iOS App Developers: New World of Opportunities

The demand of mobile applications is on a constant rise. Now a day, each and every business is jumping on the mobile bandwagon. There is frenzy among companies to launch mobile apps and stand tall among competitors. 

While the war between iOS apps and Android continues, Apple seems to be winning the battle. But there are several reasons behind Apple’s dominance over Android in the app world. Focus on quality control continues to be the key reason. Apple maintains a tight control over both smartphone hardware and operating system. It filters out apps before gaining entry into the store.

Whether it is enterprises and startups, most organization are adapting their products or services to the biggest name in mobile technology: iOS. In just six years, the iOS ecosystem has helped create 627,000 jobs in the US alone. According to Apple, a recent APPNATION study projects that the “overall app economy will exceed $150 billion worldwide within three years, with the industry continuing to create more job openings than can be filled.” Undoubtedly, the demand for iOS developers is increasing at a phenomenal pace.

The launch of Swift empowered iOS developers to create great apps easily like never before. iOS 8 also introduced frameworks HealthKit and HomeKit. HealthKit allows health and fitness developers share data with the Health app while HomeKit is a framework allowing developers to create software that controls devices for home automation.

It is clear that learning these skills can open up great career opportunities. Here are few things that companies lookout before they hire iPhone app developer.

Sample Apps & Client References 

Companies are always on a lookout for qualified iOS developers who can provide with a list of apps they created or played a key role in developing with links to each in Apple's iOS App Store. This way you can assess whether or not they have the skills, vision and the much needed experience to bring your app ideas to life.

But there is a catch. There is no way of confirming whether a developer actually worked on the app. Well, after all there is no system of credit in iTunes. In such cases, speaking directly to clients will help in verifying the claims. Furthermore, speaking to the client will allow you to gauge developer’s ability to deliver app on deadline and within budget.

Understand what works for users

App developers need to understand how app will streamline process or make user’s life easy. It is important to understand how iOS app will improve business possibilities and simplify workflow processes. Remember, you need to show how your work impacts the company's bottom line. Developers who are able to understand value are most successful.

Eye for Monetization 

Developer capability is not just limited to coding prowess. Ultimately, everything boils down to generating revenue with the app. Whether you opt for pay-per download model or free app, developers need to know exactly which features will entice customers to pay. Developer needs to be experienced with integration of mobile display ads, in-app purchases or paid subscription models.

Communication skills

You got it right. iOS app development is a collaborative process that requires communication with stakeholders, both technical and non-technical. It is important that a developer comes out of their technical boundaries to communicate effectively with non-technical decision makers.  

Finally

Developers need to think about larger picture and connect the dots. It is important not just to know about current technology, rather future trends. After all, iOS app development is not just about building a mobile application, rather creating scalable apps that can grow over time.

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About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in iPhone application development services for all the major iOS versions.

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The Most Downloaded Android Apps In The World

The Google Play app store has an immense collection of apps providing everything that you need, but you can't have all of them in your Android phone. Today, we have listed the most downloaded and top rated Android app in the world.

Skype

Skype allows easy voice, video calls & instant messaging. Currently millions of people across the world use Skype to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Features:

• Find all your friends and family in an instant - With over 250 million people using Skype, you’re bound to bump into someone you know.
• Talk with your fingers - No matter where you are, your friends are always at your fingertips with free instant messaging.
• Call your world from Skype - Talk to your heart’s content with free voice and video calls to all your friends and family on Skype.
• Low cost calls to mobiles and landlines too - Keep in touch, even if they’re not on Skype, with low cost calls and SMS to mobiles and landlines on the other side of town or the world.

Free | Download from Google Play

Amazon Shopping

This single app allows customers to shop any product via Amazon's site across the world. It's easy to shop on Amazon app, search and get details of the products you like, check the reviews of millions of products and merchants.

Features:

• Take advantage of 1-Click ordering, customer support, Wish Lists, order tracking, and more
• Scan product barcodes and images to compare prices and check availability using Scan It
• Check out Gold Box Deals - including the Deal of the Day and Lightning Deals, and get automatically notified when new deals become available
• Shop the full selection of products available at Amazon.com
• Customers with an Android Wear smart watch can search with their voice, 1-Click buy products, and save products and ideas to their Wish List.

Free | Download from Google Play

DropBox

DropBox is a perfect place to store your pics, docs, videos and other important files. Using this app, you can easily back-up your important data safely and can access them anywhere from your device. Your can even share your files with anyone you like.

Features:

• Edit Microsoft Office files from your phone or tablet
• Back up photos and videos automatically if you choose
• Send large files without using email attachments

Free | Download from Google Play

ES File Explorer

ES File Explorer is a FREE and full-featured file manager for both local and networked use! With over 300 million users worldwide, ES File Explorer is the #1 most powerful Android file manager in the world.

Features:

• Application Manager: Categorize, uninstall, back up, and create shortcuts to your apps
• Remote File Manager: When this feature is enabled, you can manage files on your phone from your computer
• Built-in ZIP and RAR support: Allows you to compress and decompress ZIP files, unpack RAR files, and create encrypted (AES 256 bit) ZIP files
• Built-in viewers and players for various file types: Including photos, music, and videos; supports third-party applications such as Quick Office for better productivity
• Shows thumbnails: For APKs and images

Free | Download from Google Play

Facebook for Android

Keeping up with friends is faster than ever.

Features:

• See what friends are up to
• Share updates, photos and videos
• Get notified when friends like and comment on your posts
• Play games and use your favorite apps

Free | Download from Google Play

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in various mobile application development services for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and other operating systems.

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How Augmented Reality Can Improve Business Value

Augmented reality is still in its infancy stage. Really? Think about it again. According to a market study conducted by Juniper Research, augmented reality technology in both enterprise and industrial markets will drive annual software application revenues of $2.4 billion in 2019. That is increase of almost $247 million in 2014 over the period of forecast. 

Often dismissed as sci-fi and gimmicky, Augmented Reality is inching closer to a new normal. From the Facebook acquisition of Oculus Rift and Google’s investment in Magic Leap, and announcement of Google Cardboard, Augmented reality is fast becoming the buzzword. Recently, Apple acquired German startup Metaio, a leading company in the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality space. With Apple’s move in the Augmented Reality space, it looks like the stage is all set for AR and VR to become popular technologies in 2015. Does that mean Apple could make augmented reality accessible to iPhone and iPad users?

But what has triggered the sudden growth of Augmented Reality? Be it software improvement, rise of wearable technology and power of technology computing, the reasons behind the growth are just far too many.

Businesses are no longer dismissing Augmented Reality as a gimmicky or gaming-only technology. In recent times, both location and image recognition services have gained precision to the point of perfection. Image recognition capabilities in AR solutions allow staff to visually identify objects and parts for real-time decision making. There is lot of business potential spearheading the growth of AR. AR provides the potential to improve productivity, streamline current processes, provide real-time access to data, offer innovative ways to tackle problems, train employees and enhance collaboration.

Here are few ways to Augmented Reality Apps bridge the gap between digital and the physical worlds:

Retail Industry

Augmented reality is changing the way we shop in a dramatic way. The lines between online and offline store are getting blurred. Augmented reality app can allow users to try different variations of product eliminating the need to have all sizes on display.

Retailers can expand a business beyond geographical barriers without incurring significant overheads such as real estate or additional manpower. This technology lets shoppers walk through virtual aisles.

Supply Chain Management

Augmented reality is not about tricks. Businesses can effectively use augmented reality app in a warehouse. You got it right. We said a warehouse. After all, augmented reality is not just limited to sci-fi movies or games. Augmented reality app can help locate products, increase safety of workers and equipment, and locate products.

Training & Aftersales Solutions

Augmented reality is not just about driving sales. It’s very interactive nature can help explain the most complex technical aspects of products in a matter of few minutes. Now educating customers at any point of time with AR app is easy at a matter of tap.

Real Estate

You simply hold up your iPhone and move around the property, which will allow you to virtually walk and check the property, including furniture, color of walls and lots more. You can easily identify new properties by simply walking down the street and accessing real-time information such as price, for-sale status, contact information, and virtual tours.

Synopsis

The best part about AR is that it is great for any size of business. Today’s savvy customers are looking for omni-channel experience. With AR, businesses can increase the reach of marketing activities. However, it is important for enterprises to clearly define business goals before deployment of augmented reality app/tool. Remember, augmented reality is not a standalone strategy and does not replace existing channels. It needs to become an integrated part of your business to generate results.

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in various mobile application development services for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and other operating systems.

Follow Anna Harris On

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