but you can get similar apps for iOS devices, as well.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nsc.mathformulas.lite&hl=en

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maths-formulas-free/id645431389?mt=8

5. Geddit

The Geddit app is designed to help teachers identify students’ weaknesses and strengths. This amazing app lets teachers understand a student’s attitude to learning and their ability to understand different aspects of a lesson.

This interaction through the app allows the teacher to cater to the individual needs of students, conduct a one-on-one session for better comprehension and assist students get confident to progress to the next level.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geddit-student/id827542924?mt=8

If you are an educator, these are the 5 apps you should have on your smart device to improve interaction with and make learning fun for your students.

Wearable technology, a relatively new phenomenon to enter the market, has already caused a lot of stir among gadget users. The smart watch market is emerging as an interesting technology disruptor. With the launch of the new Apple watch, corporate life may be well set for a visibly drastic change in future. The innovative smart product is made to be used in conjunction with Apple phones and tablets, and can very well become the harbinger of change in our day-to-day corporate lives. Let’s dive in and see the influence this watch can have on our corporate lives.

The Possible Impact

While corporate life and activities today have a lot to do with smartphones and tablets, the launch of the Apple watch means that people are now more likely to glance at their wrists rather than whip out their smart devices every now and then. According to market research, a staggering 45% of consumers are expected to acquire and use smart watches in the coming years. This powerful piece of technology and its adoption can very well bring about a sea change in corporate life, office policies, productivity and daily routine. Positive changes are likely to improve corporate life and spur creativity and efficiency, while negative changes can have a detrimental overall impact.

Staying Engaged

Mobile phone alerts and notifications have long been considered one of the largest distractions at work, although it might sometimes be necessary for people to receive work-related communication on their smart devices. With the new Apple watch, receiving notifications has just got easier. This has the potential to distract people in office and take up more of their time with activities of a more personal nature. Corporate efficiency can suffer a setback for the same reason. Breaks in concentration during an intense period of work might happen more readily if people are sporting smart watches.

Many are of the opinion that, instead of the new technology, it is the work culture and practices that influence this change. The need for corporate employees is to concentrate on their work for long durations of time without distractions, and the Apple watch might provide them with yet another excuse to take multiple, non-productive breaks. To minimize the occurrence of these, several experts have noted that there needs to be an overhaul of company policies.

Changes to Expect

With the massive potential that the Apple watch has to offer, it can be easy to turn things around and use the device as a positive influence on corporate life. With a plethora of productivity apps and solutions expected to be available shortly, companies can integrate the device into their daily business workflow. There is a need for more stringent security practices and privacy policy to protect sensitive information. A great example of using the Apple watch to aid corporate processes is to use the technology for access control and time attendance instead of clunky key cards. Company updates, important information about events, seminars and training programs can also be made available on the Apple watch, making it a smooth and seamless companion for your corporate life, exuding a positive, conducive influence.

Do write in to us and let us know what other possible ramifications can come out of the Apple Watch.

Higher education covers an exciting and interesting time in the lives of student- a time full of revelations and intricate learning which lets them excel in their domains of choice. Like other education sectors, the teaching and learning methods of the modern higher education sector have also been duly influenced by new technological innovations and development. Computers and smart devices now enable higher education students and teachers to make use of a whole new set of tools to enhance and enliven the learning experience.

Apps designed especially for use in the education sector have livened things up, and their appropriate use in the higher education sector can significantly improve the rate, quality and longevity of knowledge absorption. Here are a few of the most important education apps meant for use in the higher education sector –

1. Google Apps for Education – Internet behemoths Google have tailored a suite of web and mobile applications meant for use in the education sector and christened it Google Apps for Education. In essence, this is a collection of Google apps which are tuned for collaborative use. It provides teachers with a means to share and grade assignments on a group basis using the popular Google Docs platform. Accessing daily routines and schedule management can be accomplished via the Google Calendar. Google Story Builder focuses on the writing and expression abilities of student. These well-fashioned tools, accompanied with other important apps, make this a must-use in the higher education sector.
2. TED – This fascinating app can be a major source of education inspiration for those pursuing higher education. The app combines a large volume of intriguing and thought-provoking lectures, seminars and talks by people who are recognized as world leaders in the field of education, innovation and mastery of their subjects of choice. The entire database is available for users and can be viewed on multiple devices, with subtitle support covering more than 90 languages around the world.
3. Duolingo – Learning a new language is often a key activity in higher education. With Duolingo, learning a new language becomes easy and intuitive. The app engrosses students with a fun and interesting learning process that involves challenges, real-world scenarios and exciting tests. The multiple exercise types and detailed pronunciation guides keep things interesting, and students have the option of grading their progress on a daily basis.
4. iTeacherBook – This user-friendly application is a detailed schedule management system for college and university teachers and students. With the clean and navigable interface, teachers can set up multiple classes, post their class schedules online and instantly share it with their students. Course management, lecture management and attendance management are also integrated into the program. Teachers also have the option to set up assignments and manage student grades.
5. Evernote – This immensely popular note-taking app is a hot favorite among students. It gives them the option to jot down their ideas and keep a record of important information for later use. Used creatively, this can be a fun platform for thought-mapping and help students with their assignments, theses and dissertations.

Do write in your comments if you have been using any of these apps, to share your feedback of its effectiveness in your learning or teaching endeavors.