Mobile Development - Finoit Technologies Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:45:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Top 10 Criteria to Select Best App Development Vendor https://www.finoit.com/blog/criteria-to-select-best-app-development-vendor/ Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:51:11 +0000 https://www.finoit.com/?p=13500 You have an incredible app idea. You are thoroughly aware of the app development process and are ready to spend on one of the top app development vendors in the market. Everything seems right until this point. What could go wrong? The problem is your willingness to hire the best service providers is not directly … Continue reading Top 10 Criteria to Select Best App Development Vendor

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You have an incredible app idea. You are thoroughly aware of the app development process and are ready to spend on one of the top app development vendors in the market.

Everything seems right until this point. What could go wrong?

The problem is your willingness to hire the best service providers is not directly correlated to how much money you are planning to invest, although that is a crucial factor when it comes to hiring at a later stage. Chances are you may fall victim to:

  • The eloquence of the sales team
  • Flashy websites
  • Top ranking on Google search page
  • Low cost
  • Beautifully written proposal

It’s easier to get overwhelmed! Most times you will be facing questions like- what should I look when hiring app development agency? How do I choose the best app development service provider for my project.

There are direct answers that should be approached in more thorough fashion.

With little planning and by setting up certain selection criteria based on your unique project requirement, you may make the whole process seamless and then close the deal with the one that meets most of those criteria.

Following is a list of factors that will help you answer your questions like how to choose or what criteria to screen the app development companies you want to review-

1. Experience On Their Website

First off, create a list of top vendors that you might find capable of handling your project and then examine the user experience on their website. Making the list is important, as it will help you perform the screening process with proper planning.

Below are the details of this two-step process:

Step 1: Create a list of top app development vendors
Search the internet and make a list of providers that you believe could be the right fit for your project. The main criteria could be:

  • Headcount (depending on your project requirement)
  • Global delivery capability
  • Local-language support
  • In-country location of resources
  • Hourly rates/Cost
  • Ability to address regulatory and legal requirements

It is easy to find these details in the website of most providers.

Spoiler Alert: Top-ranking service providers on Google search results may not necessarily be the best fit. They may be good at advertising or SEO but not necessarily app development. So, be a bit cautious.

Therefore, we would recommend you to thoroughly observe the website from the perspective of User Experience, which leads to the next step.

Step 2: Evaluate the Experience on Their Website

At this step, review the entire website from the aspects of:

  • UI and UX
  • Content clarity in the form of font, text size and images
  • Navigation

Based on your experience, remove those businesses from your list that deliver poor website experience and move to the next criteria.

2. Diverse Range of Work

Explore the app development portfolio on the website of the remaining service providers, so that you are not totally clueless during on-call or in-person meetings while discussing the kind of app development project they have completed previously.

For a start, you may like to check out the apps they have built for various industries, use-cases, segments and in B2B or B2C space. Once you get the overall idea of their app development capabilities and the strengths, check the work they have done that matches your requirements.

Look for case studies with a detailed description of the application and then further eliminate those service providers that do not fit the needs.

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3. Proposal Structure and Detailing

Ask for the proposal from the remaining vendors and get them evaluated by both IT and business leaders in your organization. Prepare all the questions for solicited proposals properly based on the problem, need, and goal.

Read out the proposal to see how effectively they have addressed all the “what”, “how” and “why” on the following aspects:
  • Business requirements
  • Design
  • Development
  • Execution
  • Testing
  • Deployment
  • Maintenance and support
  • Future development needs
Here are a few questions that must be addressed in the app development proposal:
  • How well do they understand the business requirements?
  • What solution do they propose?
  • What technology stacks they have recommended and why?
  • What is the credibility of the proposed solution?
  • How well-resourced they are to provide the solution?
  • What will be their goal during the app development process?
  • How will they do the work?
  • What metrics will they set to measure the success of the solution?
  • What would be the most crucial metrics?
  • What is their proof of being qualified and competent?
  • Will there be an added value proposition?

Proceed with only those service providers who have answered all the questions to the best of your satisfaction.

4. Team Behind Proposal Development

Always ask the development team to provide the name and designation of the people involved in proposal development. Many times, the sales team creates a proposal based on the promises made by them, without consulting the technology team.

But since they are not the people who are actually into “development”, it is important for you to know if the tech team can commit to the same from the perspective of features and functionality, timeline, and budget.

Ideally, a proposal should be made by Tech + Sales Team as a salesperson can better understand the customer pain areas, while the tech team can validate how efficiently they can solve those problems in a fixed timeframe.

5. Technology Stack

Technology stack is a collection of programming languages, frameworks, and tools used for developing a software product. Collectively they are called as technology stacks.

A well-planned technology stack is essential to get an application development project seamlessly off the ground.

Work jointly with the service provider to select a technology stack, considering the following:

  • Type of application
  • Time to market
  • Application security
  • App development platform
  • Developer community strength
  • Availability of talent
  • Development cost
  • Migration
  • Scalability

Discuss the technology stack with all the remaining service providers in your list and select the one that shows both confidence and evidence of handling similar kinds of app development technologies in the past.

6. Development Methodology—The Course of Action

By the time you have reached this level of selection criteria, only 5-6 service providers may have remained on your list. With them, you need to discuss how they approach an app development project and their strategy on how to develop a successful app.

A software development life cycle has typically 6 phases and you must know what process they follow at each phase of software application development.

Evaluate all the app development service vendors on these parameters:
  • Requirement Gathering: Understand their perspective on why you want to develop the software, why the features and functionalities you have suggested are crucial to the software, and how they will be documenting the entire process for future reference.
  • Design: Get to know how they will be wireframing the software and the team involved in creating working models of the software.
  • Development: Learn about their development team emphasizing the experience of software developers and their technical background.
  • Quality Assurance: Explore their quality assurance measures at each phase and the team that will have the responsibility of identifying bugs.
  • Maintenance: Get more information on what measures they will take to keep the app robust, secure, and competitive.

This would be a conclusive criterion. At this stage, analyze their approach to software application development and their efficiency in determining the scope, and whether the process will be iterative.

7. Operational Practices & Management Capabilities

There are two key aspects of operational practices:
  • One that the mobile app development company has in-depth knowledge of software development best practices.
  • Second that the service provider is flexible enough to customize those best practices according to your project requirement.

The role of the project manager is integral to the correct implementation of best practices for risk mitigation and performance optimization in software development. Asses the project manager and team in other departments on their capabilities and understanding of:

  • Scope and Objectives: what is in and out of scope
  • Deliverables: What will be delivered and how they document them for transparency
  • Project Planning: How the project manager decides to include people and resources and allocate budget
  • Communication: Ask questions like ‘do they have daily huddles’, ‘will they do daily communication’, and ‘will there be daily timesheets’.
  • Tracking and Reporting Project Success: What measures the service vendor takes to monitor and compare the project success on the metrics of schedule, quality, and budget.
  • Change Management: How efficiently they can handle change in features or functionality.
  • Risk Management: How soon they can identify the risk and mitigate the risk to reduce its impact

At the end of this stage, you must not have more than 3-4 providers on your list. Now stop the elimination process and begin comparing to finally choose the best one for your project.

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8. Ethics and Values

Although it is quite difficult to evaluate the ethics and values nurtured by the service provider before actually working with them, you can give a check to understand their opinion and measures taken by them to maintain ethics and values within the organization.

The key factors on which you should assess them on are:
  • Active participation of all the team members
  • Equality between all the involved parties
  • Transparency, where information is available to every stakeholder
  • Accountability in the form of client satisfaction
  • Ability to take responsive decisions
  • Ability to achieve strategic goals
  • Optimal utilization of resources

Proceed ahead with the service provider that lives up to your expectations at this stage.

9. App Development Cost

Cost is important but we have kept it at the end of our top 10 list because it shouldn’t affect your decision-making at the very initial phase. While low cost is tempting, it comes with certain drawbacks.

Remember that talent shortage is the reality of the IT industry and talented mobile app developers won’t be working at low wages.

Featured Blog: How Much Does it Cost to Hire Software Developer

Of course, another reality is a limited project budget. We would recommend you select a mid-sized vendor with a decent number of developers having more than 3-5 and 5-8 years of experience.

Besides, ask them for a cost-breakup and try to adjust the cost initially, if there is any possibility.

10. Check References

Conducting a reference check is the final selection criteria to see how their relation is with previous clients. While calling the past clientele of the shortlists, ask the right questions with the objective to:

  • verify their claims
  • identify strengths and deficiencies
  • understand their proactive, technology-focused approach
  • Lastly and most importantly, the mindset. Whether they work with a service provider mindset or a vendor mindset

It is possible that references do not provide clear information, so try reading nonverbal or subtle verbal cues. Remember that the bulk of your judgment should be based on facts.

Now that you have all the information in hand, select a vendor that you believe will be the best fit for your project.

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Top 16 Mobile App Development Tools In 2024 https://www.finoit.com/blog/top-mobile-app-development-tools/ Wed, 13 Mar 2019 10:27:33 +0000 https://www.finoit.com/?p=10671 Mobile applications have become an integral part of business operations in recent years due to their potential to expand businesses’ reach and enable direct interaction with a vast audience of potential customers while nurturing existing client relationships. They also provide a means to enhance customer engagement through personalized experiences and seamless communication channels, ultimately fostering … Continue reading Top 16 Mobile App Development Tools In 2024

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Mobile applications have become an integral part of business operations in recent years due to their potential to expand businesses’ reach and enable direct interaction with a vast audience of potential customers while nurturing existing client relationships. They also provide a means to enhance customer engagement through personalized experiences and seamless communication channels, ultimately fostering stronger brand loyalty. Mobile apps contribute significantly to revenue generation by enabling various monetization strategies such as in-app purchases, subscription models, and targeted advertising. Additionally, they play a crucial role in streamlining internal processes, optimizing operational efficiency, and reducing costs through functionalities like inventory management, order processing, and employee communication tools. But, did you know that the market for mobile apps has grown to a whopping $288.98 billion in 2023? It’s expected to go even higher, reaching $567.19 billion by 2023. With such impressive numbers, it’s no wonder many people are considering developing mobile apps. However, it’s important to understand how to develop a successful app to ensure that your venture stands out and thrives in this competitive landscape.

right to succeed in this highly competitive market. This means using the right tools for the job. In this article, we will discuss the top 16 mobile app development tools you need to know in 2024 to create standout apps to help you take your app game to the next level!

What is A Mobile Application?

A mobile application, commonly referred to as a mobile app, is a software application specifically designed to operate on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These applications are tailored to leverage the unique capabilities of mobile devices, including touchscreens, GPS functionality, accelerometers, cameras, and more.

Mobile applications are essential tools that serve multiple purposes, ranging from entertainment and productivity to communication and e-commerce. These apps are primarily downloaded and installed directly onto the user’s device through app stores or other distribution platforms. They come in various forms, including native apps developed for a specific platform such as iOS or Android, web-based apps accessed through a mobile browser, and hybrid apps that combine both native and web technologies. In short, mobile applications play a vital role in enhancing user experiences, providing on-the-go access to information and services, and driving innovation in the mobile ecosystem.

Platforms in Mobile Application

While developing a mobile app, businesses often target one or both platforms based on factors such as target audience demographics, market share, revenue potential, and development resources. When it comes to mobile application development, two main platforms dominate the market: iOS and Android. Both platforms have unique features, advantages, and user bases, as we have discussed below:

1. iOS

iOS is the operating system developed by Apple Inc. specifically for its mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch. iOS offers a closed ecosystem with strict control over hardware and software integration, which ensures consistency and security across devices. Developers create iOS apps using programming languages like Swift or Objective-C. The App Store is the official distribution platform for iOS apps, where users can download and install applications securely. iOS devices are known for their sleek design, high performance, and strong emphasis on user privacy and security.

2. Android

Android, developed by Google, is an open-source operating system widely used in a variety of smartphones and tablets from different manufacturers. Android offers a more flexible ecosystem, allowing for greater customization and diversity among devices. Developers primarily use languages like Java or Kotlin to build Android apps. The Google Play Store serves as the primary distribution platform for Android apps, offering millions of applications for users to choose from. Android devices are known for their versatility, affordability, and extensive integration with Google services.

Also Read: Which os is better android or ios?

16 Best Mobile App Development Tools

When it comes to mobile app development, developers have a variety of tools at their disposal, categorized based on different development approaches. Here is a breakdown of some of the best mobile app development tools classified by their development approaches:

Native App Development

Native app development refers to the process of creating applications that are specifically optimized for a particular platform, such as iOS or Android. Unlike cross-platform development, which aims to create apps that can run on multiple platforms using a single codebase, native app development involves leveraging platform-specific languages and development environments to build applications that seamlessly integrate with the operating system and take full advantage of its capabilities.

Native app development focuses on harnessing the unique features and functionalities of each platform, allowing developers to leverage platform-specific APIs, UI components, and performance optimizations. This approach ensures that the resulting applications are optimized for the target platform, providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience that feels native to their device.

Following are the two types of native app development:

Android Studio (Android)

Android Studio, Google’s flagship Integrated Development Environment (IDE), serves as the cornerstone for crafting robust Android applications. Specifically engineered for Android app development, Android Studio offers a plethora of powerful features tailored to streamline the development process. With a user-friendly interface and a robust set of tools including a code editor, debugger, and tester, developers find themselves equipped with everything needed to bring their app ideas to fruition.

Developed primarily in Java and Kotlin, Android Studio facilitates direct access to Android APIs, empowering developers to seamlessly integrate platform-specific functionalities into their apps. What sets Android Studio apart is not just its rich feature set, but also the unwavering support it receives from Google, ensuring that developers stay aligned with the latest Android updates and features. Furthermore, Android Studio is freely available for download from the official Android Developers website, offering unrestricted access to its comprehensive suite of tools without any trial limitations.

Xcode (iOS)

On the other hand, Xcode stands tall as Apple’s premier Integrated Development Environment (IDE), serving as the quintessential toolkit for building applications across the entire Apple ecosystem. From crafting iOS apps for iPhones and iPads to developing macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications, Xcode provides developers with an all-encompassing platform to unleash their creativity. Boasting an intuitive user interface coupled with a robust set of coding and debugging tools, Xcode simplifies the iOS app development journey. Supporting both Swift and Objective-C programming languages, Xcode empowers developers to create applications that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s ecosystem.

What truly sets Xcode apart is its seamless integration with Apple’s hardware and software, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for UI design, coding, and testing. Whether it’s designing captivating user interfaces or fine-tuning app performance, Xcode provides developers with the tools they need to succeed. Furthermore, Xcode is available as a free download on the Mac App Store, providing full access to its rich feature set without any trial limitations, making it the go-to choice for iOS app development.

Also Read: key differences between native apps and web apps for mobile commerce?

Cross-platform Development

Cross-platform development is a software development approach that emphasizes building applications capable of running seamlessly across multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, from a single shared codebase. Unlike traditional native app development, where separate codebases are required for each platform, cross-platform development leverages languages and frameworks that enable shared development efforts, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced development time, and lower maintenance costs.

At the core of cross-platform development are frameworks and tools that abstract away platform-specific complexities, allowing developers to write code once and deploy it across various platforms. These frameworks typically utilize languages such as JavaScript, TypeScript, or C#, along with technologies like HTML, CSS, and native components to create native-like experiences on each platform.

The popular app development tools that fall in this category are:

Flutter

Flutter, developed by Google, is a powerful UI toolkit designed for crafting natively compiled applications for a variety of platforms, including mobile, web, and desktop. Using Dart as its programming language, Flutter enables developers to build high-performance applications with a single codebase that can run seamlessly on iOS, Android, web browsers, and even desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

One of Flutter’s standout features is its “hot reload” capability, which allows developers to instantly view changes made to the code in real time, facilitating rapid iteration and debugging. Furthermore, Flutter offers a rich set of customizable widgets and a reactive framework, empowering developers to create stunning and highly interactive user interfaces. Flutter is an open-source framework with extensive documentation and community support, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels. There are no restrictions or trials; developers can freely download and utilize Flutter for their projects.

React Native

React Native, a Facebook-developed framework is the preferred choice of developers for creating cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript and React. It offers a wide range of features, allowing developers to leverage their existing web development skills to create native-like mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms. React Native significantly reduces development time and effort by allowing code reuse across platforms, making it an efficient solution for businesses seeking cross-platform solutions.

React Native also provides excellent support for web applications, enabling developers to extend their reach to additional platforms. Additionally, with its large and active community, React Native offers access to an abundance of resources, libraries, and third-party tools. React Native is a free framework, and developers can easily get started with it by following the official documentation and tutorials provided by the React Native team.

Xamarin

Xamarin, acquired by Microsoft, is a robust framework that allows developers to build cross-platform mobile applications using C# and the .NET framework. Xamarin enables developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows, while maintaining native performance and access to platform-specific APIs. With Xamarin, developers can leverage their existing C# skills and Visual Studio development environment, streamlining the development process and reducing time-to-market.

Xamarin also provides comprehensive tools for testing, debugging, and performance optimization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality applications. Furthermore, Xamarin offers seamless integration with Microsoft Azure, enabling developers to build scalable and secure cloud-connected apps. Xamarin provides a free trial version for developers to explore its features and capabilities before making a commitment.

Ionic

Ionic is a popular framework for building hybrid mobile applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Unlike traditional native app development, Ionic allows developers to create cross-platform apps with a single codebase that can run on both iOS and Android devices. One of Ionic’s key advantages is its extensive library of pre-designed UI components, which mimic the look and feel of native apps across different platforms. Additionally, Ionic offers seamless integration with popular front-end frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js, enabling developers to build rich and interactive user interfaces.

Ionic provides a comprehensive suite of tools for app development, including Ionic CLI for project scaffolding and Ionic Appflow for continuous integration and deployment. With its focus on simplicity and productivity, Ionic empowers developers to create high-quality mobile apps quickly and efficiently. Ionic offers a free trial version for developers to evaluate its features and determine if it meets their needs before committing to a paid plan.

Also Read: When would you choose to develop a native mobile app versus a cross-platform app?

Hybrid App development

Hybrid App development is a software development approach that combines elements of web development with native app development. It involves creating applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and then wrapping them in a native container that allows them to be deployed and run as if they were native applications on various platforms.

In hybrid web development, developers build the user interface and application logic using standard web technologies, just like they would for a traditional website or web application. This includes using HTML for content structure, CSS for styling and layout, and JavaScript for interactivity and functionality. These web technologies are well-established and widely supported, making them accessible to a broad range of developers.

Once the application is developed using web technologies, it is wrapped in a native container using frameworks like Apache Cordova, PhoneGap, or Capacitor. This native container provides a bridge between the web code and the underlying native platform, allowing the application to access device-specific features such as the camera, GPS, accelerometer, and more. It also provides a consistent user experience across different platforms by adapting the web content to the native look and feel of each platform.

Apache Cordova

Apache Cordova offers developers a robust platform for building hybrid mobile applications, leveraging the power of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With Cordova, developers can create cross-platform apps that seamlessly run on various operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows, and more.

What sets Cordova apart is its plugin system, which grants developers access to a wide array of native device features, such as the camera, GPS, accelerometer, and more, through JavaScript APIs. This unique capability allows developers to create feature-rich applications while maintaining a single, unified codebase, ultimately streamlining development efforts and reducing time-to-market. Additionally, Cordova’s open-source nature makes it freely available for developers, ensuring accessibility to its extensive suite of tools and resources without any restrictions.

PhoneGap

PhoneGap, an extension of Apache Cordova, further enhances the hybrid app development process by providing additional tools and services tailored to streamline the development workflow. Similar to Cordova, PhoneGap enables developers to leverage web technologies for cross-platform app development.

However, PhoneGap simplifies the development process even further by offering seamless integration with Cordova plugins and supplementary tools such as cloud-based build services, debugging utilities, and device testing capabilities. This comprehensive suite of features empowers developers to create and deploy hybrid apps with speed and efficiency, making PhoneGap an ideal choice for projects with tight deadlines or resource constraints. Like Cordova, PhoneGap is also open-source and freely accessible to developers, ensuring unrestricted access to its full range of features and functionalities.

Rapid Development Tools

Rapid development tools refer to software platforms, frameworks, or environments that streamline and expedite the process of building applications. These tools are designed to reduce development time, lower costs, and increase productivity by providing features such as visual development interfaces, pre-built components, and integration with existing systems. Rapid development tools often utilize concepts such as low-code or no-code development, allowing users to create applications with minimal manual coding. They may also offer features like drag-and-drop functionality, templates, and plugins to accelerate the development process further. Overall, rapid development tools enable developers, regardless of their technical proficiency, to quickly prototype, design, and deploy applications, thereby facilitating faster time-to-market and enhancing agility in software development projects.

OutSystems

OutSystems stands out as a low-code platform designed to expedite the development of intricate business applications. Offering visual development tools and seamless integration with existing systems, OutSystems empowers developers to build applications with minimal manual coding. Its unique selling proposition lies in the acceleration of application development through a low-code approach, significantly reducing development time and costs. Furthermore, OutSystems provides the flexibility to incorporate custom code when necessary, catering to diverse business requirements. The platform is compatible with various platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop applications. For those interested, OutSystems offers a free trial period, allowing users to explore its features before making a commitment.

Appian

Appian, on the other hand, distinguishes itself as an open-source test automation framework catering to native, hybrid, and mobile web applications. Employing the WebDriver protocol, Appian enables testing across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms consistently. Its main advantage lies in its ability to streamline the testing process by utilizing the same API across different platforms. This ensures consistent behavior and efficient testing workflows. While Appian’s demo and trial availability may vary, its robust test automation capabilities make it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to automate their testing processes.

Bubble

Bubble is a no-code platform that empowers non-technical users to develop web and mobile applications through a visual programming interface. Its main benefits include flexibility, an extensive plugin library, and a vibrant community. Users can customize applications without writing code, leveraging Bubble’s intuitive interface and pre-built components. The platform supports both web and mobile applications, catering to various platforms and devices. Offering a free trial period, Bubble enables users to explore its features and community support before diving into full-scale development.

Adalo

Similarly, Adalo offers a no-code platform focused on building cross-platform mobile apps through a drag-and-drop interface. Recognized for its ease of use and pre-built components, Adalo enables users to create complex app functionality without coding. Supporting both iOS and Android devices, Adalo’s drag-and-drop interface streamlines the app development process, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. With a free trial period available, Adalo provides comprehensive documentation and community support to assist users throughout their development journey.

Dropsource

Dropsource is a rapid development platform designed for creating native mobile applications

without requiring extensive coding knowledge. It offers a user-friendly interface equipped with drag-and-drop functionality, enabling users to design, prototype, and deploy mobile apps quickly. With Dropsource, users can leverage pre-built components and templates to expedite the development process, allowing for the creation of sophisticated app functionality without the need for extensive coding. The platform focuses on building cross-platform mobile apps, ensuring compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. Dropsource’s main strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Additionally, the platform integrates seamlessly with third-party services, enabling users to incorporate advanced features and functionalities into their mobile apps effortlessly.

No-Code Platforms

No-code platforms are software development environments that enable users to create applications without the need for traditional programming or coding skills. These platforms typically provide intuitive visual interfaces, drag-and-drop tools, and pre-built components that allow users to design, customize, and deploy applications quickly and easily.

No-code platforms abstract the complexities of software development, allowing users to focus on their ideas and requirements rather than getting bogged down in coding details. By removing the coding barrier, these platforms empower individuals with limited technical expertise to create a wide range of applications, including mobile apps, websites, chatbots, and more. Overall, no-code platforms democratize the app development process, making it accessible to a broader audience and accelerating the pace of innovation in the digital space.

Appy Pie

Appy Pie is a popular no-code platform that empowers users to create mobile apps, websites, chatbots, and more without writing a single line of code. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can design and customize their applications with ease. Appy Pie offers a wide range of templates and pre-built features, allowing users to create customized solutions tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s building a mobile app for a small business or creating a website for personal use, Appy Pie provides the tools and resources to bring ideas to life without the complexity of coding. The platform supports various platforms, including iOS, Android, and web, ensuring broad compatibility for users’ projects.

BuildFire

BuildFire is a no-code platform focused on building mobile apps for businesses of all sizes. With its user-friendly interface and robust set of features, BuildFire enables users to create custom mobile apps tailored to their specific requirements. The platform offers a variety of templates, plugins, and integrations, allowing users to add functionality to their apps without coding easily. Whether it’s creating an app for customer engagement, internal communication, or e-commerce, BuildFire provides the tools and resources to build professional-grade mobile apps quickly and efficiently. The platform supports both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring broad reach for users’ applications.

Thunkable

Thunkable is a no-code platform that enables users to build mobile apps using a visual drag-and-drop interface. With Thunkable, users can create fully functional apps for iOS and Android devices without any programming knowledge. The platform offers a wide range of pre-built components and features, including GPS, camera, and push notifications, making it easy to add advanced functionality to apps. Thunkable also provides access to a community of developers and resources, allowing users to get support and guidance as they build their apps. Whether it’s developing a personal project or launching a business app, Thunkable offers the tools and support needed to bring ideas to life in the mobile space.

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Ecommerce Mobile App Development- A Detailed Guide https://www.finoit.com/blog/ecommerce-mobile-app-development-guide/ Mon, 04 Feb 2019 12:29:27 +0000 https://www.finoit.com/?p=10468 Technology is moving at such a pace that today even browsing eCommerce stores on desktop is outdated. Modern businesses have to reshape their online store strategy to fit in the line of changing customers’ preferences and rapid pace of technology. Most of the retailers have already taken the road of eCommerce mobile apps, it is … Continue reading Ecommerce Mobile App Development- A Detailed Guide

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Technology is moving at such a pace that today even browsing eCommerce stores on desktop is outdated.

Modern businesses have to reshape their online store strategy to fit in the line of changing customers’ preferences and rapid pace of technology. Most of the retailers have already taken the road of eCommerce mobile apps, it is full of challenges though, but of course the result is worth the risk.

When we say risk, it is not about the failure or success of your eCommerce application, rather the investment on technology and the ROI you receive. Because for an application to become successful, it requires a lot of planning to maintain the balance between the technology and the consumers’ efficiency and comfort to use the technology.

“Figure out how an existing technology will shape in future and then make your decisions for eCommerce Mobile App Development”

You cannot trust how a technology will shape in the future, by simply focusing on its current pace. So, if you are planning to move ahead with your plan to build an eCommerce website or an eCommerce mobile app, it is recommended to consult a third-party technology company to put more light on the current and future prospect of a technology.

Consultation from a leading eCommerce mobile App Development Company will help you to understand how you can provide intuitive mobile app experience to your users, identify the buying behavior of the individual users, benefits of social media integrations, and online security requirements.

Why You Need a Mobile App for Your Retail Store

Today, mobile apps are dominating, mainly because of the improving Internet infrastructure and growing digital trends. Here’s some interesting facts about the rise of Mobile:

  • The fact that 77% of US people own a smartphone and 53% own a tablet demonstrates the quantity of prospective M-commerce clients.
  • According to statista m-commerce is a significant contributor to the US retail ecommerce market, accounting for 31% of all sales.
  • In 2021, mobile commerce sales in the US were estimated to be over $360 billion and are expected to nearly double by 2025, reaching about $710 billion
  • With a projected 187.5 million mobile shoppers in the US by 2024, it’s essential for companies to invest in mobile commerce strategies to stay competitive.
  • Over half of smartphone users make purchases from company-specific apps, indicating that mobile apps can be an effective tool for driving sales and customer loyalty.
  • 42% of smartphone users plan to increase their mobile shopping in the coming year, demonstrating the growing importance of mobile commerce as a key sales channel.

These statistics reveal that shopping online is the new favorite of online consumers, and they look forward to new features that make their shopping experience fun, easy, and cost-effective.

Modern Entrepreneurs Guide to App Development for eCommerce

Acutely planned mobile commerce solutions are essential for the successful development of the eCommerce mobile applications. There are a range of activities included in a complete online shopping transaction, beginning from the app development, pre-launch marketing, launch, marketing, selling, delivery, and servicing, and payment.

During eCommerce development, it is essential for the app development company to design an app ensuring customers’ preferences and ability to generate revenue out of the application.
Entrepreneur’s Guide to Ecommerce Mobile App Development Infographic

Things to Consider During Development of eCommerce Mobile Application

Below is the list of 7 things to Consider During Mobile App Development so that a secure and robust system can be built to ensure high reliability and ease of use.

Business Goal

Before you begin with the eCommerce mobile application development process, be very clear with your eCommerce business goals. Of course, you want to sell a product, but the question is “how”, since most of the long-term and short-term goal-setting will be done by making the right choices when figuring out “how”.

  • Increasing the average order size
  • Increasing revenue categories
  • Focusing on omnichannel marketing
  • Delivering unique content consistently
  • Increasing shares on social media
  • Provide outstanding customer service
  • Providing personalized experience to visitors

Set your eCommerce business goals before you begin building an online shopping app. While setting goals, give priority to your targeted audience and prepare smart branding tactics considering their choices.

Simple UI and UX Design

Designing a complex ecommerce app may seem like a good idea, but it can actually complicate the shopping process for your customers. With the average attention span of a mobile app user being only 8 seconds, it’s crucial that your app’s design is simple and user-friendly. Within these 8 seconds, a consumer needs to be able to quickly understand the text and images displayed, and make a decision about whether or not to click for more information.

This means that a cluttered or confusing app design can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize a clean, easy-to-use interface and a seamless user experience to ensure your customers have a positive shopping experience and keep coming back.

Technology

This is the most complex and challenging consideration, as what you choose now will affect the future of your eCommerce Mobile App. There is a vast list of technologies, including existing and emerging that you can consider for your eCommerce application development.

Most of the time, entrepreneurs come up with the request to make an eCommerce mobile app like Amazon or flipkart. In doing so, technology is among the number of factors that they have to consider when making an eCommerce mobile app like eBay or Amazon. Here, choosing the right platform for your mobile app is crucial, along with what new technology you empower your application with. For example:

  • Geofencing

This location-based service is highly popular among eCommerce companies. Geofencing works on technologies such as Beacons, RFID, GPS, and Wi-Fi. It helps in accurate targeting, enhances engagement and supports better use of data. According to a report, brands have experienced a 20% increase in their sales, after using location-based marketing.

  • Chatbots

Chabot is a winning strategy in mobile app development. Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, it helps in increasing engagement and conversion rates in mobile apps. Chatbot development is becoming a new trend, and nowadays, ecommerce companies don’t have to build a separate infrastructure for the same, instead can add one to their existing mobile app.

  • Augmented Reality

This technology helps in creating an artificial environment by creating a blend of elements in the digital world and physical world. Closer the blend to the user environment, more engaging content is created for the user. Brands like Zara, Sephora, and Ray-Ban are using augmented reality features to engage their customers and increase conversion rate.

  • Big Data

Growing digital footprints and emergence of data analytics technology enable online retailers to personalize in-store experience for the customers and increase conversion rate through predictive analytics. For instance, Amazon had 304 million active users in 2016, and through Big Data analysis, it can predict demands and fill out the stores with products’ customized to user’s preferences and latest trends.

  • Recommended Engine

The technology is based on a complex algorithm to study the consumer behavior in terms of what might interest them, based on the ads viewed, books searched, video or job seen, and so on.

  • Cloud Computing

With cloud computing, a mobile app ecosystem can be created that reduces the time for the application to respond to queries. Besides, the application uses fewer device resources yet can capture, store, and render information about users’ interactions leveraging cloud technologies.

Using these technologies enhance the user-experience, while also providing you the necessary insight into the processes.

Also Read:-  Future of E-Commerce Trends To Watch In 2024

Security

In today’s digital age, mobile ecommerce solutions have become essential for businesses, but they also come with significant security risks. Customer data, including personal information and credit card details, is available on these platforms, making security of paramount importance. Cyber threats are an ever-present reality in the current internet landscape, and businesses need to ensure that their customers’ data is secure.

It is crucial to continuously focus on how eCommerce apps deal with customer data to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches. Implementing encryption technology, two-factor authentication, and intrusion detection systems can significantly enhance security. Regular monitoring, testing, and training employees on data security best practices can help prevent human errors and vulnerabilities.

Social Media Integration

When users are available on a platform, why not go there and collect the data, rather than forcing them to fill the forms on a specific platform, where they have come to shop and have fun. For this reason, social media integration with eCommerce Mobile App is important. Forcing customers to perform an action that in no way is going to benefit them is not a very great idea. Through integrating apps with the popular social media sites, we can enable the users to connect with us on different platforms but also provide us with relevant details.

Easy, Quick Checkout

One thing that is dreaded in the eCommerce application development corner is the complicated and time-consuming checkouts. Follow the latest trends for payment integration, considering what mode of payment most of your customers choose.

In-app payments in custom eCommerce apps is the latest trend, which also makes capturing of crucial transaction details easier for the eCommerce business. Besides, always provide multiple options to complete a transaction to make the checkout process easier. Recognizing the advent of mobile wallets, you can also ask your eCommerce development company to integrate mobile wallets to your online shopping apps.

Finding a Talented eCommerce Development Team

Finding the right team of eCommerce app developers largely depends on how acutely you have considered all the factors that impact building an online shopping mobile app.

Begin your search with making a list of all those factors that are crucial for mobile app development and who all can fulfill the development requirement. Make sure you have considered following factors in your list:

Size of the Product Development Team

It depends on how large or small your project is, including how many features you want in your mobile app. Based on this, you can decide how many UI/UX designers, software application developers, and marketeers you need for your eCommerce app development project. It will directly impact your budget too.

Skills and Experience

You need a product development team that has a required skill set to help you achieve your eCommerce business goals.
Consult any eCommerce top-rated mobile application Development company that has a team of talented and experienced software engineers and creative designers. To determine the same, you can do the following things:

  • Check the experience in terms of technology that you want to use in your shopping application.
  • Check the references to determine the relevant experience
  • Learn about the approach they plan to apply for your project
  • Determine how you are going to communicate if the team works from offshore

Quality Over Cost

We understand that you have dedicated a specific budget for your eCommerce design and development budget. But it is important how you set your priorities and utilize your budget. For a good quality software product, you must invest in good software engineers, which are costly.

The Bottom Line

As customers are finding eCommerce mobile apps more convenient to use, many retail stores are launching their mobile apps to connect with their customers and generate more revenue. Flourishing eCommerce app development companies are making it easier for these companies to create and maintain user-friendly shopping apps. However, it is important for businesses to be aware of the eCommerce development process and find the right eCommerce development company to complete their project.

To facilitate the creation and maintenance of user-friendly shopping apps, thriving eCommerce app development companies are now widely available. One such is Finoit Technologies, a leading eCommerce app development company, specializing in helping businesses deliver high-quality products. Connect with our development expert and leverage their expertise and technical proficiency to deliver innovative eCommerce apps that cater to the unique needs of each business.

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Top 15 Mobile App Development Trends in 2024 https://www.finoit.com/blog/top-mobile-app-development-trends/ Mon, 21 Jan 2019 12:57:20 +0000 https://www.finoit.com/?p=10370 The mobile app development industry is at the cusp of a technological revolution, allowing new trends to come and flourish in the industry. The change is, of course, helping the consumers to become aware of the new technologies and use them to avail a suite of different services. The popularity of mobile applications gives users … Continue reading Top 15 Mobile App Development Trends in 2024

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The mobile app development industry is at the cusp of a technological revolution, allowing new trends to come and flourish in the industry. The change is, of course, helping the consumers to become aware of the new technologies and use them to avail a suite of different services.

The popularity of mobile applications gives users a chance to leverage the related benefits in their respective businesses. Reaching the masses for business promotion through a dedicated mobile app is easier. It also serves as a direct communication channel for the users to connect with the business.

Regardless of their categories, mobile apps have made it a better world for users. Be it the requirement of booking an app or ordering food from your favorite restaurant, services are available just with a few taps on the smartphone. And when mulling a product idea, ongoing application development trends play a pivotal role.

Trends in mobile development keep changing frequently. The ones that have prevailed lately may not find a place in the upcoming year; this is how the cycle goes on. There is no definite formula for how a trend in mobile app development makes it into the business, so there is always uncertainty about the trends that will prevail next. The article is going to clear all such doubts by exploring the top mobile app development trends for 2024 and beyond.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Offering New Dimensions

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have caused a seismic shift in mobile app development. We cannot imagine app development in 2024 without using these ground-breaking technologies. Clutch has revealed that 61% of businesses believe that opting for AI app development trends is an important decision.

A professional mobile app development company today understands that they need to deliver a quintessential mobile app which will serve as a perfect recommendation machine. It must analyze user behavior, preferences, and historical data and provide personalized recommendations, content, and experiences. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning find their relevance in the mobile app development process due to these evolving considerations.

Mobile apps need to use the NLP potential for serving users through chatbots and virtual assistants that must work as a constant companion. With the rapid chatbot evolution, these features integrated into mobile apps use NLP and help users establish natural interaction with the app.

In terms of performance, by analyzing usage patterns, device specifications, and network conditions, machine learning algorithms dynamically adjust settings, and optimize mobile app performance, prefetching content and allocating resources efficiently. The result is reflected in faster load times and optimized battery consumption, which is a key performance criteria in resource-intensive apps like video streaming, gaming, and online stores.

Common examples include that of online stores that demonstrate the very efficacy of AI and ML. With recommendation engines powered by ML algorithms, they suggest products based on past purchases or browsing history.

Due to its ability to deliver innovative and immersive experiences that cater to the evolving needs of users, AI and ML is becoming a part of almost every mobile app development project.

2. Blockchain Gaining Momentum

One key reason why blockchain has become a staple for mobile app development in recent times is the need for highly robust mobile applications. Predictions highlight that cybercrime will cost the global economy more than 20 trillion U.S dollars by 2026, a 1.5 times increase compared to figures in 2022.

Blockchain can help reduce cybercrime costs by providing a secure environment for mobile app transactions. As the technology allows mobile apps to store data in a decentralized manner, it eliminates the risk of a single point of failure.

Further, blockchain comes with key features such as smart contracts, tokenization, and identity management that make the operations executed via the app transparent and efficient as

  • Embedding smart contracts directly into the app’s code, simplifies complex processes like release of payment upon task completion.
  • Integrating tokenized loyalty points automates the process of transfer and redemption of points across platforms, useful in apps for loyalty programs and asset management.
  • Identity management, working as a decentralized solution adds an extra layer of security for user credential management.
  • Supply chain tracking counters the risk of fraud or counterfeiting.

3. Low Code/No Code

The mobile app industry is being reshaped by the transformative low code/no code movement. Accelerating development times and reducing costs, these application development technologies open app development to a broader audience. The rise of low code and no code platforms has thus democratized app development, allowing even individuals without programming knowledge to build apps.

Developers now have exclusive shortcuts at their disposal, which offers them an opportunity to build interactive applications in record time. Tools like Zapier and Bubble provide seamless plug-and-play interactions with various services and empowers non-technical and business owners to build complete apps.

Google’s acquisition of Appsheet, valued at $60 million, further showcases the significance of low code/no code platforms. According to Statista’s 2022 survey, Google Appsheet leads the pack with 40% usage among developers and business owners. This surge in adoption signifies the democratization of app development and the immense potential it holds in mobile app development.

4. Cloud-Driven Mobile Apps Will Become Trendy

Today, we need mobile apps that can effortlessly handle higher loads and perfectly meet the data synchronization needs. Cloud fulfills these conditions by offering a plethora of services that streamline the overall mobile app development effort.

For backend infrastructure, cloud computing provides scalable and managed services like databases (SQL and NoSQL), storage solutions, and serverless computing platforms. Developers are saved from the extra effort of setting up and managing their own servers, and can instead focus completely on app logic and functionality. Additionally, cloud-based databases offer features such as automatic scaling, replication, and backups, and developers need not to implement these features manually.

Another advantage of cloud computing is its support for cross-platform mobile app development technologies and frameworks. Many cloud providers offer integrations with popular frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin. With these frameworks, mobile app developers can write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. This approach simplifies the development cycle by abstracting away platform-specific details, making it easier to manage applications in the context of debates like android vs. iOS, where the need to handle separate codebases for each operating system is eliminated.

Cloud also serves as a facilitator for implementing data-intensive technologies like machine learning. Cloud-based APIs for speech recognition, image processing, and natural language processing enable developers to incorporate sophisticated functionality into their mobile apps without requiring specialized expertise. These functionalities work on extensive data volumes where cloud becomes paramount.

5. XR Revolution: Integrating Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

The expectation levels of users have risen, and they need real-life-like experiences, possible with AR and VR, which is why these technologies have become an integral part of mobile app development.

Leading players like Apple and Google have brought SDKs for integrating AR and VR into mobile apps. Developers are using Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore to build AR-driven mobile applications. These SDKs provide tools for motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation, which are fundamental elements for building immersive AR applications. Similarly, there are SDKs available for VR development, like Google’s Google VR SDK for Android, and Oculus’s Oculus Mobile SDK for Oculus devices.

The Extended Reality transformation brought by AR and VR offers the promise of delivering immersive experiences to users. Developers are exporting engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine to export these experiences that blend virtual content with the real world.

6. On-Demand Apps

As per PWC, by 2025, the investment in on-demand apps and websites will increase to $335 billion. With the on-demand economy poised for remarkable growth, on-demand apps are the future of mobile app development.

For app developers and business owners, this is one of the latest trends in mobile apps presenting a unique chance to tap into the power of on-demand app development and cater to the ever-changing needs of their audience. These apps offer a multitude of features and functionalities, enabling businesses to provide enhanced services and boost accessibility.

On-demand app development has also gained momentum for a variety of other reasons, such as providing flexibility to service providers and adjusting to changing consumer behavior. Whether it’s driving for a ride-sharing service, delivering groceries, or offering freelance services, on-demand apps provide opportunities to use them as per one’s needs. For those looking to enter the ride-sharing market, understanding the Steps to build an Uber-like app can be crucial in developing a successful and competitive platform.

7. Motion Magic to Amplify App Experiences

In a crowded app market, incorporating motion-based features can help an app stand out from competitors. These features add a unique selling point and attract users who are looking for a more dynamic intuitive experience. Leveraging visual feedback and transition, they guide users through app functionalities, and make interactions more enjoyable and informative.

To implement motion-based features, developers use algorithms to process the raw data from hardware sensors and detect specific types of motion or gestures. These motion-based interactions streamline workflows and make complex tasks easier to perform. For example, gestures such as swiping, pinching, and tapping can provide quicker access to features and content.

The need for these functionalities is also complemented by the exotic hardware that today’s mobile devices come with. With gyroscopes, accelerometers, and haptic feedback systems, developers have more tools at their disposal to double down on motion designs and build compelling motion-based experiences.

8. Mobile IoT

The integration of IoT features into mobile apps addresses the growing demand for connected and intelligent solutions. In the case of smart homes, IoT-enabled mobile apps allow users to remotely control and monitor devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras. In healthcare, IoT integration in mobile apps assists in remote patient monitoring, medication adherence tracking, and real-time health data analysis. Across these industries mobile IoT is demonstrating significant outcomes. Steadily, business apps are becoming a part of the IoT ecosystem and generating new revenue streams by optimizing operations.

To implement mobile IoT, developers use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provided by IoT device manufacturers and establish communication between the app and the IoT devices.

Considering the potential of mobile apps for IoT, businesses are beginning building from the simplest to the most complex apps. Offering seamless connectivity and excellent user data handling capabilities, these apps are serving as an important bridge between the devices and the users.

Also Read – Top IoT Trends to Watch

It may be costly to start with and have numerous device integrations, third-party integrations, various sensors, tracking data, and other features in a complicated IoT application. Understanding the software development and cost complexities, businesses, therefore, need a straightforward feature-based IoT mobile application development process. Having such a process will prove beneficial for businesses in maintaining the ecosystem until additional capabilities are gradually introduced over time.

9. Touchless UI

Touchless UI is an emerging trend that allows you to use apps without physically touching the screen. For instance, you might already be familiar with some touchless features, like using your fingerprint or face to unlock your phone or authenticate mobile payments.

As highlighted in the research paper, Mobile Touchless Fingerprint Recognition:

Implementation, Performance and Usability Aspects, that touchless system achieved an accuracy of 96% for algorithm-1 and 94% for algorithm-2, indicating the potential for touchless UI in mobile device

We already see how payment gateways like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and others have gained popularity due to their contactless feature. The future holds even more exciting possibilities. Imagine controlling mobile wallets and other apps with just a wave of your hand or by moving your head. Soon, mobile apps will even be able to follow your eye movements to help you scroll through content effortlessly. Therefore, these innovations are set to transform the way we interact with apps, making them more intuitive and convenient than ever before.

10. Development for Wearable Devices

Wearable app development is the new way in the technology world. Thanks to wearable technology for making this possible. Consumers are preferring convenience and functionality that wearables offer. The constantly soaring market bears testimony to how wearables are becoming favorite amongst users. Valued at $61.3 billion in 2022 the wearable market is expected to reach higher value, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% annually from 2023 to 2030.

The wristwear product segment dominated the global industry in 2022 and accounted for the maximum share of more than 49.45%. The consumer electronics application segment led the industry in 2022 and accounted for the maximum share of more than 48.95%. The healthcare segment is anticipated to register the second-fastest growth rate from 2022 to 2030. These are the findings of Precedence Research for the forecast period 2023-2032.

However, the challenge with wearable apps is that they must optimize resource usage and ensure smooth operation without draining the device’s battery too quickly. Because wearable devices typically have limited resources such as processing power, memory, and battery life. The apps must be architected to minimize latency and respond to user inputs or changes in the environment in a timely manner.

11. Apps for Foldable Devices

It’s time you take the advantage of the surging popularity of foldable devices in your mobile app development strategy. These devices with larger screens and multitasking capabilities offer users a more immersive and efficient experience. Optimize your apps for foldable devices to make the most of the increased screen space, delivering detailed content and enhanced functionality.

Video streaming and gaming apps can particularly benefit from the expanded screens, providing app users with captivating experiences. Whether it’s maximizing visuals or utilizing the additional space for controls and information, the possibilities are vast.

With the rise of foldable devices, it’s crucial to stay ahead and ensure seamless app performance on these unique devices. By incorporating foldable screen considerations into your development process, you can tap into one of the significant mobile app development trends of 2024, providing optimized and engaging experiences to your users on foldable devices.

12. 5G Technology

The rollout of 5G has opened up new opportunities for businesses. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment are seeking innovative applications to leverage the capabilities of 5G networks. By 2025, the number of 5G subscriptions is projected to reach 4.8 billion, while 5G-enabled smartphones may account for 65% of global shipments

As 5G networks become more widespread, users will expect apps to take full advantage of the increased bandwidth. The demand for bandwidth-intensive applications, such as high-definition video streaming, cloud gaming, and real-time collaboration tools is thus on the rise.

All the emerging technologies we discussed before, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AR and VR rely on latency and capacity of the network. 5G’s low latency and high capacity is ideal for these technologies. For implementing these capabilities, developers leverage CDNs with edge caching capabilities and protocols like CMAF (Common Media Application Format) with Low Latency Chunked Transfer Encoding (LL-HLS or LL-DASH), which are designed to optimize streaming for 5G.

13. Beacon Technology

Initially introduced as a concept in the early 2010s, beacon technology gained momentum with the widespread adoption of smartphones and the growing demand for location-based services. As developers sought to bridge the gap between digital and physical worlds, beacons emerged as a promising solution to deliver contextually relevant content and services to users based on their proximity to specific locations.

A game-changer, today, beacon is an important trend in the mobile app development space, and has become an integral part of every mobile app developer’s toolkit. One of the key strengths of beacon technology lies in its ability to enable proximity-based marketing initiatives. ELLE Magazine achieved exceptional results with beacons in American malls, with 8.5% of shoppers visiting a participating store, representing a 10,000% improvement over typical mobile advertising programs. This noteworthy improvement is enough to highlight the relevance of beacon in today’s apps.

Most importantly, beacon technology lets you collect valuable data that can be effectively used for making informed business decisions as well as optimize app performance. So, it offers support on both business and technical fronts. By tracking user interactions with beacons, businesses will gain insights into user behavior, traffic patterns, and engagement metrics, which they can discuss with the development team which can further refine the app for better performance.

14. Video and Audio-focused Mobile Apps

We all use apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Clubhouse. The proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity, coupled with the widespread adoption of smartphones, has paved the way for the popularity of video and audio-focused mobile apps.

The growing prominence of video and audio-focused mobile apps can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, advances in technology, such as improved camera capabilities and audio processing algorithms, have made it easier for users to create and consume high-quality multimedia content on their devices. Additionally, the rise of social media and influencer culture has fueled the demand for visually appealing and engaging content, driving the development of innovative video editing and enhancement tools.

However, the relevance of video and audio-focused mobile apps extends beyond entertainment to education, communication, and commerce. Educational platforms leverage video tutorials and lectures to deliver immersive learning experiences, while messaging apps incorporate audio and video calling features for real-time communication. Furthermore, mobile Commerce platforms increasingly use video content to showcase products and enhance the shopping experience.

15. Focus on Mobile Threat Defense

App security in mobile devices continues to remain a challenge despite developers implementing strong measures to protect application architecture, data, and codebase. The implications of a breach are always serious as it exposes the data of users, which in turn earns bad reputation for the business.

In a recent episode Cash App data breach affected 8.2 million customers, where personal information like full names, brokerage account numbers, and stock trading activity were compromised. Since a mobile app interacts with multiple external entities, an app must offer a robust mechanism to counter attacks it receives from all channels.

As mobile devices become increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, mobile threat defense solutions are emerging to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of mobile threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and network vulnerabilities. They encompass a spectrum of proactive measures aimed at safeguarding mobile devices and applications against security threats, including:

  • Zero-Trust Architecture: With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the traditional perimeter-based security model is becoming obsolete. Zero-trust architecture assumes that threats could exist both inside and outside the network, requiring continuous authentication and authorization for every user and device attempting to access resources.
  • Mobile App Shielding and Hardening: Developers are increasingly turning to app shielding and hardening techniques to protect their mobile applications from reverse engineering, tampering, and other malicious activities. Measures such as code obfuscation, anti-debugging mechanisms, and runtime application self-protection (RASP) are implemented to fortify the mobile apps.
  • Secure by Design: Security is no longer an afterthought in the app development process. Instead, it’s being integrated into every stage of the development lifecycle, from mobile app design and coding to testing and deployment. Secure coding practices, threat modeling, and security testing tools are becoming standard components of the development toolkit.

Summing Up

That’s all on the mobile development trends to watch in 2024 and coming years. As the industry is thriving every single day, you will see this list of top mobile app trends soon having new trends. We must keep in mind that all these trends represent technological evolutions that work in tandem, and collectively help build a new-age mobile app.

One way to get started with your favorite mobile apps trends is by partnering with an experienced mobile application development services company.

That’s where Finoit, an experienced mobile app development company, steps in. With their extensive industry knowledge and expertise, Finoit is the ideal partner to bring your app ideas to life, may it be iOS or Android app development.

As a trusted collaborator, Finoit understands the ever-growing demands of the app development domain. Our team of skilled professionals is well-equipped to implement the latest mobile app development trends, and makes your app stand out in the competition. Connect with our development expert to leverage end-to-end services tailored to your specific needs and avail innovative, high-quality mobile applications.

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How to Develop a Mobile App https://www.finoit.com/blog/how-to-build-a-successful-mobile-app/ Tue, 27 Oct 2015 06:13:41 +0000 http://localhost:8080/finoit/?p=1742 Building a high-performance mobile app that too from scratch is on the priority list of most businesses these days. And why not, as it offers unparalleled customization and caters precisely to their needs. However, mobile app development is fraught with many complexities. It demands a clear roadmap and a methodical approach and the specifics may … Continue reading How to Develop a Mobile App

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Building a high-performance mobile app that too from scratch is on the priority list of most businesses these days. And why not, as it offers unparalleled customization and caters precisely to their needs.

However, mobile app development is fraught with many complexities. It demands a clear roadmap and a methodical approach and the specifics may vary from project to project. What you need is a proven process that takes your concept through stages that convert it into a viable product.

Then, how to create an app that best meets your needs?

There needs to exist a strong pipeline for building applications, where technological expertise blends with project management principles and design best practices to produce an outstanding product. We cover all these technicalities through a sequential process, and provide the direction right from start to finish. Let’s start.

How to Make an App: 10 Steps to Build an Application that you must follow

These 10 steps that we are going to discuss at length will serve as a blueprint for developing mobile apps. Peruse through them to develop a comprehensive understanding of what all it takes to develop an application.

Step 1:Idea Validation and Market Research

Before embarking on any mobile app development project, first develop a holistic understanding of your product’s concept and its unique value proposition. Delve deep into understanding the core functionalities that the app will offer and how it will address the needs of your target audience in a distinctive manner.

Next, conduct a thorough competitive analysis of the market, where you scrutinize existing solutions, dissect their strengths and weaknesses, and identify possible whitespace opportunities where your app can make its mark.

Dissecting competitors’ strengths and weaknesses is equally important. So, as a next step, carry out a thorough examination of competitor apps, dissecting their features, user experience (UX), and performance metrics. Then gather quantitative data on competitors’ user engagement metrics, such as active users, retention rates, and in-app behavior. By comparing these metrics against your own benchmarks, you will gain insights into areas where your competitors excel and areas where they fall short.

To gather valuable insights, leverage tools like interviews, surveys and focus groups and solicit feedback on your app idea. This way you will engage with potential users and unearth pain points, preferences, and desires. These inputs from market research will enable you to refine your concept iteratively and allow you to better align with user expectations.

With insights gleaned from user feedback and competitive analysis, proceed to conceptualize your app idea. Here, synthesize the gathered insights into a coherent blueprint, envisioning the user journey, interface design, and feature set that can offer a seamless user experience.

Now, validating your app idea before diving into development is paramount, because it mitigates the risk of investing resources into a product with uncertain market viability. So, proceed to validate the defined idea, and ascertain that you are walking on the right path and building a product that resonates with your target audience and addresses their needs effectively. In essence, these steps constitute your preparatory phase and using them you will build a strong foundation.

Step 2: Understand the Target Audience

Start by leveraging demographic data sources such as census data, market research reports, and public databases to gather insights into your target audience’s characteristics. These data sources will provide you with quantitative information about factors like age, gender, location, and income level, and aid in market segmentation.

Then make use of social media monitoring tools and web analytics platforms to monitor online communities and track relevant discussions. Some steps you will have to take here will include setting up custom alerts and keyword trackers to monitor conversations, hashtags, and mentions related to your app or industry.

Furthermore, employ text mining and topic modeling techniques to analyze large volumes of unstructured data from online communities. To map out the network structure of online communities and identify influential users or opinion leaders, use social network analysis. This is how you should extract key topics, sentiments from user-generated content, trends and insights so as to more accurately understand the preferences and pain points of your target audience.

Next comes creating user personas, for which use data-driven personas based on the insights gathered from market research, competitor analysis, user feedback, and online community monitoring.

Once the data-driven personas are developed, validate and refine them using iterative testing and feedback loops with stakeholders and end-users. Through this process, you will filter the personas that accurately represent the diversity and complexity of your target audience.

Step 3: Choose the Appropriate Platform (iOS, Android, Cross-Platform)

Against the type of app you are developing, initially, delve into the fundamental disparities between android Vs. iOS ecosystems, elucidating key technical differentiators such as programming languages, app development tools, and design paradigms.

Subsequently, carry out a comprehensive assessment of the client’s project prerequisites, meticulously scrutinizing factors like desired functionality, performance benchmarks. So, dive deep for the identification of platform-specific capabilities and limitations that may impact development feasibility and user experience.

If you are outsourcing mobile app development, then ideally the partner should advocate for a pragmatic evaluation of resource constraints and time-to-market imperatives. In this process, they will weigh the trade-offs between native vs cross-platform mobile app development, elucidating considerations such as development overhead, code maintainability, and platform-specific optimizations.

Step 4: Define the App’s Features and Functionality

Next, prioritize the features based on their importance, feasibility, and potential impact on the user experience. Weigh factors such as technical complexity, resource availability, and time constraints. The aim is to strike a balance between must-have features for the core functionality and nice-to-have features that can be added in later iterations.

Once the feature set is finalized, proceed to create detailed user stories or use cases for each feature. The process involves breaking down the functionality into smaller, manageable tasks that can be implemented by the development team. Develop clear and concise user stories that serve as a blueprint for development.

Simultaneously, design the architecture of the application, considering factors such as scalability, security, and maintainability. The intended functionalities will offer an idea on the technology stack, database structure, and system integrations required to support the planned features, which we will discuss at length in further stages.

Throughout this process, maintain open communication channels with the client, soliciting feedback and iterating on the feature set and design as necessary.

Step 5: Build UX/UI Design

Every dollar invested in UX fetches 100 dollars, but only when wisely invested. You must rightly devise the UI/UX strategy. In terms of performance, a good UI improves conversion rate by up to 200% to 400%. As a result, focus on laying a strong focus to wisely design an app, because you cannot have an app without a good design.

Understanding UI/UX Design is integral to your app development process. It is where technical proficiency converges with user-centric design principles. To build the best design, dissect app design principles, analyze user interaction patterns and gauge the impact of visual aesthetics.

You should incorporate UI/UX best practices to build designs that are not only visually captivating but also ergonomically optimized. For that, employ techniques like grid systems and layout frameworks to achieve visual hierarchy and alignment, so as to offer a comfortable readability and usability experience. Additionally, use design systems and component libraries to maintain consistency across different screens and interactions.

User feedback is critical so use it and iteratively refine the designs. Identify pain points and optimize user flows, by employing usability testing methodologies such as A/B testing and heatmaps. Further, microinteractions and animations, implemented using technologies like CSS transitions and JavaScript frameworks, should be thoughtfully integrated to provide feedback and guide users through different tasks.

As each platform offers a different set of challenges for implementing design, successful mobile UI design necessitates a deep understanding of the intricacies of different mobile platforms. To optimize designs for touch interactions, employ touch gesture libraries and touch event optimizations and improve responsiveness and accuracy of navigation.

Last but not the least, from typography to iconography, every attribute of the user interface is meticulously crafted, for which implement techniques like font loading optimizations and icon font usage. Accessibility is another focal point, and for which adhere to accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) so that designs are inclusive and cater to users with diverse needs.

Also Read: Challenge in mobile app development strategies

Step 6: Proceed with Prototyping and Wireframing

Next, move to wireframes that serve as the blueprint for your application, where you map out each element. Wireframes are crucial because they provide a visual guide for everyone involved in the project. Developers can see how the interface will be structured, designers can start thinking about the visual elements, and clients can get a clear picture of what the final product will look like. It’s the first representation of your product, and involves the use of various tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, Axure RP, and Balsamiq.

Once you have wireframes in place, it’s time to bring them to life through prototyping. First produce a rough draft of the software – something you can interact with and test out before committing it to building the real thing. Turn them into clickable, interactive models that allow you to simulate how the software will behave in real-world scenarios.

Offer this prototype to users and stakeholders, get their input, and make any necessary adjustments before you invest time and resources into building the final product. You are actually transforming static representations into interactive mockups that simulate user interactions and functionality. Use platforms such as InVision and Marvel to imbue your prototypes with dynamic elements, including clickable buttons, form fields, and rudimentary animations.

Step 7: Select the Right Tech Stack

An application needs to be sturdy, adaptable, and tailored to the specific needs of the business, which is where the technology stack you choose makes the difference. When choosing one for a project, meticulously assess the application’s requirements, both present and foreseeable future.

For backend technologies, scrutinize factors such as scalability, performance, and ease of maintenance. Whether it’s a monolithic architecture or a microservices-based approach, the choice hinges on the complexity and expected growth of the application. For instance, for real-time applications requiring high concurrency, prefer technologies like Node.js coupled with frameworks like Express as these tools are best-suited in such cases due to their event-driven nature and non-blocking I/O operations.

Database selection is another crucial aspect, where factors like data consistency, scalability, and query flexibility have to be strictly considered. Options range from traditional relational databases like MySQL to NoSQL databases like MongoDB. Each offers distinct advantages depending on the nature of the application’s data and access patterns.

When it comes to choosing frontend technologies, the focus should be on user experience, because apart from functionality, responsiveness, interactivity, and aesthetics are equally important. Vue.js, React, or Angular are common choices, as each comes with its own set of advantages. Furthermore, evaluate the compatibility of frontend technologies with the chosen backend so that the integration works.

A secondary aspect in this process is that of aligning the chosen tech stack with the skill sets of the development team. As mismatch can lead to inefficiencies and hinder progress, try striking a balance between adopting cutting-edge technologies and leveraging familiar tools to expedite development without compromising quality.

Step 8: Leverage The App Development Process

Set up the development environment, which includes installing the necessary software tools and frameworks. Set up an integrated development environment (IDE) such as Xcode for iOS or Android Studio for Android apps and start using the chosen technology stack, as discussed previously.

Next, organize the project structure, where you have directories for different components such as UI elements, data models, controllers, and services. An important step, it will allow you to maintain a clean and organized codebase. Now with the project structure in place, start implementing the features outlined in the design and planning phase. The process involves writing code to create UI elements, handle user interactions, and manage data flow within the app.

As you develop each feature, conduct testing to test its functionality and compatibility with different mobile devices and screen sizes. Both manual and automated approaches must be used to conduct testing. Since testing is a separate process in itself, we shall comprehensively deal with it in the upcoming step.

Next, develop a MVP (Minimum Viable Product), where the primary focus should be on delivering a functional version of the product with essential features that meet the core needs of the users.

Throughout the development process, regularly review and refactor the code to improve its readability, maintainability, and performance. The process of optimization involves refining algorithms, removing redundant code, and adhering to best coding practices. If the app requires integration with external services or APIs, implement the necessary code to handle these interactions, where you perform tasks that include making HTTP requests, parsing JSON responses, and managing authentication.

As you progress, continuously refine the UI/UX for a smooth and intuitive user experience. And as needed, make necessary adjustments by tweaking layout, colors, fonts, and animations to match the design specifications.

If the app targets a global audience, incorporate localization support to provide translations for different languages. Though a secondary consideration, it is an important factor in the entire development process that decides the long-term usage of the application. To track changes to the codebase and collaborate with team members, throughout the development process, use Git or other version control systems that best suit the project’s needs.

Step 9: Test and Launch Your App

Quality assurance in app development is a systematic approach to ensuring that the app meets the desired quality standards and delivers a seamless user experience. Handle the QA process by following these steps:

  • Requirement Analysis: Start by thoroughly understanding the app requirements and specifications. Develop a complete understanding of functional requirements and non-functional requirements.
  • Test Planning: Based on the requirements, create a detailed test plan outlining the testing approach, test scenarios, test cases, and testing techniques to be used. Aimed for comprehensive coverage of the app’s functionalities, the test plan serves as a roadmap for the QA process.
  • Test Environment Setup: Set up the testing environment to closely mimic the production environment, by keeping configuring devices (physical or emulated), operating systems, network conditions, and backend services in ideal state.
  • Test Execution: Next, execute various types of tests, including functional testing, usability testing, performance testing, security testing, and compatibility testing. Each of these testing mechanisms take the application through different checks to validate that the application has been successfully developed to meet technical and functional specifications.
  • Defect Tracking: Track and document defects or issues encountered using a defect tracking system and issue tracking tool. Each defect is categorized based on severity and priority so that they can be promptly addressed.
  • Regression Testing: Whenever changes are made to the app, perform regression testing so as to keep the existing functionalities intact and automate these tests to maintain consistent results across iterations.
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Once the app passes internal QA testing, involve stakeholders or end users to perform UAT. UAT allows real users to validate the app against their expectations and provide feedback. Any issues identified during UAT are addressed before the app is released to production.

Also Read: Factors to consider when choosing pricing model for your app

Step 10: Follow these Post-Launch Tips

Even after the product is developed and launched, there are many elements that you must keep in mind so as to derive a long-term value from the software application. So, the work is partially done, and for sustainable performance of the application, follow each of these steps post-launch:

  • Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Use tools like Firebase Performance Monitoring or New Relic to continuously monitor the delivered app’s performance in real-time. Identify areas of improvement such as slow loading times or high resource consumption and optimize them to enhance user experience.
  • Crash Reporting and Debugging: Implement a robust crash reporting tool like Crashlytics or Sentry to track app crashes and errors. Next, analyze crash reports to pinpoint the root causes and prioritize fixing them to ensure app stability.
  • A/B Testing for Feature Optimization: Conduct A/B tests to experiment with different features, layouts, or user interfaces, and gather data on user engagement and satisfaction to determine which variations perform best and optimize your app accordingly.
  • Implementation of User-Centric Updates: Base your updates on user feedback and behavior data rather than assumptions or trends and prioritize features and improvements that align with user needs and preferences.
  • Localization and Internationalization: If your app has a global audience, tailor the content, user interface, and app marketing strategy to cater to the cultural preferences and norms of your target markets.
  • Accessibility Compliance: At every stage, ensure that your app complies with accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Conducts accessibility audits and implements features such as screen reader compatibility and high contrast modes to improve accessibility.
  • Data Backup and Recovery: Implement robust data backup and recovery mechanisms to protect user data from loss or corruption. Take regular backup of user data to secure cloud storage and implement recovery procedures.
  • Version Control and Release Management: Establish a disciplined version control system using tools like Git to manage code changes and track versions. Next, implement a structured release management process for smooth and reliable app updates without disrupting user experience.
  • Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security audits and perform penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the application.
  • Optimize Store Listings: Optimize your app’s presence on different app stores including the Google Play Store and Apple App Store by employing strategies such as keyword optimization, compelling app descriptions, and eye-catching visuals.

To Conclude

Understanding the stages and specialists involved in software development is crucial for building a successful application for your business. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about costs, timelines, and the overall development process.

But as we saw, whether it is creating iOS apps or Android apps, the process to build an app is a complex journey that demands careful planning and expertise. It is always a wise decision to invest in app developers from a professional app development company.

At Finoit, we will guide you from the inception of your idea to its full realization. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to our experienced team.

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Five e-Commerce Websites That are Grabbing Eyeballs Worldwide https://www.finoit.com/blog/five-e-commerce-websites-that-are-grabbing-eyeballs-worldwide/ Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:28:00 +0000 http://localhost:8080/finoit/?p=1557 The day is not so far when e-Commerce websites & mobile apps will completely take over the traditional ways of buying and selling stuff. e-Commerce websites and custom mobile apps are offering awesome shopping experience to the users all across the globe these days. The best thing about these technologically-advanced e-Commerce platforms is the varieties … Continue reading Five e-Commerce Websites That are Grabbing Eyeballs Worldwide

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The day is not so far when e-Commerce websites & mobile apps will completely take over the traditional ways of buying and selling stuff. e-Commerce websites and custom mobile apps are offering awesome shopping experience to the users all across the globe these days. The best thing about these technologically-advanced e-Commerce platforms is the varieties of the products, different price ranges, and timely delivery. Most importantly, now users don’t need to invest their precious time in going to different stores for comparing and buying stuff.
In fact, e-Commerce platforms not only help users in saving their hard-earned money but also reduced their shopping time to a great extent. In the nutshell, e-Commerce platforms are improving the quality of human lives by providing them the best of stuff at their doorstep and at best prices.

Let’s find out details of the best of e-Commerce platforms of 2015 that are successfully setting new trends in the shopping domain –

1. Reebok e-Commerce

Through this official e-Commerce portal of Reebok International you can buy your favorite Reebok shoes, sandals, and many other accessories.

Reebok e-Commerce

2. Kipling

This amazing e-Commerce platform offers a wide range of bags and purses. Check out the latest collection now.
Visit website: http://www.kipling.com/int/

Kipling

3. Oak Street Boot Makers

Find out the whole collection of men’s shoes, boots, and other accessories on Oak Street Boot Maker, one of the well-known online shoes and boots online store

Oak Street Boot Makers

4. Discover Sony Store

Buy your favorite Sony Electronics products from official Sony online store.
Visit website: http://store.sony.com/

Sony Store

5. X-doria

This e-Commerce portal is one complete solution for all your smartphones, tablets, and iPod needs. For more information, visit: http://xdorialife.com/

X-doria

This blog post is Powered by Finoit Technologies. For more updates and news stay tuned to Finoit official blog section.

Finoit Technologies is a premium web and custom mobile apps design and development company. For more information related to web and mobile apps development services, write to us at info@finoit.com

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Native vs. Cross Platform Mobile App Development: Which One is Better? https://www.finoit.com/blog/native-vs-cross-platform-mobile-app-development/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:09:53 +0000 http://localhost:8080/finoit/?p=689 If you have an innovative app idea that you think could revolutionize the market, you’ve probably already started planning your development strategy. But with so many different approaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which direction to take. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to do is select between cross … Continue reading Native vs. Cross Platform Mobile App Development: Which One is Better?

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If you have an innovative app idea that you think could revolutionize the market, you’ve probably already started planning your development strategy. But with so many different approaches to choose from, it can be difficult to know which direction to take. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to do is select between cross platform vs native mobile development.

Currently, according to statista there are approximately 1.85 million apps available in the iOS App Store and 2.56 million in the Google Play Store. While a large portion of these apps are available, choosing the right approach could make or break your app’s success, as the market is highly competitive with millions of apps available for download on app stores.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of native and cross-platform app development to help you make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the differences between cross-platform  and native mobile app development, and be equipped with the knowledge to decide which approach is right for your unique business needs. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of app development!

What are Native Apps?

Native apps are applications developed for a specific platform or operating system, such as iOS and Android, They are built using the respective Software Development Kits (SDKs) and programming languages of the platform, such as Objective C, Swift, or Cocoa Touch for iOS apps, and Java or Kotlin for Android app development. Native apps are available for download through app stores, such as the Apple App Store for iOS apps and Google Play Store for Android apps.

Benefits of Native App Development

  • High performance and fast execution
  • Access to the full range of device hardware and software features
  • Better security and reliability
  • Higher app store visibility and better app store optimization (ASO)
  • Ability to work offline
  • Can leverage platform-specific features and functionalities
  • Easy to integrate with third-party tools and libraries

What are Cross-platform Apps?

Cross-platform apps are mobile applications that can run on multiple operating systems such as Android and iOS . Unlike native apps, they are not specifically built for one platform but are designed to function seamlessly across multiple platforms. Cross-platform apps are created using various tools and frameworks that allow developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. This means that businesses can save time and money by developing a single app that can reach a larger audience, rather than creating separate apps for each platform.

Benefits of Cross-Platform App Development

  • Code reusability across multiple platforms
  • Faster time-to-market
  • Reduced development costs
  • Consistent user experience across platforms
  • Access to a wider audience
  • Easier maintenance and updates
  • Simplified testing and debugging process
  • Integration with existing systems and technologies

Custom Native vs Cross-platform Mobile Development

When it comes to mobile app development, both cross platform and native mobile development approaches have different aspects of working.

Native Cross-platform
Definition Develop apps for a specific platform using native tools and programming languages Develop apps that can run on multiple platforms using cross-platform development tools and frameworks
Development Time Longer development time due to coding and testing for each platform separately Faster development time due to code-sharing and development frameworks
User Experience Offers a better user experience as it is optimized for the specific platform and utilizes platform-specific features May not offer the same level of optimization for each platform and may have limitations in utilizing platform-specific features
Maintenance Requires separate maintenance for each platform and updating the app may require multiple releases Easier maintenance as changes can be made across all platforms with a single release
Cost Higher cost due to the need for separate development and maintenance for each platform Lower cost due to code-sharing and development frameworks
App Store Approval Easier approval process as the app is optimized for a specific platform and adheres to platform-specific guidelines May face challenges in approval due to limitations in utilizing platform-specific features and adherence to guidelines for multiple platforms

Let’s compare native vs cross platform app development from several criteria:

  • User Interface

The user interface (UI) of a mobile app is like the face of the app – it’s what users first see and interact with. And when it comes to UI, native apps have an upper hand over cross-platform app.

Native apps are developed specifically for a single platform, allowing developers to take full advantage of the platform’s design and features. This results in a distinctive UI that is optimized for the platform, making it easier for users to navigate and use the app. For example, Android apps have a productive and functional look, while Apple apps have a simple yet usable UI.

On the other hand, cross-platform apps are designed to work on multiple platforms, which can make it difficult to create a UI that is optimized for each platform. As a result, cross-platform apps may have a more generic UI that is not as visually appealing or optimized for each platform.

  • Reliability

When it comes to mobile app reliability, in native apps vs cross-platform apps, native apps have a clear advantage over cross-platform apps. This is because native apps are specifically developed for a particular platform using the platform’s own software development kit (SDK).

Developers of native apps have direct access to all the hardware resources of the device, allowing them to fully optimize the app’s performance. This results in faster and smoother performance, and fewer chances of crashes or errors whereas cross-platform apps need to work on multiple platforms, which can cause compatibility issues with the device’s hardware and operating system. This can result in slower performance, glitches, and crashes, as the app tries to work with different devices and operating systems.

  • Reusability

One of the advantages of cross-platform app development is the reusability of code. Unlike native app development where developers need to write separate code for each platform, cross-platform apps can be developed using a single codebase that can be used across multiple platforms.

This means that once the code is written for one platform, it can be easily reused for other platforms, saving time and effort for developers. This also ensures consistency across different platforms, as the same code is used for all of them.

  • OS Updates

Native apps are developed using the specific software development kit (SDK) of a particular platform, they can easily incorporate new features and updates as soon as they are released. In contrast, cross-platform apps need to be updated through the framework they were developed on, causing delays in utilizing new features. This makes it easier for native apps to stay up to date with the latest features and improvements.

  • Cost

Cross-platform app development is a more cost-effective option for small businesses as it doesn’t require separate platform-specific teams, unlike native app development. With cross-platform development, developers can write the code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, which saves time and money. This allows small businesses with limited resources to expand their reach without investing heavily in app development. On the other hand, top-rated native mobile app development services can be expensive as it requires a team of developers for each platform, which may not be feasible for SMBs with limited budgets.

  • Marketplace

Native apps have their own marketplace in the form of app stores from where users can install the applications for free or may buy a paid subscription. Cross-platform apps are available for download from web browsers as well as from app stores (in case of hybrid apps). Hence, compared to native apps, they get extended coverage, more users, and hence an edge over their native counterparts.

The Final Verdict

To summarize, both native as well as cross-platform mobile apps hold their own advantages and disadvantages. While native apps lead in terms of interface, speed, performance and reliability, cross-platform apps hold an edge in terms of the marketplace, mobile app development cost, and reusability.

However, it all depends on the concerned business and the budget they have set, whether they would like to invest in the costlier or the cheaper option. Most times, whether building internally or hiring a leading offshore app development company to build the app, the primary criterion will always be cost, usability, scale, and objective.

Both native and hybrid mobile app development companies have their specific audiences and the delivery generally depends upon the requirements of the projects and the choice of the clients.

At Finoit, a proven software company, we know the aspects that should be considered for successful mobile application development and have a proven credibility of delivering on-time and in-budget. Feel free to reach out using the form below to discuss your project ideas or requirements.

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How Cloud Computing Contributes to Enterprise Mobility? https://www.finoit.com/blog/enterprise-mobility-and-cloud-computing/ Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:15:28 +0000 http://localhost:8080/finoit/?p=628 Cloud computing, one of the most impressive disruptive technologies in the modern day world, has emerged as a welcome respite for individuals and SMBs wishing to find a safe and secure place to store their data, other than their own hard disks. It helps you to save your documents online through advanced applications and enables … Continue reading How Cloud Computing Contributes to Enterprise Mobility?

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Cloud computing, one of the most impressive disruptive technologies in the modern day world, has emerged as a welcome respite for individuals and SMBs wishing to find a safe and secure place to store their data, other than their own hard disks. It helps you to save your documents online through advanced applications and enables you to access them as per your wish. While this trend is pretty effective in synchronizing all the data at one place without exerting any load on one’s personal machine, its role in enhancing enterprise mobility is also worthwhile. Let us check out how cloud computing has been contributing toward mobilizing enterprises in the recent times.

Impact of Mobile cloud Platform on IT Sector

The rapidly nipping effect of mobile cloud platform on the IT domain could be ascertained by the survey reports released by renowned bodies:

  • Gartner expects cloud computing to capture major share in the IT spending by the year 2016. By 2017, it forecasts the inclination of roundabout 50% of the enterprises toward the deployment of cloud platforms.
  • There could be a significant rise in the market of cloud based security services from 2013 to 2015, i.e., from $2.1 billion to $3.1 billion, says Gartner.
  • According to IDC, the market of public IT cloud services could experience an appreciable surge from $47.4 billion in 2013 to $107 billion by 2017.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS) will continue to top the categories of public IT cloud services in terms of revenues with 59.7% share by 2017, says IDC.
  • The IT cloud services will witness a collective annual growth of 23.5% in the forecast period of 2013-2017, 5 times more than IT industry in entirety.

Benefits of mobile cloud platform

There are numerous challenges in mobile app development but enterprises have gained exceptionally with the mobile cloud platform as it allows them the ease to leverage all the requisite tools and technologies necessary to establish their business. The multifarious gains it assures hence include:

  • Efficiency: With the adoption of cloud technology in enterprise mobility, businesses find it far efficient to quickly deploy various services. Employees don’t need to wait for verified reports any more to work upon, they now have the flexibility of gaining online access to the data right on their devices and may start working accordingly.
  • Customer acquisition: Enabling the people to keep romancing with their consumer life, the platform helps them to request for a service from their own device. Service providers can then solve the issues accordingly.
  • Business acquisition: Enterprises willing to embrace mobile cloud platform are more likely to benefit in terms of quick time to market, productivity, improved data security, better work processes, and enhanced relationship with customers and business partners, etc.
  • Reduced cost:The introduction of mobile cloud platform has resulted into significant reduction in infrastructure costs for enterprises followed by cheaper yet faster integration of storage solutions and enterprise apps.

Enterprise Cloud Security Threats

With the increased adoption of cloud computing by enterprises, risk for data security also poses a major concern. Some of these threats may include:

  • Loss of control: The client may surrender the control to cloud provider while using cloud infrastructure, resulting to security risks.
  • Provider Dependence: Reliance on a single cloud provider in the absence of any other service provider for data migration.
  • Guest-hopping attacks: Failure to handle multi-tenancy resources resulting into attacks on the mechanism of resource isolation.
  • Incomplete data deletion: Inability to delete data over the cloud due to redundant copies of the data on the cloud or hard disks; could pose severe risks during multiple-tenancies.
  • Data security: At times, the customer may cease to check the practices of data handling by cloud provider. If in such case, data is handled unlawfully, security takes a backseat.

In the wake of occurrence of any of the mobile security threats, it is better to follow best practices for secure app development and for the customer to approach the cloud provider. Else, if possible, better shift the data to some other cloud provider. Also, one must ensure following the best practices of mobile app testing for internal and external threats.

Bottomline

Enterprise mobility shares a deep bond with cloud computing wherein business people and individuals prefer accessing hardware, software, applications, etc., hosted on the web rather than using their own hard drives and computing machines. The mobile cloud platform no doubt assures a number of benefits for the enterprises and paves way for their speedy growth in terms of revenues. However, alongside certain pluses, they may also accompany certain risk factors, overcoming whom at the right time is important.

Finoit holds the capability to develop quality web and mobile applications that could perform flawlessly over the cloud. With all our development efforts, we can assist the customers simplify their complex business processes right on the cloud through their mobile smartphone, tablets and other mobile devices.

Finoit provides with cloud consulting services enabling efficient data access and synchronization across devices with the range of Multi-Cloud. Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud services which is most compatible for your business structure and objectives. Offering numerous benefits such as improved efficiency, customer and business acquisition and reduced costs. Businesses must adopt best practices for secure app development and data management. Finoit Technologies specializes in developing robust web and mobile applications that leverage cloud technology to streamline complex business processes and enhance operational efficiency.

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