Top 5 iOS Application Development Trends for 2018

iOS application development trends are changing year after year. We have seen that there are tremendous change in  iOS application development filed since last two years i.e 2016 and 2017. As per the latest data shown by Statista, there were about 2.2 million iOS apps in the Apple App Store till 2017.

From this data we can say that the App Store is a means of revenue generation  for Apple as well as for iOS app developers. Expert iOS developers always keep their eyes on the latest  iOS application development trends and its future developments.

• IoT based application will rise in number
• Apple HomeKit
• Location Based App and AR will drive innovation
• Apps with machine learning framework CoreML
• Introduction of Swift 4  

As per Cisco report in 2020, there will be more than 50 Billion internet connected devices. This means that the number of connected devices would be more than world’s population. In last two years we have seen that many big business are investing in the future of IoT and this trend will be continued in 2018 also.

Read More:- iOS App Development Trends to Watch Out in 2018

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Top Mobile App Development Companies in Europe

There is a tremendous rise in the number of mobile app development companies entering the market. However, not all of them are good enough to be trusted. Some are expert  app development companies, while others are just newbies in the app development world. Which one to select? Whom to trust? It is a really challenging question. Here I have provided you a list of top mobile app development companies in Europe.

After detailed research and analysis of mobile app development companies in Europe, I have shortlisted a few of them. These mobile app development companies in Europe are ranked higher than other ones in terms of quality of service, experience, expertise, client base, support systems and reputed client list that makes them as your trusted mobile app development partner.

1. Intellectsoft

Introduction:- Intellectsoft is a full-service software partner, capable of developing, marketing, and maintaining both web and mobile applications. Our global client base includes emerging startups and established enterprises alike.

Intellectsoft has helped 300+ clients develop software solutions with competitive advantages since 2007. It has an experienced team of 200+ business strategists and technology professionals. Here is the list of top clients of Intellectsoft:

Clients: 

• Harley Davidson
• Nestlé
• London Stock Exchange

Key Services:-Custom Software Development, Mobile app development, Web development Consumer products & services Solutions, healthcare software Development , UI/UX DESIGN Quality Assurance Services,Software Maintenance & Support.

2.Mubaloo

Introduction:- With offices in Germany, UK and US, Mubaloo has a very wide reach, and delivers support and maintenance services post-launch as well as consultation and development. It is a part of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50.

The company believes in making user’s lives better through technology and delivering successful outcomes to our clients. They solve problems by creating digital products that support business strategies, earn users and deliver on their promise.

Key Services:- iPhone, Mobile consultancy, Android, Windows Phone, Mobile apps, Tablets, Enterprise apps, Mobile, HTML5, iBeacons, Enterprise mobility, and Mobile strategy

Company Highlights:- The company has build over 240 apps in just 5 years. In 2014, Mubaloo was ranked third in the Deloitte Tech Fast 50 UK 2014, 25th in EMEA. Mubaloo was also recognised as the Most Innovative Company 2014 by NEF: The Innovation Institute

Clients:-

• MTR Crossrail 
• London’s Air Ambulance
• Aviva, Bang & Olufsen
• Intelliflo
• Unipart

3. Hidden Brains UK

Introduction : Hidden Brains is one of the top mobile app development companies in London offering world-class IT services and solutions. With its footprints in the IT domain since 2003, the company has earned good reputation and earned over thousands of clients globally. To adapt to the latest technology trends and deliver quality-oriented services is our prime goal. The company takes pride in delivering cutting-edge solutions in web and mobile app development arena along with IoT, AR, Cloud, Big Data and Wearables.

Key Services :Mobile Application Development (Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Hybrid), Web Application Development, CMS & Ecommerce Development, Cross Platform App Development, Mobility Enterprise Solutions)

Company Highlights:- 14+ Years’ Of Experience, 375+ Resources, 5250+ Projects Delivered, 3757+ Web Apps , 1028+ Mobile Apps.

Clients :- 

• Raymond
• First Bank
• Centurus
• Smart E-book.com
• Implant Direct
• The Franklin Mint
• pocket London
• Dublin
• Mind Apps

4. Polidea

Introduction:-  Based in Poland, they’ve worked with international brands like Phillips and Hewlett Packard to deliver top-of-the-line native iOS and Android apps. They also do hardware integration, backend integration and have worked on Internet of Things-related projects along with web development. 

Key Services:-  Concept Services, Strategies Development, Ideation, UX & UI services, Interface design services, Visual Design services, Firmware Development, Connectivity,Integration services.   

Company Highlights:- Top company highlights include MNC clients list, experienced team players and innovative approach. The company created also created Mobile Warsaw, a regular local meetup, and MCE, the biggest mobile technology conference in our region.

Clients :-

• Dolby
• Applause 
• HP
• Philips

5. Fueled

Introduction:- Fueled specializes in designing and developing award-winning mobile apps and websites that are fast, attractive, responsive, and easy to use. But we're not here to work on just any apps or for any client. Professionals come to work in the morning on the most interesting projects with the best clients, whether for startups or big brands, because they are united by an unwavering passion for quality.

Key Services:- Mobile app development, UX/UI Design, Web design, Apple Watch Development

Company Highlights:- Award list Inc 500, Webby Awards, Communication Arts awards, HIVE Awards, Creative Review, Digiday Mobi Awards, OMMA Awards, W3 Awards, FWA

Clients:- 

• Harvard
• Rite Aid
• Verizon
• Crunchbase
• Afterlight

This consolidated list would make your app development company selection process easy. Good luck with your app development project!

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Apple Simplifies iPhone App Development with Acquisition of Buddybuild

Image Courtesy: zeebiz

Apple Inc. is on a constant endeavour to nurture its iPhone app development community by offering new tools and frameworks for simplifies development process. This time the company takes a major step in this direction. Apple acquires Vancouver-based Buddybuild Startup Company – the one that focuses on continuous integration and debugging tools for iOS apps.

Founders of Buddybuild - Christopher Stott, Dennis Pilarinos and Johnny Shi officially announced this acquisition by stating “The buddybuild team is now part of Apple!” in its blog section. This comes as good news to iPhone app development company as well as entire iOS app developers community - let’s know how it will matter them:

Buddybuild’s Contribution to iOS App Development

             Image Courtesy: Buddybuild

Buddybuild helps in building software that could be of effective use for developers to build apps or software for iPhone or other iOS based devices. This Buddybuild software is the only mobile continuous integration and delivery platform that sets up in just few minutes and enables developers to start building and testing their apps in no time.

This startup binds together integration, delivery and an iterative feedback solution into a single, seamless platform. With such ability, iPhone app development companies need not involve in disparate systems to accomplish app development needs.

Apple’s Xcode Engineering Group 

             Image Courtesy: Apple Inc.

“We're excited to share that the buddybuild team has joined the Xcode engineering group at Apple to build amazing developer tools for the entire iOS community.”
                                                                                                                                    -Buddybuild

Buddybuild team is supposed to join Xcode engineering team of Apple Inc. With this expansion, Apple is looking forward to simplify or ease the process of development and deployment to App Store. Developers can pace up the shipment of iOS apps by integration with services like GitHub, BitBucket and GitLab.

Following pointers give a zest of contribution of Buddybuild software in entire development lifecycle:

• "Git push" creates a secure build environment
• Triggers a build of an iOS app
• Runs unit or UI tests 
• Prepares app for beat test
• Deploys to Apple's TestFlight

What does Apple Inc. Look Forward to with this Acquisition?

Apple plans to make iOS app development more simple, easy and accessible to everyone. Its acquisition of Buddybuild comes in the same lines of creating and iterating iOS apps in efficient manner. Through this mobile iteration platform that is completely focused on continuous integration and debugging tools is aimed to give iOS app development team a simple workflow for iterating and pushing apps out into the world through GitLab, GitHub or BitBucket.

Explore iOS 11 Features : Unboxing Opportunities for Developers

The Buddybuild system is supposed to fit into Apple’s existing set of tools. In addition to that, the system will allow for integration of new methods for testing, debugging and deploying iOS apps through a systematic channel. Apple plans to improvise app development and deployment process to make available useful apps to iOS users. It would be exciting to know how Google copes up with this rapid pace of development and fast inflow of apps into Apple App Store after this acquisition.

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List of Top 10 Trusted Mobile App Development Companies in UK

Day by day new mobile app development companies are coming into the market. However, not all of them are good enough to be trusted. Some are experienced app development companies, while others are just newbies in the arena. Which one to select? Whom to trust? It is a really challenging question. A single mistake in choosing the right mobile app development company can leave you behind in the race.

I have included only those firms that have good experience, successful track record and high reputation in the market. Here I have provided you a list of Top Mobile App Development Companies in UK.

List of Top Mobile App development Companies in UK:

1. Hidden Brains UK

Hidden Brains InfoTech clearly cuts the competition to rank as number #1 and one of the top mobile app development companies in UK. Cutting-edge solutions delivered by highly experienced team of developers and designers are second to none.

Please visit this link to read Detail article : Top 10 Mobile App Development Companies in UK

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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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