Scope of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Retail Sector

Virtual reality, a concept that takes you to a completely different 3D world with its VR headset, and augmented reality, technology that uses real location to connect virtual digital world with real one through mobile device, are making it to the top of technology news these days.

 

 Pokémon GO was one successful implementation of augmented reality technology in mobile gaming. This innovation of providing an enhanced look of real world using AR and real locations got much deserved appreciation from audience. Initially available only for iOS users, the game was then presented to Android users too considering the success and fame it received in short time.

AR and VR for Retail

Let’s take an example to understand the usability of AR and VR in the retail industry. Suppose you are shifting to a new town in few days and have already bought a new home there. Now you need to purchase basic furniture includes sofa, chairs, table and beds for that house.

As you would need these items as soon as you shift, you cannot wait until you reach the new place and then go for furniture shopping. In such situations, it is wise to make an online purchase by being sure that those furniture items would fit properly in your new home using AR and VR technology.

3D augmented reality furniture placement is now possible that allows users to get a view of furniture fixed in real world location, move it around for adjustment or change color to match it with walls. Getting a preview of how furniture will look in your home has never been this simple and convenient, isn’t it?

Related: Rising Trend of Chatbots in 2017

Transformation in Retail Industry

Virtual reality in combination with augmented reality has the power to change the way how people shop. Ordering a shirt or shoes of random size, trying it at home for perfect fit and then exchanging it is an old school method. Neither is visiting the physical outlet of clothes convenient for busy professionals.

AR and VR now allow shoppers to try the shirt virtually without having to personally visit the store. Based on your body size, you might get an idea of the fitting and look of the garment when worn by you. Rightly said, retail industry finds many uses in VR and AR technology.

On a Concluding Note

Proper implementation of augmented reality and virtual reality into retail models can work wonders. This combination is now compelling retailers to think on how their future stores will look like with more people adapting to these technologies.

If you are into retail business, consider using VR and AR to improvise customer experience and increase sales. Though adoption of these technologies in retail has not picked up pace, you can take advantage of the situation and be in the group of first few ones to offer such advantages to customers. Use VR and AR for the benefit of your business before your competitor does!

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Planning and Implementing an Effective UX Design to Build a Successful App

Proper planning is the key to build a successful app. Many people often think that developing an app is purely coding work. This is not true. Design of app is equally important and accounts for a significant amount of time in the development cycle. Think of it from user’s perspective, if you were a mobile user, would you prefer to download an app that does not have up-to-the mark design?

Your answer to this question explains the importance of app design and even justifies the time it takes in the development stage. Design does not only mean the layout and outer look of app. It accounts for many other factors related to user experience:

• How smoothly user browsed through the app?  
• Was the navigation simple or complicated for the user?
• Did he/she face difficulty in accessing a particular functionality?
• Were all main features and functions of app available to user by maximum two clicks?
• How was the overall experience of user while using your app?

The coding team is not proficient enough to work on these factors. Mobile App UX Design Company is the right choice to look after these aspects. They employ professionals who are skilled in designing an app as per target audience and their corresponding behavior. These experts follow a systematic procedure while preparing a user experience design:

Schema

Designers start with preparing a schema of all possible screens. Schema is basically a map of screens and content. Successive screens are linked together with lines that represent the flow of operations in the mobile app. These lines also define user interactions in the app.

User Flow

The question ‘how will the user accomplish the intended task using the app’ is answered by user flow design. It illustrates user scenarios using limited visual details from schema document. This flow shows the expected route that app user will take to fulfill his needs. User flows help the designers to understand the easiest route for user to complete a task, thereby improving overall user experience.

Symbols and Connector Lines

Symbols are used to represent specific action and play a vital role in the design of mobile app. Symbols when used with connectors like lines and arrows depict a connection between screens and user interaction with the app.

Learning about all elements that account for UX design, it can be realized how important it is to build an impressive one. With so much competition in the app world, there is no room for error or mistake of any kind. A single negligence in any stage of development can cost you a lost. 

Do not take chances; approach a well-known mobile app UX Design Company and discuss your app requirements with them. Join hands with the one that have good past records of building successful apps. Once you have found the right source, you are good to go ahead with your app development project.    

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Rising Trend of Chatbots in 2017

Have you noticed the rising popularity and usage of chatbots? These computer programs designed to increase interactivity with humans over the internet are used by many big techs. Artificial intelligence forms the base of bots concept. Chatbot acts as an intelligent robot designed to carry out conversation with one or more human beings.

The roots of chatbot go back to 1966 when it named ELIZA. Since then, chatbots have been improvised to make them smarter and more accurate. This has suddenly become a hot topic for industries this year where everyone wants to slip their company name in one of the popular messaging app.It is important to partner with the right Mobile App Development Company to leverage this new phenomenon known as chatbots.

Why Have Chatbots Suddenly Gained Popularity in 2017?

The answer to this question can be found out by learning about what can bots do and how powerful they are. Convenience offered by this AI tool is unmatched. For example, you can chat with your friend or colleague and simultaneously book a table at nearby restaurant, an Uber ride, appointment with physician, or even book flight tickets without leaving the messaging app.

Though there are separate apps to perform these actions conveniently, chatbot spoils the user by offering an extra level of flexibility. Exiting one app and visiting another one to perform an action would obviously require five to six clicks and few minutes time. The same task is performed with just one message through bots.

In other words, chatbots make your life simpler and easier in many ways. Bots that used to chat with you or give information on something you were looking for can now actually ‘DO’ things conveniently. These reasons are more than enough for one to understand the rising popularity of chatbots in 2017.

Factors Influencing the Rise of Chatbots

1. The increasing use of messaging apps by people is the major factor contributing to the rise of chatbots in 2017. Messaging apps are the most used ones after social networking ones like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The number of mobile phone messaging app users is projected to go up to 2.10 billion in 2017.
2. Artificial intelligence is an ever growing field. Scientists have discovered lot many unbelievable things in AI, yet there is much more scope on advancements in this arena. Chatbots can be made to have a deeper knowledge of human behavior and language to give more accurate and intelligent responses. Speech recognition is getting advanced like never before exploring all possible areas of improvement.
3. Reliable technologies of cloud computing and integration help integrating various apps into messaging ones. Synchronizing communication between these apps using APIs is now possible with powerful integration techniques.

Chatbots are promising mobile users to experience convenience like never before at the touch of fingertips. Many big companies have already entered in this field with their bots in popular messaging apps. Several others are looking forward to it considering its reach and usability by people.

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Why is it Crucial to Create a Wireframe in Mobile App Development Process?

Got an idea? Transform it to reality in the form of an app! Sounds great, isn’t it? But, the transition process of idea into app is not a cheesecake. First, you have to consult a reputed Mobile Apps Development Company who understands your idea and specifications for developing an app. Discussions with app developer reveal the hidden truths and challenges that lie behind your app idea.

Need of Creating Wireframe

Only technically sound people understand what it takes to realize a particular app idea into reality. Developers follow a systematic procedure to code and design the app in the best possible manner. Their experience and work pattern is what eventually contributes to the success of your app.

Creating wireframes is the basic designing phase where layouts of all possible screens are prepared. Though envisioning is possible, but it has limits when working in a team. What you envision as an app and what your team mates do might differ in context. Creation of wireframe is the best way to get a clear understanding of app functionalities and flow of operation.

These blueprints of the final app help developers to showcase a model of app to client and explain its functionalities. Wireframe gives client a better understanding of the final look and feel of app. This way is anytime better than guesswork and reduces potential risks of miscommunication between client and developers

Advantages of Using Wireframes for Mobile App Development

Get an idea on series of operations: Wireframes are created for each screen that will show up on respective clicks. It acts like the binding thread between theoretical ideas and real app. This helps developers to understand the user experience and ensure smooth navigation through the app.

Real time communication: App development requires design and development team to work hand in hand to build a successful app. Any sort of miscommunication can lead to disasters in app development project. This problem is solved with wireframes taken as reference model by both the teams to proceed with their work.

Keep client in loop: Though developer may have considered all the specifications of the client while working on the project, there are chances that client has something new in mind that he or she wants to inculcate in the current running project. In this case, if the project is in the final stage of delivery, then it becomes a tedious task to work on client specifications. It can also lead to delayed delivery of the project.

It is best to keep client updated of the current project and happenings by sending him wireframes of the same. This way, he comes up with suggestions at an early stage, which is convenient for developers as well as designers.

On a concluding note, it can be said that wireframe should be created for the convenience and flexibility of developers and designers. Client gets the know-how of app well in advance, which increases his trust in your app development company. This satisfaction will make him come back to you for future app development needs.

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10 Travel Mobile App Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

Let’s go for a trip this summer! Sounds so exciting! But wait; have you planned your trip yet? Before you pack the bags and set out for a trip, you need to make a lot of arrangements beforehand. Flight tickets, car pick up and drop service from airport to hotel, vehicle for sightseeing and hotel room are some things that you need to book in advance to avoid any sort of inconvenience during the trip.

Though these things seem to be too much to plan on your own, it may not seem to be tedious if done through travel app. In fact, you get the flexibility to book as per your requirements and preference without any travel agent alluring you to make the wrong choice for the sake of his commission. Through travel app development, professional developers build user friendly app for travelers.

Following graph shows steady rise in the number mobile travel bookers. This number is projected to reach 64.8% in 2018.

Courtesy: statista.com

What can potential travelers do with travel mobile app?

1. Plan your trip at the comfort of home by discussing the tour details with your family.
2. Choose the type of room in a hotel after checking its pictures on the app.
3. Fast and easy check-in to a hotel through the app.
4. Plan a trip in your own way. Get information on tourist places from the app for proper planning.
5. Get weather information for different places.
6. Search for the best deals on flight tickets.
7. Avail the best hotel deals with extra discounts for app users.
8. Use mapping features to locate sightseeing spots and reach the hotel after a random walk at an unknown place.
9. Search your favorite cuisine restaurant at the tourist place.
10. Find out popular places of shopping in your nearby location.

How does the app benefit tourism industry?

The combination of tourism industry with technology has benefitted both travelers as well as travel companies. These companies do not have to co-ordinate with potential travelers over phone or call them to visit the office for booking hotel rooms or flight tickets. With all the information readily available on the app and the facility of booking, any one can plan the trip on his own.

Tourist companies are now focusing on app development to reach to their customers easily. To build a successful app, hire mobile app developers that are proficient in their work and experienced. Partnering with a well-established Mobile App Development Company can fetch you the expected results and ROI.

To conclude, it can be said that travel mobile apps have entirely changed the process of booking and planning the trip for good. It has become much easier to go on a trip with your partner and kids without any overhead. Just a few taps on your mobile screen and you are ready to pack bags and move out of home. Ready, get set, go!

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Is iPhone App any Good to your Business? 4 Ways You Can Be Certain

Do you read and pay attention to every hoarding or newspaper advertisement you come across? The answer is no. The reason is these advertising mediums are used by all companies to such an extent that they are doing nothing more creating noise in marketing field. These ways are no longer enough to spread a word about your business.

Now the question arises ‘how do I increase brand awareness among audience?’ Marketing your product or services requires a smart approach where you are required to catch up the latest trends. This is the age of iPhone where people rely on it for every single task right from ordering their lunch, showing directions to the shopping mall, to buying groceries through apps. 

When there is so much craze for iPhone among people, why not invest in iPhone business app development services to release an app in the Apple App Store. If you think people are not interested in business apps that exist in the App Store, you need to take a look at following graph:

 

Business is the second most popular category in the Apple App Store accounting for 10.31% of active apps. It is clear from the graph that apart from using iPhones for gaming, people use it for carrying out several tasks. Observing this usage pattern of iPhone users, businesses are now investing in iPhone App Development Services.  

Here’s a list of advantages that your business avails from iPhone app:

Reach Your Target Audience Easily

Connecting with target audience has always been a challenge for companies. As the number of iPhone users is quite high, you can easily reach out to your target audience through app. All you have to do is come up with an attractive and highly functional app that can draw more downloaders. 

Keep Your Customers Updated With the Latest Happenings

You may wish to contact your audience frequently to keep them informed on the latest happenings in your business. App makes it extremely simple to inform customers by sending push notification to app users. Most of these push notifications catch attention and are read by app users. This means that you have used an effective marketing technique.

Increase Brand Awareness

According to human psychology, everything you see around, whether noticed or unnoticed, is recorded by human brain. With the presence of your business app in iPhone, users are bound to come across app icon many number of times while scrolling up, down or sideways through an array of apps. This, in turn, increases brand awareness among iPhone users.

 Easy Communication With Customers

Customers usually hesitate to give feedback about the services or products of your company when asked on phone call. If the feedback form is sent through email, they never open it to reply. Considering the fact that customer feedback is important to any company, app allows sending feedback in a hassle free manner. Customers prefer this mode of giving suggestions and feedback over other methods.

To conclude, it can be said that iPhone app changes your business marketing strategies for good. When an app has so much to offer to your business, why not develop and release it in store soon!

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How to Build a Successful Mobile App: Top 3 Secrets to Creating an Engaging App

To build a useful mobile app that tops the charts in the App Store is the dream of many. However, not all are able to achieve this success. Find out why?

Mobile phones are the lifelines of today’s age where people rely on apps to carry out everyday tasks. Be it measuring the heart rate of a person, organizing your to-do list, or simply playing a game just for entertainment, there is an app for it. This increased dependency on apps has led to the rise of app development companies London helping prospective entrepreneurs to come up with a rather successful app in the market.

Are you one of those who wish to build a successful app and launch it in the App Store? If yes then here is a list of aspects you need to take care of to ensure your app has good response among audience. In short, we have found the key to ‘how to build a successful app’.

How to build a Successful App?

The first thing that is needed for app creation is an idea. Do you have a mobile app idea? Yes, then great! Validate it and continue on the same lines. If no, research on the internet to find out which types of apps are more popular among audience and receive greater number of downloads. 

Now that you have a mobile app concept in mind, you are good to proceed ahead with the realization of that idea. Remember in mind that each step in the app development process will contribute to the success of your app. Do not leave any scope of error and carry out each necessary work meticulously. 

Examine your Mobile App Features

As the competition in the app market increases, the attention span of users decrease. This makes it challenging for developers to come up with an app that can attract audience in first glance. Along with appealing design, good UX is also essential to make audience feel connected to the app.

The best way to beat the competition is to include unique features in your mobile app. Features that are currently not implemented by any of the existing apps and are useful for audience will definitely be valued in the market. Focus on such features and make it simple for audience to reach out to these features in the mobile app.

Focus on User Experience (UX) Design

Mobile apps that embrace human behaviour and understand the traits of common man are the ones to get more attention. UX design is an important aspect to focus on while creating an app. An ideal UX design must be at par with user’s behavioural traits, needs, engagement pattern and technical expertise.

Think of a first time user and test your mobile app accordingly. Answer following questions with a positive reply and you are good to go:

• What will a guest user think of your app and what actions will he/she perform during first usage? 
• How will users navigate through the app? 
• Are primary functions and features of app easily reachable to them?

Use Analytics and Revise Mobile Apps

We have mobile app analytics in place to determine the usage pattern of audience. It may happen that the features that developers anticipated would become famous among audience did not receive much attention, rather other features became favorites.

Mobile app analytics report gives you a chance to enhance your mobile app based on the response it received in the app market. These valuable insights can be used for the benefit of your mobile app to identify user trends and improvise on features that have won their hearts.

Key to Building a Successful App

Inclusion of unique features, good UX design and customization as per user behavioral trends will definitely help you to climb the ladder of building successful mobile app.

Author:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in various Mobile Application Development.

Others:- Blogarama - Blog Directory

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Showcasing the Top Rated Cases for Apple's iPhone SE

Looking for a new case to protect your brand new iPhone SE? AppleInsider has rounded up a list of top cases to keep your 4-inch Apple handset shiny and ding-free.

With the recently-announced Apple iPhone SE now shipping, protective cases marketed as SE-compatible are making their way into the supply chain. But with so many design similarities to the iPhone 5s, will a 5s case fit an SE phone? The answer is yes. So if you have an existing cover, chances are it will work.

Now that customers are getting their hands on the Apple iPhone SE, new accessories are becoming readily available. And even though 5s cases will fit the SE, some may want a brand-new look for their new gadget. Here's a list of the best iPhone SE cases you can buy right now.

Apple

Straight from the source, the iPhone SE Leather Case is designed by Apple for the SE. Available in two colors (Black and Midnight Blue), the dye is actually infused in the European leather. The lining is made of soft microfiber to protect your SE from scratches on the inside as well, making this a luxurious option for iPhone SE users.

Both the Black and Midnight Blue versions sell for $39 at the Apple Store.

X-Doria

Want to protect your iPhone SE, but don't want to deviate from the original color? The X-Doria Bump Gear Plus comes in four shades to match the SE's color palette. Featuring an ultra-slim design that stays true to the SE's original form for a sleek feel, the case is made of anodized aluminum with a soft TPU lining for added protection. There's also access to all ports and buttons.

The X-Doria Bump Gear Plus comes in Silver, Space Gray, Gold and Rose Gold with a price of $24.99 on X-Doria's website.

Case-Mate

The Barely There Case by Case-Mate features an impact-resistant hard shell that covers the back and sides of the iPhone SE with an ultra-slim profile. The SE's screen is also protected due to the case's lay-flat bezel that extends above the display in an effort to save it from scratches.

The Barely There Case for the iPhone SE comes in Clear and Black; both are available for $35 at Case-Mate.com.

If you're looking for a protective cover that stands out in a crowd, the Case-Mate Brilliance Case is a perfect fit. The dual-layer design is made of genuine crystal (for added shimmer) with a faceted metal accent piece that coordinates with Gold and Rose Gold models. The ultra-slim case also has an interior lining for increased impact resistance and shock dispersion.

The Case-Mate Brilliance Case comes in two colors (Rose Gold and Champagne) and sells for $80 on Case-Mate's site.

Griffin

Hard pavement has met its match with the Griffin Survivor Core case. If you're prone to dropping your phone while out and about, the Survivor Core is designed to withstand contact from parking lots, sidewalks, etc. According to Griffin, drop tests were performed from a height of 6 feet with the clear polycarbonate shell protecting the back of the device and TPE rubber edges shielding edges and corners upon impact. This rugged case has open ports, while the Griffin All-Terrain option found below takes protection one step further.

The Survivor Core comes in seven colors and retails for $29.99 on Griffin's site.

OtterBox

For business users, outdoor enthusiasts and SE owners who want strong protection, the OtterBox Defender Series Case provides ample coverage. The sturdy case has gone through extensive testing by OtterBox (24+ tests spanning more than 238 hours) for Certified Drop+ Protection approval. There are three layers: an inner shell, outer slipcover and screen protector. On top of that, port protectors keep dirt and debris out and absorb drops during life's adventures.

The Defender Series Case is available in multiple colors starting at $21.97 on Amazon.com. Or design your own at OtterBox.com and save 10% plus free shipping with exclusive coupon code INSIDER10.

Speck

Love adding an artistic element to your device? Speck's CandyShell Inked takes fun patterns and incorporates them into the Inked line while still maintaining military-grade protection. The soft acrylic interior minimizes impact, while the polycarbonate exterior features high-res graphics that are scratch and fade-resistant.

CanyShell Inked cases comes in a variety of colors and patterns with a starting price of $25.99 at Amazon.com. For more color options, visit Speck's site directly.

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm delivering the best iPhone & mobile application development services for all your varied business needs.

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Apple Revealed Its iPad Pro Mini Pro

Apple's iPad Pro mini Pro has just launched, offering all the benefits of the mini iPad but in a less mini size. Chief Design Officer Jony Ive explains, and we run down a history of the iPad to see how the Pro Mini Pro slots into the iPad family.

Coming just days after Apple launched the iPad Pro 9.7, a smaller version of the super-powered iPad Pro tablet, the Cupertino company has shocked the world by revealing yet another new iPad.

The iPad Pro mini Pro is a new take on the iPad mini, aimed at people who thought that the compact Apple tablet was just a wee bit too wee.

Here's exclusive footage of Apple's Chief Design Officer Jony Ive discussing his thinking behind the iPad Pro mini Pro's design. And we took the time to break down the brief history of the iPad, to see how the Pro mini Pro found its place in the ever-expanding iPad family.

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm delivering the best iPhone & mobile application development services for all your varied business needs.

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iPhone SE vs iPhone 6S Comparison & Spec

APPLE ANNOUNCED the iPhone SE last week, following months worth of speculation surrounding the device. The handset represents the company's attempt to capture the 4in mobile market and those still sporting older devices.

We'll touch first on the glaringly obvious difference in screen size along with a few other things you might find interesting.

Display

iPhone SE: 4in, 1136x640 resolution at 326ppi

iPhone 6S: 4.7in, 1334x750 resolution at 326ppi

Despite the iPhone SE's smaller 4in screen size, it boasts the same 326ppi pixel density as the more expensive iPhone 6S. The 6S offers a 1400:1 contrast ratio, compared to the 800:1 found on the SE (in this case, higher is better).

Apple has also cut 3D Touch support for the smaller phone so you won't be able to take advantage of the new pressure sensitive gestures.

Dimensions and design

iPhone SE: 124x59x7.6mm, 113g

iPhone 6S: 138x67x7.1 mm, 143g

The 6S is also noticeably thinner - it does a good job of disguising that extra weight.

Processor

iPhone SE: 64-bit A9 SoC processor (two 1.8GHz cores), M9 motion coprocessor, 2GB RAM

iPhone 6S: 64-bit A9 SoC processor (two 1.8GHz cores), M9 motion coprocessor, 2GB RAM

Both handsets include the very same A9 chipset and RAM. This is something of a boon for the iPhone SE as it means it has enough power under the hood to compete with top-tier phones.

Touch ID

iPhone SE: First generation fingerprint sensor

iPhone 6S: Second generation fingerprint sensor

To its credit, the iPhone SE utilises Apple's Touch ID technology that provides that added security benefit. But the firm has insisted on the first generation sensor, as opposed to the newer, faster second-generation found on the likes of the iPhone 6S.

Cameras

iPhone SE: Rear 12MP camera, f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash, 1.22 µm pixel size, simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording

Front 1.2MP, f/2.4, 720p@30fps, face detection, HDR, FaceTime

iPhone 6S: Rear 12MP camera, f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash, 1.22 µm pixel size, simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording

Front 5MP, f/2.2, 1080p@30fps, face detection, HDR, FaceTime

The impressive 12MP iSight camera means you can do all of the tricks found on the 6S, including fun curios such as Live Photos.

Battery

iPhone SE: 1,642mAh

iPhone 6S: 1,715mAh

In real world tests the iPhone 6S averages around 12 hours-worth of mixed usage, and at worst can last you through a day. The iPhone SE is said to match this 12-hour running time.

Storage

iPhone SE: 16/64GB configurations

iPhone 6S: 16/64/128GB configurations

The iPhone SE is limited by its storage capacity. If you're after the larger 128GB model (as found on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus) you're fast out of luck.

Price

iPhone SE: 16GB £359, 64GB £439

iPhone 6S: 16GB £539, 64GB £619, 128GB £699

As you can see the iPhone SE specs many of the 6S internals, and at nearly £200 cheaper it could be a serious choice for those in the market for a smaller iPhone. Of course, the 4in screen isn't for everyone, but it does represent excellent value for money.

iPhone 6S and SE specs overall comparison

The inclusion of the same A9 processor and 12MP camera found in the beefy iPhone 6S, indicates that Apple has not just set its sights on making a making a fast buck. Instead, we believe that the SE could be an incredibly pivotal entry in its iPhone range and offer customers with phablet-fatigue some much-needed respite.

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm delivering the best iPhone & mobile application development services for all your varied business needs.

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