It was the year 1990 when the concept of instant messaging first hit the mainstream of the world. Fast forwarding 20 years, the year was 2009 when the impossible happened. A former Yahoo employee and his partner started working on an application that would become a revolution in instant messaging. The name was – WhatsApp, named to sound like ‘What’s up?’ Here’s a story of how getting rejected for a job at Facebook led two friends to make an application that they would sell to Facebook for a fortune worth $19 billion. And an evaluation of how much will it cost to create a social media chat app like WhatsApp. WhatsApp is the brainchild of two friends – Brian Acton and Jan Koum. In August 2009, with the release of WhatsApp 2.0, the number of active users suddenly spiked to 250,000 and it was then that WhatsApp had its first taste of success. It had discovered the nuances of getting viral.
Starting from there, WhatsApp now carries the crown of being the most uninstalled application and has a total of over a billion users. In the present day, WhatsApp has reached a Million mark in terms of daily active users (DAU) and the numbers here speak for themselves. Not only that, these numbers are only expected to grow manifold, as per industry expert.
Timeline of WhatsApp:
Through this timeline, we can see the tremendous growth that WhatsApp has shown over the years. When it entered the world market, there was no application on par with WhatsApp. Its Southeast Asian counterpart apps, such as WeChat, Viber, etc., were incredibly successful with their target audience, but the western world was untouched.
Traditional messaging was all that was there during those years, but with the innovation of Wi-Fi and other Internet services soaring high, there was a gap that could be filled in the world of instant messaging and WhatsApp was the first one to move forward in that direction.
One of the key reasons why WhatsApp was such a hit that it urged Facebook to acquire it as one of Facebook’s most expensive acquisitions was its sophisticated, all-covering, simple techstack that gave so much room for improvement while being at the top already.
It makes use of Ejabberd server for enabling features such as,
One-on-one Message
Store and forward (offline messages)
Contact List and Presence
Group chat – Multi User Chat (MUC)
Message Archive Management (MAM)
Personal event protocol (PEP) and typing indicator
Privacy settings, simple blocking extensions
Let us look at the rest of the stack for a better understanding of WhatsApp’s success.
Language- Erlang
OS- FreeBSD
Virtual Machine- BEAM
Servers- Ejabberd, YAWS(Multimedia storage)
Stack- LYME/LYCE
Database- Mnesia
Offline database- SQLite
Apart from the technical specification, WhatsApp success stories lie in the fact that after the launch of a basic model with real-time messaging, it went on adding features to the service which made WhatsApp become an indispensable part of 1.5 billion users worldwide which are still growing in number. Let us look at all of those features and the development costs associated with each one, as we go.
Basic WhatsApp Features and the Time It Takes to Develop Them
Registration
For registration on WhatsApp, once the user enters his/her credential, i.e., the name, country and phone number, the application sends a message of authorization. In the Android version of the app, WhatsApp reads and submits the verification code automatically. Once the registration is done, the app syncs all the phone book contacts automatically to display the ones available on the WhatsApp messaging platform.
Development Time : 50-55 hours.
Real time messaging – One on one, group chat and Broadcast messages
Since you’re willing to create your own WhatsApp-like app, it’s indisputable to incorporate a messaging feature, which can be one on one chat or a multi-user chat. WhatsApp developers use customised XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) which enables message delivery.
Also, WhatsApp chat enables Emojis, Stickers and GIF files.
Development Time : 210-220 hours (Both frontend and backend development)
Voice Calling
WhatsApp’s free calling feature was added last year in January to attract more users to it. It uses Internet traffic to call rather than your data plan minutes or your money. WhatsApp uses the PJSIP library to implement Voice over IP (VoIP). This is an open source multimedia communication library written in C. The library uses high-level API by combining the SIP (signaling protocol) with a multimedia framework and NAT traversal functionality.
Development Time : 200-220 hours (Both frontend and backend development)
Video Calling
Any mobile app developer can tell you how important a video calling feature is for any social media or social messaging application today. Those applications that did not have video calling features in their business plan are also looking at the possibility of adding them, like Instagram. And the video calling feature for WhatsApp is an important one for the field.
Development time : 180-220 hours (Both frontend and backend development, depending upon Android or iOS development)
Multimedia sharing
With WhatsApp, we can also share Voice notes, video files and photographs. To create a chat app like WhatsApp, you can add such features too, as they were part of the basic model of the application. The transmission procedure is performed by uploading a multimedia file to be delivered to the HTTP server (YAWS), then sends a link to the content together with its Base64 encoded thumbnail.
The settings part of WhatsApp consists of Privacy settings, account settings and profile settings. Where users can switch off or on the read receipts, change their profile picture or profile name, manage blocked contacts, delete their accounts, change status, change numbers, customise profile settings like chat notifications, etc.
Development time : 110-120 hours
Contact Sharing
This is a small feature where the users can send and receive contacts from their phone memories directly with each other. It adds on to the convenience of the app. The procedure for contact sharing is identical to the message delivery; the XMPP protocol is also engaged here. Hiring the best mobile app development company takes the load off your shoulder and give you an application worth your investment in the end.
Development time : 70-80 hours
Location sharing
The geolocation feature can be integrated into the app to share your current location or the location of any place. Besides this, your live location can also be shared with another person for a designated amount of time. To display maps in your apps, Google Maps Android API is a way for Android developers; the Map Kit framework is offered to iOS developers by Apple.
You should hire a right mobile app development company who knows his way with all the necessities of mobile app development. A mobile app development company with an inhouse team of mobile app developer and UI/UX app designers is the best way to go.
Development Time : 25-30 Hours
Notifications
On WhatsApp, the user is notified about a personal chat message or a group message through mobile app notifications. They can even enable the feature where they receive a chat-on-screen pop-up when the phone is locked. This feature can be incorporated through Google Cloud Messaging or Apple Push Notifications.
Development time : 15-20 hours
Summarizing:
This is an estimation for the stated features. This may vary for different mobile app development companies or Mobile app developers. Besides, there are a number of other, more advanced features that WhatsApp is going on adding to its application, such as, Whatsapp web, Camera filters, WhatsApp upi payment, end to end chat encryption etc. which have raised the bar high for other such applications. In fact, the team has also made it possible for mobile app developers to verify users on WhatsApp rather than on traditional SMS application.
It’s critical to put a dollar value to the entire development process of such an application in the first step. Although, WhatsApp’s MVP cost would be in the range of $40,000 to $50,000. However, this is a very rough estimate. And as the number of features alter, the mobile app development cost will alter accordingly.
Now that you have convened the complete understanding of not just the clone app for WhatsApp but the entire market potential and also the answer to how to create a chat app like WhatsApp, along with the near actual cost estimate of social media app development like WhatsApp , it is time.
It is time to use that information and contact our team of social mediamobile app development experts and build a WhatsApp clone of your own or just to get a clearer estimate of the actual cost.
From news updates to live streaming, entertainment apps have got everything a person needs to sit back, relax and enjoy. All the things you need at the touch of your fingertip. Mobile applications are being used in every industry but the entertainment industry is taking advantage of this technology the most. The entertainment sector is all about engagement, content, and a massive audience.
It is very clear that the entertainment industry majorly depends on mobile applications and thus many mobile app development companies are focusing on entertainment app development.
Mobile app development agencies should keep few things in mind while entertainment app development: attractive designs, various sources of information, easy sharing options, and an option to interact.
Entertainment software development companies have taken this new path of entertainment app development where the market is highly profitable and has a bright future. A study shows that among the top 10 most used applications, entertainment apps take the first 5 positions.
In this article, we are going to look into the uprise of apps for entertainment in the mobile industry – the top apps and the reasoning behind their growth before looking into the features set that back their popularity.
Trending apps in the media and entertainment industry
How have mobile applications revolutionized the entertainment industry?
Feature-set that makes entertainment apps engaging
Future of mobile apps in the entertainment industry
Trending Apps in the Media and Entertainment Industry
Entertainment applications are a necessity today. We can always spot someone who is engrossed in such apps while commuting or having lunch at their desk. That is how media app development is done so that it can attract a massive audience. Some applications have turned into a trend now and we simply cannot do life without them. Let’s take a look at these rockstar trending apps in the entertainment industry:
1. NETFLIX
Netflix is an entertainment app that has an unlimited list of movies and sitcoms. The app can be used to connect to any TV and gives a high-definition experience to the viewers. This has completely changed the satellite TV game and has won the market. By revenue, Netflix is the world’s 10th largest company.
2. TED
TED has over 1400 videos that have inspired millions of people in the world. The videos on this app can be accessed from any mobile device. TED also has its own radio that runs on demand. The app has videos from various successful people who give their best life advice on this platform.
3. BOOKMYSHOW
Bookmyshow is an app that lets you book tickets for movies, concerts, stand-ups and theatres in India. It will also tell you about the upcoming shows according to the location that has been set. Almost every Indian uses this app to conveniently book tickets online to avoid the rush at ticket counters.
4. SPOTIFY
Spotify is a music service app that allows you to legally listen to music and save many of them offline as well. With a user base of 24 million, this app is trending in the music section. You can browse through songs as per artists or genres. The recently updated app allows you to save up to 3000 tracks offline.
5. 9GAG
9gag is a Hong Kong-based company. They run an application based on their web content that allows users to upload funny videos, GIFs, and images that are user-generated. The app has more than 10 million downloads on Google Play with a 4.6 rating. 9gag has seen a huge rise in its base audience since it launched its own mobile app in 2012.
How Have Mobile Applications Revolutionized the Entertainment Industry?
1. Tracking the trends
The primary way mobile apps transforming entertainment is through making trends tracking easy. When social media wasn’t around, tracking the trends was quite difficult. But ever since social media got a grip on society, there is a new trend every day. Multiple social media applications have one complete section dedicated to the most trending topics on the application.
When it comes to the latest movies, games, music, and series, entertainment apps keep them on the top or trending section of the app so that users can learn what’s liked by the majority.
Entertainment is no more limited to time slots and closed doors. It is now available anywhere, anytime, and for anyone. Media software development companies are working progressively to improve the user experience by optimizing the applications.
2. Spreading and gathering information
Applications like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. have become a great source of authentic and detailed information. From the latest news to life hacks, everything is available on these applications.
Entertainment app development is done keeping in mind that the users can exchange every form of media and information on the platform that is authentic and useful.
Youtube is another platform for sharing information through creative videos. There are multiple Youtube-based news channels, travel vlogs, and classes for the audience.
3. A Complete platform
Entertainment applications are capable of forming a whole new platform for movies, music, gaming, live streaming, etc. This opportunity has given rise to many artists to showcase their talent and create a follower base.
Earlier making videos, music, or developing games was only done by professionals because they had access to platforms that launched these products but now application development is not as complicated as it used to be. Many platforms even pay the real talents for the influencing work they do.
4. Promotion Capabilities
A mobile app for the entertainment industry can prove to be an efficient method of promotion of an entertainment agency or of influencers looking to make it big in the sector. The fact that the majority of the people are always on their smartphones, the chances of high engagement with the app and in turn the brand is very high. Entertainment marketing is one of the easiest ones in the app industry to make popular – especially since the celebrities who are a part of the content on your application do half of the work of making your app popular among their fanbase.
Now that you have looked into the reasons that make mobile entertainment apps a right move for the media and entertainment industry and the popular entertainment apps, let us now look into the features set that are present in all the different types of entertainment industry incumbents.
Feature-set that Makes Entertainment Apps Engaging
1. Content flow
Entertainment applications have allowed the easy flow of content throughout the globe. Any creator can put their content on these applications and receive attention from audiences from all over the world.
One such example is Quora. An app that allows you to answer multiple questions as well as ask questions yourself. Another application is Wattpad which has given a platform to writers so that they can publish their books, journals, or short stories.
Other entertainment applications have allowed the free flow of content such as articles, blogs, videos, etc. Reading interesting content on the go is a facility that mobile applications provide and the users’ demand.
2. Gaming and music
Gaming is the most popular section in the entertainment industry. Not only have mobile applications made it possible for players to carry their games in their pockets but also have enabled real-time multiplayer options so that gamers can play together from all over the world.
This feature connects many players around the world via the internet and even has features like chatting and voice call. This is how mobile applications are reinventing the gaming experience. Even if your entertainment application is not a whole and sole gaming application, you can still use the feature to make your app experience more immersive and engaging. In fact, shareable micro games can be a great way to make your app popular in the market.
Music was only limited to cassettes, radios, and websites but not anymore. Applications like Spotify, Wynk, iTunes, etc. have given the opportunity to the audience to choose to listen to any music, anywhere and anytime. Some of these apps have free access to music as well.
3. Engagement features
Entertainment apps attract a huge audience because of their interesting features, type of content, and curiosity in each other’s life. The most-followed people on applications are celebrities since they have a huge fan base.
Mobile applications give fans a chance to interact with their idols and also keep a track of what’s going on in their life. This also helps businesses interact with their customers and attend to their needs and demands.
Engagement is the most important feature of entertainment mobile applications. Features like push notifications make it extremely easy for the users to remain updated on the new content launch on the application, in addition to any change in their subscription status.
4. In-app purchase capabilities
In-app purchase features tend to be one of the most important feature sets of an entertainment application. Your users should be able to start, modify, or stop their subscriptions from within the app through the app of a secure payment gateway that has been designed to keep their financial information secure.
5. Social media integration
One of the most common ways people find the next content to stream is through social media posts. This implies that in addition to having a solid social media campaign, you should also give your users the functionality to share the content that they like on their social media channels along with the provision of tagging your brand.
When integrating social media, it is extremely important to ensure that you make the experience as seamless for the users as possible – meaning in your entertainment apps for mobile don’t ask them to log in multiple times simply to share the content online.
6. Content moderation facility
With history as our witness, even the most popular of the entertainment apps have come under scrutiny for posting content that hurts viewers sentiments. To safeguard your users’ interest, it would be beneficial to have a content moderation practice in place that would ensure that nothing pirated or hurtful gets live on your application without raising a red flag within your application.
7. Intuitive search functionality
What separates an average entertainment application from the one that ranks on top in the stores in the intelligent search functionality. Talk to your media and entertainment app development company in the USA about the integration of artificial intelligence addition in the application. This would help you give your users recommendations on what they should watch next – on the basis of what people who viewed the content they did watch next.
Future of Mobile Apps in the Entertainment Industry
Mobile phones are used for more than just calling. It has become a source of information, a necessity, and something without which human life doesn’t seem to be easy.
Applications are literally solving our daily problems from food to clothing to entertainment. Mobility is the future of technology and entertainment is going to be an unbeatable industry.
With all the information gathered so far, entertainment applications have a future that will bring them on the top, even beating the game applications. In near future, the mobile application economy will have more optimized apps and will rise to newer levels.
IoT, Augmented Reality, Virtual reality is all the features set to enter the entertainment apps development to enhance the user interface. One can only imagine for now what these latest technologies can bring to the audience and how fierce the competition is going to be for newcomers.
Every time a new version of Android comes out, it is mostly a very big deal. In every new version, there are a bunch of new features, a set of design changes, and most of the time, a stream of phones to go along to suit the new version. And when the launch is something as major as a slimmed-down version of Regular Android, the event is bound to make some noise. Google, in I/O 2017 announced the launch of an OS that would run on low-cost smartphones that predominantly dominate the developing nations and it took a year for OEMs to launch their Android Go Devices.
Among the other MWC announcements, one was the names of devices that would have Android Go.
Here are the popular Android Go devices – Ulefone Note 7, Samsung Galaxy M01 Core, Alcatel 1X, Nokia 1, LavaZ50, ASUS Zenfone Live L1, Tecno Spark 6 Air, Infinix Smart HD 2021, Tecno Spark Go 2020, and Huawei Y3 among others.
Android Go – The Idea Behind Android’s Slimmed Down Version
Let us start with the basic question first. What is Android Go?
Android Go alias Android (Go edition) is a slimmed down version of Android, which is designed to specifically run on the entry-level phones.
In simple terms, Android Go applications means to offer high-quality smartphone experience to entry-level devices. From the beginning till now, go apps for android have brought improved speed, reliability, and security to millions of entry-level devices through applications and features specially developed to address local necessities.
The business strategy that runs behind Android Go is to expand the business to the developing nations, which on one hand has the advantage of the high user base, but on the other hand, face restriction from low storage space, high app size, and low RAM size.
To solve these three primal issues that keep Google from making Android reach its market potential, the brand launched Android Go that –
Make the Android run on the phone with 1GB RAM or even less
Make the OS takes lesser space
Make the preinstalled apps take lesser data and space
In order to serve the developing nations to their best intentions, the tech giant has brought about three major changes in its ecosystem – Operating System. Play Store. Apps.
Let us look at all three of the structural changes that Google has brought with Android Go, one at a time.
Operating System
The operating system of Android Go has been based on Oreo but has been optimized for running on smartphones with over 512 MB to 1 GB RAM. Size-wise, it takes half the space of Android Nougat, allowing devices with less storage space to hold a number of apps and media out of the box.
Devices that run Android Go are known to open the apps 15% faster than the other Android software. In addition to that, Android Go users get ‘data saver feature in default mode, which helps them consume lesser mobile data.
Apps
Like the new OS, Google has developed new apps as well to help make better use of the device’s memory. These apps require around 50% lesser space and tend to perform a lot better in the low end hardware.
Android Go devices come with these pre-installed apps –
Google Assistant Go
Google Go
YouTube Go
Gmail Go
Google Maps Go
Gboard Go
Chrome
Google Play Store
Files Go
While these apps are a lot faster and smaller in size, they come with some features missing. Now although the Android Go apps are restricted in number, as of now, the number if expected to increase in the coming future.
Play Store
To help keep the lightweight experience in sync throughout, Google has launched an all-now Play Store as well.
Android Go apps download space, i.e. Play Store provides the same content as your regular Play Store, just with a storefront that is suited for the low-storage devices. The store has a featured section that recommends to users the apps that are designed and developed specifically for their Android Go smartphones.
While most of these changes are in the background, let us look at the changes that are visibly present between Android Go vs Regular Android.
What’s new in Android Go app development?
Here’s a glance at something new in Android 11 (Go edition)
1. Available on all devices
Android (Go edition) is available on all new devices with up to 2GB of memory.
With 2GB expansion, apps for android go launch 20 percent faster, and with 270 MB of extra free memory, individuals can now run three to four applications in the background. Android Go development on 2GB devices likewise accompanies up to 900MB of extra free storage which is enough to take up to 300 more selfies and download a whole film.
2. Privacy enhancements
Go android application development for smartphones have similar approach for industry-level privacy protection as any Android device. Android 11 Go brings new security upgrades that make it simpler to control how and when information is shared on your device. With one-time authorization, you can allow an application access to sensors like your microphone, camera or location.
3. Switch between apps
Nowadays devices with wide screens are very common, thus Android Go gives you the advantage to make use of the wide screen through easy navigation. The gesture based navigation in go apps for android helps you to navigate to the home screen, backward and switch between apps with easy swipes.
Visible Differences in Android Go vs Regular Android
1. Recent Apps
*Android Go on the Left and Regular Android on the Right
The thumbnail of recent apps in Android Go is a lot smaller than the one in your regular Google application. It expands to fill the device screen as the app loads, giving the impression that the apps are loading much faster.
2. Gmail
With Gmail Android Go Application, Google has cut back on graphics to a great extent. While visually, there are not a number of evident changes, performance-wise, Gmail Go makes use of a web view that makes the performance choppy.
3. YouTube
As compared to the regular YouTube, YouTube Go is a lot simpler and has much less functionality. While UI wise, again, there is not a stark difference, but there are evidential changes in terms of functionality in case of YouTube Go – The amount of data a video will consume is clearly specified, there are no likes/dislikes and comments option anymore.
4. Google
Google Android Go Application has a lot more to offer than your regular Google application. There are a number of customization options as well as the ‘Trending Search’ option, which was earlier missing in Google. The only thing missing in Google Go are the recommended cards.
As for the Assistant Go, while it is not completely different from Google Assistant, there are a few restrictions – there is no configuration option, the assistant doesn’t set default players, and it cannot control the hardware of the phone.
5. Google Maps
The resemblance between Google Maps and Google Maps Android Go Application is uncanny, Maps Go is a case of perfect recreation when we talk about visuality.
Functionality wise, there are some obvious limitations, which might be a deal breaker for a number of users. The real-time turn-by-turn navigation is entirely missing in Google Maps Go, also reviews are missing in Google Maps Go.
With all these functionalities and structural changes, the aim that Google is looking to fulfill with go apps for android is to improve the overall user experience of the entry-level smartphone user base. While Google has done a lot in terms of optimizing their experience, it comes on all Android mobile app development companies to take the journey further while expanding business beyond geographies and not just as an android app development company usa or any other company.
With that respect, here is the answer to How to get Android Go in your Android App suite.
Steps to Optimize your Android App Development Process to fit in Android Go a.k. How to Develop an Android App
The process of converting your regular Google application into Android Go application would start with the answer to your app strategy.
When it comes to developing an app that is optimized for devices that are designed according to the Android Go standards, there are three options that you can choose from –
Have a Common App
Use the same app for all – Android and Android Go devices offering identical experiences. The android app here should be multi-binary, but shouldn’t have any particular experience for the less RAM devices. You can use Android App Bundle for this to save upto 65% in size without refactoring the app code.
Have one App with Different APKs
Use same app for Go devices and other devices, with different set of experiences. For this, you will have to develop different APKs, with one targeting the new android.hardware.ram.low dimension and other APK focusing on other devices.
Have Two Apps
Develop a Lite app targeting on the Android Go devices and keep your other Android app as it is.
Once you have decided on the app development strategy you will be following, look at these key considerations –
Ensure App functions without Crashes and ANRs
Application not responding and high crash rates are the two factors that negatively impact user retention rate. Make use of tools like Crashlytics and Android vitals to check the crash free sessions and ANR rate of your Android app.
Focus on Android Oreo
Android Oreo comes with a number of resource optimization like the Background Execution Limit that ensure proper running of processes in the background. Read through the Google Play migration guide in case your app is not targeting API 26 or more.
Keep the App Installed Size Low
There is a clear association between APK size and install rates, thus the lower your APK size, the higher your installs.
Since the Android Go apps will be focusing on low MB, entry level smartphones, you will have to ensure that your app is under 40 MB. To achieve this, either optimize your present APK or create a different APK targeting the Go users.
Here are a few tips on how to lower the app size –
Use Android App Bundle
Replace the JPEG/PNG files with the WebP assets
Replace raw audio format with AAC or MP3
Make sure that the libraries are updated
Keep DEX code within reason
Keep Memory Footprint Low
When you test the APK, look at the PSS to analyze the amount of memory the app takes to start on the device.
Keep Cold Start Time Under 5 Seconds
As you run the test for the cold startup time after completing a full reboot of the test device, ensure that the app becomes interactive within 5 seconds of being launched on the users’ device. In today’s get to go attitude users tend to become frustrated after five seconds of waiting for an app or game to load. This is the reason why the uninstall rate is high.
It is recommended to run tests for cold startup time after performing a full reboot of the device.
Summing Up
So here is all that you need to know about what is Android Go, Android Go vs Regular Android, Go Android development, android development services and finally how to develop an app for Android Go. Now that you have all the necessary information, what are you waiting for? Contact a team of Android Go experts and expand your business.
Backend and Frontend – The Two Foundational Components of Native Mobile Apps and Web Apps. While the former fuels the app, the latter defines how the app would act when in users’ territory aka on users’ devices.
While we have already covered the factors that power the Backend development of robust apps in article before, in this article we would be looking into the Frontend Development, especially JavaScript Frameworks, at great lengths.
There was a time when a website or a mobile app was made of simple static text site with little scope of interaction with other websites and apps. And the only scope of innovativeness came from minimal animation that hovered on the screen. That was the time of HTML and CSS.
But today, ever since the advent of JavaScript Frameworks, the scenario has changed. Today’s web apps play videos, interact with other apps, fill out forms, and do everything that makes it enough for users to remain invested without refreshing the page.
Seeing the advancements that the Top JavaScript frameworks have introduced the Frontend Development world with, a number of other languages/technologies have started flourishing.
The Options Businesses Have When it comes to Frontend Development of Web Based and Native Apps
When it comes to Frontend Development of Mobile Apps – Native, Web Apps, and the new App type that Google wants you to know about – Progressive Web Apps, there are a number of different technology options a business can choose from.
I know the article is to talk primarily on JavaScript Frameworks, but it is only fair to touch bases upon the other options that you have when it comes to Frontend Development of Web Apps.
Here are the Top JavaScript Framework Alternatives that are worth paying attention to –
JavaScript or no JavaScript, the Frontend Development Industry has a lot to look forward too.
Frontend Development Trends 2019
Advanced Chatbots
The conversation based User Interface on Mobile and Websites is the number one trend of Frontend development of the present time. It is estimated that by 2020 85% of the customer interaction with a business will involve zero human involvement.
Motion UI
While material design would still reign superiority when we talk about interface design, the incorporation of motion UI would breathe life into websites and mobile apps.
Prepared to catch user’s attention and to deliver information, the motion UI elements like hovers, animations, modular scrolling, and page header transition can become the differentiating factor between a seamless and passable user experience.
Evolution of JavaScript
Javascript is unquestionably the most famous languages used by the developers, which gives it a high position among the frontend developers, full stack developers, and the backend developers.
With the presence of scalable Javascript frameworks like Node.js and React.js, and the powerful package managers like NPM client and Yarn, Javascript Frameworks continue to be the primary technologies when we talk of frontend development in 2019.
Did you see how the ‘evolution of JavaScript’ has found its place in the list of Frontend Development trends?
Doesn’t it make you wonder…
Why JavaScript?
As we saw a few minutes back, there are in fact a number of alternatives that businesses have when it comes to technology to base their Frontend Development on. However, in spite of that, it is JavaScript that continues to witness mass adoption and there are valid reasons supporting the kind of growth that JavaScript Frameworks are getting. Let us look into a few of them
Why are Businesses, like us, Opting for JavaScript?
It is on Every Platform
JavaScript Framework is present and used across a range of different platforms, in fact it is on every platform you can possibly imagine – Browser, Mobile, IoT, Desktop Apps, and a lot other.
Acts as the Best Foundational Language
Once you learn JavaScript, learning other languages becomes a piece of cake.
Can Handle Complexity
The majority of world’s most popular websites like Paypal, Netflix, and LinkedIn, amongst others, work on one or other form of JavaScript Frameworks.
Faster Debugging = Faster Deployment
Unlike other languages, JavaScript comes with the facility of feedback loop. Because it is built on browser, one can run the code and get instant results.
Reasons such as these and many others are enough for establishing JavaScript as a popular language – The one that is can be used in many different situations and many different platforms, with ease.
Because of the popularity and ease that comes tagged with JavaScript language, a number of frameworks have now found a place under the JavaScript umbrella with many other being developed to become a part of the family.
All in all, currently there are over 50 different JavaScript frameworks that can be used for the Frontend development of Mobile apps and when you add the web specific frameworks, the number grows by manifold.
With over 50s of JavaScript Frameworks used in the market, it is in fact difficult to come to a conclusion as to which Frontend Development frameworks would come out to be the best.
While different businesses would have different set of preferences when it comes to choosing a Frontend JavaScript Framework, at Anteelo, we focus our efforts on these Four – Angular framework. React. Vue. Node.
– The Fantastic Four –
Angular.js. React. Vue. Node
The Reasons Why we Choose Angular.js, React, Node, and Vue for Frontend Development
Popularity – All the four JavaScript Frameworks are popular in the web and mobile app development industry and because of this popularity, they have the back of a strong developers’ community, which makes issue redressal a fast process.
Flexibility – Straight from Angular Framework and React Framework to Vue and Node, all these frameworks are used for the development of mid to high complexity level apps.
Ease of Adaptability by Developers – As compared to the other frameworks, these come with a comparatively lower learning curve, which makes the mobile app development process much faster.
Experience – We have developed over 100s of Mobile based apps using these top JavaScript Frameworks, giving us an in-depth idea of how they work.
Let’s take a look into them at much length –
Vue.js
If React Framework and Angular.js ever had a baby, it would look like Vue.js (not logo wise but features wise). The brainchild of ex Google employee Evan You, Vue.js has somehow managed to become the competitor of all three prime frameworks: Angular Framework, React.js Framework, and Ember Framework when it comes to Frontend Development – becoming the op JavaScript Framework in the process. Even without the support of any hot-shot tech name, the brand has been able to become really popular among the developer community.
Vue.js was conceived with the sole aim to make the interface development organized and simpler. And it does it so perfectly that it is now deemed ideal for the development of lightweight apps.
Acting as a legitimate child of React and Angular, the JavaScript framework shows features that are the best of both – While on one hand, it offers two-sided data binding facility of Angular Framework, on the other, it provides server-side rendering of React Framework.But then, like all things seemingly ideal, Vue.js also comes with its share of pros and cons.
Here they are
Pros –
Rapid Adoption. In only a few years since its launch, a number of businesses have started making Vue a part of their tech stack.
Low Learnability Scale. It is easier to get acquainted with the framework as compared to Angular JavaScript Framework.
Rendering Support is Declarative
Easier Integration with HTML Elements
Cons –
Since it is a new project, there is still a lack of resources
Relatively smaller community support, especially when compared with Angular.js and React Framework
Angular Framework
The one thing which all us developers agree with is that Angular JavaScript is the one framework that has the capability to powerful web applications Frontend Development.
Angular.js is a full featured JavaScript framework that comes with a series of business benefits such as quick production of code, convenient testing of app part, and the two-way data binding, which helps in reflecting the changes that happen in the backend immediately on the User Interface development.
Angular Framework keeps coming out with updates on a regular basis like Angular.js 6 comes with an improvement in the rendering engine for smaller and faster applications.
Even when hundreds of businesses are adopting Angular Framework, and it has set a dominating position in the Angular vs React.js framework comparison globally, there are some evidential pros and cons that come associated with this JavaScript Framework too –
Pros
Material Design and PWA Support
Stable long term support because of Google backing
Two Way Data Binding
Mobile focused approach to Web Development
Cons
Apps developed in Angular Framework are notoriously famous for drawing device’s battery
Needs more Optimization to tackle the present low performance issue
Comes with high learnability scale
React Framework
Backed by Facebook and Instagram, React Framework has become the most used/ top JavaScript Framework of the present time with over 1,000 contributions present on GitHub using it for Frontend development. Because of the use of a virtual DOM, the React framework provides a better performance boost to apps as compared to Angular.js.
Used by over 38% of the developers, worldwide, React.js. compared to other JavaScript Frameworks, has also grown to become the first choice of a number of prime businesses like Netflix, Paypal, Flipboard, and BBC, amongst various others.
Now, there are indeed a number of reasons that businesses like ours and WhatsApp swoon over React Framework usage in Frontend Development, but Flexibility is what tops them all. And the JavaScript framework stands true to the hype it has been able to create around its upper hand in developing Mobile Apps with advanced user interface.
Nonetheless, the framework, like the others, do not come sans advantages and disadvantages. Here are its pros and cons –
Pros
Good set of Documentation and Online Resources
Possibility of Server Side Rendering
Easy Component Model
Fast, Efficient, Flexible, and Small Sized
Cons
It is essential to have Build Tools
The chances of framework being incompatible with the other libraries and code that modifies DOM are very high
The learning curve can be a little higher
Node.js
Node.js has over time become the top server side JavaScript Frameworks.
The idea behind Node.js is using event driven I/O to help remain efficient and lightweight at time of development of data intensive real time apps, which operate across a series of distributed devices.
The top server side javascript framework helps in building fast and scalable network applications, as it is capable of managing huge number of connections through high throughput – which ultimately brings out greater scalability.If you are looking for a fully featured JavaScript Framework environment with the presence of all the tools, Node.js would be your right option. In fact the popularity that Node.js is getting is making it one of the top JavaScript frameworks. Bringing it steps ahead in comparison to PHP and Golang.
I am sure by now you must have become acquainted with the drill. So, keeping up with the trend, here we go –
Pros
The non-blocking IO ecosystem lets developers process multiple requests simultaneously
Node.js developers community is extremely active, meaning access to ready solutions and codes in GitHub
Made JavaScript full stack. Before Node.js, the platform was solely used for the development of client side.
The one of the most popular server side JavaScript frameworks, Node is opposite of restriction. It lets you build every element of the app from the scratch.
Cons
There have been instances of Node API instability
It still does not support multi-threaded programming, which means it is not ideal when performing long running calculations, which ultimately leads to a decline in app performance.
So here were the four Frontend JavaScript Frameworks that we swear upon everytime a project comes along for Web App Development.
Other than these four, there are 11 Frontend JavaScript Framework that we can see competing for a place in the list to replace them. While they will take some years to come at a position where Angular.js and React js Framework and Node, Vue have placed themselves, they are 100% in preparation of coming neck to neck with the Fantastic Four in 2019.
In short, the next 11 JavaScript Frameworks have now become too big to ignore. And it is time that we give them their fair share of limelight, so here we go –
– The Sidekicks –
Ember.js
Used in designing of a number of complex websites like Kickstarter, Heroku, and LinkedIn, Ember.js comes with the support of a huge online community, continuous rollout of updates and lastly, a wide appliance of the best practices of JavaScript.Ember.js is ideal for development of complex web apps, and the string-based templating system that it comes with contributes to a much faster boot time.
The Frontend JavaScript Framework is also concentrated on scalability, so that the developers can easily work on both – mobile and web apps.
Next.js
Next.js is not your common JavaScript framework. The framework was launched by React js team as a tool for the server-side rendering. Developers working with the mix of Next and React.js can help simplify the frontend development process.The popular server side javascript framework comes with a set of remarkable features like page-based client-side routing and automatic code splitting. Above all, Next.js comes with full CSS support, known as styled-jsx, to help make the styling of user interface development a lot easier.
Meteor.js
The full-stack client and server side JavaScript framework allows swift Frontend development of the end-to-end web and mobile applications in JavaScript. Because of its modular structure, the libraries and packages are used at pace. In context of performance, every one of the changes that happen in database are then instantly transmitted to UI. Currently, the framework is used for real time application development of companies like Mazda, Honeywell, and IKEA, amongst others.
Mithril.js
Mithril.js has a series of similar features as React.js. Mithril offers you hierarchical MVC elements and various safe-by-default templates that come with intelligent DOM differences that goes into checking of high performance rendering. The JavaScript Framework also comes with two very impressive features for Frontend Development – URL Routing and Customizable Data Binding.
Polymer.js
The lightweight framework is designed to enable you to take complete advantage of the Web Components. Polymer has the web components which are a part of HTML standards that promise longer existence as compared to ReactJS.Polymer.js works best when you need to combine your app with other frameworks & platforms and when you need to work with JavaScript standards.
Aurelia.js
The Durandal Inc. product, is being advertised as a next generation UI framework. It is deemed to be one of the developer friendly and advanced front end JavaScript framework of the present time.The JavaScript framework APIs are designed for consumption not from just today’s needs but also from future web programming languages. It supports ES2015, ES5, ES206 and Typescript as well, which gives developers high flexibility.Aurelia also comes with an extensible HTML compiler, which lets the developers create customized HTML elements and take take control of template generation with the support of dynamic loading, data binding, and batched rendering.
jQuery
The popular android app development framework, although old, but is still holding a prevalent position, and the 300k downloads that it sees everyday is a sign of it.
Even though the frequency with which updates were rolled out have been lowered immensely, a new version, v4.0 is planned with a series of changes such as –
Rewrite of the speed framework
Rewrite using the next gen JavaScript
All new event module design
Backbone.js
The framework is one of the most famous one among the JavaScript Framework developers’ community. And the reason behind the popularity that the framework has been able to gather for itself are pretty straight forward – The framework comes with usability modules that are very easy to understand and have an extremely simple learning curve. Using Backbone, you can make single page apps with the help of the traditional web libraries. They are developed on the idea that the server side functionalities should always flow via APIs as it minimizes the number of codes that should be composed for achieving the complex functionalities of sophisticated web app frameworks.
Socket
The client and server side javascript framework has been getting in a lot of attention from the frontend development community, making it one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks. Socket allows you to take advantage of a real time communication among the server and client. It is divided in two parts – client library running from browser and the server library that is built on Node.js.
Socket allows you to implement real time binary streaming, interactive set of document collaboration, instant message platform, and the real time stats of project and apps.
Titanium
The framework allows mobile app developers to create native apps with the help of web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It is one of the best JavaScript Frameworks today with their apps being on over 460,587,474 devices and with more than 91609 developers working on it.
Knockout
The last JavaScript framework that we believe will hold its position of being a popular choice of framework is Knockout.js. The framework helps developers build rich and responsive display and an editor UI with clean underlying data model. Apps that have section of UI which update dynamically can benefit greatly from Knockout framework. There are three features that come associated with Knockout, which contribute to framework’s popularity in the frontend development domain –
Dependency Tracking – The JavaScript framework updates the right sections of the UI as and when the data model changes.
Declarative Bindings – The feature lets you offer complex and dynamic User Interface Development with the help of arbitrarily placed binding contexts.
Trivially Extensible – It lets you use custom behaviours as part of new bindings for convenient reuse.
So here were the 4 JavaScript frameworks that we rely on and the other 11 JavaScript frameworks that will be making a prominent appearance in 2019 along with the Fantastic Four.
Now coming to which one of the most popular JavaScript frameworks you should go with, when taking a decision, compare the architecture, performance, documentation, learning curves, community support, and organization.
If you are even a month old in the world of mobile application development, the probability of you have not heard of the concept of Technology Stack is very minimal.
No matter what mobile app development process you are planning to follow, it would never turn fruitful until you get together a set of robust technology stack. Technology Stack is what decides the future of a software product.
Well, we will get to the exact definition of tech stack in a while. For now, here’s the snippet – The present and future of your mobile app depends on nothing but your mobile app technology stack.
Defining and choosing the technology stack for app development at an early stage helps entrepreneurs achieve their ultimate business objectives much more easily.
In this article, we will be looking into the concept of technology stack for mobile application in more detail, while throwing the light on the importance of knowing the technology stack that your mobile app would be based on. We will also talk about the tech stacks that power the apps on the basis of their type.
But first things first.
Let us quickly refresh our understanding of mobile app technology stack.
What is a Mobile Development Technology Stack?
The complete technology stack for mobile application development can be divided into four areas. And these are also the areas that also constitute the anatomy of an application.
Here are the four components which together make one Technology Stack –
Frontend Development – The interface on which users interact with the mobile app
Backend Development – The part which takes the user input, processes it, and convert it into an output
Development Platform – The place where interfaces and libraries come into the picture to design and develop the mobile application.
Additional – The technology elements that affect app performance, security, and robustness.
Now that you know what mobile app technology stack stands for, let us now look into the reasons why it is important for businesses to sit with their partnered mobile app development company and look at the technology stack that would be put into their mobile apps.
Why is it Important to Find the Best Tech Stack for Mobile App?
There are a number of elements that are dependent on the selection of the right mobile app tech stack. The probability of whether your app is robust or will it be able to scale to different operating system versions, relies heavily on the technology combination that you choose for its development.
Any wrong or hasty, uncalculated decision with respect to the selection of nothing but the best technology stack for mobile application, will affect its current performance and future growth prospects negatively.
While these are the issues attached at a much deeper level, which you would face only when you are deep inside the mobile app development process, there are a number of first level issues attached with the wrong choice of the mobile app technology stack as well.
Since you now know what tech stack is and why it is important to know the technology stack, let us come to the section where we look into the technology stack that powers the development of powerful, scalable, and innovative mobile and web apps that comes out of the factories of any skilled app design company and their development domain.
Native App Technology Stack
Native apps are known for their robustness and performance. The quality standards that a business usually looks to achieve in their mobile journey are the ones that their investment in Native App Development perfectly solves.
Native Apps allow businesses to integrate the device’s in-built functionalities in their mobile app, without calling for an external third party API.
Now, when we talk about Native app, we usually talk in the context of Android and iOS App development. The two platforms come with different capabilities, which call for different technology stacks as well.
Although Kotlin is the official programming language for Android app development, Java language is still used to a great extent by many android app development company. The popularity that Java sees makes it one of the best technology stack for mobile app development.
However, Kotlin is also not lying too behind in the popularity race. With time, Kotlin has become a lot more stable option for the developers to workaround in the Android studio. The fact that the language is clean, lightweight, and much less verbose is making it a solution to all the Java problems.
Toolkit: Android Developer Tools & Android Studio
Android Studio gives developers the feasibility of editing code, debugging, flexible build system, performance tooling, and an instant deploy system.
The platform enables you to focus entirely on building high quality and unique apps.
With help of the Android Developer Tools, you will be able to gain complete support for the whole Android app development process. Along with that, it allows developers to use multiple on-device debugging tools, emulators, graphical UI builder, and a completely scriptable test automation support.
Android SDK
In order to write programs with the latest features, the developers are made to download and then install each version SDK for a specific phone.
Using this Android tech stack, developers have been able to increase the app count to over millions and have made the Android app development industry the one that businesses opt for when they are looking to reach the masses.
iOS Tech Stack
Programming Languages: Swift and Objective-C
The most preferred languages that find themselves being a part of the iOS mobile app development technologies are Swift and Objective-C.
Objective-C being the superset of C language provides a dynamic runtime environment and object-oriented capabilities.
But we recommend Swift over Objective-C, simply because the language is a lot more functional and offers codes which are a lot less error-prone. It also consists of dynamic libraries which are uploaded directly to memory, cutting down the initial app size and increasing its performance.
Toolkit: Xcode and IntelliJ AppCode
Toolkits are the full feature environment that allows one to create both mobile and desktop apps. The ones that are most commonly used by the iPad and iPhone app developers are IntelliJ AppCode and Apple Xcode.
iOS SDK
The iOS SDK consists of an API which acts as the link between platforms that they run on and the software application. The iPhone SDK offers tools used for Apple’s touchscreen interface and for the proprietary iOS operating system.
At the back of this technology stack, Apple app development industry has been able to brand itself as the market that businesses head out to generate revenues on their mobile apps.
While this was for Native apps, there is one app type which calls for a different set of full stack mobile development altogether. The apps we are talking about here are Hybrid Apps.
Although they are not used to a great extent anymore, there are still a small class of entrepreneurs who select them at the back of their low cost and time to market advantage.
Hybrid App Technology Stack
Hybrid apps are usually developed with the help of the standard web techniques like CSS, HTML5, and JavaScript. They usually consist of two sections – Backend and Native shell. These apps can run on all platforms and tend to provide access to API and acquire device storage and a camera etc.
The three frameworks that are most commonly used for the development of Hybrid apps include – Cordova, Sencha Touch 2, and Ionic.
Now that we have talked about both Native Apps and Hybrid Apps, it is time to move our focus on the Tech Stack for Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-Platform App Tech Stack
Cross-platform app development means using the same code to develop apps that would then run on multiple platforms – Android, iOS, and Web.
Businesses usually go with the cross-platform app development because of the simple fact that they are able to operate around a greater demographics. All the while taking advantage of the low development cost and faster go to market time.
The cross-platform application technology stack is usually made up of these major technologies’ combinations –
A. React Native & TypeScript or JavaScript
React Native is a JavaScript framework that is used for writing mobile apps which work like native apps. When you use React Native, the application logic gets written and runs on JavaScript or TypeScript.
B. Xamarin & C#
Xamarin allows development engineers to share 90% of codes across a series of major platforms. The tool uses C# as the main language.
Now that we have looked into the tech stack that powers the development of a variety of app types, ranging from Native apps to Cross Platforms and Hybrid Apps, it is time to look into something that matters to a mobile app development company more than knowing the tech stack: Knowing How to Choose the Best Technology Stack for Mobile Application.
How to Select the Best Tech Stack for Mobile App?
The ideal mobile application development technology stack that can power your product for success is an outcome of careful consideration and analysis of a number of factors. Here are the factors that tend to influence the mobile app technology stack choice for the development of a mobile app –
1. App Considerations
There are a number of factors that vary from one app to another –
The device on which the app would function
The network condition it would run in
The user experience you are aiming to achieve
The estimated go to market time
The platform would run, amongst others.
All these app elements clubbed together help decide the set of framework, library, languages, and the software that would be combined to develop the mobile
2. The Goal of Mobile App
The choice of tech stack for mobile application development also depends heavily on the goal that your mobile app is going to achieve.
There would be a stark difference in the mobile app technology stack choice when you are looking to develop a high latency app vs a quick response, low latency mobile app.
A mobile app that is dependent on heavy load processing call for a much robust tech stack than the ones that operate around streamlined interactions.
3. Development Team Skill-Set
There are a number of languages and frameworks that tend to give the same result but have some differentiating factors that separate one from the other. Now, when you are to decide between two similar-ish tech stack, the ideal thing to do is to rely on the developer’s skill-set.
If you introduce a tech stack that your team is not acquainted with, it will increase not just the development effort and time but also the cost of mobile app development. While on the other hand, introducing a mobile app technology stack that your team is comfortable with, will help expedite the process while saving the quality.
4. Technology’s Parent Company
The parent company of the technology stack that you are going with also makes a lot of difference in the choice.
There are some brands that offer a lot better documentation and community support than the others. Like, Google, Microsoft, and Adobe are known to offer a lot better community support and advanced development options than Facebook with React Native.
5. The Choice to Operate on Multiple Platforms
The technology stack of an app that runs on one platform would be a lot different than of the one that runs on all – Android, iOS, and Web.
The level of scalability that you will have to introduce in your mobile app to make it portable on other platforms, e.g. in case of Hybrid App or Cross-Platform App Development, would call for a different toolset than one that would go into the development of a Native app.
6. Security Level of the Tech Stack
Every mobile app development technology comes prepared to combat the security-related vulnerabilities that an app can come across after it is launched it is market. The problem comes when you choose a technology stack which is not sufficiently documented or which requires writing long line of codes.
And then there comes the element of developers’ skills. No matter what technology stack you are including in your mobile app, hackers will find their way in, if the app is not developed in a secure manner. So along with the tech stack, your app developers team need to be skilled as well.
7. Compatibility with the Existing Technologies
Going with a mobile app tech stack that is in line with the technology that you are using in the project is very important. Especially if you are introducing a new tech stack after the mobile app development process has started.
Apart from checking the compatibility of the tech stack with the current project, you should also check how compatible would the tech stack be with the tools that you might be planning to add in the app at a later stage.
With this, you now know everything about technology stack that you need to get started with your first mobile app development project. Now no matter which technology you end up using, make sure that they work well with your present app structure and prepares your mobile app to be innovative and scalable.
FAQs About Mobile App Technology Stack
Q. What is meant by technology stack?
Technology stack is the collection of tools, languages, frameworks, and APIs, etc that come together to develop an entire software.
Q. What is app stack used for?
Mobile app technology stack is responsible for the success of the entire design, development, and maintenance process. A wrong decision on this front can lead to your app’s demise in the market much before its natural survival timeline.
Q. What technology is used to develop mobile apps?
The technologies used to develop an efficient mobile app are mainly divided into three subsets which are – Backend, Frontend, Development, and Additional.
Q. What is the best platform for mobile app development?
There can not be one answer to this question. The choice of the best platform depends on a number of different factors like the support of tech stack, design capabilities’ software, users’ demographics, etc.
Q. How to Choose the Best Technology Stack for Mobile App?
There are multiple factors that you will have to consider to establish which mobile app tech stack will best suit your need.
With the immense amount of competition on both the Google Play Store and Apple Store (over two million and counting), convincing the users to install a new app is very challenging.
How many times have you heard people say that no matter how innovative your idea is, only those rule the stores and users’ devices that have already established themselves in the market?
Having developed a series of apps that have hit the million downloads mark, our team of app developers that it is nothing but hearsay. With the right blend of development and marketing, you can boost mobile app downloads and can help it reach the million mark too.
While you have the support of our app developers to help build a robust app, to bring you up to speed with the marketing front of getting million app downloads, we have curated a guide for your journey.
We have divided this guide into two parts – Pre and Post Launch of your Mobile Application, both of which together will help you get answer to ‘How to Get More App Downloads’.
Let us start with the pre launch part of mobile app promotion strategy first to to ensure that you are prepared to woo the Million of App Store users, even before it has found a place in their devices.
Pre-launch success preparation of your mobile app
Ideally, the efforts you are putting in this stage should start at least 2 months before the actual launch in the stores. Start with the pre launch stage as soon as your app enters the last testing stage.
How to ensure that You Get Maximum App Download From the Technical Front –
Ensure that Your App Doesn’t Crash
Prepare your app in a way that it doesn’t crash even once after it is downloaded on users’ devices. You have to understand that the stores are full of extremely impatient users, who will abandon after even two repeated instances of crashes.
Presence of an Intuitive UI
Run through your App’s UI as many times as possible. Look into how easy it is for your audiences’ demographics to move inside the app, if the UX elements are in line with what they are used to work around. And, finally, it’s easy for them to move inside once they have done the app download deed.
Get Your App Tested Enough
Test your app not just on different devices but also on different operating system versions and in under different network conditions. Don’t even think about rolling it out for downloads, before you have ensured that your app is tested and secured against every permutation and combination of users’ movement.
How to ensure that You Get Maximum App Download From the Marketing Front
Set Up Pre-Launch Ad Campaign
Start with creating anticipation about your app on your website, the social media channels, platform where your people of your app community visit and uses most often. Through all your mediums, prepare your audience for the time to come and how it would change their life.
Don’t show them anything other than your logo at this stage. Your time to showcase your app would come, but it’s not now.
Prepare to Rule the App Store Listings
Your probability of getting maximum app downloads is directly proportional to your placement in your category list. The higher you are in the list, the greater are the chances of visibility and click through rates.
Draft an ASO and PSO strategy. Start getting videos and screenshots made to showcase your creation in the stores, have a set of keywords ready with you, draft content to post in the app description section.
Open your Doors for the Press
Just days, around two weeks before the actual launch of the app, send invites to the press and PR agencies to cover it and post its coming in their dailies. Infact, now would be time when you contact websites that curate lists like ‘App of the day’ and get your name on the lists.
With just two or three weeks to the launch, announce your coming to the Android and Apple Store to the world.
Invest in PPC
Just week before you become available to app downloads, invest in a PPC campaign. Run your ads on Google on every keyword and phrases that are related to your app category and similar to what your users are looking for.
This was it on the Pre Launch part of Taking Your App towards Million downloads. To sum up, you have to create anticipation, promote your application everywhere your audience is and while you are doing this, focus on how the development process is coming up.
Now that you know the pre launch part of ensuring the success of your mobile app before it is launched in the stores, let us look into the post launch parts of its success. This is exactly where all your efforts would pay off.
Post-launch success preparation of your mobile app
The cumulative effort that you had put up until this part both in development and marketing, boils down to this stage, when it’s time to reap the benefits. But your dream to achieve a million downloads still requires time and efforts to become real.
Post Launch efforts to reach million app downloads are in many ways much higher than your pre launch work as now it’s time to deliver the users what you had created anticipation for.
Here are the ways you can pave the last road to your million app download mark –
Submit Your App To Sites Like ProductHunt
There are a number of websites like ProductHunt that allows app developers to post their live app and get helpful feedback, visibility, and more often than not investors for their apps.
While investing in PR agencies and mobile-based news websites will help you sail through the initial growing awareness phase, there are not viable for the long run.
To keep getting downloads in the long run, you will have to make your application visible to people who would be genuinely interested in them.
In-App Advertisements
The next step in the process of ensuring that you have left no door unopened is by investing in in-app advertising models. Get in talks with popular apps that have space to insert your ad in theirs.
By placing your ad in the popular applications, you will be able to increase your visibility score to a great number.
Plan Referrals
One of the major reasons behind Uber’s success is their referral program. They make it beneficial for users to share it with their friends and family, in the form of discounted rides.
Depending on what your app is about, you can offer free lives, discount, free product, or even a gift voucher to the user and their family/ friend who uses their referral code.
Inauguration Discount
If your app belongs to the paid category, you should offer yours for free in the first month or make the prime features available on an off or discount.
While planning on the features that you would be offering for free, make sure you go with the ones that will become coveted after they are not free or on discount anymore. If you make those features free which already comes with no price tag in the same category apps, the users will abandon yours.
Remain Visible
It is very easy for the users, both prospects and the ones who have your app installed with them, to forget about your existence amidst the billions of other in the stores. So, keep reminding them of the value that only you can get them. Continue making appearance in the places they frequent.
These are the ways you can not just pave the road to a million downloads but also ensure the longevity of your mobile application in the overcrowded stores.
Having developed a number of million hits products with the help of our app developers, we understand that while a major portion of your app’s success depends on how far you are able to promote it in the world, it all boils down to your idea and its value offering ability.
If your application is able to offer some value to its users that they cannot get in the same form, ease or speed elsewhere, they will spread the news.
Another thing that matters in defining your app success is how much attention you are paying to your customers’ needs. How responsive you are to their issues and what is your correction time.
So, what really matters in the long run is how well your app is developed, the kind of value it is able to offer, and how responsive you are with your users’ needs.
Suppose you have a brilliant idea, one that you think would revolutionize the whole mobile app industry. Now, of course, you will get a sense of urgency when it comes to protecting the idea from getting copied, right? Well, you are not alone. Almost all the entrepreneurs who enter the mobile app industry with a revolutionary idea do so only after they have ensured that their idea will not be copied or stolen or modified by those with whom they share it. This need to ensure that the idea is protected is what calls in the need of bringing a Non-Disclosure Agreement for mobile app into the picture. But believe it or not, NDA for mobile app development is one of the most controversial topics in the mobile app industry. While on one side there are entrepreneurs who believe that they have a revolutionary idea that needs to be protected, on the other, there are agencies which, having seen it all, have come to an understanding that no idea is actually a one-of-a-kind idea, and so the presence of NDA only restricts them.
In this article, we will be looking into the whole NDA protection for mobile app conundrum in much detail, by giving you an answer to how to protect your app idea.
But, let us start with the basics first.
What is NDA for Mobile App Development
Non Disclosure Agreement or NDA for app development is a contractual agreement that states both the parties involved – Client and the Mobile App Development Agency will work to safeguard the confidentiality of the app idea and no matter what the situation is, they will not disclose the idea to any third party.
Now that we are done with the NDA for Mobile App Development definition, the next thing to look at is why do businesses even ask the mobile app development agencies for an NDA?
Is it because they want to be doubly sure that their idea is protected till indefinite time or is it because there are trust issues in the picture.
Let’s find out.
Why do Businesses Ask Mobile App Development Agencies for NDA
Even in the present day time when there is rarely an idea that has never been heard before, we get client queries almost on a daily basis asking for an NDA before they get on the introductory call. The reason behind this emphasis on NDA for app development can be many but the ones that we have analyzed over the development of more than 700+ apps are –
Follow up on a Tradition
In the service industry, it has become the norm to ask for the signing of NDA before any mobile app idea is shared and the trend has gotten so instilled in the whole industry that it has become a part of every mobile application development process guide.
And now, without even taking a moment back to analyze if it is even required, the mobile app industry has made NDA a quotient of an agency’s transparent work culture. But the fact that there is nothing specifically wrong in giving the promise of safeguarding the app idea is something that has led to us carrying forward the tradition.
The Distrust on Mushrooming App Development Agencies
The present-day truth of the mobile app development industry is that there are a number of mobile app development agencies in the market, all competing to close the biggest and most innovative deals coming their way.
In an ode to winning the race, small-level mobile app development agencies tend to suggest the idea, which should have been protected, to clients in order to appear well sound – something which gets protected when the idea is safeguarded with an NDA.
Now that we have seen the reason why businesses insist on the signing of NDA for app idea protection, let us now delve into the contents of the NDA to see exactly what is there in the document which would give businesses or entrepreneurs the guarantee that their idea is protected.
Clauses Included in a Mobile App Development Centric NDA
1.NDA Timeframe
There should be a clause highlighting the timeline of safeguarding the idea. Generally, the NDA is signed for the time that ranges from the day when the idea is shared to when the mobile app development work starts.
2.Information that has to be Protected
In this section, the information or data which has to safeguarded by the agency is mentioned in black and white.
3.Duty and Obligation of Parties to NDA
This section will talk about the obligations and duties that the parties will have to cover to ensure that the app idea is safeguarded. This is the place where the actionable elements of how to protect your app idea are mentioned. It can have elements like the mode of communication that will be followed by the agency, the tools that they are supposed to use for development, etc.
4.Consequences of NDA Breach
The after-effects of NDA breach of app idea protection are clearly specified in the agreement. Usually, the consequences are in the sense of monetary terms but at times the grieving party can seek an injunction as well, thus holding the right to make a legal case if the agreement is breached.
5.Return of the Information
This clause makes it necessary for the agency to return or destroy the information or data that they have gathered from the client once the introductory call does not turn into a closed deal.
Type of NDA in App Development
There are three types of NDA that are usually signed between the entrepreneurs and their mobile app development agencies –
Unilateral NDA:
It involves two parties – one disclosing the information and one receiving it. It restricts the receiving party from disclosing information to anyone else.
Bilateral NDA:
Both the involved parties sign the NDA declaring that they both won’t reveal the information to the world.
Multilateral NDA:
The agreement involves three or more parties where all the involved parties are abided by law to not reveal the content of the information shared with them.
Now that we have seen the basics of the NDA concept, it is time to hit upon the questions that the mobile app industry faces with almost every deal – Should NDA be signed or should it be passed?
Without releasing the dragon of debate, let us simplify it by giving you the situations where NDA makes the most sense and where they don’t.
When Should You Insist on the Mobile App Development Agency to Sign an NDA
A. When you have a Proprietary Information
If you or your organization represent some concrete proprietary data which may be eligible for patent or copyright, it becomes mandatory for you to get an NDA signed.
B. When the contractor or freelancer is not against the idea
If the agency or freelancer you are getting associated with is not against the idea of signing an NDA, go ahead and sign it, but ensure that the agreement terms are too restrictive for either one of you.
C. If the project has to remain a secret
If there is a situation where the whole project has to remain hidden from the public eye, insist on getting an NDA signed. Doing this will prevent the agency from placing your project in its portfolio.
D. There is a need to maintain short-term secrecy
There might be instances that you would need your idea to be protected for short-term or a fixed period of time, in cases like these, it is best to get an NDA signed so that the information remains protected till the short-term passes.
When Should You Not Ask the Mobile App Development Agency to Sign an NDA
A. When all you have is an idea
It is not uncommon for businesses to believe that their idea is something that will create a dent in the industry. But the truth remains, that rarely happens. So, until you have practical, statistical reasons to believe that the idea is indeed pioneering, don’t insist on an NDA.
B. When the Project is Short Termed
Having an NDA signed makes sense when you are working on a long-term project or on some revolutionary feature, but if your project is short-term and something that the world has already seen, choose to stay away from NDA signing.
C. When your dream agency is against the idea
As entrepreneurs who are willing to get their idea transformed into a business, it is not uncommon for them to get fixated on one agency who they feel would do it best justice. If you too have an agency of this sort insight and they are not willing to sign an NDA, take a few steps back and analyze if it’s really that important in the first place.
D. The information that you are trying to protect is public information
Let us explain this through an example. Suppose your next big idea is a take on the Uber app. Now, the industry has already seen a lot of those, so much so that it has become public information or an idea that the masses have already seen. In a situation like this, it is best to stay away from the formality called NDA.
After all said and done, the one innocent question remains. Let us attend it now.
How long does a Mobile App Development Centric NDA last
There is no direct answer to it, it varies from one client requirement to another. Usually, the NDA lasts until the project and some months after that. Also, every once in a while there are instances where the clients insist on signing an NDA for an indefinite period of time, but it is not recommended on the grounds of plain unjustification.
So, ideally, you should add the NDA tenure to just a few months after the app is developed or till the day of it getting published in the stores.
With this, you now know everything about NDA – What it is – clauses and types, why do entrepreneurs like you generally emphasize on having it signed, and the situations where they make the most sense and situations where they don’t, the time has now to keep our promise and give you the Sample NDA for Mobile App development that we use here Anteelo factory.
To make the whole decision of to-do or not-to-do a lot easier for you, our team of business development executives has also created an FAQ that answers some of the most common questions associated with the Non-Disclosure Agreement.
We often marvel at the fact about the unbelievable progress our world has made in terms of technology. We are literally living with all the gadgets and apps that only existed in sci-fi movies like it’s no big deal. But the truth is, it has taken years to research and development to reach a point where advanced technology has become the normalcy of our lives. From Amazon’s Alexa to Google Assistant, AI software are doing our daily chores for us. In the end, all these software are mobile applications developed by a mobile application developer. This shows us that mobile app development has reached the peak of its evolution and that there are endless innovation opportunities in the mobile app development field. Also, it tells us that for the success of any mobile application, it requires the developer to be outstanding. This is because although there are over 5 million applications in the major app stores, less than 1% of them make it to the 1 million downloads mark. Whether as an app development agency you are looking for app developers or you are a mobile app developer, looking forward to making a breakthrough mobile application, either as a freelancer or in association with an enterprise, there are a few mobile application development skills that you need to learn in order to make your app revolutionary.
Let us take a look at what special skills you can gather to become a successful Android and/or iOS app developer.
Skills required for Mobile App Developers
Cross-Platform App Development – Learning to be the best Android or iOS developer is a long-forgotten agenda in the mobile app development industry. Today, every app developer knows better than choosing just one platform. The skill-set required for a mobile application developer consists of the knowledge of all the platforms available for app development. In fact, Google’s play store has, unarguably, a higher number of active users but the real app engagement comes from the App Store users. That is why it is understandable that being the master of only one of the platforms may not help you capture all of your audience. To be a successful app development company, you should know how to find mobile app developers that are best for your team. Therefore, you need to look for developers who are eminent in Cross-platform mobile app development skills. And as a developer, having knowledge of cross-platform app development opens up a larger market for you along with benefits like:– Less usage of resources in terms of time, efforts and money because the development of apps for different platforms separately is not required as Cross-platform app development allows the reuse of code across multiple platforms. The best mobile app developers are the ones who don’t settle for either Android or iOS but go for both. And Cross-platform development is the best way to do it because it gives the app uniformity across different platforms which results in higher user engagement.
UI/UX Skills – The ardent purpose of an experienced mobile application developer is to make a mobile application that will attract and engage as many users as possible. And user engagement is a skill that can be acquired by having knowledge about how to make an app likable for users. And that can only be done by learning UI/UX skillsets. Although, the mobile app development team in a company consists of UI/UX designers who are solely responsible for the designing part of the mobile application as a developer, having the basic knowledge of front-end design and development is important. And as a mobile app development company, you should be hiring developers with UI/UX design skills.
Knowledge of popular programming languages (Preferably multiple) – As we all know that there are several programming languages in the in the app development world and each and every one of the languages has some unique characteristics which can be applied in specific situations. As an experienced mobile application developer, having the knowledge of multiple programming languages gives you an edge over the developer who is a specialist. Languages such as Java, Python, C#, Javascript, PHP for Android and Swift and Objective-C for iOS are some of the most widely used languages. It does not matter, which language you choose to go forward with, it is important to know at least two of the languages. And while some professions give you the liberty to learn things on your own based on experience. And the answer to how to become a mobile application developer is that it requires you to be updated with the prevalent trends in the app development industry.
Experience in Agile Methodologies – Mobile app development is a highly organized sector to work in. For the ease of the processes, there is a planning methodology defines for developers that make things simple and more systematic to follow, which is Agile Methodology. Agile methodology is a set of different software development methods based on iterative processes and standalone routines that facilitate the overall development process. A successful mobile app developer should be well versed and experienced in mobile application development skills and methodologies such as XP (Extreme programming), Scrum, DSDM, etc.
Cybersecurity Guidelines – As a mobile app developer, you develop a specialty in app development, but still, every project is unique in itself. Apart from that, there are clients reaching out to you from different geographies, with diverse government and cyber security guidelines. Therefore, integrating app security in mobile app development is crucial. The growing news about malware attacks all around the world has peaked the need of cybersecurity professionals. And if you’re one the app developers who can make sure that along with being aesthetically and operationally outstanding, your app is also categorically safe from malware, you can be in great demand. Apps like FinTech or apps which need the banking information of users require plenty of safety precautions as it deals with the most sensitive user information. Therefore, there are many opportunities for developers who are experienced in data encryption and mobile app development skills and safety.
Mobile app development is a highly dynamic profession that is constantly evolving and upgrading, thus it becomes indispensable for mobile app developers’ qualifications to be up-to-date in the latest practices and trends of the industry.
Apart from the above-stated skills, developers should also possess data processing skills. And As a part of a mobile app development company, you also need to have an aptitude for working in teams and delivering your best. Even being a client means that to hire a mobile app developer, you need to know which skill-set to look for.
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