tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77528731138711110212024-03-17T20:03:38.755-07:00Mobileappstuff - Mobile App Development BlogAn updated technology platform for gathering information about latest news, trends and technology, latest application, gadgets, wearable devices, upcoming technical events and products. Also get the hottest product review and much more related to mobile and gadgets.Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-26778674984520318142020-12-08T04:41:00.003-08:002020-12-08T04:47:57.871-08:00Smartphone Industry: What Is The Role Of Smartphones During COVID-19?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nL_cCGrgQ-exA5cbOHQYxxvJcVNHriAX49Bn6E45t3-yTIBsIxsEdDRxn_CRrUBIYUeEyiBEHZVeOCAzfJiyfObpZ39GaJe9V_Mkt0GOO7OPyaUfU3pLSf_ypTByBdpDwGEWdfQ7xYXr/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="620" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nL_cCGrgQ-exA5cbOHQYxxvJcVNHriAX49Bn6E45t3-yTIBsIxsEdDRxn_CRrUBIYUeEyiBEHZVeOCAzfJiyfObpZ39GaJe9V_Mkt0GOO7OPyaUfU3pLSf_ypTByBdpDwGEWdfQ7xYXr/w569-h381/image.png" width="569" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides
chatting with a friend, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, and sharing
memes on Facebook, the usage of </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">smartphones has increased greatly
during the pandemic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
times </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">of Coronavirus,
the usage of smartphones has become crucial. We have become completely reliant
on our smart devices to perform various day-to-day tasks and keep a tab on all
COVID-19 related updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Through
this article, we would discuss some of the key </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">ways
in which smartphones
can support in a scary situation like the
viral pandemic. Here we go!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"></span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Connecting
Through Virtual Mediums</span></b></li></ul><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bCpBpstjre4EPLaTSBlhTflxzEK0skzovOCstnkmlJoN8CoJN3XPq7xT2_uxP666UmDsh3-h80c3Szx5d-Q7XBLxBO_dh3_rEKhX8LKlHLJRMbCcgN9Zpr7iP6G3Ouj-kfkNnSWuhMtf/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="461" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bCpBpstjre4EPLaTSBlhTflxzEK0skzovOCstnkmlJoN8CoJN3XPq7xT2_uxP666UmDsh3-h80c3Szx5d-Q7XBLxBO_dh3_rEKhX8LKlHLJRMbCcgN9Zpr7iP6G3Ouj-kfkNnSWuhMtf/w437-h281/image.png" width="437" /></a></b></div><b> </b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Social distancing is extremely important in order to flatten the
curve of this deadly disease. Though we can’t hang out with our friends, with
smartphones we can stay in virtual touch with our nearest and dearest. Video
conferencing is a saviour in such difficult times as when we couldn’t step
outside or hold social gatherings</span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, it has helped a lot of
people to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness.</span></div><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Online
Shopping</span></b></li></ul><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYr-UjkQAq6HyPIcvtWOyPNU6P3ZKwYhvm6h-GzSgH9sJjmtmwqwQQUv-u4jsmJZqUMLzVqSojmbEI-b_zA-zCJN7vOWrBO4tmLAoFgcrXVYqxIKUywLPthXsvco-Ucp1VY0jLAS5zs_t/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="385" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYr-UjkQAq6HyPIcvtWOyPNU6P3ZKwYhvm6h-GzSgH9sJjmtmwqwQQUv-u4jsmJZqUMLzVqSojmbEI-b_zA-zCJN7vOWrBO4tmLAoFgcrXVYqxIKUywLPthXsvco-Ucp1VY0jLAS5zs_t/w437-h292/image.png" width="437" /></a></div><br /><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The usage of online e-commerce platforms has increased globally
due to the fear and tension among people </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">worried
about getting exposed to this infectious disease. COVID-19 has changed the
fundamental shopping habits of most people. Through smartphones, almost
everyone has turned to online shopping for their essential goods and other
needs rather than in-store shopping. It is easy, safe and convenient to shop
online, a trend that will continue to boom
even after the crisis has ended.</span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"></span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rise of
Digital Payment</span></b></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kTc4d6ZxeCkuZCUzBQKlXPU5ofDrf7s4JZAeT_snDvurcbm0tPjg23X9r1MiwS-GCDAEb3j-eitj4MSuSIx39ZQWM4B93tciEG-wRVz1SrVgkU9pfmPdufwBNbJcUZD4Tn4viUE6pI-S/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="416" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kTc4d6ZxeCkuZCUzBQKlXPU5ofDrf7s4JZAeT_snDvurcbm0tPjg23X9r1MiwS-GCDAEb3j-eitj4MSuSIx39ZQWM4B93tciEG-wRVz1SrVgkU9pfmPdufwBNbJcUZD4Tn4viUE6pI-S/" width="395" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In order to reduce the transmission of the virus through paper,
more and more people are switching to digital modes of payment. Digital
payments are accessible and hassle-free. You just need to own a smartphone,
internet connection, and any digital payment app like Google Pay, Paytm,
PhonePe etc. to just tap and pay within seconds. COVID-19 has compelled
everyone to go for cashless payments and it is definitely a great way to ensure
safety.</span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mobile
Gaming</span></b></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQaOPDKGmIJIBrJSU870dx06cYaDSSA613ue9AimV5OjEJeG8DeZiJiCEPKjZpgrKOnghs5PTrysNiLms_m8mL9LtwvsT0Z3rGxwl2ymbFyDsYhqlVuXvMRXbB_Y2r7BcpDFXGJunfZEp/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="371" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQaOPDKGmIJIBrJSU870dx06cYaDSSA613ue9AimV5OjEJeG8DeZiJiCEPKjZpgrKOnghs5PTrysNiLms_m8mL9LtwvsT0Z3rGxwl2ymbFyDsYhqlVuXvMRXbB_Y2r7BcpDFXGJunfZEp/w421-h278/image.png" width="421" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With the shutdown of the entire nation, people reached out for
online games to overcome boredom and it will continue to do so throughout the
pandemic as we move towards “Unlocking”. As per an article </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">from
the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/covid-19-lockdown-accelerate-online-gaming/articleshow/75640044.cms"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">economic times</span></a></span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, time
spent in mobile gaming has increased </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">by a great extent during lockdown. Gaming is a great way to
connect and spend some fun time with our family or friends. It is also a good
choice to pass the time while staying cooped inside in a safe way!</span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Contact
Tracing Apps</span></b></li></ul><p></p><p align="center" class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4_BcCE9YvqBlEj0TbcsvBq8YIYUKz9sN8hr4DlxTBdGMXUC8LtKKG4QdDtijCJleKj2ZDqf2s5RrA_brkCGouT8xNpmBAjGe2mEhlADU0pYvTkTSnS0Qjl5Bnaz_Grqzf_TqDxfNVwM-/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="351" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4_BcCE9YvqBlEj0TbcsvBq8YIYUKz9sN8hr4DlxTBdGMXUC8LtKKG4QdDtijCJleKj2ZDqf2s5RrA_brkCGouT8xNpmBAjGe2mEhlADU0pYvTkTSnS0Qjl5Bnaz_Grqzf_TqDxfNVwM-/w438-h295/image.png" width="438" /></a></div><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Such apps are being used to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The
Government has made it mandatory for office goers and non-essential staff
workers to install “</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/india-plans-use-of-aarogya-setu-app-as-e-pass/#:~:text=Arogya%20Setu%20is%20a%20COVID,using%20its%20database%20and%20algorithms."><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">Arogya Setu</span></a></span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">” app in
their mobiles to detect and reduce the potential risk of infection. Countries
across the world are using such </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">Coronavirus tracking apps that may work differently but serve the same purpose. These apps are a crucial tool to track
the details of the people who came in contact with a Coronavirus patient.</span></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 28.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 28.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Smartphone-Based
COVID-19 Testing</span></b></li></ul><p></p><p align="center" class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1yTxtjtg7Rqf19wNYdxN1q3do7WkbwMW78wlRKbXYPmFBKIPTCQavGWFl235Y5z2NeIx9judzO342x0Wv7eUnuJQCm_lBn_zMF0lxv7kEtXUhnUf9UaOHrD2qNhIw61aHHTrGsIUG1Wt/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="306" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1yTxtjtg7Rqf19wNYdxN1q3do7WkbwMW78wlRKbXYPmFBKIPTCQavGWFl235Y5z2NeIx9judzO342x0Wv7eUnuJQCm_lBn_zMF0lxv7kEtXUhnUf9UaOHrD2qNhIw61aHHTrGsIUG1Wt/w378-h360/image.png" width="378" /></a></div><p></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-left: 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Many scientists and researchers are working on self-testing </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">for
the novel Coronavirus
that can be used through smartphones. In fact,
an Indian startup has already developed </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-startup-develops-covid-19-detecting-mobile-app-takes-5-minutes/story-pB69DtRslPDJkx3tF1gOdN.html"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">COVID-19 detecting app</span></a></span><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> which is now undergoing clinical trials before </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">being
made available for the general public. These apps
will make it a lot easier to quickly detect and reduce the spread of the virus.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Takeaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="normal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 46.2pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 46.2pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">
</span></p><p class="normal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Century Gothic", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Without any
doubt, smartphones are </span><span face=""Century Gothic","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";">a form of rescue in this unfortunate situation when we are forced to
stay at home. While the outbreak of Coronavirus has impacted the production of
smartphones, at the same time, it has also
increased the demand for them to get
through this difficult time. From staying occupied to
helping us stay sane and safe, smartphones will continue to play a major role throughout
the crisis.</span></p><p></p>Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-25072112454903459722020-01-14T04:17:00.000-08:002020-01-14T04:17:41.685-08:00How Is Augmented Reality (AR) Helping Mobile Apps to Grow?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having a <a href="https://mobileappstuff.blogspot.com/2016/10/top-5-ways-mobile-apps-can-transform-your-business.html" target="_blank">mobile app</a> is the latest trend of almost every type of business, be it small or midsized. On top of that, businesses are also following every current digital trend that further helps them to expand their reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, what’s grabbing everyone’s attention the most is the usage of modern technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) in mobile apps, which is transforming user experience and emerging as one of the best marketing strategies today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you curious to know how? Read on to find out everything that AR is offering to mobile applications. </span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is Augmented Reality?</span></span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality" target="_blank">Augmented Reality</a> is the superimposition of digital information like audio, video or image into the real world. As a result, these objects appear to be alive when you look at them through your smartphone camera. There are various <a href="https://www.omniesolutions.com/artificial-intelligence.html" target="_blank">types of AI</a> that helps business to expand its reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the most used and famous apps amongst the younger generation, which has been running on AR for a long time is “Snapchat”. They’ve created filters such as a dog filter that creates ears and a nose on our face and ones that can change our voice like a baby or manly too. Isn’t it unrealistic?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AR is not limited to photo or video sharing platforms; it has already marked its presence with the immense success of games like “Pokémon Go”. If you have ever played this game or not, this game is all about catching Pokémon characters in backyards, inside player’s rooms, and beyond. Pretty interesting right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK6Pn70nNNHUqPApqHWk6gjGtD1GOSwVdKEkYasYRditxUiqebHxUFujPghiZrGqHtg5FVuH3Cn2mcXizgvAu8zvG8RXSDeS2_z7ZWN54tDVdFAlmaSmyPY2yVdoX4cGmp06vfVocM4cp/s1600/david-grandmougin-Am1io6KusFM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK6Pn70nNNHUqPApqHWk6gjGtD1GOSwVdKEkYasYRditxUiqebHxUFujPghiZrGqHtg5FVuH3Cn2mcXizgvAu8zvG8RXSDeS2_z7ZWN54tDVdFAlmaSmyPY2yVdoX4cGmp06vfVocM4cp/s640/david-grandmougin-Am1io6KusFM-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of this was possible due to Augmented reality, which technically tracks user locations and places Pokémon characters on their way to be caught.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There’s no doubt that AR has become a game-changer in the mobile app industry. Let’s read in detail to know how it may help your business to accelerate through mobile applications.</span></div>
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<li><b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AR Increases
User Engagement</span></span></b></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlWxBUADV1P6PMhFs-JmJcKE4bvrQn5JH7UrUBYoe4P6X9q_oVGAjwU7f5o2SBllLMT4JykJgJydS2ibNNkLpq75uiyFYmSyme9VfA_6HJOe3cKfScsaSRKatdsMRzD6QgpPVlqdK6MkR/s1600/7shifts-h4F3S4rJW14-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlWxBUADV1P6PMhFs-JmJcKE4bvrQn5JH7UrUBYoe4P6X9q_oVGAjwU7f5o2SBllLMT4JykJgJydS2ibNNkLpq75uiyFYmSyme9VfA_6HJOe3cKfScsaSRKatdsMRzD6QgpPVlqdK6MkR/s640/7shifts-h4F3S4rJW14-unsplash.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;">Online
shopping is always troublesome for those who are unsure whether a particular product will suit them or not. Luckily, AR is breaking this barrier of online
shopping and gradually easing the process from the customer point of view, as
well as increasing the sales figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A major cosmetic brand called Sephora allows its users to try different shades of lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes etc. on their face just by downloading their mobile app. This has helped the brand to keep its customers engaged for a longer period.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AR Enhances User Experience</span></li>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Comfort is the first and foremost thing that users get attracted to and IKEA, a multinational furniture company understood this well. Their mobile app lets the users try out their furniture without the need to step out of the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The IKEA Place app uses the technology of Augmented reality to allow users to visualize how particular furniture will look like when it is placed in their house. With this way, the process of shopping has become comfortable and easier.</span></div>
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<b>AR Improves Brand Reliability</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_xvLmGGgAWkf_8J98q-vopSWyHTKOi2z5Aafi13Qikv5eUbGw6xz5-SoCFq-YbtsQyjC3Op3OuRMXB3uyjX5E4JCMWZcRgNYbtW8fGxQ0MToTQfNBnZ1XYgv8x206iuOwruzUavgDC65/s1600/woman-in-white-long-sleeved-shirt-holding-smartphone-sitting-920378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_xvLmGGgAWkf_8J98q-vopSWyHTKOi2z5Aafi13Qikv5eUbGw6xz5-SoCFq-YbtsQyjC3Op3OuRMXB3uyjX5E4JCMWZcRgNYbtW8fGxQ0MToTQfNBnZ1XYgv8x206iuOwruzUavgDC65/s640/woman-in-white-long-sleeved-shirt-holding-smartphone-sitting-920378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Offering
latest technologies and experiences to your users make them believe that your
business is unique and adheres ongoing trends in technology. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">It helps to increase customers trust and loyalty
towards your business, and using mobile apps equipped with AR will help to
shape your business innovatively and be distinctive in the market.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><b>AR Boost Sales Figure</b></span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ8ZGRtwaNK4KLAsnDzpDF1UO4C2DyUb-XMaHfRRBkwRR9wQPqPL00XWqM4ZgCoHRhizneoXy7ooh_ecCepqwBJ_nqD3H1Xgkjk1BTs3H_Sz79eaV2q5laUqe74DGj2kJLBxhuko0onAE/s1600/brooke-lark-W1B2LpQOBxA-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ8ZGRtwaNK4KLAsnDzpDF1UO4C2DyUb-XMaHfRRBkwRR9wQPqPL00XWqM4ZgCoHRhizneoXy7ooh_ecCepqwBJ_nqD3H1Xgkjk1BTs3H_Sz79eaV2q5laUqe74DGj2kJLBxhuko0onAE/s640/brooke-lark-W1B2LpQOBxA-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Using AR technology can help increase the sales of your respective brand/product. Know why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Providing your services in an innovative and entertaining way increases the customer’s will to purchase the product. The user will be more attracted towards your product because it is informative, accessible, and unique than the rest in the market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For example, imagine you are seeing how a pair of boots will look like in your feet via a mobile app. Wouldn’t it will be a lot easier to choose from numerous shoe types? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, suppose you come across an ancient building and you are curious to know every interesting historic fact related to that establishment? What if you can get all of the information and many more that you desire, just by opening the camera on a certain app? Well, thanks to AR, it’s all becoming possible.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>AR Increases Users Reach</b></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qax4a7RM9w3doxtz2y7QrPwVA-3WH1B2_DJcwdvM9Inu-LymYom3m0tRXTQcWRHtxBda67HMGDYVbSj_TcJAAgOh0YC-Ky5IOW_pTXx22YLl9tQBr_yMtaYRqLyz3M0L_tmqP5f8-qgi/s1600/smartphone-1184865_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qax4a7RM9w3doxtz2y7QrPwVA-3WH1B2_DJcwdvM9Inu-LymYom3m0tRXTQcWRHtxBda67HMGDYVbSj_TcJAAgOh0YC-Ky5IOW_pTXx22YLl9tQBr_yMtaYRqLyz3M0L_tmqP5f8-qgi/s640/smartphone-1184865_1920.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">As discussed earlier,
augmented reality transforms the process of online shopping and your business
can reach a wider audience. Those people who were afraid to shop online before,
are now finding the process easier because they can simply try out particular
products like footwear, sunglasses, or makeup products via a mobile app in
their comfortable pyjamas at home.</span><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1389511198"></span>Augmented Reality<span id="goog_1389511199"></span> offers a wide range of benefits for every business, be it entertainment, education, retail, gaming and many others for keeping customers engaged, and fulfilling several key goals of the business.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you really wish to stand out from the rest of your competitors, it’s highly advised to take a look at the latest technologies like AR and see how it can help your business to grow. Just remember that your <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-augmented-reality-apps/" target="_blank">AR equipped app</a> is simple to use and is contributing to making customer’s life easier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the best!</span><br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-51182375201079787592019-06-21T01:04:00.000-07:002019-06-21T01:04:05.994-07:00The Future of Mobile App Development: IoT and Chatbots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceCgdaSx5qqINKewQhzSEAv_A0aj5RxNX0qNGhndVtLQXl46WNbefL7j1kHXPl6XsLbSKwB1PEmS98QdXikOxtFxOs8Ahb6PEQdX9ThcVjzSawpTgRmdPweypmA-YyC_5aJLeBs-F9zyR/s1600/Mobile-App-Development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceCgdaSx5qqINKewQhzSEAv_A0aj5RxNX0qNGhndVtLQXl46WNbefL7j1kHXPl6XsLbSKwB1PEmS98QdXikOxtFxOs8Ahb6PEQdX9ThcVjzSawpTgRmdPweypmA-YyC_5aJLeBs-F9zyR/s640/Mobile-App-Development.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Technology is constantly changing and so are the ways we interact with it. As you’ll soon see, so are the ways technology interacts with itself. For instance, when we made the move from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets, we gained a brand new way of interacting with it: through mobile apps that can do this, that, and pretty much anything you can think of. That was then. We’ve advanced A LOT since the first mobile app made its way into a mobile device; so much, in fact, that we are now seeing the emergence of new technologies that are impacting the future of mobile app development in a big way: IoT technology and chatbot technology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Future of Mobile App Development: IoT Technology</span></h3>
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Let’s start with IoT, which is short for the <i>Internet of Things</i>. For those who are
unfamiliar with it, IoT is basically a network of interconnected devices with
humans thrown into the mix. It’s machine-to-machine communication in which
devices connect with each other and the internet, which opens an avenue for A
LOT. For example, pretty much every smart home device you can think of is
possible because of IoT, and pretty much all of them can connect to a mobile
device thanks to the internet. <o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div>
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In other words, whenever you turn on the air conditioner through
an app, you’re using IoT. Whenever you ask Siri to turn the lights on or off,
you’re using IoT. Whenever you’re checking up on your home security system
while you’re on-the-go, you’re using IoT. In this way, every device in an IoT
ecosystem is interconnected with each other through your mobile device and IoT
integrated apps, allowing you to use it as a main interface to control all IoT
apps. <o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div>
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Delving deeper into <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">mobile apps for IoT</span>, smart homes contain
intelligent systems in areas like lighting, heating, air conditioning,
security, cooking and even cleaning, and all can be programmed to receive
instructions on how to behave from a smartphone or tablet. When you consider
that the global smart home market is <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/682204/global-smart-home-market-size/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">forecast to grow to $53.45 billion</span></a> in size by
2022, up from $31.4 billion last year, you can see how popular these devices
and apps are.<o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">IoT app development</span> in the future, don’t be surprised to see
brands make use of it even more so to improve their services and what they can
offer their users. For example, imagine going shopping without actually
“paying” for things, but rather simply putting things in a basket that’s
connected to your phone, which automatically knows when products are taken or
returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in your virtual cart.
Actually, that’s already a possibility thanks to Amazon Go! Now imagine all
the possibilities of what the future can hold.</span></span><o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Future of Mobile App Development: Chatbot Technology</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another big change to <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">mobile app development</span> we’ve been seeing recently
and will continue to see more of it in the future is the use of chatbots to
interact with users in real-time. Unlike human representatives, chatbots can
connect with countless users at once and help them all out with a good
attitude. This is because chatbots are essentially computer programs that can
be programmed to talk and act like a real person, and can be used as one as
well. For example, if you’ve ever landed on a site and were instantly greeted
by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pop-up in the bottom inquiring if
you would like some help, that right there is a chatbot.<o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though they are used in many websites, chatbots are more
widely used in mobile apps, especially messaging apps like Facebook Messenger
and Kik Messenger, or brand-owned apps like eBay and Pizza Hut. Used in this
way, they can be a great helper to eCommerce businesses, who need only deploy
a chatbot and let it do all the work while users interact with it and convert.
Even better, they can be further modified and optimized by leveraging chat
histories and relevant analytics to see what’s working and what’s not, which
can lead to even more conversions. <o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you may be able to tell by browsing your favorite app
store or doing a quick Google search, bots are already used in practically
every industry for many purposes. As we move forward, don’t be surprised to
see even more businesses <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">developing
a chatbot app</span> to uphold their strategies and reach their goals.<o:p></o:p><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></span></h3>
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</w:sdt><span style="line-height: 105%;">When it comes to the
future of mobile apps, it can be safely said that IoT and chatbots both will be
a big part of it. On the former, IoT allows us to connect more aspects of our
lives together to create a seamless way of life that champions the very best of
what life has to offer in terms of the smart home. On the latter, chatbots are
quickly claiming a spot in our hearts as they help us out right when we need it
most. If you’ve been thinking of venturing into <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">mobile app development</span>, suffice to say that both
of these areas are ones you should be looking into.</span></span></span></div>
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-76476857875113641902019-02-14T04:39:00.000-08:002019-06-21T01:07:25.672-07:00Smartphone Technology Trends to Look for in 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb45JynewnX3WjfN0cezrLzZ7mvW4CaY3jAg-6xJX3lSLP-dMSlCSfRrm0QEZ_MgiLPAaDHsuxa6hwQk21Za9TwZOZ-mimYVF_0QF5L7dBCFrydmgH-_Q2X-d-52_EsyaaPOPKx68GPN3/s1600/Smartphone-Technologies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb45JynewnX3WjfN0cezrLzZ7mvW4CaY3jAg-6xJX3lSLP-dMSlCSfRrm0QEZ_MgiLPAaDHsuxa6hwQk21Za9TwZOZ-mimYVF_0QF5L7dBCFrydmgH-_Q2X-d-52_EsyaaPOPKx68GPN3/s640/Smartphone-Technologies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 105%;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 105%;">Source: </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 105%;"><span style="line-height: 105%;">omaghenterprise.co.uk</span></span></span></div>
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With the proliferation of mobile devices around the world, namely smartphones that come with digital assistants like Siri and Alexa that streamline our lives and make practically everything easier, it’s hard to imagine how mobile technology can improve even further than it has already. Well, whether we can believe it or not, it’s happening. And no, I’m not referring to displays that are getting smaller or larger, or headphone jacks that are disappearing in favor of wireless audio; I’m talking about actual smartphone technological innovations we’ll soon see, i.e. upcoming smartphone technology in 2019.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before we begin, keep in mind that many of the tech trends we’re going to cover today are based in speculation and scattered reports with enough validity that they’re likely true. With that in mind, many big brands have already confirmed upcoming smartphones in 2019 and other tech upgrades they’re trying out. Let’s get started!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Smartphone Technology in 2019</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we place 2018 firmly behind us and move into 2019, it’s time to talk about a very hot topic many tech-enthusiasts cover every year: upcoming smartphone technology trends and their potential impact. So, will we finally see foldable phones that are truly foldable? What about 5G phones that run faster and have better coverage than anything we have today? Keep on reading to find out.</span></div>
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Multi-Camera Phones</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While we saw an influx of dual-camera phones in 2018—phones with dual lense setups in which one took the pictures and the other captured the depth of field—to allow for camera features like portrait mode, 2019 seems prime for an expansion and the inclusion of camera options like wide-angle, telephoto, depth sensing and monochrome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, <span style="line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.counterpointresearch.com/dual-camera-smartphones-going-mainstream-explosive-growth-2018/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">almost 42% of smartphones</span></a></span> sold globally in July 2018 sported two or more rear camera sensors (27% increase in market penetration), a charge that was led by brands like OnePlus, Huawei and Apple. As for 2019 and beyond, we already have the Huawei P20 Pro, <span style="line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/huawei-p20-pro-leica-triple-camera-explained-849537/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">the world’s first triple lense camera</span></a>, a patent by LG</span> hinting at a smartphone with 16 lenses, and we even have a leaked photo of a Nokia smartphone with five rear camera lenses.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUkJF86gW_gNKc7bpZgTXCH3Rc-CuzoYNl4k67c8dYTRhvjb1BX4razPOqoaTRuktZ9zdAoBUolqvjZl7sJdL9tiThrz6QxNUiXaHkzG2Zv42OVMRRdh2boyf3255kttm6TCEcIQDY8Oc/s1600/Nokia-Five-Lenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUkJF86gW_gNKc7bpZgTXCH3Rc-CuzoYNl4k67c8dYTRhvjb1BX4razPOqoaTRuktZ9zdAoBUolqvjZl7sJdL9tiThrz6QxNUiXaHkzG2Zv42OVMRRdh2boyf3255kttm6TCEcIQDY8Oc/s400/Nokia-Five-Lenses.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 105%;">Source: </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 105%;"><span style="line-height: 105%;">androidauthority.com</span></span></span></div>
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5G-Enabled Phones</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With Qualcomm introducing the <span style="line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/snapdragon-855-qualcomms-next-chip-for-high-end-smartphones/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Snapdragon 855 processor</span></a></span> late last year, which will power most Android smartphones and allow them and others to connect to 5G networks that enable faster speeds and better coverage, it’s clear that 5G is soon to be mainstream. Keep in mind that it’ll take a while for this to happen—probably 2019 and 2020—so for now we’ll cover what’s expected in 2019:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● <b>Apple: </b>Nope, Apple doesn’t seem too keen on putting forth a 5G smartphone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● <b>Samsung:</b> Samsung announced last year that they were working with South Korean telecommunication companies to <span style="line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s10-x-5g-news/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">release its first 5G phone</span></a></span>, which will likely be part of the Galaxy S10 family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● <b>Google: </b>Nope, Google doesn’t seem too keen on putting forth a 5G smartphone, BUT Verizon, who it’s been using as it’s exclusive carrier partner for Pixel phones, said it’s planning to roll out its 5G network this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● <b>LG: </b>In August of last year, <span style="line-height: 105%;">LG confirmed</span> that its first 5G phone will debut on Sprint in the first half of 2019, just as Sprint launches its 5G network.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● <b>Huawei: </b>We already know that <span style="line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/huaweis-first-5g-phone-is-coming-next-year/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Huawei’s first 5G smartphone</span></a></span> is coming this year, likely before the end of June 2019, but it’s unlikely that it will be available in the US.</span><br />
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Foldable Phones</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will 2019 finally be the year of the foldable phone that’s not a flip phone, but an actual foldable phone? That’s what we’re here to find out. Starting with the concept of the foldable phone, this would entail a phone that can be opened up and folded at will, which would need dual displays with dual batteries. With that in mind, we already have some contenders who appear to be throwing their hats in the ring. For example, Samsung revealed the Galaxy X (or will it be Galaxy F?) with an “Infinity Flex Display at a developer conference, Motorola is apparently working on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 105%;"><a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/motorola-razr-foldable-smartphone-news/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">revamping the Razr</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> as a foldable phone and was awarded a patent on a folding smartphone design that featured a heated central hinge that would “heal” imperfections in the OLED screen caused by bending, and LG appears to be debating whether to go the foldable route or take a detour and venture into optional second screens.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxmuhnspsSCHmPAHNeVr9d0t6w2XUjfaw6dVpcBfuoPTwt0xbIJpfwd2ST3_nGdOQEeHBte7-D0k9yfMa7SHuK5Jtsr9GYHx7Aj6FkD6cP0qFTNi4nq3etZx0lfw73e6EXi3LWSykIDJN/s1600/moto-razr-2019-patent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxmuhnspsSCHmPAHNeVr9d0t6w2XUjfaw6dVpcBfuoPTwt0xbIJpfwd2ST3_nGdOQEeHBte7-D0k9yfMa7SHuK5Jtsr9GYHx7Aj6FkD6cP0qFTNi4nq3etZx0lfw73e6EXi3LWSykIDJN/s400/moto-razr-2019-patent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 105%;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 105%;">Source: </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 105%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 105%;">digitaltrends.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Out of all of the technological innovations we have, it’s sometimes hard to stay up-to-date with everything that’s coming out. That’s why today, we focused on something that most of us can relate to: mobile technology. Here’s what we covered:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● Multi-camera phones that allow for much more options when you want to snap a picture</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● 5G-enabled phones that work much faster than any phone today, even in low-coverage areas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">● Foldable phones that truly fold and unfold without screen imperfections</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy what’s to come!</span></div>
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-76775055060727730712018-11-14T23:05:00.001-08:002018-11-14T23:05:34.584-08:00How Smartphones are Revolutionizing Business Growth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
100 years down the line, if you were to ask historian what the biggest advancements of the early 21st century were, chances are very good that the smartphone will make the cut.<br />
<br />
With <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/" target="_blank">almost 4 billion unique worldwide users</a>, uses that number the thousands, if not millions, and the fact that over half of all internet traffic today comes from the mobile web, it’s clear that smartphones are taking over the role of “man’s best friend.”<br />
<br />
There’s just no escaping it…businesses included.<br />
<br />
But for them, unlike seeing smartphones as friends, they see them as opportunities for growth.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
How to Use Smartphones for Business Growth</h3>
<br />
Apart from the general usefulness that smartphones bring to business in terms of mobility and 24/7 connectivity, the smartphone’s impact on business—the biggest impact—can be seen when you consider what makes them different than their normal counterparts: the “smart” that precedes it.<br />
<br />
With that moniker comes the ability to use a multitude of applications, which come in various shapes and sizes that vary by use.<br />
<br />
For example, you can have an app that allows you to dabble in the stock market, and another that lets you play Scrabble with people around the world.<br />
<br />
More on the business side, smartphone business apps usually fall into two categories:<br />
<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internal applications that benefit a company by streamlining tasks and creating more efficient work environments<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>External applications that benefit a company’s customers, thereby benefiting the company itself through branding and loyalty perks, data gathering and, if an eCommerce, extra sales<br />
<br />
After all, with increased productivity from internal apps comes business growth, and as we all know, a happy customer is a loyal customer (also key for growth), which external apps are excellent at fostering.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Internal Smartphone Business Apps</h3>
<br />
Starting with internal smartphone business apps to showcase how to use a smartphone for business, the key here is focusing on increasing productivity.<br />
<br />
The good thing is that because applications can be programmed to do pretty much anything—helping employees throughout their day included—they can be used as tools to fix anything that’s lagging or needs improvement.<br />
<br />
In this way, business growth comes internally, as employees are able to work harder and smarter, resulting in overall better company productivity and a better return on the business’ investment.<br />
<br />
For example, you can create the following types of applications among many to improve your business’ processes:<br />
<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customer Relationship Management (CRM) apps that help you manage customer relations<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lead generation apps that help you identify potential customers<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Inventory management apps that help you keep track of everything<br />
<br />
As to where or who to go to for inspiration, because these apps will be the tools your employees use as they go about their workdays to streamline tasks, improve efficiency and help the company run more smoothly, they’re the ones to turn to.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
External Smartphone Business Apps</h3>
<br />
Unlike internal applications, the idea with external, client-facing apps is to present your company to your audience in mobile form to maximize interactions with them and make the most of them.<br />
After all, considering that <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/306923" target="_blank">71% of total digital minutes</a> are spent on mobile devices, it makes sense that you’ll use mobile, their apparent preferred mode of communication, to connect.<br />
<br />
In doing so, you’ll be turning your app into a marketing channel that works at all times of the day, and may even bring its own revenue if you can sell products and/or services through it.<br />
<br />
However you choose to make use of external apps, some of their benefits are that they:<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Improve communication between you and your audience<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Provide information to your audience at all times of the day (even better if a chatbot is used)<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Present your offerings in a visual and convenient way<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ensure loyalty through rewards and promotions<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gather customer data and insights through usage statistics<br />
<br />
More on the last point, one of the biggest benefits of client-facing apps is that they’re a literal goldmine of user data, including their browsing and purchasing habits, which is a great help when creating and tailoring marketing strategies.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Current Smartphone Landscape</h3>
<br />
When it comes to growth through smartphones, though internal applications will give you much-needed help running things within the business, external apps are where true growth will come from.<br />
For example, think of the <a href="https://www.outerboxdesign.com/web-design-articles/mobile-ecommerce-statistics" target="_blank">125 Million U.S. consumers</a> who own smartphones and that, as of December 2017, <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/1185/mobile-commerce/" target="_blank">82% of online users in the U.S.</a> used a mobile device for online shopping, with 35% being mobile-only online shoppers.<br />
<br />
Apart from eCommerce, think of one of the main uses for apps: entertainment.<br />
<br />
As it happens to be, the mobile entertainment market—comprised of games, videos, and music—is expected to <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/global-mobile-entertainment-market-2018-latest-trends-service-provides-gaming-platforms-growing-in-app-advertising-and-investment-opportunities-till-2023-2018-08-17" target="_blank">grow at a CAGR of over 15%</a> during the period between 2018 and 2023, with games generating <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/536433/mobile-games-revenue-worldwide/" target="_blank">$40.6 billion</a> in revenue in 2017.<br />
<br />
With these stats, it’s clear that pairing an app with an eCommerce business is not only the logical thing to do, but what will open doors for more sales to come through, and that putting out an entertainment app that gives your users new ways of discovering and viewing your content is exactly what they want.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h3>
<br />
With the ability to do practically anything through an app, smartphones are absolutely wonderful for businesses and consumers alike.<br />
<br />
For example, while consumers gain a new channel to browse and buy products, or learn more about a company, businesses also gain a new channel, this time to sell to and connect with their audience, and the ability to create apps that streamline various processes.<br />
<br />
Putting it all together, smartphones are definitely a “win’ for business.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-43443291225181648062018-10-08T22:48:00.000-07:002018-10-08T22:48:11.902-07:00What to Expect for the Future of Smartphone Technology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Over <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/06/28/10-facts-about-smartphones/" target="_blank">three-quarter of U.S. adults</a> (77%) say they own a smartphone, up from 35% in 2011, making the smartphone one of the most quickly adopted consumer technologies in recent history. Expanding borders, there were <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/" target="_blank">1.57 billion worldwide smartphone users</a> in 2014, a number that’s expected to nearly double (2.87B) by 2020.<br />
<br />
In other words, a lot of people use smartphones.<br />
Why? What about smartphones is so special that practically everyone either has one or wants to get one?<br />
<br />
For starters, look at the name. Being smartphones means that their capabilities extend past that of normal mobile phones, as they have what we now consider essential functions, such as:<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internet connectivity, whether through WiFi or mobile data<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>High-quality cameras<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Biometric authentication<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And countless applications with functions that range games to increasing productivity<br />
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After all, likened to small computers that fit in your pocket, it’s clear that advancements in smartphone technology have taken them very far from their beginnings as solely two-way communication devices.<br />
<br />
If we’ve come this far, what’s to come? What are some future smartphone features that we can expect in the years to come?<br />
<br />
From alternate realities that can combine the real and the imaginary, to holograms that allow for real-life interactions with the virtual, here are three things to expect from future smartphones.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
1. Blockchain</h4>
For those who have either heard of blockchain, but don’t really know what it is, or have never even heard of it, blockchain is essentially a type of ledger—a very secure ledger—that’s composed of cryptographically linked records.<br />
<br />
Each record, called a block, is time-stamped and linked to the previous block to create a decentralized database of records, which functions as a peer-to-peer (P2P) network that’s extremely secure because, once a transaction takes place, the block created is unchangeable.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, while blockchain is often reserved for finance discussions around cryptocurrency like bitcoin, its capabilities can actually extend to smartphones. After all, having a phone that runs on blockchain means that breaches or hacking are negligible.<br />
<br />
For example, the upcoming <a href="https://sirinlabs.com/" target="_blank">Finney Blockchain Phone</a>, announced last year by Sirin Labs, is an open-source smartphone that runs on the blockchain and is <a href="https://sirinlabs.com/media/SIRINLABS_-_White_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">designed</a> to support inherent blockchain applications like a cold storage crypto wallet, secure exchange access, encrypted communications, and a P2P resource sharing ecosystem for payments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8guurSARGURMHtQwmMWLIAdkSZcQT91eKxKltCWSvIQBOwFtx-0CFCBDRbQ9kCTF-hoL3Fr-9vs3NbCcwGgSip5WZQYHBogBfxHU9kDB0c5zmouSavAOvhILZ0U03NdgJ4NAer2c2ACg/s1600/Finney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8guurSARGURMHtQwmMWLIAdkSZcQT91eKxKltCWSvIQBOwFtx-0CFCBDRbQ9kCTF-hoL3Fr-9vs3NbCcwGgSip5WZQYHBogBfxHU9kDB0c5zmouSavAOvhILZ0U03NdgJ4NAer2c2ACg/s640/Finney.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
With an extra layer of security provided by blockchain, future smartphones like the Finney can provide much-needed peace of mind that comes with owning a device that has practically all your information and can be hacked into in seconds.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
2. Alternate Realities</h4>
Advancements in smartphone technology have made it so we can enter different realities at the touch of a button.<br />
<br />
Case in point, virtual and augmented reality.<br />
<br />
While virtual reality (VR) completely transports you to a virtual world, augmented reality (AR) combines the real and the imaginary by overlaying a digital layer over real-world elements.<br />
<br />
Whatever reality you choose, the popularity of devices like the Samsung Gear VR and applications like Snapchat and Pokemon Go has opened the door for programmers and developers to dip their toes in these alternate realities.<br />
<br />
Specific to AR, because smartphones are portable, they serve as the perfect platform for users to augment the world around them. For example, future smartphone features can include an augmented map that visually guides you where you need to go through arrows that only you see or an information hub that tells you more about what you’re looking at (e.g. looking at a restaurant presents its name, menu, ratings, and reviews, etc.).<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
3. Holograms</h4>
While Apple’s <i>Retina Display</i> that delivers resolutions so sharp that we can’t actually perceive them may be the peak for screens in terms of resolution, the addition of holograms can take the smartphone as a whole to a whole new level.<br />
<br />
For instance, we already have 3D screens in phones like the IQH 3D, and by combining this features with projections, we can create holograms that jump from the screen.<br />
<br />
In use, because we can ‘grab’ what’s being projected, we can digitally touch what’s on our phones. For example, we can do things like resize and rotate pictures by ‘physically’ pulling, compressing and rotating them, or create and edit 3D models as if they were physically in front of us.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Let’s Take a Second Look</h4>
With future smartphone technology looking so good, it makes sense to go over what we covered one more time:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Blockchain</b> that will make future smartphones more secure than ever before.<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Alternate Realities </b>that combine the real and the imaginary.<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Holograms</b> as future smartphones features that allow us to ‘grab’ what’s being projected.<br />
Enjoy what’s to come!<br />
<br /></div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-41587906648564319832018-09-06T23:14:00.000-07:002018-09-06T23:15:07.606-07:00Here’s Why You Should Invest in a Mobile Website Before a Mobile Application<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Mobile apps or websites: a question virtually all business today have to ask as they decide how to establish a mobile presence. After all, Google announced a while back they were enacting a <a href="https://www.aumcore.com/blog/2016/12/15/how-to-deal-with-googles-new-mobile-search-indexing/" target="_blank">mobile-first index</a> in which they would start using a business’ mobile site for ranking purposes — a signal to turn mobile if any.<br />
<br />
Both are great, but if you’re going to introduce yourself to your industry, you may have to choose one before you venture into the other.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that both are usually needed in the long-run. This, of course, depends on what exactly your business does, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a brand that won’t benefit from one or the other.<br />
<br />
For one, a website is absolutely perfect for discovery and promoting brand awareness. Apps, on the other hand, excel in engagement and promoting brand loyalty.<br />
<br />
But, and this is a big but, while both should ultimately be created, today we’re going to discuss why a mobile website takes precedence over their application counterparts.<br />
<br />
In doing so, we’ll discuss the <b>difference between mobile apps and websites, why a website should be your initial go-to</b>, and finally, <b>when it makes sense to opt for a mobile app first instead.</b><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
What are Some Differences Between Mobile Apps and Mobile Sites?</h4>
<br />
Starting with the differences between apps and sites, a mobile website is just like any other website consisting of browser-based HTML pages accessed over the internet, albeit made specifically for mobile devices.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Quick tip</b>: Always choose a responsive website that resizes content for the screen it resides in over a mobile-specific site, but that’s a discussion for another day.</div>
<br />
Like websites, applications pull content and data from the internet, but they go beyond by being able to download the content for offline usage.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Side note</b>: You also have the option of getting a <a href="https://www.aumcore.com/blog/2017/01/31/progressive-web-apps-when-should-you-consider-building-one/" target="_blank">progressive web app</a> that can be described as an amalgamation of a site and app.<br />
<br />
Unlike websites, apps are downloaded from device-specific marketplaces like Apple’s App Store and Android’s Google Play and are installed on mobile devices. As such, they can be accessed even when there’s no internet connection, although actual functionality may be hindered if a connection is required for usage.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
App vs. Website Usage: Why Websites Should Come First</h4>
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<br />
Choosing to start with a website over an app (or vice versa) comes down to what your end goals are.<br />
For example, if you want to introduce a game to the market, starting with an app is a good idea. If, on the other hand, you want to publish content to as wide an audience as possible, a website is a way to go.<br />
<br />
But, seeing as how the vast majority of businesses fall on the latter category, today’s discussion centers on why a website should come first.<br />
<br />
For starters, let’s talk about <b>compatibility</b>. Whereas mobile websites can be accessed by all devices, regardless of operating system (OS), applications are restricted to a single OS, meaning that multiple apps will need to be developed if you want to reach all users.<br />
<br />
Then there’s <b>findability</b> and <b>reach</b>; you want as many people to find you as possible, and websites surpass apps in this capability because they’re there for all to see. This is because, as we just covered, apps are restricted to devices and their OS, and websites can be found with a simple Google search that encompasses the entire web.<br />
<br />
Additionally, you have to think of your user’s <b>commitment</b>; websites come with less commitment because all you have to do is visit them to see their content. Apps are different because there’s an initial download required before you can see what they have to offer, leading to fewer downloads when compared to page visits.<br />
<br />
Out of commitment comes <b>immediacy</b>, which is how available a website or app truly is. Because they can be accessed by pretty much all browsers on all devices, websites are readily available for all, unlike apps that, again, need to be installed first.<br />
<br />
You also have to consider that nothing is static; things change and apps and sites both need to be upgraded and updated from time to time. In other words, <b>upgradability</b>.<br />
<br />
Because website updates like layout or content changes can be published instantly for all users, any change only needs to be made once and everyone benefits. Apps, on the other hand, need to be updated user-by-user (if the app store accepts the update in the first place), and an updated created for each OS.<br />
<br />
Finally, like most business endeavors, you need to consider your <b>budget</b>. While both sites and apps can be developed with templates that make the whole process cheaper and easier as a whole, mobile apps are generally more expensive to create and maintain.<br />
<br />
Therefore, while you may need both at some point, it’s always best to start with a website, and once your budget allows it, extend to a mobile app.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts: When a Mobile App Comes out on Top</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RY6o3IlSiLt3nx3wjVsoQzILUgwhP1WhIDlgxbWeBJKNnV5j6THw9bUkH15Fq9fr0MSvynIXVGMswvNgoGkiaYMptFmMReeoLsFrAHZopqx6EvWnNC-XGLf_okJhp28x_nIHAEzJ91h9/s1600/Mobile-App-Development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="632" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RY6o3IlSiLt3nx3wjVsoQzILUgwhP1WhIDlgxbWeBJKNnV5j6THw9bUkH15Fq9fr0MSvynIXVGMswvNgoGkiaYMptFmMReeoLsFrAHZopqx6EvWnNC-XGLf_okJhp28x_nIHAEzJ91h9/s640/Mobile-App-Development.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It’s not always the case that a website should be developed before a mobile app. For example, opting for an app first is best for those developing interactive content like games that are meant for mobile use.<br />
<br />
In this case, a product—the app—should be developed and deployed first, followed by the website that points users toward the app.<br />
Along with a similar vein, if you’re using native functionalities like a camera, gyroscopes or sensors, you’ll do best with an app that can access all of these and more, as websites will usually be unable to do so.<br />
<br />
Finally, when an internet connection isn’t required for use, or when content can be downloaded and used offline, such as a dictionary with content that can be refreshed whenever there’s a connection, an app will generally serve you better.<br />
<br />
But, like we briefly touched on earlier, because the points for website-first development relate to more brands than the ones for app-first, it’s recommended to invest in a mobile website before a mobile application.<br />
<br />
Best of luck!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-49326653569408396162018-08-15T23:50:00.000-07:002018-08-15T23:59:39.327-07:00The Importance of Managing Your Mobile App Permissions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tk1fkYTSZkCJjVBpnzXHaFb9lX6PO44A6e0kp-3gXApqVmC0z9hnAoBtXs5pJnpGUsYBV461SYWsC9scRy8XSQTS9ukI0byXFXOH63RxQFh8R75dX3wRy_5x5FMVShWHYjPqtgByjQX/s1600/App-Permissions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tk1fkYTSZkCJjVBpnzXHaFb9lX6PO44A6e0kp-3gXApqVmC0z9hnAoBtXs5pJnpGUsYBV461SYWsC9scRy8XSQTS9ukI0byXFXOH63RxQFh8R75dX3wRy_5x5FMVShWHYjPqtgByjQX/s640/App-Permissions.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: wired.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Smartphones are what they are because of the applications they house. Without them, they wouldn’t be smartphones; they’d be phones.<br />
<br />
Whether it’s an app that counts how many steps you’ve taken, an app that lets you browse your social feed, or an app to edit your pictures until they’re perfect for Instagram, mobile apps are what makes our phones smart, and what makes them so hard to put down.<br />
<br />
But, and this is a big but, have you ever stopped to think about what your favorite apps are doing with your data?<br />
<br />
The thing is, many of us don’t think twice about the permissions we give our mobile apps after tapping the initial “Allow” when first opening them. Based on everything we’ve been hearing on the news lately about privacy and misuses of data, this is definitely not a good idea.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Permissions and Mobile Apps</h4>
<br />
Before we get to that why it’s not a good idea to stay in the dark about permissions, let’s do a quick overview on what they actually are.<br />
<br />
App permissions are the privileges we give them; they’re what we allow our apps to do or not do with our phones and data. For example, whether we allow an app to access our phone’s camera or microphone.<br />
<br />
For the most part, developers stick to what’s important. They’ll only request permission for something if it’s important for the app’s function, such as allowing an image editing app to access your photos.<br />
<br />
That being said, app permissions to avoid are those that don’t impede on the app’s function. So if it’s not important to you, such as allowing an app to send you to push notifications, feel free to disallow it.<br />
<br />
If you experience difficulties with that app after disabling the permission, such as trying to take a photo through a messaging app after disabling Camera access, simply turn it back on.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Why and How to Manage Your App Permissions</h3>
<br />
Now that we’ve covered app permissions, it’s time to talk about why and how to manage them.<br />
For starters, you probably spend a lot of time on your apps, whether it’s messaging your friends, checking up on emails or watching movies. In other words, the more time you spend on those apps, the more data you’re feeding them.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that this isn’t inherently bad, after all, your apps need some permissions to work properly. But, there’s also a lot behind the scenes with some apps you may be unaware of.<br />
<br />
For instance, why they need access to a specific permission even though it’s not entirely clear why it’s even needed in the first place. Because of this, it’s always important to audit your apps every now and then to ensure they’re not reaching beyond their means — example, if a video streaming app wants access to your Contacts.<br />
<br />
It comes down to the fact that you need full control over all your data, and you can only do this by actually knowing what your apps are accessing.<br />
<br />
Seeing as how iOS and Android are two of the most popular operating systems with mobile phones, let’s cover how to manage app permissions with these two.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Managing Your iOS App Permission List</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9inT28PSc9JD0lxGb8ZM1fAIFmuviYFs9GrvMjlS7htqS58LbOZQ1zvIEe-QLd34v3QJglr4RAB3uRG-iIOvSI3RjNVYNvcRfB5J4QxAB9MOFPW4UudU3I5wDSl2-T71UMhX5cUiMeg9/s1600/iOS+Permissions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1519" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9inT28PSc9JD0lxGb8ZM1fAIFmuviYFs9GrvMjlS7htqS58LbOZQ1zvIEe-QLd34v3QJglr4RAB3uRG-iIOvSI3RjNVYNvcRfB5J4QxAB9MOFPW4UudU3I5wDSl2-T71UMhX5cUiMeg9/s640/iOS+Permissions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Starting with iOS, because most devices that run on it are quite similar in terms of permissions, this guide should work for all.<br />
<br />
To begin, find your phone’s app permission setting by going to Settings and tapping on Privacy.<br />
Instead of seeing a list of apps and tapping on each to see its permissions, here you’ll see a list of all permissions, which you can use to find a specific one to see which apps have access to it.<br />
<br />
Once you know which permission to manage, tap on it to see a list of apps that fall under it. If you want to turn the permission off for that specific app, simply tap on the app and you’ll be presented with a couple of options.<br />
<br />
For instance, if we’re looking at the permission to access Photos, and from there the Facebook Messenger app, you’ll land on a screen with two options: “Never” or “Read and Write” (never is no and read and write is yes).<br />
<br />
If you instead look at the Microphone permission, you’ll see a screen with the apps with that permission, which you can turn on or off by tapping on the slider. For another permission, let’s say Apple Health, you have more options, such as tracking how many hours you sleep or steps you’ve taken.<br />
<br />
If, on the other hand, you want to get down to the nitty-gritty and go app by app instead of permission by permission, scroll past Privacy (don’t tap on it) until you see a list of all your apps.<br />
<br />
To see exactly what each app has access to, tap on whichever one you want to see. After tapping, you’ll see a detailed menu of what that app can or can’t do.<br />
<br />
For example, tapping on the Amazon app will show you that you can give it access to:<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Camera<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Siri & Search<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Notifications<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Background App Refresh<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cellular Data<br />
Additionally, you can choose to allow biometric authentication for sign-in if your phone has that capability.<br />
<br />
For other apps, the process is the same, so feel free to check up on whichever you want.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Managing Your Android App Permission List</h3>
<br />
Moving to Android, there’s a lot of variety when it comes to devices that use it, and today we’ll be focusing on the Google Pixel. Like iOS, the process is similar for most, so this should be fine regardless of which Android device you have.<br />
<br />
To begin, open Settings and go to the Apps & Notifications menu. Here, tap on a specific app you want to check.<br />
<br />
Once on that app’s menu, tap Permissions to see everything it has access to, such as Location Services, Photos, Camera and more.<br />
<br />
If you want to turn off a specific permission, simply tap on it. Keep in mind that if the permission is vital for the app to function properly, you may have to accept a confirmation that you do indeed wish to turn that permission off.<br />
<br />
Simple as that. Like iOS, feel free to go through all your apps to make sure they’re only accessing what you want them to access.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
<br />
Compared to the past, data is worth more than ever today — it’s the currency of choice for many.<br />
For this very reason, it’s that much more important to manage your data and ensure it’s not falling in the wrong hands.<br />
<br />
So be it your location or your contacts list, whatever it is, you need to know exactly who has access to it and why.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-5728547215306665002018-07-12T21:25:00.001-07:002018-07-12T21:27:15.809-07:00How Mobile Is Revolutionizing Healthcare<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyYt_b0k8RX95Gu4NbKgqshuQviIRP9GBZ1piiMA7m6fcM94hdA5YDK1JbCSAxiH9hT2Sop0mWjUT5ERM-qdvvDkhEFSHV_1DD4XVqIn7qId-DUD9wR8RPk7xNDnrIMmaC7k5j9ORFJYQ/s1600/mHealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyYt_b0k8RX95Gu4NbKgqshuQviIRP9GBZ1piiMA7m6fcM94hdA5YDK1JbCSAxiH9hT2Sop0mWjUT5ERM-qdvvDkhEFSHV_1DD4XVqIn7qId-DUD9wR8RPk7xNDnrIMmaC7k5j9ORFJYQ/s640/mHealth.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: Aumcore.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like pretty much everything else in the world, healthcare is going mobile. Thanks to our love of smartphones and the mobility they give us, and a shift from hospitals to personal care systems, this mobile trend is growing and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, the global mobile health market, also called mHealth, is expected to <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3776106" target="_blank">reach $58.8 billion</a> by the end of 2020 at a CAGR of 32.3% between 2013 and 2020. And like everything else it touches, mobile is revolutionizing healthcare as avenues for remote monitoring and treatment are opened with the use of handheld mobile computers, smartphones, tablets and a host of wearable devices.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Benefits of Mobile Devices in Healthcare</h4>
The use of mobile devices in healthcare is acting as a catalyst to a paradigm shift that is changing the way the whole industry works. By allowing doctors to communicate with patients from anywhere in the world (and vice versa), mHealth is proving to be a great asset that allows for remote diagnoses and health tracking so delays in response are reduced or completely eliminated; if anything happens, action can be taken right then and there.<br />
<br />
For example, with IoT and the emerging technology it brings that’s connecting tools like never before, and thanks to the mobile technology that’s streamlining processes and synthesising information with real-time information and updates, we now have remote patient monitoring that allows doctors to treat and diagnose patients who otherwise can’t make an in-person visit. They can review patient records and history while giving nurses and caregivers advice on what to do, and collect medical and health data and revert it back to them with accurate diagnoses. In doing so, they can help the elderly or those who can’t travel, such as expecting mothers, and provide services whenever they’re needed. Additionally, with the use of sensors in mobility devices like walkers and canes, alerts can be sent in case of accidents like a fall.<br />
<br />
Along with a similar line, wearable devices like Fitbit, iWatch and a myriad of others are proving to be excellent for monitoring vitals and making sure everything stays in check. They can track health and wellness to ensure optimal health, and in case an emergency comes up (or is about to), (early) warnings and alerts can be sent to medical professionals to prevent disaster. As such, they can be also be used in chronic disease management for early detection of deterioration, such as in the maintenance of diabetes. In such a case, wearable devices can test blood pressure and glucose levels to ensure things are going as they should. Similarly, devices like wireless BP monitors, resynchronization therapy, and pacemakers can be used to reduce the risk of heart failure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN3uHO7Z2FZ18dLn5iLeU-SX830YCRas7KdFYu_DShGWPfb2uXsDQYEGFYJ0vm_GT7TEmXPFwJNMW9BD64nFNgkKzuABqZNhwqnokZ2VqMj14fNV9SvNaimyaQM0fwIL4eGWV6cLS0cVb/s1600/Ai+in+Healthcare-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN3uHO7Z2FZ18dLn5iLeU-SX830YCRas7KdFYu_DShGWPfb2uXsDQYEGFYJ0vm_GT7TEmXPFwJNMW9BD64nFNgkKzuABqZNhwqnokZ2VqMj14fNV9SvNaimyaQM0fwIL4eGWV6cLS0cVb/s640/Ai+in+Healthcare-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Mobile Apps in the Healthcare Industry</h4>
The buzz around mHealth isn’t just about physical devices, it’s also about certain mobile apps that are similarly revolutionizing healthcare. For example, HealthTap, a technology company that delivers a suite of connected health apps, surveyed more than 65,000 physicians in its network and another 500,000 in its referral network on their recommendations on a wide variety of health and wellness apps. Here are the <a href="https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/top-mhealth-apps-rated-doctors/page/0/1" target="_blank">top 10 apps</a> for iOS and Android they found:<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Top Health and Medical Apps for iOS</h3>
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker (MyFitnessPal.com)<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Weight Watchers Mobile (Weight Watchers International)<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lose It! (FitNow)<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>White Noise Lite (TMSoft)<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First Aid (American Red Cross)<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Runkeeper (FitnessKeeper)<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stroke Riskometer (Autel)<br />
8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Emergency First Aid & Treatment Guide (Phoneflips)<br />
9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instant Heart Rate (Azumio)<br />
10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fooducate (Fooducate)<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Top 10 Health and Medical Apps for Android</h3>
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Weight Watchers Mobile (Weight Watchers International)<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>White Noise Lite (TMSoft)<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lose It! (FitNow)<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First Aid (American Red Cross)<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>RunKeeper – GPS Track Run Walk (FitnessKeeper)<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Emergency First Aid/Treatment (Phoneflips)<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Instant Heart Rate (Azumio)<br />
8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fooducate – Healthy Food Diet (Fooducate)<br />
9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Glucose Buddy – Diabetes Log (Azumio)<br />
10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pocket First Aid & CPR (Jive Media)<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
We are in an era marked by the digitization of practically everything, including the healthcare industry. This means quick diagnosis and timely and efficient intervention when it’s needed, and real-time visualization of a patient’s health that saves both time and resources. In translation, mHealth appears to be a clear-cut win-win.</div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-3204280237614044432018-06-15T01:21:00.000-07:002018-06-15T01:21:49.585-07:00Blockchain Smartphones: Are They Worth the Hype?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7vrWNEqlzJFjSa7_ac-1F3q5JZ4uGqovrjw-c11mhbh0D1TF0tDnOu_SK6JC4mB9-6faKjWX6-f47BGCRKcTvSsPPE6EQ_6yqjPAF6mjV9k8l_AQId5sxcYprhx7-HTw9_UbSUiKURs2/s1600/blockchain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7vrWNEqlzJFjSa7_ac-1F3q5JZ4uGqovrjw-c11mhbh0D1TF0tDnOu_SK6JC4mB9-6faKjWX6-f47BGCRKcTvSsPPE6EQ_6yqjPAF6mjV9k8l_AQId5sxcYprhx7-HTw9_UbSUiKURs2/s640/blockchain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: coinwire.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The blockchain is something you’ve undoubtedly heard of but probably don’t really know what it is. If you do know what it is, feel free to skip the next section and jump to the one after. For those who do not and would like to expand their knowledge, this one’s for you.<span id="goog_1754715174"></span><br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
What Is Blockchain?</h4>
When you whittle away the exterior, blockchain is a list of records — called blocks — that are linked together and contain a cryptographic hash of the previous block. It’s essentially a peer-to-peer (P2P) network with a distributed time-stamping server that allows data to be stored globally on thousands upon thousands of servers. In other words, it’s a kind of public electronic ledger that’s openly shared among users around the world, and each time a transaction occurs, an unchangeable record of it is created, time-stamped and linked to the previous one.<br />
<br />
Despite anyone on the network being able to see everyone else’s entries, blockchain is secure by design and pretty much impossible to be hacked into because it can only be updated by consensus among participants. That is to say that in order for something to be modified, the entire network must first agree on that change. In this way, a blockchain is resistant to data modifications and represents a big change in the way information is shared.<br />
<br />
The many advantages of blockchain technology, such as its transparency and accountability, and its success in the <a href="http://omniesolutions.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-blockchain-technology-is-affecting.html" target="_blank">banking industry</a>, is spurring other industries to join the game. Case in point, the mobile blockchain, and the smartphone industry.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
What Is a Blockchain Smartphone?</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BhOsQFIMoVQYyyTLplTgIRsdYzWdChHzI0z7a5WVKAmNbpf_1KpAPd-N2av_gdGlgmUIWCxATWeN9KlC05h2XrvWTYBQcwj4Kb41VpABwb78LXGglg9iAFGeb4BgWCA9JBX2rf93C4vn/s1600/blockchain-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="832" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BhOsQFIMoVQYyyTLplTgIRsdYzWdChHzI0z7a5WVKAmNbpf_1KpAPd-N2av_gdGlgmUIWCxATWeN9KlC05h2XrvWTYBQcwj4Kb41VpABwb78LXGglg9iAFGeb4BgWCA9JBX2rf93C4vn/s640/blockchain-body.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: zco.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
The idea of a blockchain phone has many people excited for a variety of reasons. For starters, having a phone that runs on blockchain means that breaches are a thing of the past. As it is, our phones are <i>definitely </i>not as secure as we’d like them to be, and there are usually dozens (or even hundreds) of applications on a typical smartphone that can compromise its privacy and security. Second, these blockchain-enabled smartphones can also lead to cryptocurrency wallets that offer an extra layer of security, and allow users to make and accept cryptocurrency payments to other devices.<br />
<br />
<b>Examples of Blockchain Smartphone Technology</b><br />
Now that you know some of a blockchain phone’s benefits, it’s time to get acquainted with the phones bringing them to us.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Finney Blockchain Phone</h3>
First up is the <a href="https://sirinlabs.com/" target="_blank">Finney Blockchain Phone</a>, which was announced last year by Sirin Labs as an open-source model that runs on the blockchain. According to its <a href="https://sirinlabs.com/media/SIRINLABS_-_White_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">white paper</a>, it’s going to run on Shield OS, Labs’ open source operating system (OS) that are designed “to support inherent blockchain applications, such as cold storage crypto wallet, secure exchange access, encrypted communications and a P2P resource sharing ecosystem for payment.” As such, users will be able to securely store cryptocurrencies on their phone and use it for payment, sort of like an Apple Pay or Google Pay.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
BitVault</h3>
Also announced last year is <a href="https://swissbankinyourpocket.com/bitvault/" target="_blank">BitVault</a>, which Embedded Downloads is touting as the <i>world’s first crypto communicator and blockchain smartphone</i>. With a third-party Independent Multilayer Security (3IMS) feature that works with fingerprint recognition and iris scans, paired with other features like voice and video calling, messaging and document sharing that are protected with private blockchain, this phone is the epitome of security. A quick note, unlike a public blockchain that allows anyone to participate, a private blockchain required an invitation and validation.<br />
<br />
Due to its high security, BitVault is perfect for government entities, financial institutions, police personnel, security companies, and pretty much any business or individual who needs more privacy. Because it runs on a completely different OS than your average smartphone, the apps you currently have won’t work on it and vice versa, and to create apps for it, developers will need to purchase a developer license.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
HTC Exodus</h3>
Finally, we have the <a href="https://www.htcexodus.com/" target="_blank">HTC Exodus</a>, another smartphone based on blockchain technology that comes with extra security, encryption and cryptocurrency support. This blockchain phone runs on what HTC calls ‘DApps,’ AKA decentralized applications that are also based on blockchain technology, and information from them is verified by users on the network. Each Exodus will also act as an encrypted node on a blockchain network, which essentially makes it VERY difficult to break into, and offers a native cryptocurrency wallet that lets users make and accept cryptocurrency payments to others.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWWZ44p1s0mjZAV5LJ4Z5F34kuQrNxDFCGTHyOE7F7kzSEVxS6cHS15GYQSbmrg35QBGjlqNOwAjk08XbZcrCpi8IPsiipwQNAc7nI0zTNq2Y8nXkg32NVXzqTxjkPhBBLCT_8tLlnIR3/s1600/HTC+Exodus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="728" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWWZ44p1s0mjZAV5LJ4Z5F34kuQrNxDFCGTHyOE7F7kzSEVxS6cHS15GYQSbmrg35QBGjlqNOwAjk08XbZcrCpi8IPsiipwQNAc7nI0zTNq2Y8nXkg32NVXzqTxjkPhBBLCT_8tLlnIR3/s640/HTC+Exodus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: gsmarena.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
To answer the question posed in the title (are blockchain smartphones worth the hype?), they most definitely are if you value your privacy and security and would prefer not to worry about people with nefarious intentions getting their hands on your data.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-60426061828054105992018-05-10T23:28:00.001-07:002018-05-10T23:28:43.469-07:00How to Use Mobile Marketing to Get Ahead in Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_SAHxnt4o3bMf5YlbPt_iNJbD6Er-alH3Ub-9Q_DmmmOuwTll5Uqv9RMQCVo1MnH6yuwxbstRBv5J1uX27zkSKKmzzK3l8V5Ldl1bViWqOFUXkaGW6RPcaqaE54eQmio3TzyTdMaSbYi/s1600/Mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_SAHxnt4o3bMf5YlbPt_iNJbD6Er-alH3Ub-9Q_DmmmOuwTll5Uqv9RMQCVo1MnH6yuwxbstRBv5J1uX27zkSKKmzzK3l8V5Ldl1bViWqOFUXkaGW6RPcaqaE54eQmio3TzyTdMaSbYi/s640/Mobile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you own a smartphone? Who am I kidding, of course, you do. Practically everyone we come across on a daily basis has one and uses it at all times of the day. In fact, our mobile affinity is so prevalent that <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-businesses-use-mobile-marketing-to-their-advantage-infographic/522156/" target="_blank">adult internet users</a> spend 59% of their time on mobile. That is to say that whether we’re looking for a place to eat, finding our way around a strange city, or passing the time with some games, mobile is where we’re at.<br />
For you, as someone who’s attached to a business, this presents an opportunity to get ahead with mobile marketing.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
How to Get an Edge with Mobile Marketing</h4>
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So, what is mobile marketing? According to <a href="https://www.marketo.com/mobile-marketing/" target="_blank">Marketo</a>, mobile marketing is a multi-channel, digital marketing strategy aimed at reaching a target audience on their smartphones, tablets, and/or other mobile devices, via websites, email, SMS and MMS, social media, and apps. That’s all well and good, but the basis is that it’s marketing your business to mobile users — simple as that. With that in mind, here’s how to use mobile marketing to get ahead in business.<br />
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<b>1: Be Mobile-Friendly</b></div>
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First of all, you have to be mobile-friendly. After all, what’s the point of marketing to mobile users if you don’t have a website they can go to? Exactly. For this very reason, you should either get a mobile or responsive website that caters specifically to your mobile users. While a mobile site will pass Google’s tests and serve your user better than a desktop site, what you really want is a responsive site that resizes everything for the screen it resides in and delivers optimal UX for that on-the-go.<br />
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<b>2: Advertise on Mobile</b></div>
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The <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-businesses-use-mobile-marketing-to-their-advantage-infographic/522156/" target="_blank">average smartphone conversion rates</a> have gone up by 64% compared to the average desktop conversion rates. In other words, you’re missing out if you’re opting out of mobile advertising. For starters, there are many advantages of mobile advertising, such as the fact that most people with mobile devices keep them on their person at all times of the day, meaning that you can reach them at all times as opposed to waiting until they log into a computer. Second, if you have a physical location you can make use of push notifications and location-based services to reach your audience with targeted ads and offers when they’re near your store.<br />
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As for the types of mobile advertising you can make use of, here are a few:<br />
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●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Static banner ads</b>: These are the most common mobile ads you’ll come across, and you’ll find them at the top or bottom of the screen. Even though they’re the simplest of the mobile ad family, they’re also the most popular because they’re easy to integrate into any page.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Interstitial ads</b>: These ads are interactive and display across the whole screen, something that may hinge on intrusiveness. In fact, Google penalizes mobile sites that use app install interstitials because they hide a significant amount of content from view, making them mobile-unfriendly.<br />
<b>●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Expandable ads</b>: Expandables start off as static banner ads and expand to fit the screen like interstitials when tapped. These have high conversion rates and allow for more creative design than other ad types.<br />
<b>●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Native ads</b>: Native ads don’t look like ads because their format aligns with the app/site they reside in, making them unobtrusive and good for UX.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz6cZht0PrQW3mHGT3WMoYV6hhOzeLg5TnD8jifWfc7g71VkCJtHlCKT9N4zONTy9jKTR4zEsB5DJ0WAZAfsX4vrqVCVg1XMU0Adm35PG_03kxCS7itpGHErns7V40upcvuvgPZF-MUJT/s1600/Mobile-Advertisting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz6cZht0PrQW3mHGT3WMoYV6hhOzeLg5TnD8jifWfc7g71VkCJtHlCKT9N4zONTy9jKTR4zEsB5DJ0WAZAfsX4vrqVCVg1XMU0Adm35PG_03kxCS7itpGHErns7V40upcvuvgPZF-MUJT/s640/Mobile-Advertisting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>3: Employ SMS Marketing</b></div>
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Short Message Service (SMS) marketing is marketing with text messages. Not only is it a relatively cheap and high-return way of spreading your messages, but because texts are opened and read much more frequently than other delivery methods like email, it’s the perfect way to entice your users with coupons and deals they can’t find anywhere else.<br />
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For example, take a look at what some <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-businesses-use-mobile-marketing-to-their-advantage-infographic/522156/" target="_blank">big brands</a> employing SMS marketing are doing and what they’re getting in return:<br />
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●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carl’s Jr. offered a 50% discount on a meal combo only if participants had opted to receive SMS messages, which resulted in a full 20% of the database to redeem mobile coupons.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pizza Hut launched an SMS promotion, which increased sales by 142%.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Similarly, Dunkin’ Donuts launched an SMS promotion, which increased in-store traffic to their Boston locations by 21%.<br />
If this sounds good to you, make sure to keep messages short, impart a sense of urgency that makes your users act sooner rather than later, and of course, use CTAs that encourage action.<br />
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<b>4: Get an App</b></div>
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Finally, seeing as how <a href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-businesses-use-mobile-marketing-to-their-advantage-infographic/522156/" target="_blank">80% of mobile time</a> is spent engaged with apps, you’ll definitely get a leg up on your competition if you attach an app to your business. The thing is, whereas a couple of years ago mobile apps were restricted to big businesses who could actually afford to develop and roll out apps (and had the time to do so), nowadays there are templates and low-code/no-code development platforms that allow anyone with little or no coding experience to create whatever mobile app suits their need.<br />
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This means that if your competition already has an app and you don’t, you can finally catch up to them and beat them with improved features. If they don’t, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to take the lead. In doing so, you’ll be able to mold the app to your specific brand, adding a recognition factor to your business that presents it as more of an authority.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
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We live in a mobile-first world and your marketing efforts should reflect that. This means using mobile marketing to boost your business and get ahead of the competition. And this, in turn, means getting a site that’s mobile friendly, advertising on mobile so that you can reach your audience around the clock, employing SMS marketing to spread your messages, and pairing an app with your brand to secure your hold at the top of the food chain.</div>
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-74327734276038028062018-04-03T23:57:00.000-07:002018-04-03T23:57:21.772-07:00AI in the Smartphone Industry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXgAJgxCTaM-o50b-cbLExjCq8XffeaXsthYe-r-tCm6mejbcGgQ_uJoG3XuxNE5KWNpbav0ZypLIXZrmoGL0spCsZ4Pg8CuxAlOsuddx5iHA7saopc4PQylwXiIjTk6mg4zka-ITJpZ-/s1600/AI+Phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXgAJgxCTaM-o50b-cbLExjCq8XffeaXsthYe-r-tCm6mejbcGgQ_uJoG3XuxNE5KWNpbav0ZypLIXZrmoGL0spCsZ4Pg8CuxAlOsuddx5iHA7saopc4PQylwXiIjTk6mg4zka-ITJpZ-/s640/AI+Phone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything is smarter today than it was a decade ago. Smartphones? Check. Smartwatches? Of course. Smart cars? Indeed. Smart appliances? That too. With all these smart devices populating our world, the question of their enabler comes to mind. Well, all of this — every single smart device we use day after day — is a reality because of artificial intelligence (AI).<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
What Is Artificial Intelligence?</h4>
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<i>True to its name, <a href="https://business-division.co.uk/innovation/what-is-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank">artificial intelligence</a> is man-made intelligence; intelligence created in a lab that aims to mimic natural intelligence, which is what we and other animals possess.</i><br />
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No longer the stuff of Sci-Fi books and movies, AI is taking over the world. Not literally, of course — at least not yet. If you think of our brain as a network of signals and sensors, then you have a grasp of what AI can do. Like the brain, AI can digest large amounts of data and make predictions about that data.<br />
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For example, if you hear someone say “knock-knock,” you instinctively know that “who’s there?” will come right after. In a similar vein, if you’re texting someone and have predictive text enabled, typing “I’m on” will most likely pull up “my” and then “way.” In many cases, you may even get an option for a whole “I’m on my way!” text. In this instance, your phone used all your past texting data and patterns to predict what you were likely to type next.<br />
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These predictive capabilities and pattern recognition are all due to deep learning, a branch of AI that excels in pattern recognition. In fact, deep learning is improving many AI-enabled features we have in our very own smartphones, such as image recognition and Face ID, speech recognition, predictive text, translations, and much more. Let’s delve deeper.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Uses of Artificial Intelligence in the Smartphone Industry</h4>
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<a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/tmt-predictions.html" target="_blank">Deloitte’s Global Mobile Consumer Survey</a> found that 65% of smartphone owners across 16 developed markets have used an application that features AI and machine learning (talk about intelligent phones). The thing is, when we pair phones with AI, the mobile experience becomes even more personalized and convenient, leading to improved experiences as a whole.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevaI70eo3x3JoRyLF4GpNCxZvKEvrSrmGIAJvOaYPLlTZIu8Ghm8H74TICyz3Tuoun7_98NXNXIgEeDy8gb9-dY1HsaRG6EyLUifAcMLwAIyyDglbbN1NcCQthqXBhs1APC-owDl0hCXw/s1600/AI+Statista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="960" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevaI70eo3x3JoRyLF4GpNCxZvKEvrSrmGIAJvOaYPLlTZIu8Ghm8H74TICyz3Tuoun7_98NXNXIgEeDy8gb9-dY1HsaRG6EyLUifAcMLwAIyyDglbbN1NcCQthqXBhs1APC-owDl0hCXw/s640/AI+Statista.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: statista.com</td></tr>
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Predictive Text</h3>
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Seeing as how we touched on it earlier, the first AI feature found in our smartphones we’ll talk about today is predictive text. Let’s start with a fact: we type a lot. Whether it’s texting, emailing or simply searching on Google, we’re typing away every day. And every time we type one word after another, even one letter after another, our phones are analyzing and taking note of our habits. In other words, they’re picking up on our typing and texting patterns.<br />
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Think of it as a game of chance in which everything is determined by odds. If you (almost) always type “hey, what are” before typing “doing,” then odds are that next time you type “hey, what are,” “doing” will pop up as a suggestion. In this way, everything is connected and dominated by odds. Going further, you may have a specific text pattern for different people in your life. Your phone recognizes this and will suggest text predictions accordingly, which are tailored further based on your own general texting patterns.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Image Recognition</h3>
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For most, image recognition in the smartphone realm is analogous to face recognition. For instance, Apple’s iPhone X that makes use of AI algorithms for its Face ID, which can identify faces, even with changes to appearance like glasses vs. no glasses and beard growth. Anyway, as reported by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2017/09/16/how-face-id-works-apple-iphone-x/#1b95a286624d" target="_blank">Forbes</a>, “[f]ace ID uses a combination of light projectors and sensors to take several images of your facial features… these technologies work together to build a 'detailed depth map of your face to recognize you in an instant.’”<br />
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Apart from Face ID, image recognition is also propelling health apps that can diagnose certain maladies, such as cancerous moles. With these apps, you can take a picture of any dermal anomaly, and the app will use a database that houses troves of data on cancerous versus benign moles, including what signs and symptoms go with each, to accurately diagnose what you have.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Digital Assistants</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46_GEjXsfDaX022iLQOUq4A26doUTFl2h5s4spTUasgu9HkmxLONQzqUubb3TYkXWzZaCkyy0z7FVbEF7gPin7R18ldvofpIyNentqwabK83tNJK5q5GrHiDPbCwkf-hdbtdGDoLbL_OB/s1600/AI+Assistant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46_GEjXsfDaX022iLQOUq4A26doUTFl2h5s4spTUasgu9HkmxLONQzqUubb3TYkXWzZaCkyy0z7FVbEF7gPin7R18ldvofpIyNentqwabK83tNJK5q5GrHiDPbCwkf-hdbtdGDoLbL_OB/s640/AI+Assistant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, we can’t have a discussion of artificial intelligence for smartphones without talking about digital assistants. Whether it’s Siri, Alexa, Bixby or Cortana, digital assistants are improving with AI integration. They’re no longer simply replying to direct questions with pre-programmed answers — they’re also placing online orders, calling our friends and family, sending messages, playing songs, and so much more.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The Future of AI Smartphones</h4>
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The future of smartphones lies in AI. True, AI has been around for a while, but as it relates to turning smartphones into even more intelligent phones, it’s still in its infancy. That is to say that while we have Siri today, the Siri of tomorrow may actually be able to hold a full conversation with you; the apps of today may be able to diagnose cancerous moles, but the apps of tomorrow may be able to diagnose a whole medical journal’s worth of illnesses; the predictive text of today may be able to know what you’re about to type, but the predictive text of tomorrow… well, the predictive text of tomorrow will probably be quite similar, except much more accurate.<br />
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In closing, as cool and advanced as our current AI features are, the future seems like a world of possibilities. Enjoy!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-91366429220453396222018-03-06T22:41:00.000-08:002018-03-06T22:41:34.464-08:00The Top Trends of Mobile World Congress 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiGxbf_1gxKhlTnJ4RE0jgTOFQMJCWUn2VCcAmvm_IN9rx3QmByMLJnIAFcQhyphenhyphenjjcO34JjGTdN52UeBsi2HdnklzvOY8iyGQaqqpTGeJvDngEY6hECWFdAL0O6HSSeW71ZGIV87p_sMC6/s1600/MWC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiGxbf_1gxKhlTnJ4RE0jgTOFQMJCWUn2VCcAmvm_IN9rx3QmByMLJnIAFcQhyphenhyphenjjcO34JjGTdN52UeBsi2HdnklzvOY8iyGQaqqpTGeJvDngEY6hECWFdAL0O6HSSeW71ZGIV87p_sMC6/s640/MWC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The GSMA <a href="https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/" target="_blank">Mobile World Congress (MWC)</a> is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, and this year’s Mobile World Congress 2018 just wrapped up. We’ll get into MWC 2018 highlights soon, but before that let’s talk about what MWC is for those who aren’t familiar. MWC is an annual event where anyone who’s anyone in the mobile world gets together to show off their latest and greatest gadgets. Everything’s on display — next-gen AI solutions, state-of-the-art mobile accessories, everything — and it’s the perfect place to whet your mobile appetite.<br />
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This year, Mobile World Congress 2018 trends focused on:<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Fourth Industrial Revolution<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Future Service Provider<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Network<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Digital Consumer<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tech in Society<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Content & Media<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Applied AI<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Innovation<br />
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And more than 2,400 companies were able to showcase cutting-edge products and services, a GSMA and <a href="http://www.brosmind.com/" target="_blank">Brosmind</a> partnership was concocted to illustrate the unique role mobile is playing in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), immersive demonstrations of the latest mobile-enabled products and services were featured in the GSMA Innovation City, 25 companies were awarded 38 GLOMOs (Global Mobile Awards) for their advances in technology, and much much more.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Mobile World Congress 2018 Highlights</h4>
That being said, let’s take a look at what you missed out on if you weren’t able to attend!<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Galaxy S9 and S9+</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM2Rq4-u-36Bms-Eq4BtGk-Pg6lscYPogh8vNkPuS5L1aqM6Tnd7o5QRTgzvWMhBahxFDaAyoKvCOOo27GRNBY4Ks66n_qKi29BxdWANoXRRtcZEyUhlb6Hl23wvwJCMThpUQ9OLmQR_f/s1600/Galaxy-S9-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikM2Rq4-u-36Bms-Eq4BtGk-Pg6lscYPogh8vNkPuS5L1aqM6Tnd7o5QRTgzvWMhBahxFDaAyoKvCOOo27GRNBY4Ks66n_qKi29BxdWANoXRRtcZEyUhlb6Hl23wvwJCMThpUQ9OLmQR_f/s640/Galaxy-S9-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: wccftech.com</td></tr>
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<div>
As we all know, Samsung is a staple of the smartphone market, so it’s not surprising that they showed off their latest handsets. At first glance, you may think that the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are quite similar to their predecessors (S8 & S8+), but they actually have some pretty cool upgrades and improvements. For example, they use Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 845 CPU and a new mechanical variable aperture rear camera sensor that improves performance by letting it (camera) switch between f/2.4 and f/1.5 apertures based on the environment. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Xperia XZ2</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80MnD_12Oe5PThE18Wo87Ml0QHq86MpT9dNhnTSTN8jt_1r8EKxhKwO3XabHs_HfkHE690mzcGg1GgcbW9qElQYBYzVDWwP0mF4p5rFeFDhq5oYmKwgLZeKdas-WwTfDwGfbe9oCMCdZ/s1600/Sony-Xperia-XZ2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1440" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80MnD_12Oe5PThE18Wo87Ml0QHq86MpT9dNhnTSTN8jt_1r8EKxhKwO3XabHs_HfkHE690mzcGg1GgcbW9qElQYBYzVDWwP0mF4p5rFeFDhq5oYmKwgLZeKdas-WwTfDwGfbe9oCMCdZ/s640/Sony-Xperia-XZ2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: en.letsgodigital.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Sony, another tech giant we’re all familiar with, unveiled the Xperia XZ2 as a pleasant departure from its previous squarish design. New and improved, the Xperia has a mixed material chassis with a 2.5D curved glass back and is packed with the latest Sony technologies to deliver an entertainment experience that touches your senses in a whole new way. Like the Galaxy S9 and S9+, the Xperia XZ2 boasts of a Snapdragon 845 CPU for improved use, a larger battery, a revamped camera, much louder speakers, and the world's first 4K HDR movie recording in a smartphone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Nokia 7 Plus</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9ygDEtd9mcOdCnNzZ_gRgcFB9zfRIRkYGqwY9ZnMUpxZQ2XXAsddPtCynKYoRbCUJ6fsdvruPpvP3N6IPZsPVR2S8s3i-oPbb844VAv189pl_9VcDhCyCKaxHx24199xLYAYQlIUqrR8/s1600/Nokia7plus_ROW_hero-phone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9ygDEtd9mcOdCnNzZ_gRgcFB9zfRIRkYGqwY9ZnMUpxZQ2XXAsddPtCynKYoRbCUJ6fsdvruPpvP3N6IPZsPVR2S8s3i-oPbb844VAv189pl_9VcDhCyCKaxHx24199xLYAYQlIUqrR8/s320/Nokia7plus_ROW_hero-phone.png" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: nokia.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
With 64GB of storage, a Snapdragon 660 CPU, 6-inch 18:9 Full HD + resolution display perfect for our media consumption, and an added bonus of running on Android One, the Nokia 7 Plus is already a fan favorite. Apart from an upgraded screen, more power, and greater functionality, this phone also has excellent battery life and enhanced Dual-Sight rear sensors with ZEISS optics that create a wide-angle camera that excels in low light and extra bright environments.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Nokia 8110 “Banana Phone”</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksBeHrfDSEzyQVUbOsRSHVvQQC6nHlGsXV3zeAYMZM-3tn9fta3NqX-iApmGWoNiLFSHZ-IlxrG1qkwIOOpLpbD4z-GTVfsLEcgseRQvGdDvVg33RKcpaUZheMY6qEL-atEhVJVKhLSGK/s1600/Nokia-8110-4G-Feature-850x443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="850" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksBeHrfDSEzyQVUbOsRSHVvQQC6nHlGsXV3zeAYMZM-3tn9fta3NqX-iApmGWoNiLFSHZ-IlxrG1qkwIOOpLpbD4z-GTVfsLEcgseRQvGdDvVg33RKcpaUZheMY6qEL-atEhVJVKhLSGK/s640/Nokia-8110-4G-Feature-850x443.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: techprolonged.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Famously featured in The Matrix, the Nokia 8110, AKA the Banana Phone, is back. Like many upgraded models in MWC 2018, the 4G 8110 is new and improved and brings back the iconic slide design with new features like an app store with where you’ll find favorites like Facebook, Google Search, Google Maps, Twitter and more. As for the slide design, want to answer the phone? Slide. Want to hang up? Slide. What more can you want?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Lenovo Vital</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup86p5a2-zsIdMB35ImZbq0unT3c0Vkb02eKxyuivGKbwYxagIqtRZf6Oa0j-9Qw0lGayNnMZplMVg3WVFmJzn7zqzAXOjcDu_CR3I3O23D6LeSZwNVgFSWskdlJInZfPe7pthsZ4bIi2/s1600/lenovo-vital-moto-mod-ces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1024" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjup86p5a2-zsIdMB35ImZbq0unT3c0Vkb02eKxyuivGKbwYxagIqtRZf6Oa0j-9Qw0lGayNnMZplMVg3WVFmJzn7zqzAXOjcDu_CR3I3O23D6LeSZwNVgFSWskdlJInZfPe7pthsZ4bIi2/s640/lenovo-vital-moto-mod-ces.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: ubergizmo.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The Lenovo Vital is one of the coolest health trackers you’ll come across. As the latest Moto Mod for Motorola’s Z line of smartphones, this device works as a biometric scanner that can measure blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen, and temperature. It’s also very simple to use — all you have to do is place your finger in the protruding dock, slip it into a rubber seal and click on the onscreen start button you’ll find in the app.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Land Rover Explorer Outdoor Phone</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
Closing our list today, the Land Rover Explorer Outdoor Phone is the one and the only phone those who love the great outdoors need. For one, it can survive anything — drops water submersion (including salt water), extreme temperatures, rapid temperature changes and more. Second, apart from being an indestructible phone, it also has all the features you want as an explorer like topographic mapping options, AR Skyline navigation, and instant access to a dashboard that has weather information, sensor data, and an SOS light toggle.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Wrap Up</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
As all the excitement dies down, we have to come to grips with the fact that we have to wait for more than we’d like for the next MWC to come around. It’s not all bad though — in the meantime, we have all the cool gadgets and services that were unveiled this year. Enjoy!<br />
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</div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-35086069283154251022018-02-07T21:05:00.000-08:002018-02-07T21:05:35.728-08:00The Future of Virtual and Augmented Reality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmnfshc0J5q9BRh6HcviMbIXz-6QZ3B6bAkkdLdwl5rEowQtTom8deDnp-YhZk_Wr-9SGF0JgK91Df0WKUU4yAIN2kl2EZeJ16ahwvNycFQ1D6IIyR68nJ1TRra9cISJ9Rz0ru8llV5QA/s1600/AR-VR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1200" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmnfshc0J5q9BRh6HcviMbIXz-6QZ3B6bAkkdLdwl5rEowQtTom8deDnp-YhZk_Wr-9SGF0JgK91Df0WKUU4yAIN2kl2EZeJ16ahwvNycFQ1D6IIyR68nJ1TRra9cISJ9Rz0ru8llV5QA/s640/AR-VR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: <span style="color: #1155cc;">arvrmagazine.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS43248817" target="_blank">IDC reported</a> that worldwide spending on augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) is forecasted to reach $17.8 billion in 2018, an increase of nearly 95% over the $9.1 billion spent in 2017. The thing is, neither VR nor AR are new technologies, so why the sudden year over year growth? The answer: mobile technology.<br />
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From bulky Nokias to sleek iPhones, mobile technology has skyrocketed in recent years. We’ve moved past the days where a simple game of Snake was all that our phones could take. As cell phones evolved into smartphones, their capabilities grew exponentially. For example, with a VR headset our phones can transport us to a completely new world, and with a camera, they can combine the real and imaginary to create an augmented version of both.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Virtual Reality</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Virtual reality is something that brings back childhood memories of wishing we could jump into our favorite video games or movies and join the action, right there alongside the action heroes. It’s immersive storytelling in which you join the action, offering untold potential in terms of engagement. With virtual reality you’re no longer a spectator, you’re a participant.<br />
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When we pair mobile technology with devices like <a href="https://vr.google.com/cardboard/" target="_blank">Google Cardboard</a>, you arrive at VR all consumers can use. And if the consumer can use it, brands can produce it. Case in point, The <i>New York Times</i> and its NYT VR app, which became the <a href="https://www.iab.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IAB_VR_Report-Sep-2016.pdf" target="_blank">most successful app launch</a> in NYT history. That was back in 2015 — imagine what can happen today.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBNAlMLZ7jBupGKemqLE6VbbHYFEZGXhHZhFCqkUWfBJeP3vrauZkpU8nO713ti6RILjplxuzNqIIZd18E5vZPwcplVp0IWEd9WDVRPiJF-7jv88TqrWNXVPu8GwHWeeihYQ6TJ0Hs66e/s1600/Google+Cardboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBNAlMLZ7jBupGKemqLE6VbbHYFEZGXhHZhFCqkUWfBJeP3vrauZkpU8nO713ti6RILjplxuzNqIIZd18E5vZPwcplVp0IWEd9WDVRPiJF-7jv88TqrWNXVPu8GwHWeeihYQ6TJ0Hs66e/s640/Google+Cardboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: <a href="http://www.arvrmagazine.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">arvrmagazine.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 2018, virtual reality will be used for marketing, advertising, and anything else you can think of. Brands will use its ability to completely immerse users in a literal virtual reality as a cool and fun way of showing off and advertising their products and services, such as the ones in this post with the <a href="http://mbryonic.com/best-vr/" target="_blank">10 best uses of VR in marketing</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Augmented Reality</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
AR, like VR, utilizes the virtual in an effort to spice up what’s real. But unlike VR, AR augments your surroundings in a complementary interaction between reality and imagination. In other words, it’s a coexistence of physical and virtual.<br />
<br />
Big players such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Snapchat are already making strides in the AR industry. Apple introduced <a href="https://developer.apple.com/arkit/" target="_blank">ARKit</a> and Google rolled out <a href="https://developers.google.com/ar/" target="_blank">ARCore</a>, two collections of tools for developers who want to bring AR features in their apps, Facebook has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/messenger/videos/1692047780914895/" target="_blank">World Effects</a>, an AR feature for photos and videos that <i>enable you to drop 3D objects into your surroundings to capture and share fun moments with your friends and family</i>, and finally, Snapchat has, well, Snapchat.<br />
<br />
The immediate popularity of apps like Snapchat and Pokemon Go have shown us that users not only want AR, they need it. To enter the AR market in 2018, brands need to understand how consumers will interact with the technology and where to make use of it in the customer journey. For example, they can start early and use it to promote their products by putting up flyers that jump out at you when viewed through an AR app. They can also copy IKEA, who created an <a href="https://www.wired.com/2013/08/a-new-ikea-app-lets-you-place-3d-furniture-in-your-home/" target="_blank">app with AR functionality</a> to show off their products in their consumers’ homes, and use it after consumers are already aware of their products.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts & TL;DR</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Virtual and augmented reality are geared to be the two very important mobile technologies in 2018. One epitomizes immersive storytelling the other transforms the world around you into an enhanced version of itself. And here’s the Tl;dr version of what we covered today:<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worldwide spending on augmented reality and virtual reality is forecasted to increase drastically because of advancements in mobile technology<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>VR takes us back to our childhood and turns us from spectators to participants<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pairing mobile technology with devices like Google Cardboard gives us VR all consumers can use<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>VR can be used for marketing, advertising, and anything else you can think of because of its ability to increase brand engagement beyond anything else<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>AR augments your surroundings in a complementary interaction between reality and imagination<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Big players such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Snapchat are already making strides in the AR industry<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>AR can be used anywhere in the customer journey to either introduce a brand’s products and services or promote them further<br />
Enjoy experiencing these alternate realities!<br />
<div>
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</div>
Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-66753571125269778092018-01-08T21:40:00.000-08:002018-01-08T21:40:31.654-08:00Mobile Payment Solutions: A Gateway for Safer and Faster Transactions in 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJAxmqLj8bEMKr19xzcuERlJitmW9JSC2L6PTJCoc0xXQX7oBDorjpw_RzUzN9oNzwJo7fgAOmlTz9Yiul8vlEEiEouIUIkMRdo3EbYt7RFnnYEFpeD0SpQLr7Y-RxEEZdkInOgaxszhp/s1600/Mobile+Wallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="794" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJAxmqLj8bEMKr19xzcuERlJitmW9JSC2L6PTJCoc0xXQX7oBDorjpw_RzUzN9oNzwJo7fgAOmlTz9Yiul8vlEEiEouIUIkMRdo3EbYt7RFnnYEFpeD0SpQLr7Y-RxEEZdkInOgaxszhp/s640/Mobile+Wallet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: creditcards.com</td></tr>
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Technology completely revolutionized commerce as it gave birth to eCommerce and, thanks to our love for our smartphones, mCommerce. The reality is that thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the way we shop has changed, is changing, and will continue to change. In fact, due to a combination of new and emerging technology, and changes to regulations and consumer behavior, 2018 seems poised to be a year of big change in the payments landscape.<br />
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As a matter of fact, with in-app purchasing, one-click ordering, mobile card readers, carrier payments, the point of sale payments, and many more mobile payment solutions, it’s safe to say that mobile payments cannot be stopped. Starting with what mobile pay is and ending with its benefits, here’s all you need to know about mobile payment solutions.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Mobile Payment Solutions</h3>
The mobile pay landscape is vast and expansive, covering everything from everyday transactions to mutual fund and stock market investments. Thanks to IoT and smartphones, we can now practically pay for whatever we want with nothing other than our phones.<br />
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For example, Google introduced the <a href="https://www.google.com/wallet/" target="_blank">Google Wallet</a> app in 2011, saying it was “a fast, free way to send money through the app, in Gmail, or on the web.” A couple of years later Apple introduced <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-pay/" target="_blank">Apple Pay</a> for Apple devices, Samsung introduced <a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/samsung-pay/" target="_blank">Samsung Pay</a> for Samsung Galaxy devices, and Android introduced <a href="https://www.android.com/pay/" target="_blank">Android Pay</a> for Android devices.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmDE_Ri62BeWuqkb2eSMjdD0hoTXdAu_6lAAddo4LAWcd6Vihb6-BKFirtud6KYEsq38r3dmKo7SGmc9RDAWYghlicIuwmvC2dkkhnJE5s1xWW6AIln55nmHwN6Hqbv8RGc6ivOMz4cnC/s1600/Mobile-Wallet-logos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmDE_Ri62BeWuqkb2eSMjdD0hoTXdAu_6lAAddo4LAWcd6Vihb6-BKFirtud6KYEsq38r3dmKo7SGmc9RDAWYghlicIuwmvC2dkkhnJE5s1xWW6AIln55nmHwN6Hqbv8RGc6ivOMz4cnC/s640/Mobile-Wallet-logos.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: fsbnh.bank</td></tr>
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The gist of these mobile payment applications is that we already use our smartphones for practically everything, so why not payments as well? All that’s required is to add a credit card, debit card, gift card, loyalty card, or some other form of payment card. Once that’s complete, we can use our phones to shop online, in stores, or through other apps. For in-store purchases, these services use NFC (near field communication) technology to make purchases with a single tap of the phone on a CC terminal — simple.<br />
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<b>Apart from these ‘Pay’ apps, other mobile payment solutions we can make use of are: </b><br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Banking applications like those of TD Bank, Bank of America, Citibank and more<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Non-banking apps that have similar functions as banking apps, such as Venmo<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mobile card readers can be inserted into a smartphone’s headphone jack to charge payment cards<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Carrier payments that allow you to pay through your carrier (E.g., donating money to a charity be texting a certain number)<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Closed loop proprietary mobile payments in which customers can pay through their smartphones<br />
<br />
Similar to Starbucks, <a href="https://marketintelligence.spglobal.com/our-thinking/ideas/cvs-pay-joins-growing-list-of-in-store-mobile-payment-apps" target="_blank">other retailers</a> like Walmart, Dunkin’ Donuts, CVS and Burger King are also using proprietary mobile payments to make their customers’ lives easier. And interestingly enough, <a href="https://www.recode.net/2016/3/14/11586942/amazon-wants-the-patent-for-pay-by-selfie" target="_blank">Amazon</a> also filed a patent that would allow shoppers to make a purchase by taking a photo and/or video of themselves — a sort of ‘selfie pay.’<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Benefits of Mobile Payment Solutions and Why You Should Use Them</h3>
<br />
40% of millennials say that they would give up cash completely; we may not live in a cashless society yet, but we’re knocking at its door. The thing is, not only is it frustrating to physically go to an ATM to withdraw cash, but the possibility of losing it (and your other payment cards) if you happen to misplace it or your wallet crosses the line — nope, no thank you.<br />
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From what we covered in the previous section and just saw with the ATM example, it can be seen that mobile payment solutions are extremely convenient. Not only can we pay with a simple phone tap, but we can even use wearables like the <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204506" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> to pay for more mobility and convenience. Mobile pay also eliminates the need for paper receipts; everything is stored digitally and available for our inspection.<br />
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Apart from convenience (what can be more convenient than tapping a phone?), mobile payments are also very secure. Mobile wallets usually require two-factor verification and all financial data is encrypted. Even more, many mobile payment services offer 24/7 fraud monitoring for extra protection. As for the possibility of losing your phone and falling risk to others using your mobile wallet, no need to worry — services like Apple Pay will only work with your thumbprint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLjY8LWO3PpjByaQ7ugYgnWirqjKm3BHHKXZp-lXHiei6g-KBIsJa2XSXNaz6BKn3NGPu8u-OYn2jYmV_nazIoN6SpQ3FFTUHyqal-EHObiI_74lmgJsnffY_7WoWh-GjecyNCLCn-xiM/s1600/apple-pay-how-will-work-showcase_image-7-a-7328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="620" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLjY8LWO3PpjByaQ7ugYgnWirqjKm3BHHKXZp-lXHiei6g-KBIsJa2XSXNaz6BKn3NGPu8u-OYn2jYmV_nazIoN6SpQ3FFTUHyqal-EHObiI_74lmgJsnffY_7WoWh-GjecyNCLCn-xiM/s640/apple-pay-how-will-work-showcase_image-7-a-7328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: bankinfosecurity.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Final Thoughts<br />
We want safer transactions, protected data, faster payments, and overall better and streamlined shopping experiences. As <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelleevans1/2017/10/27/three-payment-trends-that-will-change-how-we-pay-in-2018/#2f8c33e16c2c" target="_blank">Forbes</a> states, “<i>consumers expect frictionless checkout experiences combined with the same level of security across all devices as exists today with other more established payment forms.</i>” Lucky for us, mobile payment solutions are there to help us out. And with all the good they bring, it can be said that for mobile pay 2018 will be a very good year. Enjoy!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-54315917837894168812017-12-04T21:56:00.000-08:002017-12-04T21:56:02.898-08:003 Mobile Technologies that Will Make a Big Impact in 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Out of all of the technologies, you can think of, mobile technology has had one of the biggest impacts on our lives. Why? Because it’s mobile and we can go anywhere with it. Today, more people than ever have smartphones, and with it comes near limitless possibilities.<br />
Let’s look at what the future of mobile technology will look like in 2018.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
1: Wireless Charging</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwklqkDZkUj67vtPAcU_juBPVQoePJ1fNgApPeyop2_Ku0XGpNRY23ItEsmssd0BkKr83xCh8mJdacuVJimuBBvKsd7eTYIxN0wSONg9869-6q0-_SSDXxCf2IW-JL_oNm3e0E7UB474E3/s1600/wireless+charging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="997" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwklqkDZkUj67vtPAcU_juBPVQoePJ1fNgApPeyop2_Ku0XGpNRY23ItEsmssd0BkKr83xCh8mJdacuVJimuBBvKsd7eTYIxN0wSONg9869-6q0-_SSDXxCf2IW-JL_oNm3e0E7UB474E3/s640/wireless+charging.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: businessinsider.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It’s been a long time since Nikola Tesla walked on Earth, but we finally have something he could only dream about: wireless charging (AKA inductive charging). Wires? No, thank you. I would much rather simply set my phone down on top of a charging pad and let the energy flow. The thing about wires is that they’re the past; they’re obsolete. We have wireless speakers, wireless earphones, and now we have wireless charging. Wires had their heyday, and it’s time for them to step aside.</div>
Imagine coming home a bit inebriated after a night out with friends. You get back, you’re tired, thirsty, and all you want to do is take your clothes off and go to sleep. You put your phone down and head to bed. Which of the following scenarios would you prefer?<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You start nodding off when you realize that your phone is completely out of battery. Darn it, now you have to get up, find the charging cable, and do that little dance where you try to plug your phone in as few tries as possible. Ahh, finally, fifth time’s the charm — time to head back to bed.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You start nodding off and you fall asleep knowing that your phone started charging the second you put it down on top of the charging pad.<br />
If I were you, I would opt for the second scenario.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
2: Augmented Reality</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpjUc6OovSYQ4T_n0vRvl4IvEnjer6e77eI4qZYcE8QsTdAC8p9KQrURyLByVdf57_OpzxjTQb2uY_zwhhrFcJ-kZWCCREuRs9xChEMo9G9RbqdwC9y3zbK3RFPEIiUHKdMKNJRiHDiIk/s1600/AR+View.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpjUc6OovSYQ4T_n0vRvl4IvEnjer6e77eI4qZYcE8QsTdAC8p9KQrURyLByVdf57_OpzxjTQb2uY_zwhhrFcJ-kZWCCREuRs9xChEMo9G9RbqdwC9y3zbK3RFPEIiUHKdMKNJRiHDiIk/s640/AR+View.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: techcrunch.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Augmented reality has been with us for a while now, but we didn’t really start talking about it and mobile technology in the same sentence until Pokémon GO came into the scene in the summer of 2016. It’s had its ups and downs, but many people now realize what AR can do, and many organizations are taking heed and are adding it to their own strategies.<br />
In fact, Amazon recently released <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/01/amazon-adds-an-ar-shopping-feature-to-its-ios-app/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">AR View</span></a>, a wonderful mobile app that goes above and beyond what other AR apps can do. With it, you can go through their catalogue, choose something that you’re interested in, and then superimpose it onto your actual surroundings. That’s not all though, after all, there are plenty apps that already do that. The beauty of this app is that it has more of a mixed reality feel by allowing to ‘interact’ with the product. Not interact as in touch, but once you place an object somewhere, you can walk around and see it from different angles, just as if it were actually there. So whereas other apps have the object sit there, Amazon actually lets you treat it as an actual thing.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
3: Translators</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3EinThTZu3xDCNN99VPcbKNhY9iNua7fLkBJOZDhSUFwqkj1JcJw4Cai4g5rX2qnp9_YYySbVXUG5TmXF3CmWaVE_OW4Nebhydqy0jjLq9TKom23Y94H3fAzIUU3sP5hyphenhypheneht-UxNUbm_/s1600/Translator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="970" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3EinThTZu3xDCNN99VPcbKNhY9iNua7fLkBJOZDhSUFwqkj1JcJw4Cai4g5rX2qnp9_YYySbVXUG5TmXF3CmWaVE_OW4Nebhydqy0jjLq9TKom23Y94H3fAzIUU3sP5hyphenhypheneht-UxNUbm_/s640/Translator.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: realonlinecareer.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As artificial intelligence improves, we’re seeing more and more improvements in translators. And by this, I’m not referring to dear old text translators, but instead, those that translate as you speak. In other words, you can have a complete and cohesive conversation with someone who speaks a completely different language than you, without waiting for the machine to register what you say and then translate. I’m talking real-time language translation.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
A Second Look at the Future of Mobile Technology</h3>
Let’s whet our mobile technology appetites by taking a second look at what 2018 will bring:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wireless charging that will make our lives much easier<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Augmented reality to merge the real and virtual world<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Translators that can break down language barriers in real-time<br />
Enjoy the future of mobile technology!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-49323437462855452332017-11-02T21:50:00.000-07:002017-11-02T21:50:24.001-07:00Top 7 Programming Languages for Mobile App Development<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DMLSthXWqf6eAPL4406k9OXZu_BnZL1dV70ib5RCnuTyJ4u4TjDvbgp_8q8uVQ8_A7-l07CEQiZ5VCMK_tzGpn8HrKQxV8JmvZ2BaxvGPCwGef2d8sPpkXuZ7gaGQFml3lZstfPgdCF9/s1600/Phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DMLSthXWqf6eAPL4406k9OXZu_BnZL1dV70ib5RCnuTyJ4u4TjDvbgp_8q8uVQ8_A7-l07CEQiZ5VCMK_tzGpn8HrKQxV8JmvZ2BaxvGPCwGef2d8sPpkXuZ7gaGQFml3lZstfPgdCF9/s640/Phone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the release of the iPhone X, smartphones continue to be one of the hottest and most trending topics online. We all have them, we all love them, and we all think we can come up with the latest and greatest mobile apps that will take the world by storm. The problem is unless we’re familiar with one, two, or a few programming languages, we’re left without a paddle.<br />
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One avenue of recourse is to team up with a developer or digital agency with mobile app development skills, but that might come with a hefty price tag. Instead, take a proactive approach; learn some programming languages and start coding some mobile apps. The hard part of learning is up to you, but here’s your first step: choosing from these top 7 programming languages ripe for mobile app development.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
1: Swift</h4>
<a href="https://developer.apple.com/swift/" target="_blank">Swift</a> is a powerful and intuitive programming language for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Released by Apple specifically for iOS and supporting systems, this programming language is a must if you plan to develop mobile apps for Apple users. It’s quite intuitive and easy to learn, and its popularity has been steadily <a href="https://thenextweb.com/dd/2015/12/14/watch-how-apples-swift-evolved-into-an-open-source-powerhouse/" target="_blank">increasing in recent years</a>. If you want a language that makes coding fun, you can’t go wrong with Swift.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
2: Objective-C</h4>
Before Swift, there was <a href="https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/ProgrammingWithObjectiveC/Introduction/Introduction.html" target="_blank">Objective-C</a>, Apple’s language of choice for years. It’s one of the most popular programming languages for mobile app development, so consider learning it and Swift congruently for a well-rounded approach. It’s simple to use, pretty robust and scalable, and as it’s a C-language superset, it has a decent amount of functions geared toward graphics and display functions.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
3: C++</h4>
<a href="https://isocpp.org/" target="_blank">C++</a> (pronounced C plus plus) is the language for you if you’re planning on entering the Android and Windows mobile app landscape. It’s one of the most powerful programming languages and is also very good for developing cross-platform mobile apps. Speaking of, C++ works with Objective-C libraries in iOS app development, so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire. No matter what type of app you’re thinking of, C++ can definitely help you out.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
4: Java</h4>
With 5 million students studying it, 10 million developers using it, and 15 billion devices running on it, <a href="https://java.com/en/" target="_blank">Java</a> is the language of possibilities. It’s an object-oriented language that’s very easy to learn and use, which is probably why many introductory computer science courses use it as a starter language. As such, it’s also one of the most popular programming languages in the world (overall), especially for Android mobile app development. Not to say that you can’t use it for cross-platform app development — it’s actually one of the most suited languages for app development in general.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
5: Python</h4>
<a href="https://www.python.org/" target="_blank">Python</a> is a programming language that lets you work quickly and integrate systems more effectively. It’s a high-level language perfect for a variety of projects, and one of its most appealing features is that it is excellent at readability. Because of its syntax, Python is also very good at writing fast code, as it helps programmers achieve results in fewer steps than other languages like Java or C++.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
6: C#</h4>
Just like Swift is Apple’s brainchild, <a href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/" target="_blank">C# </a>is Microsoft’s. As such, if you want to develop a Windows phone app, definitely consider C#. It’s a very versatile language and, with support from Xamarin and Unity, you can build everything from server and enterprise apps to games.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
7: Javascript + HTML5</h4>
<a href="https://www.w3.org/TR/html5/" target="_blank">HTML5</a> is the fifth version of HTML, and while not a mobile app development language in and of itself, by pairing it with <a href="https://www.javascript.com/" target="_blank">Javascript</a>, it most definitely becomes one (Javascript can also be paired with CSS and AJAX for mobile apps). Therefore, it’s good for hybrid app developers who are not used to the mobile app landscape.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
Take your pick of one or all of these languages — you can’t go wrong with either. Here they are all over again:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Swift<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Objective-C<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C++<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Java<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Python<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>C#<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Javascript + HTML5<br />
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Good luck learning and coding!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-87216711406956415192017-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:002017-10-03T22:20:42.600-07:0010 Tips to Increase Mobile App Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Pure0gxCjHvdAfZcuuX6ayj4cu2f7tBImN4wNLN0MQoeCqfbDpeISIDHwF7I2tT-vNIvVXndvY00s0zB1WDEL3-ArVIn2n_GXzLKJKw6C9lhzOEx1ZxTTrbp86BNXceL-3Uitx8HQsdO/s1600/2016-1223-aumcore-office-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Pure0gxCjHvdAfZcuuX6ayj4cu2f7tBImN4wNLN0MQoeCqfbDpeISIDHwF7I2tT-vNIvVXndvY00s0zB1WDEL3-ArVIn2n_GXzLKJKw6C9lhzOEx1ZxTTrbp86BNXceL-3Uitx8HQsdO/s640/2016-1223-aumcore-office-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: Aumcore.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are about 2.8M mobile apps in the Google Play Store, 2.2M in the Apple App Store, 669K in the Windows Store, and 600K in the Amazon App Store. In other words, the mobile app landscape is extremely competitive and developers are popping up left and right with new apps every day. For example, one year ago there were around 12 million people trying their hand in mobile application development, and about 149.3 billion applications were downloaded in that same year.<br />
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The point is that there are a lot of mobile apps out there, and if you’re a developer who wants to increase mobile app engagement, you’ll have a hard time competing with everyone else. After all, the last thing you want is for your app to finally get downloaded only to collect digital dust as it sits on your user’s phone day in and day out.<br />
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And now we arrive at the gist of our conversation today: 10 tips that’ll help you increase mobile app engagement.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
1: Create a Great First Impression</h4>
Just like any other relationship, your mobile app has to make a good first impression from the start. If people don’t like it from the get-go, they’ll delete it right then and there and out goes another user. That’s not what you want. You want to create an easy onboarding experience that’s marked by few, simple steps to get started, a splash screen that keeps users entertained as the app loads, and most importantly, a fast interface.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
2: Leverage Analytics</h4>
One of the more important tips on this list, leverage your app’s analytics to get a better understanding of who your users are. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable insights into user behavior; you’ll know what’s working and what your users are responding to. From here, you can optimize your app and create an experience that everyone — or at least a majority — will like.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
3: Use Push Notifications</h4>
More specific than other tips on this list for engagement, use push notifications to keep your app on your user’s mind. As long as your notifications serve a purpose and are beneficial, and aren’t generic ones akin to junk mail, your app will be a constant presence in your user’s mind, thereby increasing engagement. For example, reach out with personalized content that’ll make them feel wanted.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
4: Utilize Location-Based Content</h4>
Location-specific notifications go a long way in enhancing engagement with your app because they’re contextual. By sending real-time information as a user enters or exits a geofence, they’ll be prompted to take an action through your app in that very moment. Like push notifications, make sure that they’ll benefit from them, otherwise they’ll get annoyed and may delete the app.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
5: Offer Personalization</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT9CGQxaKhUBg474HSMcr9KW8D7jSiy2woQU-nQ27h0MWOASpteV92LI-2rj54UvgAYjru2Z-YIUNEU_vVzMAkQuGVyKsKuFVOW4A2I6U30o6eXBcRxApPGUcDh-Fqnci9jYOLL-GEJ9V/s1600/Tailor-Made-Content.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="672" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT9CGQxaKhUBg474HSMcr9KW8D7jSiy2woQU-nQ27h0MWOASpteV92LI-2rj54UvgAYjru2Z-YIUNEU_vVzMAkQuGVyKsKuFVOW4A2I6U30o6eXBcRxApPGUcDh-Fqnci9jYOLL-GEJ9V/s640/Tailor-Made-Content.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We’re all different and we’re all particular about what we like. What Jack likes may not be liked by Jill, and what Bonnie likes may not be liked by Clyde. By offering in-app personalization, you’ll enhance user experience (UX), guaranteeing that engagement with your app will increase as well.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
6: Gamify Your App with Incentives</h4>
Everyone likes games and everyone likes rewards. Want to increase user engagement with your app? Gamify it and offer incentives like a loyalty program that’ll keep them coming back. For example, offering daily rewards that compound as users check in on consecutive days will guarantee that your users become daily users. If you have a game, offer in-game tokens that give them bonuses. If you have an eCommerce app, offer them promo codes or discounts. As long as you make it worthwhile, people will keep coming back.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
7: Optimize Battery Consumption</h4>
A very important task in the mobile application development stage, optimize for battery consumption. Unless your app is a game, don’t make it too graphic intensive. Not only will this drastically increase battery usage, but it’ll also slow down the app, effectively lowering UX.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
8: Integrate Social Media</h4>
Practically everyone’s on social media. Whether a youngster or a retiree, chances are good that they’ll have an account in one of the many social media platforms out there. If you offer social media integration, you’ll give your users a chance to share any information they want their friends and followers. You’ll essentially open an avenue for them to share their experiences, which will function to attract even more people to your app.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm1qlaKHg1mG7bxXFM3p5YvPrNRzPjIg_yfVl6NRG2QbSf_nr3jziBiVLZtpu7Iai29gZOeWc8INYs38gJ44hdx6Lh1e60S7pL5Tv9begofSlmCpVrb3fKNRPjPawPg5W8SYn8rTW3XJN/s1600/Social-Media-3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1224" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm1qlaKHg1mG7bxXFM3p5YvPrNRzPjIg_yfVl6NRG2QbSf_nr3jziBiVLZtpu7Iai29gZOeWc8INYs38gJ44hdx6Lh1e60S7pL5Tv9begofSlmCpVrb3fKNRPjPawPg5W8SYn8rTW3XJN/s640/Social-Media-3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
9: Offer a Free Trial</h4>
Is your mobile app a paid app? If so, consider offering a free trial that’ll give them a taste before they buy. The thing is, people may not be hooked from your app’s description alone and they’ll be hard-pressed to purchase it without knowing what’s in store for them. By offering a trial period, you’ll metaphorically dangle a carrot before them, increasing the chances of a download. And because we’re human, we tend to like things more if we have to pay for them.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
10: Listen to Your Users</h4>
And finally, listen to what your users have to say. More often than not, someone writes a review for one of two reasons: if they had a good experience or not. If your users actually take the time out of their busy day to write a review for your app, you can bet they want to be heard. Listen to them and see what’s working and what’s not. Once you have this information, you can make any updates and create a better experience for everyone.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Final Thoughts</h4>
There are about 2.32 billion smartphone owners today and mobile apps for just about everything. We have some for eCommerce, others for social media, and even some that tell us when a planet is in retrograde. And yet, with all these apps, it’s still very difficult to increase mobile app engagement with your users. Do yourself a favor and use the following tips to increase mobile app engagement:<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Create a great first impression that won’t turn users away<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use analytics to get to know your users better<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use push notifications to stay in your user’s mind<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Utilize location-based content to stay contextual<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Offer personalization to keep things interesting<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gamify your app with incentives to keep users coming back<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Optimize battery consumption and keep your users happy<br />
8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Integrate social media to keep current<br />
9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Offer a free trial to get users hooked<br />
10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listen to your users through their reviews<br />
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Best of luck with your mobile application development!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-51149417469031287152017-09-05T03:05:00.000-07:002017-09-05T03:05:04.224-07:00The Future of Mobile Apps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-YSLelrFgCcuwxsk9ANChznxvpfr2ywHdX3BpOUdUGhfTRi_6WgIeHit66btTsUmmIIv8H3aR-MFpu5exDILYLkTHfLLIWgzjr0rYEeIUEL0WMYuA7nlH1yegjUO-eLi40gfQBFMzwoS/s1600/Future-of-Mobile-Apps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-YSLelrFgCcuwxsk9ANChznxvpfr2ywHdX3BpOUdUGhfTRi_6WgIeHit66btTsUmmIIv8H3aR-MFpu5exDILYLkTHfLLIWgzjr0rYEeIUEL0WMYuA7nlH1yegjUO-eLi40gfQBFMzwoS/s640/Future-of-Mobile-Apps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Current Mobile Application Scene</h4>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/1002/mobile-app-usage/" target="_blank">149.3 billion mobile apps</a> </span>were downloaded in 2016 and, by 2020, they’re forecasted to generate about $189 billion in revenue via app stores and in-app advertising. In other words, the mobile application industry is booming and, if you want to get a piece of the cake, you better jump into the mobile application development scene.<br />
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Rewinding a bit, the rise of mobile apps is due to the huge explosion in popularity of the smartphone. Whereas they were a luxury reserved for the elite in the early 2000s, now that they’re cheaper and much more affordable they’ve become a necessity for pretty much everyone, from top execs and CEOs to primary school teachers and entry-level workers.<br />
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When you boil it down, it comes to utility. Why buy a phone and a computer when you can have both in the same device? Not only will it usually be the cheaper option, but its size greatly accentuates its utility, allowing you to have a literal computer with you at all times. This is especially true when you add mobile Internet into the equation, which allows many apps to be used anywhere — as long as there’s a signal.<br />
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The Future of Mobile Apps</h3>
When discussing mobile Internet, the ubiquitous Cloud comes to mind, which allows developers to deploy apps anywhere and end-users to similarly sync and access their data anywhere. Best of all, the Cloud is behind many of the different aspects we’ll soon see that are influencing the future of mobile apps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG-dlYY0pjvY4-apeBCqyAwAvM2DhDtX0xam6DQJC3hLbUVlB5k6RXC3UlhCZKXEC31M-1TVJoSc2VZxxmwrJV-4PFonNs-OK85YoK57iNMv5R4HY5FuL1zLrL12lBDmrsjesXjgtIeoL/s1600/Cloud-Apps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMG-dlYY0pjvY4-apeBCqyAwAvM2DhDtX0xam6DQJC3hLbUVlB5k6RXC3UlhCZKXEC31M-1TVJoSc2VZxxmwrJV-4PFonNs-OK85YoK57iNMv5R4HY5FuL1zLrL12lBDmrsjesXjgtIeoL/s1600/Cloud-Apps.jpg" /></a></div>
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Utility</h3>
First up comes utility and the benefits that mobile apps provide. Aggregator apps, for example, are greatly increasing in popularity because of their ability to pull content from a variety of online sources, compile it in one interface, and present it to users. Not only does this save time, but also money when you consider that time is money. More importantly though, these types of apps eliminate the need to download multiple applications, as one can have the function of many.<br />
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We’re also seeing the rise of the mobile wallet, or the ability to store important data, like credit card information, on your phone. Essentially, this means that you have no worries if you forget your wallet at home. Most shops and restaurants accept Apple Pay or a similar form of payment, and if you want to order food or make a purchase online, all you need to do is select your desired credit/debit card and use it.<br />
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One final point we’ll touch on today regarding utility, improvements in mobile CPUs and graphics, paired with an Internet connection, have turned mobile devices into gaming systems that can fit in your bag. Similarly, these features that allow users to play games also allow them to take pictures with quality that rivals many high-end cameras.<br />
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The Internet of Things </h3>
Next comes the Internet of Things (IoT), or the connectivity of physical objects through WiFi and the Internet. With its ability to streamline our lives with virtual control over our homes and devices has seen a drastic increase in popularity in recent years, it’s a given that the IoT has a place in the future of mobile apps.<br />
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Revenue</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVttu03NTEv0AONTEeuIhCQcSlEhczba0BEy2tA_E14JFlDxrel3mrtKbXgRsFFDCv2jr9vbopVNl7eyw6lCxz2XaSko69PtuWuPcVC0sas3LUasKPkHaibfGJgNOmsHnxr7u5UIWKO1L/s1600/Mobile-App-Development-Ways-To-Make-Money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVttu03NTEv0AONTEeuIhCQcSlEhczba0BEy2tA_E14JFlDxrel3mrtKbXgRsFFDCv2jr9vbopVNl7eyw6lCxz2XaSko69PtuWuPcVC0sas3LUasKPkHaibfGJgNOmsHnxr7u5UIWKO1L/s640/Mobile-App-Development-Ways-To-Make-Money.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: <a href="http://webplusmobileapps.com/mobile-application-development/9-ways-of-making-money-with-mobile-apps/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 105%;">http://webplusmobileapps.com/</span></a></td></tr>
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Last but not least comes revenue. Monetization through in-app ads and in-app purchases are incentivising many people to jump into the app game, and further, developer kits and low-code/no-code platforms are making it easier for would-be developers to create apps. In essence, this allows people with little or no coding experience to develop apps that they would have otherwise been unable to.<br />
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Final Thoughts and TL;DR</h4>
A big factor contributing to the growing popularity of mobile apps is that many aren’t tied down to a single platform anymore. As a matter of fact, we’re seeing more and more cross-platform applications that work on all mobile operating systems. Adding to this is the ability to start a journey on one device and end it on a completely different one, all within the same mobile application.<br />
For example, imagine that you want to buy a television. You start your purchase journey on your phone as you browse the many options out there, then take it to your laptop later on when you actually decide which to buy, and finally, when you receive a notification that your TV has shipped on your smartwatch, your journey is finished.<br />
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In case your schedule is tightly packed and you don’t have time for the full piece, here’s the tl;dr version:<br />
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●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We’re seeing a huge increase in the popularity of both smartphones and mobile apps, with the former bolstering the latter<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Cloud and its benefits is also spurring their popularity further<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mobile apps offer huge benefits in terms of utility<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of the biggest incentives to enter mobile application development is the monetization of applications<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Developer kits and low-code/no-code platforms are making it easier to create apps<br />
Good luck navigating through all the app stores out there!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-47504967534283587642017-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:002017-08-08T00:00:32.001-07:00How Mobile App Development is Changing the IT Job Landscape<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNeBRG9IavB39NMjoHh7vhTQ1yh-yGVql_teSQ3JRK4Voqch0XL382utR0u_sOPPvfdH4OKfbwtIs-CR-Aq8OtNmTOeB_0haCcI9_D_IaTi9NNahyphenhyphenFa5As5NKcKlsAaVaoNGxJ_1Luyef/s1600/mobile-app-developers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNeBRG9IavB39NMjoHh7vhTQ1yh-yGVql_teSQ3JRK4Voqch0XL382utR0u_sOPPvfdH4OKfbwtIs-CR-Aq8OtNmTOeB_0haCcI9_D_IaTi9NNahyphenhyphenFa5As5NKcKlsAaVaoNGxJ_1Luyef/s1600/mobile-app-developers.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://www.techlofy.com</td></tr>
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As our tendency to reach into our pockets for our phones increases, so does the need to develop the mobile apps that are powering our obsession. The thing is, as our mobile usage grows, ripples are created that effect everything they touch. For example, marketers now have to account for mobile SEO when they develop websites and create content, business owners have to make sure that their websites are mobile-friendly and accessible to all users, and the crux of the matter today, mobile app developers are facing an evolving workplace.<br />
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The Changing IT Job Landscape</h4>
On the face of it, it seems like all is good for developers. After all, more demand for mobile apps means more demand for the people creating the apps, right? Yes and no; yes, there’s more demand for mobile application development, but this isn’t necessarily creating more developer jobs.<br />
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When asked on the changing developer landscape, <a href="http://searchcloudapplications.techtarget.com/news/450410799/Why-2017-looks-like-a-year-of-change-for-software-development-jobs" target="_blank">John Carione</a>, Product and Corporate Marketing Leader at QuickBase Inc., said that:<br />
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“<i>In 2017, we'll see hiring managers redefine the term developers and developer job roles, and start thinking outside the box to help fill their organizations' development needs. This will be fueled by the continuing shortage of skilled developers, an increase in popularity of tools that allow for the development of software with little to no code and greater familiarity with these tools among job candidates</i>.”<br />
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Let’s focus on the last part, the ‘increase in popularity of tools that allow for the development of software with little to no code and greater familiarity with these tools among job candidates.’ These tools fall under no-code/low-code (NCLC) platforms, which are mobile application development platforms that let anyone with minimal coding experience develop apps.<br />
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No-Code/Low-Code</h4>
These NCLC platforms are, in turn, giving rise to a new class of developers, a class exemplified by the ‘citizen developer.’ These developers are assisted by tools that make the mobile application development process somewhat less technical and more visual. Think of it as a drag and drop or lego building process in which the developer builds up UI (user interface) components to complete the application.<br />
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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SA6HsRXB0BTUs4YW0O42GI0DLKdPr0SCKbHviU35-KGBlXfb85S16CKOaGpUgsGfhbNXEddLomovOB90pRzeNenKIgytiSoMq-r9Ihs-Za0r2uGeSp8zcOcI-js1dt2iEK8MxowDY10C/s1600/AI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="965" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SA6HsRXB0BTUs4YW0O42GI0DLKdPr0SCKbHviU35-KGBlXfb85S16CKOaGpUgsGfhbNXEddLomovOB90pRzeNenKIgytiSoMq-r9Ihs-Za0r2uGeSp8zcOcI-js1dt2iEK8MxowDY10C/s640/AI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: http://konwersatorium1-ms-pjwstk.blogspot.com</td></tr>
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Similar to no-code/low-code’s impact, artificial intelligence is also making waves in the IT job landscape. Take DeepCoder, for instance. Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Microsoft teamed up to create a system called <a href="https://openreview.net/pdf?id=ByldLrqlx" target="_blank">DeepCoder</a> that uses machine learning and program synthesis to write its own code. Essentially, DeepCoder uses lines of code from existing software to create brand new programs.<br />
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So far DeepCoder can only write a couple of lines of code, but the implication for the future is that anyone can code their own programs by giving DeepCoder an outline of what they want, and then letting it do all the heavy-lifting.<br />
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The Future</h4>
Talk of NCLC and AI makes it seem like developers have an expiration date. This is not so. Coding, of course, is still vital, but now we have tools that are opening the doors to people with little or no formal training to do what previously only developers could do.<br />
What is actually happening is an amalgamation in which the less coding-intensive work is done by developers with less experience, and the more intensive and challenging projects are handled by those that can take them on. In a similar vein, so called citizen developers can start the project and build its foundation, and then hand the reins to higher-level developers.<br />
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Final Thoughts</h4>
With the changing IT job landscape, seasoned and citizen developers are benefiting with tools that are making their jobs easier, and consumers are benefiting from an influx of new mobile apps. More than more apps, these automation and AI tools are opening the avenue for better apps that place the focus on UI.<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-33137628122191091352017-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:002017-07-04T00:04:42.069-07:007 Tips to Improve Your Mobile App’s Security<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYj6s40uuGoS4tWAvyXDz-VaCKoOXS1PYBDiahxbJ7KAdQBEZC-LH8ZzPMwqiwef-vvXReNCWyjNKIgqEpzmVM1HqX0nTNvQuRQ0LDx0KnSqPv_QldYBBcbS19kGt47j2A5MpWkgvyJ23/s1600/Mobile-App-Security.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="632" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYj6s40uuGoS4tWAvyXDz-VaCKoOXS1PYBDiahxbJ7KAdQBEZC-LH8ZzPMwqiwef-vvXReNCWyjNKIgqEpzmVM1HqX0nTNvQuRQ0LDx0KnSqPv_QldYBBcbS19kGt47j2A5MpWkgvyJ23/s640/Mobile-App-Security.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: <a href="https://www.policetechnical.com/consulting/cell-phone-investigations/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 105%;">www.policetechnical.com</span></a></td></tr>
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As smartphones continue to engrain and integrate themselves into our lives, we’ve come to depend on them more and more as information strongholds.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we want to make an appointment, we schedule it on our phone.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we meet someone new, we store their contact information on our phone.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we want to get in touch with someone, we message them with our phone.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we want to make eCommerce easier, we store our banking information (credit/debit card information) on our phone.<br />
●<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When we are always on the go, we store our business data on our phone.<br />
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Security for Mobile Apps: Why You Need It</h3>
Our point today being that our smartphones are a one-stop-shop for all of our information. The problem with this is that we tend to indiscriminately download apps from both authorized app stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore, and unauthorized app stores that have no security requirements.<br />
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This is a problem because rogue apps from unauthorized stores may contain malware that steals your information. This problem is furthered by the fact that even apps from authorized app stores <i>can also</i> fall prey to those seeking our data.<br />
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Before going forward, it’s important to understand that there are millions of apps available for download, and the developers behind them range in expertise and security concerns. While some may place great value in privacy and security, others may simply want to create apps and don’t think twice about security. This is often seen as a trade-off in the app’s security and the service it provides.<br />
Even worse, some developers link third-party programs like maps or the camera without fully understanding how they’re using their users’ data or whether there may be issues with security. To bypass and alleviate these issues, consider employing the following tips to improve your mobile app’s security.<br />
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1: Use Threat Modeling Analysis</h4>
<a href="https://techbeacon.com/5-mobile-app-threat-modeling-mistakes-how-avoid-them" target="_blank">Threat modeling</a> is “<i>the process of identifying potential threats and enacting countermeasures to prevent or mitigate them</i>.” Understandably this is is very important, as it offers you the opportunity to analyze your app and see where it’s most vulnerable. The problem lies in the act itself. Many are not familiar with it, others mistakenly do it incorrectly, and yet some don’t even bother because of the intricacies involved.<br />
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The thing is, if your app has a security issue and users are not using or downloading it because of said issue, you’re still going to have to go ‘under the hood’ and fix the problem. The difference is that in one scenario you could have put in the effort in the beginning of the mobile application development process and prevented any problem down the line, and in the other you still have to put in the effort, but this time you’ve also added downtime to your app while you fix it.<br />
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2: Implement a Password or Another Authentication Process</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcSWDS9NlhRd9-WJXsFk72rP_KNoZXK5a02R42zhxtK9i6Hbw9kO-vnGA3HkJaOf3dgzAe3KNO7-pL-hqEd_n9CutEEFjbPwC2Ba_yaHa7u0TeS6lye-KISsIVZWX0Ibmj61LKlITLOZm/s1600/Password.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcSWDS9NlhRd9-WJXsFk72rP_KNoZXK5a02R42zhxtK9i6Hbw9kO-vnGA3HkJaOf3dgzAe3KNO7-pL-hqEd_n9CutEEFjbPwC2Ba_yaHa7u0TeS6lye-KISsIVZWX0Ibmj61LKlITLOZm/s640/Password.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: Toolbox.com</td></tr>
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Authentication processes are vital for anything that stores sensitive information. Thankfully for you and I, there are a lot of ways you can go to authenticate users. There’s the basic, a password that serves as first level security, and more protective measures like mobile phone authentication at login. As a side note, phone authentication is a good measure for password resets, rather than using the standard ‘mother’s maiden name’ or ‘the name of your first pet’ questions that can be easily hacked.</div>
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3: Ask for Permission</h4>
As we covered earlier, mobile apps frequently link to third-party apps/programs to carry out specific tasks that they can’t on their own. For example, you may have a photo editing app that needs to link with your photo library or camera for images, or an eCommerce app that links with you virtual wallet. In these situations, those in which your app needs to integrate another app to perform a function, the user should always be asked for permission to connect. Just remember not to ask for more than they’ll be willing to give.<br />
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4: Keep Your App Updated with the Latest Operating Systems</h4>
It’s vital that your app is always up to date with the latest operating systems available for the platform it resides in (Android, iOS, etc.). Because these updates regularly include security patches that were found in the time period between then and the previous update, not updating regularly places your app at risk.<br />
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5: Use Static Analyzers</h4>
There’s no doubting that coding is tedious, and even a small error can result in the whole program crashing. Because of this, many security issues encountered by mobile apps are caused by careless errors that slipped through the cracks. To counter, consider performing a static code analysis to catch anything that you may have missed. If you’re unfamiliar, these static analyzers debug your code by examining it without executing it. In other words, you’re getting an overview of the code structure to make sure that everything is working well together.<br />
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6: After Static Analyzers, Perform a Code Audit</h4>
Static code analysis is excellent, but sometimes you have to go deeper. This is where a code audit comes into place. While code audits should actually be performed regularly to ensure continually smooth performance, opting for one to catch any bugs is a must. Keep in mind that code audits require more technical security knowledge than the average coder has, so hiring outside help can be useful if you’re not up for the task.<br />
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7: Test Your App in the Real World</h4>
Finally and when you’ve done with everything related to mobile application development and security, the only recourse left is to test your app in the real world. When it comes down to it, lab tests can do a lot, but they also have their limitations. These alternate ‘field tests’ are perfect for finding issues that your actual users may find because you’re using the app the way they would.<br />
Final Thoughts<br />
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If there’s a single thing that you should take from this, it’s that security should be implemented early in the mobile application development process, not as an afterthought. A lot can go wrong from start to finish, and if you’re not vigilant every step of the way, your app can be targeted by those with nefarious intentions. For your benefit, here’s what we covered today and what you should be doing:<br />
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1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Implement a password or another authentication process<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ask for permission<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep your app updated with the latest operating systems<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use static analyzers<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After static analyzers, perform a code audit<br />
6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use thread modeling analysis<br />
7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Test your app in the Real World<br />
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Best of luck and remember to stay secure!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-40942755285905193882017-06-02T23:47:00.004-07:002017-06-02T23:48:31.025-07:005 Reasons Mcommerce is Important for Enterprises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Nowadays you can’t leave your home without seeing a smartphone somewhere. If one’s not in your own hand, you can bet that you’ll see one as you’re out and about; maybe with the person walking in front of you, the toddler sitting next to you, even with your Uber driver.<br />
The fact is that we’re using mobile devices with such voracity that it seems impossible that smartphones were reserved for the elite a mere 10 years ago. As a matter of fact, mobile usage actually exceeded desktop usage <a href="https://www.comscore.com/Insights/Blog/Number-of-Mobile-Only-Internet-Users-Now-Exceeds-Desktop-Only-in-the-U.S" target="_blank">a couple of years ago</a>, and that gap has only widened since.<br />
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<b>From Ecommerce to Mcommerce</b><br />
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The rise of mobile has been anything but subtle. Like a stone creating ripples on a pond, mobile usage affects everything it touches. For instance, the impact it’s had on business activities has prompted many enterprises to embark on mobile application development in hopes of snagging extra customers. To be exact, 80% of eCommerce retailers with at least $50 million in annual sales either currently offer or plan to offer mCommerce (mobile commerce) soon.<br />
But what actually is mCommerce? As you might’ve guessed, it’s a subgroup of eCommerce that involves the use of smartphones and tablets (wireless handheld devices) for online shopping instead of desktops and laptops. That being said, why should enterprises adopt a mobile strategy revolving around mCommerce? Well, here are 5 reasons why.<br />
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<b>1: More People Are on Mobile Devices Than Ever Before</b><br />
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Let’s use an analogy to illustrate this point. Imagine that you operate a food truck and have the option of parking in front of a busy construction site or next to a random road. Where would you park? If you’re like most people, you’d park in front of the construction site because there are more opportunities to make money there than next to a random road. The same goes for mobile versus normal eCommerce. The latter offers more business opportunities, so why not go with it?<br />
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<b>2: Mobile-Friendly is Good for All, Mobile-Unfriendly is Bad for Business</b><br />
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We already covered that more and more people are using mobile devices than ever before. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of eCommerce retailers that haven’t caught up with the times and still have unoptimized, mobile-unfriendly sites. Okay, but why is this bad? For many reasons, actually.<br />
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First and foremost, mobile-unfriendliness can hurt your bottom line and help your competition. No matter what you sell, if someone on a mobile device is on your site and can’t navigate properly, you can bet they’re clicking out and going to your competition. Even if they weren’t planning on making a purchase at that moment, the fact that they couldn’t properly view your products made them go somewhere else. And whenever they do get around to making the purchase, who do you think they’re going to buy from?<br />
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Second but still as important, not being optimized for mobile will negatively affect your normal site in search engine rankings. Google made it clear a while ago that they’re using mobile sites for indexing purposes. So if you’re not on mobile and your competition is they’ll benefit and rise through Google’s SERPs while you plummet into nonexistence.<br />
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</b> <b>3: Mobile Sales Are on the Rise</b><br />
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In 2014, mCommerce made up 11.6% of the $303 billion US eCommerce total, and estimates by Business Insider suggest that by 2020 it will reach $284 billion, or 45% of the total online market. Similar to more people flocking to mobile, if a metaphorical bigger slice of the pie is available through mobile devices, why wouldn’t you try and get your share? And as we’ll soon see, buying through mobile is so easy that all you need is a fingerprint.<br />
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<b>4: Mobile Wallets and the Ease of Purchasing</b><br />
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My last mobile purchase consisted of tapping a button that read, “Finalize Purchase” and then pressing my thumb to my iPhone’s home button. That simple. Mobile wallets are making science fiction a reality. By storing card information on our phones, we can seamlessly pay for anything from a jacket online to a burger on the street. This purchasing option is not only easy, but also optimal for those who don’t have the time to complete the checkout by painstakingly typing a bunch of numbers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF-mNZcvNekk4U2rhd1cns72cA-zWj27pnJWEitNSZAQh3Ym7kiHmYjc3pdp0ZhEjZDKBuBdCD26ts5Xy75u5oS43_WiqSqDwB4ASdbpBHUq-MeWPmbp7upgF8WFVua7hGwjxXtqudwuS/s1600/Fingerprint-Pay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF-mNZcvNekk4U2rhd1cns72cA-zWj27pnJWEitNSZAQh3Ym7kiHmYjc3pdp0ZhEjZDKBuBdCD26ts5Xy75u5oS43_WiqSqDwB4ASdbpBHUq-MeWPmbp7upgF8WFVua7hGwjxXtqudwuS/s320/Fingerprint-Pay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Image Source: macrumors.com<br />
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<b>5: Mobile Helps Traditional Brick and Mortar Businesses Too</b><br />
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Being online is already a huge step up from sticking to a brick and mortar store because you’re opening up a secondary revenue channel. By virtue being online, you can bypass normal store hours and sell at any time. Mobile takes things to the next level and allows for purchases anytime, anywhere.<br />
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This alternative revenue source is helpful for enterprises of any size because it allows for sales without incurring the extra costs associated with having an in-person sales representative. In other words, you’re serving your audience on two separate fronts that combine for a multi-platform strategy.<br />
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<b>Now or Later, the Choice is Yours</b><br />
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Apart from the vast mobile preference that most people show, there are also mobile-only demographics whose only means of accessing the Internet is through their phones. The fact of the matter is that if you’re not selling through mobile now, you will either have to start soon or end up closing shop.<br />
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If you’re still not convinced, take everything we’ve covered into consideration. More and more people are on mobile devices today than ever before, and with increased usage and the ease of shopping through a phone comes increased sales. Not only that, but mobile will also help your physical location (if you have one) and doing otherwise will actually help your competition.<br />
Make the right choice and optimize your site, get in touch with <a href="http://www.omniesolutions.com/mobile-application-development.html" target="_blank">mobile application development </a>specialists, and of course, best of luck.<br />
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</div></div>Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-84133726040551235212017-05-01T23:33:00.001-07:002017-05-01T23:36:02.316-07:00What You Need to Know About Developing an App in the Cloud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Cloud computing is quickly revolutionizing the enterprise with the many competitive advantages it offers, especially when dealing with mobile application development. From the risks and benefits to the actual development, here’s what you need to know to develop an app in the cloud.<br />
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<b>Do I Need to Adopt Cloud Computing?</b><br />
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Before we go into specifics, let’s focus on what cloud computing actually is. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), from the US Department of Commerce, defines cloud computing as consisting of five characteristics, summarized below:<br />
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<b>1. On-demand Self-service:</b> consumers can unilaterally provision computing capabilities automatically, without requiring human interaction<br />
<b>2.</b> <b>Broad Network Access:</b> computing capabilities are available over a network and can be accessed through standard mechanisms, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.<br />
<b>3.</b> <b>Resource Pooling:</b> the provider’s computing resources (e.g., storage, processing, memory and network bandwidth) are pooled to serve multiple consumers<br />
<b>4.</b> <b>Rapid Elasticity:</b> computing capabilities can be scaled rapidly outward and inward, in some cases automatically, commensurated with demand<br />
<b>5.</b> <b>Measured Service: </b>cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use, which can be monitored, controlled and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer<br />
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The topic in question now becomes, should you adopt cloud computing for your enterprise? In short, yes. As a matter of fact, estimates by the International Data Corporation (IDC) suggest that spending on public cloud computing will increase by 24.4% in 2017. Here’s why:<br />
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<b>Benefits of Cloud Adoption</b><br />
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</b> Developing and maintaining mobile apps in the cloud offers the advantages needed to survive and thrive in the competitive enterprise environment. Our focus being mobile applications, let’s start with mobility, and similarly, availability.<br />
Because of its ubiquitous nature, information stored on the cloud can be accessed anywhere and at any time. This results in greatly increased productivity, as the limitations of time and space are eliminated and replaced with the ability for an enterprise’s employees to work even when not at work, as long as there’s an Internet connection.<br />
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Image Source: digitalunite.com<br />
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Also due to its ubiquitousness, the cloud offers the much needed flexibility to quickly respond to market changes and deploy and maintain mobile apps almost instantly. If a problem arises within your mobile apps, you can quickly asses the issue, make an update, and deploy them to all your employees, quickly and efficiently.<br />
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One final benefit we’ll discuss today is the scalability to adapt to any changes in demand, whether positive or negative. As an enterprise, one of your goals is to grow. As such, you want to access the resources you need, when you need them. And thanks to the cloud, you can do just that.<br />
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<b>Risks of Cloud Adoption</b><br />
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</b> We can’t discuss the benefits of cloud adoption without touching on the risks (even if small). Far and wide, the biggest and most expressed risk is security. Partly due to the lack of control over the physical infrastructure that houses the actual information on the cloud, security breaches are a real concern, especially when dealing with public <a href="http://omniesolutions.blogspot.in/2016/08/data-security-tips-for-cloud-computing.html" target="_blank">cloud services</a>.<br />
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A second risk posed by the cloud is unplanned downtime. The fact is that nothing is perfect, not even the cloud, and unexpected outages can happen in the most inopportune times. Depending on the industry and business, this can be as benign as not being able to load a picture, or as detrimental as losing money if you’re running an ecommerce business. This is why you have to plan for outages. Come up with multiple plans, test them out, and modify them as you go.<br />
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</b> <b>Mobile Application Development in the Cloud</b><br />
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Now for the actual development. Brought to you by Cloud Technology Partners and the Doppler, and summarized below, here are five steps to build a cloud-ready application architecture:<br />
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<b>1: Design the Application as a Collection of Services</b><br />
APIs (application programming interface) are resources or tools used to develop applications, and when it comes to the cloud, it’s best to deploy applications as a collections of APIs.<br />
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<b>2: Decouple the Data</b><br />
As opposed to tightly coupled data, decoupled data is better suited for the cloud because you can store and process it on any public or private cloud instance.<br />
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<b>3: Consider Communications Between Application Components</b><br />
When designing your application, make sure to optimize communication so that your application’s components aren’t constantly communicating, as this is not desirable and can lead to poor performance and delays.<br />
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<b>4: Model and Design for Performance and Scaling</b><br />
This one’s quite evident because we briefly discussed the scalability that’s enabled by the cloud. Elaborating, make sure to design your application so that it can handle unexpected heavy loads in traffic.<br />
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<b>5: Make Security Systemic within the Application</b><br />
Given the importance of security, it’s best to design and build the application’s security directly into its architecture.<br />
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<b>Concluding Thoughts</b><br />
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Although embarking on <a href="http://enterpriseappsential.blogspot.in/2017/03/the-rise-of-enterprise-cloud-apps_2.html" target="_blank">cloud-based mobile application development</a> has its share of pros and cons, in the long run, the cons are effectively negligent when compared to the opportunity costs of doing otherwise. Do your research, plan everything out, and good luck!<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-82021587471609846042017-04-03T23:10:00.000-07:002017-04-05T21:58:58.537-07:0010 Things to Consider When Creating an Ecommerce Mobile App<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Image Source: Aumcore.com<br />
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One of the best things of living in the 21st century is that you can be a business owner without owning an actual business — a brick and mortar business, that is. Unfortunately, the benefit of being able to do business without a physical location also creates the problem of low customer visibility. That’s where a mobile app comes in. One of the many <a href="http://mobileappstuff.blogspot.in/2017/02/5-reasons-why-your-business-needs-a-mobile-app.html" target="_blank">benefits of mobile apps</a> is that they give your business the much-needed mobile presence it needs in our mobile-first world. Take a look below for<br />
10 things to consider when creating an ecommerce mobile app:<br />
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<b>1: App Store Optimization (ASO)</b><br />
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A natural first on this list is app store optimization (ASO). If you’re familiar with search engine optimization (SEO), you have the foundation for what ASO is. The goal with ASO is to optimize your app to make it rank higher in the app store, whether it’s the Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon App Store, or any variation out there. This means analyzing your app’s keywords, description, in-app screenshots, the works.<br />
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Remember, higher ranking means more discoverability, which translates to more downloads. Hence, ASO is a must.<br />
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<b>2: Competition</b><br />
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Some items in this list go hand-in-hand by nature. One such example is ASO and your competition. To clarify, this means analyzing your competition to see what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong. Regarding ASO, look for ecommerce apps at the top of app store search results and take everything in. What keywords are they using, and similarly, what does their description say? What do their in-app screenshots look like?<br />
Unrelated to ASO but still important, download some of your competitor apps and test them out. What you want here is to create a checklist of what works and what doesn’t. When you create your app, improve what works and fix what doesn’t.<br />
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<b>3: User Interface (UI)</b><br />
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User interface (UI) guides the user’s experience throughout the app’s interface, and describes how elements in your app function. It’s an ecommerce mobile app, so don’t present it like a desktop ecommerce site. Begin the design process with a mobile user in mind and go from there.<br />
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<b>4: User Experience (UX)</b><br />
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Out of UI comes UX. UX is all about creating a seamless experience throughout your app. It’s the sequence of actions, thoughts and impressions that your users generate as they maneuver through the app. A UX optimized design focuses on usability and ease of use. It takes into account how users will interact with your app and how that interaction can be improved.<br />
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</b> <b>5: Scalable Infrastructure</b><br />
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Your ecommerce app’s scalability is of utmost importance if you plan on growing in the future. Imagine a spike in downloads because your app was mentioned in a popular blog. You want to be able to accommodate for the extra traffic and unexpected loads. Start with a stable API foundation that’s easy to scale. As an example, a lot startups nowadays are developing apps in the cloud with services that allow you to pay only for what you use. This allows you to minimize expenditures while leaving an open avenue for growth.<br />
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<b>6: Customer Service</b><br />
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One of the easiest considerations to look over in mobile application development, good customer service is vital for ecommerce mobile apps. It’s where your customers turn whenever they come across an issue with your app or services, and can make the difference between a customer and a dropped cart. As such, you need to make sure that your users always have a good customer service experience.<br />
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<b>7: Incentives for Sharing</b><br />
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Incentivizing users to share your app creates a whole new marketing channel. If 88% of consumers <a href="http://searchengineland.com/88-consumers-trust-online-reviews-much-personal-recommendations-195803" target="_blank">trust online reviews</a> as much as personal recommendations, imagine what you can do with actual recommendations in the form of shares? For example, you can offer discounts for users who share the app with their friends and family (higher discounts if third-party becomes a customer).<br />
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<b>8: Checkout Process</b><br />
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Image Source: Aumcore.com<br />
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Arguably one of the most important things on this list, you need to make the checkout process as simple and user-friendly as possible. The fewer steps the better (aim for a maximum of three), so do all that you can to facilitate the journey from cart to checkout. Some things you can do (besides making the ‘Add to Cart’ button as prominent as possible without being obtrusive) are:<br />
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●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Store customer information<br />
●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Enable automatic reordering<br />
●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eliminate multi-page sign-ups<br />
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<b>9: Repeat Purchases</b><br />
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If your app ends with the checkout process, you’re doing something wrong. Give your customers a reason to return to your app and make more purchases to generate residual income. You can offer discounts for repeat customers, loyalty programs that encourage multiple visits, or memberships for limited items. As an ecommerce app, one of your goals is to not only create customers, but also retain them.<br />
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<b>10: Analytics</b><br />
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Rounding off this list are your ecommerce app’s analytics. These include tracking your users, both new and returning, your app’s most popular features/items, etc. The point of tracking analytics is to get an understanding of how your users are interacting with your app so that you can improve their experience. Accentuate what users like and fix what they don’t. Is there a certain point within your app in which an abnormally large number of users are logging of? If so, you might have some issues to deal with that’s causing high abandonment rates. Go through everything until you have a seamless journey from launch to checkout.<br />
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<b>Wrapping Up</b><br />
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There are many benefits of mobile apps that come with pairing one with your ecommerce business, and hopefully by now you’re ready to tackle your next ecommerce mobile application development project. If that’s you, here’s a roundup of what we covered today:<br />
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1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>App Store Optimization (AOS)<br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Competition<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>User Interface (UI)<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>User Experience (UX)<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Scalable Infrastructure<br />
6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Customer Service<br />
7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Incentives for Sharing<br />
8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Checkout Process<br />
9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repeat Purchases<br />
10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Analytics<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7752873113871111021.post-64288989230984873342017-03-01T04:29:00.000-08:002017-04-06T00:24:50.662-07:00Investors, Here's What You Need to Know About Mobile App Development<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dZtDoXoX6qSH5dy0v0MZZOargzBZmM8Or1FrpX_JfNYsaiU3tA-GuD1tp_koQXPyT8jIz3MdzzXKwd7rcpIuCQckRcItVOlCuIFKiUlHZdM5do3sprCbCDtpdSW9eRr9hPhra4Fjccjw/s1600/mobile-app-dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dZtDoXoX6qSH5dy0v0MZZOargzBZmM8Or1FrpX_JfNYsaiU3tA-GuD1tp_koQXPyT8jIz3MdzzXKwd7rcpIuCQckRcItVOlCuIFKiUlHZdM5do3sprCbCDtpdSW9eRr9hPhra4Fjccjw/s320/mobile-app-dev.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<b>Mobile Applications</b><br />
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It’s 2017 and mobile is as big as ever. In fact, there’s a very good chance you’ve already heard that we live in a mobile-first world in which mobile users <a href="https://www.comscore.com/Insights/Blog/Number-of-Mobile-Only-Internet-Users-Now-Exceeds-Desktop-Only-in-the-U.S" target="_blank">exceed desktop users</a>. Go to any restaurant, from McDonald’s to a Michelin-starred restaurant, and you’ll see countless patrons eating with their mobile phone nestled by their plate. You might even see some preferring their phone’s company to that of their dining companion. Keep that image in mind as you mull over these statistics:<br />
●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 52% of time spent on digital media is spent in mobile apps<br />
●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Apple App Store has about 2 million apps; Google Play has over 2.2 million<br />
●<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People between the ages of 18 and 24 use more mobile apps than any other age group<br />
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<b>Internal and External Mobile Apps</b><br />
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Mobile app development has quickly become the cornerstone of many business’ growth strategy. There are two routes to take with this plan of action: internal and external apps. Internal apps are those used by the business itself, and external apps are client-facing. We’re going to focus on external apps today, but before we do that, let’s get acquainted with internal apps.<br />
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<b>Internal Mobile Applications</b><br />
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Choosing to go internal with a mobile app development strategy has its benefits. For one, they can automate tasks and streamline work. And because they’re made internally, they can be tailored for anything. If it can be coded, it can be programmed. Let’s say you have a business with open positions that require training. You can always have someone train new employees, but that takes time and money away from what they would be doing otherwise. If, instead, you developed an app that can serve as a training tool, you would be able to use it time and time again at no additional cost (apart from the initial development costs).<br />
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Image Source: winspark.net<br />
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Now imagine that you’re an enterprise with an environmentally conscious mission statement and like-minded clients. Sticking with your mission statement, you can develop a carpooling app that conserves fuel and limits harmful emissions. Better yet, you can keep your clients happy by offering them the app.<br />
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<b>Benefits of Mobile Apps</b><br />
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Now we shift the focus to external apps. These apps are excellent for increasing brand awareness, fostering customer loyalty, and keeping ahead of the competition. Because they’re client-facing, it’s very important to think like a consumer.<br />
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<b>Customer Convenience</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45ic96Rq8MpHHWEI3XTYr3Gpdno1OBr71Jt4gG1ZXFBoj5zWsHQ2R8psNDkP3eaBM-ICDS8p438lgMNcFdnGm1sjr1skAOtRRbgJ6oTy0tsgLLYxH1PeFkvFo60mpzS1scQ0mW1vIMWlu/s1600/chatbot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45ic96Rq8MpHHWEI3XTYr3Gpdno1OBr71Jt4gG1ZXFBoj5zWsHQ2R8psNDkP3eaBM-ICDS8p438lgMNcFdnGm1sjr1skAOtRRbgJ6oTy0tsgLLYxH1PeFkvFo60mpzS1scQ0mW1vIMWlu/s320/chatbot.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
Image Source: udemy.com<br />
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One of the easiest ways to improve customer convenience is through customer service. If you have deep pockets, you can opt for an app with a chatbot that provides 24/7 service. Whenever your customers have a question, they can open the app and ask away. Another way is to include a loyalty program within an<a href="http://mobileappstuff.blogspot.in/2016/11/extreme-mobile-traffic-drives-need-for.html" target="_blank"> ecommerce app</a>. For starters, the app is convenient because they can shop at all times from any location. Apart from that, loyalty programs allow shoppers to build up points for rewards, further incentivizing them to give you their business.<br />
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<b>Customer Engagement</b><br />
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Increasing customer engagement has the added benefit of increasing your own revenue. Why? The more engaged they are with your brand, the more likely your customers are to turn to you. An interesting way of increasing engagement is by doing what the Home Depot did and make use of real-time data and geo-location. They customized display ads to reach target consumers within a 15 mile radius of a Home Depot store, effectively earning 8X in-store ROI. Switch display ads for an app and you have your plan. The goal here is to combine real-time location, customer history and push-notifications. Step one is to program location-tracking and push-notifications into the app. The next step is to make use of your customer’s information, namely their browsing and shopping history.<br />
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Now let’s paint a scene: your customer has your app on their phone and they’re walking by or in your store. If they’re outside you can send them a notification with a sale or promotion that will draw them in. If they’re already inside you can utilize the Internet of Things and program sensors inside the store to send them notifications about specific items that match their preferences. Do this and you’ll provide them with a personalized experience that is sure to increase engagement.<br />
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Image Source: mycustomer.com<br />
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<b>Are You Investing in Mobile Apps?</b><br />
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There are many benefits of mobile apps that we didn’t cover today. That being said, what we did cover should definitely whet you appetite for <a href="http://www.omniesolutions.com/mobile-application-development.html" target="_blank">mobile application development</a>. Don’t let the cost of developing an app turn you away either; there are always cheaper options. One such alternative is to utilize an app template that will greatly reduce the overall development cost. But it done correctly, you’ll more than make up for the cost of getting an app.<br />
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Sophina Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10924126062472863304noreply@blogger.com0