Mobile App Development Vs Website Development

Mobile App Development Vs Website Development

The digitization of the world has made a great impact on the lives of people. People are increasingly getting digitally savvy and using the internet for most of their needs like consuming news, ordering food, shopping, making friends, etc. During the current pandemic, e-commerce has seen a great surge than ever before and this is changing the online buying behavior. This key segment has increased the demand for services of the web and mobile application development. So, let us look at the differences between mobile app development vs website development.

Today the majority of the world population is consuming content and engaging with brands using their smartphones, thanks to their affordability and usability. Therefore, a mobile application followed by a mobile-friendly website is the best approach to keep the audiences engaged. Optimizing your app and website to be mobile friendly makes the platform more sophisticated and convenient for people to search, navigate, and buy your products or services.

Having said that, it is not only the mobile application development that should be significant for your business, rather the focus should be on both – the mobile app and website. Having both – a great mobile application and an engaging website will provide you with an edge over your competitors. But, whenever a business tries to create an online or digital presence, there is one standard question – ‘Do they need a website or an application?’. If you have the same daunting question, then this blog post will help you make an informed decision.

mobile-app-dev-vs-we-dev

When do you need a website?

Businesses with a nationwide and global presence primarily need a website focusing on the brand information, service and product offering, location, a map, and success stories. It is advised to have a bespoke website to keep your audiences engaged.

When developing your presence online through the website, you should keep the below in mind:

  • Have quality and relevant content
  • Compatible with various devices like mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc
  • Showcase your products and services effectively
  • Include responsive web-design
  • Easy navigation
  • Fast loading

When do you need a mobile application?

A business with a doorstep service business or a business that wants to have regular and meaningful interactions with customers should focus to build an innovative mobile application. Mobile applications provide a wider range of plug-ins and features depending upon your objectives and key business goal. For instance: If you aim to keep audiences engaged and informed, then you may want to integrate your application with a chatbot to assist your customers at real-time.

When developing a mobile application, you should consider the below:

  • The mobile application should support all devices – adapt to a large range of screen sizes and pixels
  • Host it on cloud
  • Remind your customers whenever there is s a new update in the app
  • Follow best practices of the platforms – android, iOS, and windows

Mobile applications are SaaS-based products that can be downloaded and installed on a smartphone or a tablet. Whereas the website is rendered within a browser, and one needs to switch to a browser and look for the website. Comparatively, mobile applications are time-saving and can also be accessed even offline.

However, mobile applications should be considered only when your business has a strong reason to connect with the audience. Remember that mobile applications can be installed if your audiences do not find value in it.

Lastly, while mobile applications are more interactive, personalized, and effective; and websites are simple and less expensive, they should only be chosen keeping the business objectives in mind. If you are looking forward to launching or enhance your business in the online world, then reach out to us with your requirements at +91- 9863077000 or [email protected].

iOS vs Android App Development: The Pros & Cons

Globally about 5.11 billion people make use of smartphones and this number is only going to raise in the years to come. This trend will take the app development industry to a peak where businesses and consumers will both look for better mobile applications. Also, the average time that a person spends using their smartphones is about three hours a day. Therefore, this will further accelerate the upgrading and updating of mobile applications to stay relevant with time. Understand the pros & cons of iOS vs Android mobile app development.

The smartphone industry is expected to grow to 7.33 billion by 2023. This figure being overwhelming will help application developers to keep up with the demand. The proliferation of more and more mobile applications has to lead to the evolution of business needs and user preferences. Mobile applications which will be at par with these changes will soar high in the coming years. Hence, the businesses and organizations will now focus on figuring out the best approach for developing their mobile app.

Having said, how easy or difficult is it to get going with building an app? Well, the entire process of building a mobile application is a complex endeavour. From ideating to execution, one question always remains the same: Should we develop an iOS or an android application? This question has always been dominating the operating system market. In the global mobile application market, Android platform leads with 68% of the market share, followed by iOS with about 30%, and 2% smaller operating platforms. Does that mean it is safe and best to choose Android as your platform? Of course, not, there are many other factors apart from the market share that can make or break your mobile application dream.

 How-to-choose-between-iOS-and-Android-for-App-Development

To help you make an informed decision, let us look at some of the pros and cons of iOS vs Android app development:

iOS App Development

Designed only for Apple products like iPhone and iPad, iOS has provided great revenue to Apple as it is very prevalent in developed countries. iOS uses a closed source system that only Apple can use privately. This makes the platform more secure and the chances of getting hacked are very less.

Pros of the iOS platform: 

  • Standard UI Design: Apple provides a detailed guideline for UI design, thereby helping developers to build an application effortlessly
  • Benefits: Apple users are considered to be very loyal to their iPhone or iPad, which makes them spend more money on iOS applications. Apple has built a trustworthy brand positioning for itself, this is what makes the user stick to the same brand for years
  • Versatility: Almost all apple devices use the same iOS version. Developers do not have to invest their time and effort in creating app versions for different devices with different resolutions and screen sizes.

Cons of the iOS platform

  • Cost: iOS app development requires Xcode IDE which can only be accessed using Macs. The initial investment will shoot up if you do not already own Mac and Xcode
  • Stringent Publishing norms: iOS have very strict standard guidelines which are to be followed when developing an application otherwise the apps get rejected mercilessly
  • Tailoring: As the guidelines are strict and standard, you can not customise your mobile application the way you wish, and become just like the rest.

Android App Development

Android is the leading operating system in the world. The accessibility and affordability of android smartphones has felicitated for its growth and reach.

Pros of the Android platform: 

  • Publishing norms: Being not so stringent, app developers can upload the Android PacKage and the application shall be available in the Play Store with hours
  • Open System: Developers have more freedom for their creativity and opportunities to develop greater things
  • Design: Google provides eye-pleasing layouts and templates for the beginners

Cons of the Android platform: 

  • Not so versatile: Varying screen sizes, resolutions, and aspect ratios can be a task for the developers
  • Cost: Total development cost gets high as you need to invest in optimisation and testing
  • Testing: Android has many end-devices, and testing the usage of the application in all of these is time and money consuming

By learning these key differences, you must have gotten an idea as to which platform you must choose. If you are looking to delve deeper and create a successful mobile application then connect with us at +91- 9863077000 or [email protected] and we will help build one.

Mobile Applications to rule post COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus 2019 is surely a sour pain for all of us. Little did we know that it would take an epidemic to change our lifestyle upside-down. People locked up, offices shut, roads empty, and socialising became a nightmare. These tough times have not only affected individuals but also the companies and government, as all countries in the world have had a major hit in their economy. It would not be wrong to say that in future, the world will never be the same as it used to be. Many businesses are likely to be shut if they do not evolve and adapt during the pandemic, and many new opportunities will emerge.

Who knew that the words like social-distancing and contact-less experience would disrupt our lifestyle and be a norm someday. Well, it is now, and we can not deny that. No matter what businesses you are in, you will have to adapt to this change, sooner the better. This is the time when you need to pay closer attention to consumer demands than ever and adapt accordingly. For instance: Zomato – an online food delivery app started delivering groceries as that is the need of the hour.

Talking about the mobile application, today, many governments are using this technology to track the movement of COVID-19 infection amongst the community. Thereby enabling them to take necessary actions in respective regions. Likewise, a mobile application that will solve the current problems faced by consumers will grow and evolve. Consumers are looking for contact-less experiences and the app development domain offers the same seamlessly. Therefore, mobile application development will strengthen the new norms and trends furthermore.

Mobile Applications to rule post COVID-19 pandemic

Let us take a closer look at the industries that can take advantage of mobile application development during this new normal:

Education Technology 

With no clear picture on when the schools and institutes are going to be open, the demand for online and digital learning will boom the sector of education technology. Children have already started learning online – from attending a virtual lecture to submitting their assignments. What was once started as a value add for kids to upskill has today become an integral part of learning. There are quite a few education apps available, and there is a lot more scope for the new ones to make their way and gain the maximum of the situation.

E-commerce 

Even if the malls and shopping complexes open, there is going to be a fear-factor in the consumer’s mind to physically go and shop. From safely packed food/goods to contact-less delivery, many e-commerce companies are following the new norm. A ‘contact-less’ or ‘zero-contact’ delivery limits the chances of contamination. Therefore, the e-commerce mobile applications are here to stay and rule the retail sector across the globe.

Teleworking 

Working from home is no more a taboo, organisations have seen an increase in productivity during this phase and it is defiantly going to be an accepted norm. This could be possible because of few teleworking applications as they help the teams to stay connected as they were during the regular days. From online meetings to sharing the tasks, teleworking mobile applications provide it with all for end-to-end communication with your teams.

Health and Fitness 

The pandemic has taught us the importance of a healthy lifestyle more than anything else. People now are more focused to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Hence, many consumers are now investing a lot more time on their health and giving it utmost importance. Mobile applications that provide a holistic health solution for mind, body, and soul is well accepted by the consumers. In a nutshell, it cost us a pandemic to understand how important our health is. This is one of the foremost reasons for the growth of mobile applications in the health and fitness industry.

App Payments 

No cash, no cards. They can be contaminated! Consumers along businesses have become very mindful about the contact-less experience and are motivated to pay using mobile applications. Once marketed for its convenient, fast, and effortless transactions, mobile app payments today advocate safety and health factors. So much said and done about the digital transactions, it has only been possible by a pandemic to make people understand that it is ‘safe’ and ‘reliable’.

OTT

Being home locked all day, people are exploring more and more options for entertainment as they have all the time in the world. Televisions are airing old and dated content, whereas OTT platforms are bringing new-age content from their stocked library. Despite watching some dated series, audiences are more interested in consuming new and fresh content each day. Seeing the growing demand for OTT platforms, many film producers are now considering to release their movies online at OTT mobile applications. For some time consumers will avoid visiting theatres and multiplexes. Therefore, this will further spurt the OTT industry.

In the days to come consumers will choose interactive mediums and applications that are safe, reliable, and disruptive. From eduction to payments, the pandemic is truly making India digital. Should you be planning to develop a disruptive mobile application in conjunction with the latest trends, then contact us at [email protected] or  +91- 9863077000.

 

Top 5 new age trends in mobile application development 

In the last decade, almost every day, we have witnessed an emerging usage of smartphones and applications that support them. The mobile application industry has reshaped the businesses, organisations, individuals, and customers. Irrespective of the domain or sector you are in, it is necessary to integrate the latest mobile application development to get more reach, conversion, and growth. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that smartphones today are transforming the business models, customer behaviour, operation models, and marketplaces.

In a report by Statista, it is clear that the mobile application industry is expected to reach $693 billion in 2021. Meaning, there is a great opportunity for the mobile app developers, and the year will generate more and more demand to create mobile applications that stand out and see the day of light.

Top 5 new age trends in mobile application development 

Let us look at some of the emerging trends in the mobile application industry that can help you build a mobile application that is with and ahead of times:

AI and ML apps to make smartphones smarter 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) go hand in hand while building a mobile application. They are taking a centre stage of almost all technological advancements and innovation for they ease the life of customers, businesses, and employees. Apart from making life easy, they also contribute to saving time, effort, and money for mobile app developers and businesses.

Using AI and ML has lead businesses to understand user behaviour at a much deeper level. This indeed helps them solve complex business problems which would have been tough to gauge without interacting with users/customers. The simplest (or to say commonest) example of AI and ML apps is the usage of chatbots, Siri, and google.

Selling an experience through AR and VR

Known as extended reality, Augmented Reality(AR) and Virtual Reality(VR) is here to stay. Widely used for mobile gaming applications, this trend is slowly set to change by bringing in more meaningful experiences for the users or customers. It is predicted that this technology will be widely used on social platforms for branding and targeting potential customers through AR/VR apps. For instance: Creating an Instagram filter to promote your brand and engage the audiences.

Also, today many real estate developers are providing AR/VR videos for the audiences to experience their upcoming projects and taking informed decisions. This has helped them to set clear expectations and get faster conversions.

Talking about the worldwide market of AR and VR technology, Statista predicts that the business value will hit to $209 billion in 2022.

Wearables, the emerging fad

Expected to reach $44.2 billion by 2020, the wearable industry will change the everyday lifestyle. From healthcare to e-commerce all are banking on this trend to increase the engagement and revenue. The integration of wearables serves as a key to innovation and technological development.

Apple watches have pioneered this trend, and with their latest WatchOS update, they have made it clear that the Apple Watch apps will no longer require a companion iOS app. Meaning, the world of smart wearables will now be just as wide as that of smartphones.

On-demand apps, a change maker

Today we have an application for almost all our daily needs and chores – from delivery to travel, OTT to banking, and home-spa to healthcare. This is all possible because of the on-demand application developers. To develop an application that brings in change, you need to vision problems from the end-user point-of-view, anticipate, research, and then develop a solution.

In a report by Shamika Ravi and Niam Yaraghi, it is predicted that the on-demand application industry is expected to generate $335 billion in revenue. Therefore, most industries will make use of this successful business model by embracing on-demand application in their businesses. On-demand mobile applications will disrupt the way we life, work, travel, shop, and relax!

IoT, enabling a seamless experience

Living in a world of interconnected smart gadgets, we can see that Internet of Things (IoT) has already become an industry that is here to deliver a real-time experience which is seamless, fast, and valuable. IoT’s integration with mobile applications has brought in a change in inventory management, buying behaviour, digital marketing, etc. As the demand for IoT gadgets is increasing day by day, there is going to be increased demands of IoT-enabled applications as well.

With many applications being developed each day, the mobile application industry will continue to expand at a rapid pace. This will lead to more disruption thereby making way for newer trends that will change the way we all live, work, and play! Having said that, to stand out in the market and be alive, the businesses will have to anticipate and stay updated with the latest technological developments.

Should you be planning to develop a mobile application that will engage your customers and increase your revenue by using the latest trends, then contact us at [email protected] or  +91- 9863077000.

 

Offshore Development For Dummies

Understanding Offshore Development

You’re comfortably relaxing on your couch and enjoying a football match. The television suddenly switches off and the switch box explodes with sparks flying around. You have no clue what has happened and you look up on the internet searching for an electrician. The local electrician is charging $100, whereas a veteran electrician from the neighboring community is ready to visit your place and rectify your electrical setup for just $30.

Whom will you call?

 

OffshoreDevelopment-Example

 

Keep these options in your mind as we dwell into the concept of offshore development.

From the past decade or so, an unexpected trend has arisen in the technology sector. Multi-national companies, start-ups, and even local businesses have started adopting the business models of offshore development services. Offshore development was something that only large global companies engaged in many years ago due to the geographical and language challenges that existed. Today, these are not a factor as communication and transparency challenges have been both negated due to the technology that has come into everyday life.

First, let us discuss what exactly is offshore development as well as why it has become such as a popular option for companies worldwide.

Offshore development means the process of outsourcing your development needs such as web, mobile or even custom software to countries such as India, Philippines, China and so on. The reason why people look at offshore web or software development is mainly because of the cost-savings and the time that can be saved. Also, it minimizes internal overhead costs. The offshore model has been around for a long while but with the world becoming more global and technology making it easier than ever before to communicate to anyone no matter where they are located, the demands for offshore development have increased substantially.

Offshore Development Outsource

The Offshore Development model is used for multiple things: offshore software and offshore web development or services such as customer service, data-entry, cold-calling along with BPO or KPO processes. The main reason is that a person in India or any other developing country will cost significantly less when compared to the US, UK or Australia. The bottom line is that if you are able to find a good offshore development partner, you can really save yourself time, money, HR hassles and other operational expenses. The key is to find a good offshore partner who has the experience, expertise and technical skills to accomplish what you need. Ranging from a simple website or even a fully operating customer service center, your offshore partner must be well equipped to handle your requirements.

Professional offshore development can be beneficial in the following ways:

Reasonable services :

Not all the countries boast of a talented pool of web developers and designers in abundance which makes it difficult to get work done at a nominal amount. The reason being that they charge substantially as they develop products knowing that they are in monopoly. It turns out to be quite expensive build a website or mobile app. Offshore development can disrupt the monopoly and be more cost effective.

Quality:

One of the best things about the offshore software companies is that they have a vast pool of talent and can render top notch development services. This ensures that the quality of the projects is superior and also matches the international standards.They also ensure that they utilize the best tools and technologies to create highly competitive products.

Communication:

Technology has ensured that there is no delay in any communication between the client and the developers. Offshore developers tend to be more approachable and communication friendly. This ensures that the process does not go haywire during any stage.

No deadline delays:

Following deadlines is a big aspect when it comes to product development. The entire marketing and operations of a company depends on the product being delivered according to the stipulated time. Offshore development can cut down these hassles as they have the flexibility of employing more resources at a lower cost.

24×7 availability:

Round the clock availability sometimes becomes a norm for a global company and offshore centers offer workflow accordingly which might not be possible in the parent country due to cost and labor-force constraints.

Conducive Environment:

Outsourced processes, usually are very strenuous in nature. The workforce needs to be seated in an environment that can boost productivity and reduce stress levels. It is one of the main factors why Offshore Development is a good option since infrastructure is available cheaply as compared to the parent country.

Security:

Security of confidential data and client properties is a buzzing concern when dealing with offshore companies. Most of the offshore development companies offer high end security protocols and systems to ensure the client’s data is never compromised.

And now, back to the electrician conundrum. If a veteran electrician with years of experience is ready to travel to your house at a cheaper rate, any sensible man would choose him over the $100 electrician. The same logic may also be applied to the concept of offshore development.

So, sit back and relax as your offshore partner takes charge of your processes and product development and frees you of the basic organizational hassles.

offshore development-Solution

Offshore development may seem a far fetch off for most of the most organisations, but if the current global trend is to be observed, it is one of the most trusted and cost effective options for an organisation that is looking to cut down on costs and build quality products.

How Android M changes things for developers

How Android M changes things for developers

Google announced the Android M last month at the annual I/O developer’s conference and we can expect the OS to reflect in our devices in the coming months. Several new features have been integrated for the end users including better text selection, improved power management, Android Pay, custom tabs for Chrome, USB Type-C Support, modified volume controls, direct sharing and fingerprint support. The preview of the new OS will be available in devices like the Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Player. Some say that Android updates have always been untimely and Android M follows the stint. Very few devices will be able to get sensible duration. However, ignoring the odds, there are several aspects that developers need to be prepared for.

Consumer-centric features

Google has always invested in changes and features that connect more closely with the end users imagination. This makes battery life and power management a good place to start in an update. Doze, a new feature with Android M, will be taking devices into a deeper standby mode. When the OS learns that it hasn’t been used for a while, it will go into a sort of ‘hibernation’. This will be a good update for people who use their phones minimally. However, this won’t be too exciting for someone who lives with a smart phone – texting, playing, playing music or talking.

Changes in app permission

There has been a complete overhaul of app permission system and this should be significant for developers. With Android M, users will no longer have to grant a permission before the installation takes place. However, after the app has been installed, it might require permission when accessing user information including contact lists, GPS data, social network connect, etc. Thus, the user now controls the type of information that needs to be shared and when. So what about the older apps? Android M offers developers the liberty to tweak the previous apps to integrate this feature. Applications that don’t conform will simply stop receiving feeds.

It is important to note that this feature strictly confines itself to elements that affect piracy. Apps will still be able to automatically connect to the internet.

Password Manager and Fingerprint Scanner

Android M brings some more necessary APIs including ones that add fingerprint support to apps. Fingerprint scanner will not just work as the device lock but be extended to third party. Applications might tweak logins to fingerprint access with Android M. This feature is already live with Apple’s Touch ID API. The fingerprint access will further compliment Google’s Smart Lock and other device/login security.

Android Pay

Apple Pay is the first thing that comes to our minds when hearing the term Pay, but honestly, Android was the first OS to integrate mobile payments in the name of Google Wallet. However, Android M will come with a built in OS wallet that will no longer be optional. Accordingly, developers will need to tweak their apps to integrate Android Pay for quick money transfers.

Overall, Android M showcases huge potential but only time will tell how long developers take to implement the same. Further, the device software and hardware too needs to catch up with this vision.

8 tips to get Android app development underway successfully

8 tips to get Android app development underway successfully

Industry statistics suggest that more than 1.5 billion users across the globe own a smart phone and 900 million of this user base operated on Google’s Android. The Play Store currently has more than 800,000 apps resulting in a whooping 48 billion downloads with $900 million in developer payouts. If you are looking to start a business and have a little knowledge about computers and mobile app development, there couldn’t be a more profiting venture to step into. However, along with the huge profits and advantages, Android app development also attaches some major complication for someone beginning in this field. Here are 8 tips that would help you get your app underway successfully.

1.       Choice of IDE

Android development is mostly centered on Eclipse and some developers also prefer InteliJ IDEA’s Community Edition. The choice of IDE should depend on the comfort level of the developer. Choose one that you are more conversant in rather than the one that will take a little more time in getting a hold of.

2.       Create for the masses

Android sells the maximum number of devices and this creates the element of diversity. OS platforms are constantly being upgraded and so are the hardware components of devices. Before venturing into app development, check out the latest frameworks. It would be important to note here than an app that is coded for an earlier version will work on the new one (most likely) but the reverse isn’t true.

3.       Do away with Emulator

Emulators are painfully slow and can help you test just a limited number of things. But, if you are looking to save some precious time and minimize your waiting time, invest in a real testing device that can be connected with an USB.

4.       Make friends with XML

The complete Android framework is based upon XML scripting. While there are tools that will help with the UI, there are also others that can be confusing (Sherlock). This has been the reason that XML is not a popular platform to work on but you don’t really have a choice.

5.       Modular UI structure

Android apps that aim at a decent UI can demand daunting amount of XML. A modular UI will help you reuse components including “fragments” and “includes”.

6.       Hire a designer

Either you do that or become a creative professional yourself. Good coding needs to be complimented by the right type of interface, which would need a good designer.

7.       Android specific solutions

Android specific solutions are simpler and easier to use. Things like asynchronous processing and multi-threading need platforms like AsyncTask or IntentService before being laid alongside the java.util.concurrent package.

8.       There are no miracle tools

There is not such platform that can guarantee easier Android development. When they seem to say so, you need to check them by creating a simple app and deploy it in all of them. Now, if each of these display look like native apps, there is a minimum degree of concern.

Android app development will be an exciting experience, though there are initial challenges. With experience, you would definitely get better at the job and face the degree of success you envisage for your development agency.

Develop mobile app first on iOS or Android?

Develop mobile app first on iOS or Android

If you are building an app, it’s a common question whether to build for Android or iOS first. Building for both platforms simultaneously can get expensive. Further, developing for a single platform to start with gives you the advantages of testing, iterations, feedback and improvements. Experienced app developers would choose to act upon the second platform only when they succeed in the first and experience enough monetization.

So it is Android or iOS?

According to Gartner’s reports, Android dominates the smart phone market with a share of 82%. However, iOS brings in the advantage of monetization, bringing in five times greater returns with in-app purchases. Further, Apple has a better distribution mechanism than Google’s Play Store. Android App Store on the other hand benefits from a simple and uniform user experience. Comparing the different advantages and the nature of your target market is the key to success. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Developers: Like most businesses, if you are outsourcing your app development to an IT specialist, it is important to know which platform they are more comfortable in or specialize. It would be profitable to play to your strengths. If your internal team and the contractors are more conversant with Android developer, so be it, and vice versa.
  2. User base: It is very important to understand the nature of your demographics. If you are looking to target businessmen and professionals iOS would be a better choice than if you are trying to target the regular smart phone user or students. Whichever platform gives you the maximum engagement should be the one you work in.
  3. Pricing: It’s no secret that an iOS user is more likely to pay for in-app purchase than an Android user. Apple does have a larger base for paid apps. Though Android too presents several ways of monetization, Apple users would be more willing. The choice will also depend upon your exact pricing. Through Android, you can easily target lower pricing ranges.

When to choose iOS

If you are targeting the U.S. marketplace, Apple has a significant amount of dominance over Android. Apple devices are extremely popular in states like Los Angeles, New York City of Washington DC. Thus, if your target is American audience, iOS is the safe bet. IOS will be able to generate four times higher revenues compared to Android.

When to choose Android

Businesses that are looking to enter the market and don’t have a substantial capital to start off with, Android is the perfect solution. Android app development is based on open source software, making it cheaper. Further, Android provides several frameworks and plugins that makes it easier to develop and deploy an app. Also, the Play Store has less restriction on the quality of app submission than iOS App Store.

Regardless of the platform you choose, interactivity, user friendliness, and quality will be the key to the success of your app. It is when you bring something unique to the market that you get noticed. Otherwise, there are millions of other iOS and Android apps to get lost in!

Top 5 resources for Android App Development

Top 5 resources for Android App DevelopmentAndroid’s flexibility makes it a smoldering favorite among both end users and developers. Powering millions of devices across 190 countries, it is the largest base for any mobile operating system. The platform is supported by a highly skilled open-source Linux community and a minimum of 300 software, hardware and carrier partners. Android development consequently can be a huge career. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned app development professional, you would never run out of projects! Here are some top resources that every Android developer needs to check out.

1.       OkHttp (http://square.github.io/okhttp/)

Developer by Square, OkHttp acts as an open source HTTP and a SPDY library for both Android and Java development platforms. As you would already know, Android comes with two HTTP frameworks; the HttpClient and the HttpURLConection. However, since Android has always been updating its firmware versions, there could be an imminent problem posed by bugs. OkHttp helps programmers/developers stay updated with the latest bug fixes by linking them to the Android Codebase. Consequently, you can easily solve compatibility issues.

2.       Picasso (http://square.github.io/picasso/)

Another tool developed by Square, Picasso acts as a catching and image downloading library. Along with a fluent interface, Picasso presents several options for customizations and integrates developer friendly tools to customize images including cropping, circle cropping, resizing, and other forms of transformations. Even if it is not a cached image, Picasso will download the image by itself and load onto the required target, thus avoiding linking and storage overheads. The most popular use of Picasso has however been for better image viewing.

3.       Android Weekly (http://androidweekly.net/)

If you should be reading anything regularly, it has to be Android Weekly. It is a weekly newsletter that provides information and news of the continuously upgrading and changing Android Community. This is also the only place where you can hope to find extensive information on new developer tools, libraries, blog posts, bug fixes and much more. Either subscribe to it or check out the official website on every Monday.

4.       DPI calculator for Android (http://jennift.com/dpical.html)

An important part of creativity is to be able to use unique colors in unique interfaces. For developers, DPI (Dots per Inch) can be a measure of the compatibility of an image for a specific purpose in the application. While responsiveness is going to be a new standard by April 21st 2015, the DPI calculator for Android is something that every developer should possess. Offering an easy interface, it provides the developer with the dpi at any given point. This calculator is even capable of calculating tvdpi!

5.       Android Developers YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/androiddevelopers)

Google has been taking big steps to making Android more user-friendly and be a leader of the smart phone market. Consequently, a lot of changes are being integrated into the development framework, design and the elements of UI. The YouTube channel for Android development can be used as a tutorial and also a platform to stay updated with the latest technological trends.

The nuances of app development are going through rapid changes. If you are a developer or planning to become one, the resources mentioned above will definitely aid you in your Android App development projects.

Android – Trend in Material Design

Android Trend in Material Design

Android Lollipop has been hailed as a revolution, making smartphone interfaces better looking and more functional. There were several changes to the previous version of KitKat. In addition, Google also worked upon a lot of bug fixes while plugging in several helpful features that attaches exceptional power to the OS. The first device to get a taste of the Lollipop was Google’s Nexus devices. Gradually, third party manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, HTC and Asus caught up with the update and users worldwide have consequently got the intuitive experience of unique functions like Sense and TouchWiz.

Android 5.0 Lollipop Review: Material Design

The biggest change with Android Lollipop (5.0) has been the material designing. This version of Android presents flatter                 icons, bold color bars, and simpler shapes. There has been a total revamp of the design language, first time seen with Android OS. In fact, this kind of material designing is nothing new. We had seen Apple pick up on the same line in 2013. With Android Lollypop, everything looks rounded, cleaner and notably flatter.

The ‘techie’ appeal is more consumer-friendly and cuddlier. Even the action buttons have been simplified to represent the basic shapes. A white background replaces the transparency that we saw with Android 4.4 KitKat. Also, the multitasking screen is now presented as a rotating cascade like the Google-Now cards. Even if you had several documents open in one app, you can access them separately from this screen.

Android Lollypop Review: Notifications

The notifications panel has certainly matured much with the Lollypop. Google finally introduced the long awaited lock screen notification that allows you to see the events without having to unlock the device. The lock screen showcases text messages, appointments and email. All it requires is a tap to go straight down to business.

In case you are busy with something else – watching a movie or reading a book, new notifications will appear briefly and choosing to ignore it will get you back to the thing you have been doing.

Android Lollypop Review: Google Now update

Google Now has already been proving to be pretty useful but soon enough, it will be getting increased support through third party applications. A month after the launch of Android 5.0, Google already had more than 30 third party vendors who would be providing information for Google Now.

Android Lollypop Review: User Accounts and Pinning Apps

Phones are no longer serving a single individual. The very capability of smartphones make them a perfect gadget to be used everyone in the family. The same devices will be used by you, your kids, your spouse, your brother, and other close family members. Consequently, Google offers for several user accounts with the Lollypop. Pinning Apps on the other hand will ensure that the second user wouldn’t be able to access things like personal emails, social accounts, and other accounts.

Android Lollypop Review: Smart Lock, Tap, Go

Lock screen security can be easily breached. This raises the need for some extra functions that protects personal information at all times. Smart lock allows you to pair your device with trusted accessories like cars and fitness wearable. Face Unlock too gives a unique perspective to unlocking the phone.

Android Lollypop Review: Project Volta

Project Volta is aimed at improving the battery life of your smartphone. It ensures that the apps connected to the phone gobble up less amount of power.

Android Lollypop Review: Verdict

Minor setbacks aside, Android Lollypop is a game changer in all respects. Improved functionality, better interface, better security and an increased flexibility of customization, makes it the best version that Android has ever made.

Ready to start building your next technology project?