#appcreation Archives

In-Depth Detail About Logistics App Development Cost

Posted on 08/06/2021 by Anteelo Master

We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?

From standing in long queues just to send a parcel to doing so with a click on our smartphone’s screen. And from the operators’ point of view, they are saved from the pain of monitoring all the logistics and transportation operations – all the time.

It’s all a result of the fusion of the transportation and logistics industry with the mobile app development domain.

But how?

How do these mobile applications perform a multitude of tasks single-handedly and efficiently? What features make them so great?

Well, this is something that we will discuss here.

Don’t get anxious, since I know what you are here for – the most-awaited answer to “how much does it cost to develop an on-demand logistics ( or management) app?” But before we dive straight into the answer, how about a little detour?

Let’s back up to gain a little perspective on the current condition of the market and analyze how beneficial it is going to be for you if you blend in on-demand with logistics app development.

Table of Content

Transport and logistics industry market statistics
Top players of the Logistics market
Types of mobile apps for logistics companies
Logistics mobile apps in the news
Benefits of Having an app like Uber Freight
Must-have features of an app like DHL
Technology stack used for logistics app
What does the Logistics app development cost?
Future of Logistics app development

Transport and logistics industry market statistics

“It’s all about numbers”

I have always found numbers to be the most convincing factor in business. And the logistics domain possesses some promising ones as well.

According to MarketWatch, the global logistics market is predicted to grow by $287.1 million between the years 2020 to 2024. This is equivalent to the increasing CAGR of 5%. In fact, the year-over-year growth rate for 2020 is projected at 4.13% by the end of the forecast period. Moreover, this CAGR is considered to be the highest during the 2019-2023.

In fact, a report by Transparency Market Research, it was mentioned that the logistics industry is expected to be worth $15.5 trillion by the year 2023 – something that paints the future of on-demand logistics app development in a positive light.

Moreover, upon analyzing the transport and logistics industry stats, we found that logistics/trucking holds the highest market share of 35%.

Top players of the Logistics market

Types of mobile apps for logistics companies

1. Fleet Management

This type of logistics application caters for recording the data and information related to vehicles and fleets. As a result, these apps must help in organizing, managing and coordinating vehicles from the central information system in order to keep the overall fleet operation hassle-free and running. Applications like these are also known to reduce costs, boost performance while providing compliance with government regulations.

2. Logistics on-demand

Applications that fall under this category are all about goods delivery as per the users’ requirements. These apps not only fulfill users’ needs instantly but also help in building connections.

3. Warehouse mobile apps

Warehouse mobile apps are designed to store a huge amount of data related to the products stored in the warehouse. It does it in such a simplified way as to make it easy to access any data any time.

4. Tracking and forwarding applications

These applications target to deliver information related to real-time concerning routes and delivery of the goods and products. This means that it also displays drivers’ location which is a rather prominent feature.

Logistics mobile apps in the news

Airbnb has expanded its reach to warehousing by introducing the “Flexe” app. In May 2019, the application raised $43 million in fundings in order to help online retailers take on Amazon.
Uber announced in Sept’2019 that it will spend $200 million to expand its Uber Freight trucking venture – Another reason to believe this is a growing field.
In January 2020, a Kenyan logistics startup called ‘Sendy’ with an on-demand platform raised around $20 million in a funding round backed by Toyota.

Benefits of Having an app like Uber Freight

Knowing why one should even invest in logistics mobile apps is as important as it is for a business to know the cost of logistic mobile app development. Let’s shed some light on the benefits first.

1. Vehicle tracking

Accuracy plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of the services – delivering goods at the right places and time. In this case, geolocation poses as one of the important features of the logistics app. The admin or users would be able to track the real-time location of the vehicle while simultaneously notifying the customer as well. In the case of emergencies, GPS could also be used.

2. Fleet and warehouse management

Effective management of fleets and warehouses is an ideal way to prosperity for any business operating in this domain. It can help with improved productivity and functioning. Such applications can store data way more effectively than the manual process, with low chances of data loss or misplacement. All in all, developing a transport and logistics app will eliminate inaccuracies and errors that come with manual processes.

3. Easy online booking

Since everything is on mobile now, providing your customers with the facility to do everything on their tiny screen what they used to do on their desktop/laptop is the need of the hour. Booking cargo or a parcel is something that can be done online with the help of on-demand logistics app development.

4. No paperwork

As pointed out before in the second point, managing and handling the paperwork is such a pain, especially, in the transportation and logistics business. Having a dedicated mobile application for this purpose solves this issue entirely and streamlines everything.

5. Helps in confirming the whole process

Probably one of the prominent uses of such applications is the real-time confirmation of the delivery process. While using an on-demand delivery app, the company and the customers, both can confirm if the product was delivered on time or delivered at all.

6. Promotes professionalism

If something that should matter the most to a company is its brand image. Having an on-demand logistics app not only facilitates your users but builds their trust in your company.

Must-have features of an app like DHL

There are three panels that need to be designed and developed in the logistics app development. Let’s look at each one of them while discussing the must-have features.

Note: These three panels are essentially three applications, which when combined work as one whole product. Consequently, it is a prominent factor when it comes to calculating transportation and logistics app development costs.

User Panel

Customer registration – Registration can be done in two ways – A. By creating a new account altogether and B. By registering with existing social media accounts. Giving this option to the users will impart a good impression.

Vehicle selection – It is an important feature to integrate into the on-demand logistics apps. This helps users in selecting the vehicle as per their requirements, i.e., be it a van, truck, trailer, container truck, and so on.

Scheduling and managing booking – Here users will be able to book a vehicle to avail of services immediately and can also pre-book by mentioning the date, time and location of pick-up.

Multiple payment gateways – The more options you give, the better experience you are likely to provide your users. This is also true in this instance. Providing users the choice to pay for the services via Credit/Debit card, online wallets, etc. will encourage them to use your app more often.

Tracking shipment – Rather a crucial feature, tracking facility is something your users are already expecting from your app. So, make sure to implement it in your end product.

Drop-off location – Always allow users to enter the drop-off location of their parcel either manually or with the help of GPS.

Real-time alerts – Push notifications are a great way to inform users about useful and important information while engaging them on your application.

Estimate fare charges – It is important for users to know beforehand the value they are expected to pay for the services. In this case, employing an in-build fare calculator will prove immensely useful. It will calculate the cost of services based on the size and weight of the package.

Access to history – This feature will allow users to revisit their previous transactions and invoices to keep everything on track and record.

Ratings and reviews – It would help customers if they find this feature in your app. This way, users can rate and review the services and give feedback that can help other users.

Driver/Dispatcher Panel

Login/Register – Like users, drivers can also signup using existing email IDs or social media accounts.

Manage requests –This feature allows drivers/dispatchers to accept or reject any request or order based on their preferences.

Make available or busy –Just like a DND feature, this will help the drivers or dispatchers show their availability/ unavailability for services using many options like marking self available, etc.

Consignment details – Getting insights of the consignment to be delivered is a crucial element that would help your app become popular if you employ.

Manage profile – Probably one of the most basic features is to enable the drivers to update the information on their profiles.

Navigation –This is a crucial feature for the driver/distributor side of the logistic application. It gives information regarding the best route to the customers’ addresses to facilitate on-time delivery.

Mark delivery –Allowing the dispatcher this feature will enable them to send alerts to both the parties (customer and admin) regarding the delivery of the parcel.

Freight/shipping details –All the details related to freight (weight of goods, fuel consumption, distance covered, toll charges) and shipping (name, address, contact number, destination) all can be accessed by the dispatcher/driver via this feature easily.

Access to history – It would be best to offer this feature since it will help them revisit past transactions and invoices.

Admin Panel

Dashboard –It displays every critical information related to the users and drivers. The admin is able to also see pending and completed orders with real-time data.

Fleet/Vehicle management –With this feature, it will become possible for the admin to introduce new vehicles for the shipment and even update the existing ones details with image, etc.

Manage invoices and payments –With this invoice management feature, the admin will be able to generate and update invoices. Moreover, admin can also manage payments, i.e, approve the payments received by the drivers and analyze other similar transactions.

Drivers monitoring –This feature helps in managing and assigning tasks to the drivers/dispatchers and monitor their on-road time, activities, and pending requests.

MS features –Under this feature, all the user queries related to the services or drivers, and any improvements required by the users are recorded and handled by the admin.

Additional features

Get a quote –According to the available deals and services, customers can request a quote from the service provider in order to get an idea for the cost and time of the services.

In-app Chat –This might be an additional feature but it is a crucial one as well. This will facilitate your users since they will not have to seek another resort for the purpose of contacting the service provider.

Chat support –Chatbots now play a huge role in the B2B and B2C sectors. Most of the applications providing any kind of service or products are equipped with chatbot app development. This is something that we at Anteelo highly recommend.

Multilingual Support –Popularly known as a practice related to the localization of mobile applications, providing multilingual support can boost the popularity of your application globally.

Link and upload documents –For dispatchers, this feature will be a big hit since they will be able to upload important documents related to shipping such as insurance documents, etc.

Note: All these additional features incur higher logistics app development costs.

Technology stack used for logistics app

One of the challenges of developing a logistics mobile app is determining which tools are essential and will render impeccable results, something which an on-demand app development company like Anteelo knows best.

Starting from the top, in order to create a robust Frontend development, many mobile app developers prefer to use Swift, Java, CSS, Bootstrap as their programming languages. Whereas, for the backend development languages like JavaScript, Ruby, AngularJS, and Python with their impeccable mobile development frameworks are used.

As for the database, HBase, Mail Chip Integration and MongoDb are used, while Azure, Google, and similar technologies are used for Cloud facility. Speaking of Application and data, development tools such as jQuery, Groovy, and AngularJS are employed.

Now that we are done with getting familiarized with crucial aspects surrounding the logistics industry and app development, let’s get down to business – getting the answer to the cost to build logistic apps.

What does the Logistics app development cost?

As I had mentioned above, the ultimate cost of app development relies on the factors related to the on-demand logistics app development process of the application.

Along with an answer in digits, we will encounter a detained account of the factors contributing to the final cost.

Backend and frontend development

The choices you make for Backend and frontend development will play a pivotal role in determining the cost of your logistics application. To be more specific, it all depends on your choice of frameworks, tools, and technologies.

You can either go with Monolithic or Microservices. However, let me put it out there that the cost of frameworks for microservices tends to be higher than monolithic. Nevertheless, it is all worth it since it is more efficacious in providing highly scalable logistics applications.

Choice of the tech stack

You might already know that the tech stack you choose for development is going to affect the cost. Speaking of programming languages, hiring developers for some languages like Swift, Golang, and R is quite expensive. Similarly, those languages that are new will have fewer libraries and frameworks, adding to the overall tasks of the development.

Type of application

Since it is an on-demand application, the development cost for it also tends to be higher than any other category, say social media, m-commerce, etc. It is because this single application consists of three whole separate panels, which require a number of resources equal to three applications. So, evidently an on-demand logistics app is going to cost more than other non-on-demand applications.

Platform (Android or iOS)

The choice of platform you choose would fall either for Android or iOS. Strictly speaking, developing for the Android platform can be a little more costly as compared to iOS due to the amount of fragmentation Android is subjected to.

There is a third option available now – cross-platform app development. By choosing this, your application will be able to work incredible on both the platforms rending performance falling no shorter than a native app. Plus, it is cost-effective as compared to developing the app separately for both platforms.

Development Team Size

There is no need to tell you that the cost of development will be lower when you choose a team of freelancer developers as compared to an established on demand mobile app development company.

However, established companies have an edge over freelance developers – the assurance of the prolific quality of mobility and digital solutions.

Location of the company

The location plays a pivotal role in deciding the ultimate cost of logistics app development. It is an established fact that the hourly rates of development tend to get higher when moving from east to west.

In light of the above statement, there are few countries such as India that are home to some prestigious and insanely efficient mobile app development companies that offer their services at reasonable prices.

Now comes the most-awaited part. The estimated cost of logistics mobile app development can range between USD 70k to USD 80k.

Future of Logistics app development

All the current statistics and predictions on logistics app development only paint a positive picture of the future of on-demand logistics app development. Since the advent of mobile app development in the logistics industry, things have become smooth-sailing and processes have become streamlined.

In fact, the next big thing for this industry is the extension of AI into it, as per the AI technology trends. We can expect AI-induced logistics applications that will further facilitate the logistics and warehouse management while being equally helpful in transportation. Another next-gen tech that will disrupt the logistics domain is none other than IoT.

Going forward, the emergence of numerous types of on-demand logistics applications will eventually make the logistics industry prosperous. If there was ever the right time to invest in the logistics app development, it is Now. So, with the estimated cost to build the logistic app, it would become easier to make a firm and well-contemplated decision.

The Relevance of UI and UX Design in the App Development Process

Posted on 24/10/202011/06/2021 by Tushar

How many times have you opened an application and have found the button and element placement going beyond your device screen? Or do you remember how you felt the last time you clicked on an option and it took you to a screen which was filled with bold colours and a lot of text?

Everytime we face an issue related to the app design, especially in terms of it being starkly opposite to what we expected, the outcome is almost always app uninstallation.

The design industry has crossed many rivers to become innovative and immersive. While there are some brands like Uber with its design guideline or MailChimp who have understood and went with the flow, there are brands that are still not giving app design its fair share of attention.

The intent of this article is to look back at the basics – at the importance of UI/UX design.

Read this blog as a beginner’s guide. One that will help you, an entrepreneur with the understanding of what makes the role of user experience and UX review process as important as the development and testing process itself – After all, the present time is operative in such a way that the importance of UX and UI design in an App development is not just crucial but unquestionable.

Table of Contents:

What is UI Design in a Mobile Application?
What is UX Design in a Mobile Application?
What are the Deliverables of UI/UX App Design Development?
The Key Components to Know When Designing Mobile Applications
Importance of Mobile App UI/UX Design
Mobile App Best UI/UX Practices
The Top UI/UX Trends 2021 and Beyond
FAQs About the Importance of UI/UX Design

To understand the importance of mobile app UI/UX design, let us understand both the terms first.

What is UI Design in a Mobile Application?

The abbreviation UI stands for User Interface. It is the way through which users can interact with any mobile apps. Mobile app user interface design is aimed towards easy, enjoyable and effective interactions between users and the app. UI in IT is any device that allows users to interact with monitors, screens or mobile devices. The primary goal of mobile app UI principles is to provide the best interaction possible.

What is UX Design in a Mobile Application?

UX stands for User Experience. The whole idea of UX is to create a system that provides the best experience to the users. The aim of mobile app UX principles is to turn customers into loyal customers by providing a positive experience to them. UX is responsible for a user’s journey through the mobile app or website which ultimately decides the success of the business.

Mobile app UI UX design is always put together as they are complementary to each other. For an app to be successful it must be the best.

What are the Deliverables of UI/UX App Design Development?

The work of any UI/UX designer has many phases. During the UI and UX designing process, various deliverables are created for the clients. These deliverables are created for reasons like better communication with clients, documentation or presenting the ideas in a proper way. Both UI and UX have their separate deliverables, let’s take a look to get a clearer understanding of the role of mobile app UI/UX design in the mobile app design and app development process.

A. UI deliverables

Mood boards

Mood boards are used for presenting innovative ideas in a way that everyone understands. It helps the clients understand the app idea that the designer will be working on.

Visual designs

Visual designs will help understand the effects of elements in a design. The effects of elements like photography, typography, space, colours, layouts, images, etc. are better understood with visual designs.

Dynamic prototyping

Another one of the UI deliverables is the dynamic prototypes. Prototypes help in improving the overall functioning of the app as well as making improvement as and when needed. With dynamic prototypes, UI can be built as per the clients’ desire.

B. UX deliverables

Competitive analysis report

The competitive analysis report is created to measure the level of competition your app has. All the efforts go into vain if the app is in a highly competitive market or if it is not prepared to beat the competitors. With a competitive analysis report, the strength and weakness of the competitor’s app can be found out.

User personas

Designers have to make sure the client understands what their customers need and expect from the products. Creating a buyer persona not only helps in understanding customer behaviour but also in communicating the same to clients. The UX process involves user research to learn the behavioural pattern.

User journeys, experience maps and user flows

Experience maps showcase users overall behaviour towards a product. The expectations, time spent, reactions, thoughts, needs, etc. are all displayed in the experience maps.

User journeys or user flows are specific steps taken by the user to interact at different stages of the product. These can be the current interactions or potential interaction with a product.

Interactive prototypes

Interactive prototyping is another one of the deliverables of UX. Rudimentary prototyping saves a lot of time and effort and works well enough to get the job done. The prototypes help in demonstrating how the actual product will work once it’s fully developed. It also helps the designer communicate the ideas better.

Now that we have looked into what UI and UX stands for and what is the role of mobile app ui/ux design in the app development process, let us move on to the importance of UI/UX design in delivering a bespoke product.

The Key Components to Know When Designing Mobile Applications

There are some main components which have to be considered when you design mobile apps UI/UX.

A. Information architecture:

The idea behind IA is to offer users an easy navigation, irrespective of which browser they are using. It mainly surrounds offering them a top-level navigation experience.

B. Interaction design:

It is the creation of a conceptual design through which users interact with the app. It includes elements such as colors, aesthetics, icons, fonts, images, etc.

C. Usability:

This part of the mobile app design principles deal with figuring out if users are getting the information they need through the use of the application and if the app gives them a self-serving way to handle issues.

D. Wireframe:

This part of the user interface design for mobile applications is all about the creation of an app’s sample for the purpose of testing features, usability and look of the app before it gets live in the market.

E. Visual design

It is all about defining the app’s brand in the users eyes. It is not only about choosing the best colours, icons, images, fonts, etc but also its appearance that can have an impact on the users at different times of their interaction.

Importance of Mobile App UI/UX Design

To know the significance of ui ux design in an app development is a must. Most developers create an app with great performance but fail to focus on the designing which leads to the downfall of the app. The balance between the functionality and importance of UI UX design of an app is hard to keep but that’s what needs to be done.

To answer the question, ‘What are the Benefits of User Interface and User Experience design?’, let us look at the pointers below:

Attracts users

A saying goes, ‘A good teacher is the one that grabs and holds the attention of the students and then teaches the lessons.’ This saying is very apt in the case of UI/UX design for mobile apps. The designs grab the attention of the users and ensure they spend as much time on the app as possible. However, the users should be able to understand the designs and navigation well enough to stick around for the long term.

Creates a good impression

For a startup or any small business, the importance of a UI/UX design lies in the creation of the first impression. When users visit your app, they should be hooked to it immediately so that they come back for it again and again. A good app has higher usage time and this can be done with the app’s UI UX design.

Get featured in app stores

Whether a mobile app is good or not is determined by how many users like it. The ratings and reviews by satisfied users will bring your mobile app to the top lists. To get your app featured in Play Store or App Store, make sure the users get a good UI UX. getting featured in the top lists of any category will automatically bring more traction to your app.

Get loyal customers

Attractive apps have more users and it’s a fact. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, Candy Crush, etc. have great UI/UX which has drawn millions of users to them. The satisfaction that comes from great user experience is what makes users loyal. Word of mouth is another reason why UX design is important.

Saves time and cost in the long run

When you work with the understanding of the mobile app best UI/UX practices from day one, you have the guarantee that there will be less need for app maintenance and updates. And since those two things will be at bay, the challenges that you might face after app launch will also be very low.

Builds brand

Putting resources into a productive Ul/UX design helps in rising consumer satisfaction subsequently ending up with cheerful customers. Individuals like working with brands that make them happy. They will be willing to take up features that can be upgraded, and thus, put resources into improving your application. This builds the credibility of your business as a customer makes great relationships with your organization and brand. The aftereffect of this is the development in the worth of your business and your brand name.

Increased traffic

A good UI/UX consistently makes their users stay. If your website or mobile application is designed splendidly and client experience is staggering, nothing can prevent them from exploring the pre-decided target and transforming the users into valuable customers. Hence, it’s the duty of you and the UI/UX Developers’ responsibility to guarantee the greatest UI/UX of your site/application.

Now that you have seen the importance of mobile app UI/UX design, let’s move further into the concept. It’s a common assumption that if you have mastered the UI/UX development process then you don’t need tips for improvement. However, there’s no harm in going through some great tips, considering how the effect of UI/UX design can be long lasting.

Mobile App Best UI/UX Practices

Use conventional elements

Using familiar elements in the app will save time for users. They can quickly learn the app without getting confused. Elements like buttons, icons, colors and symbols should be designed in the way it’s designed in most apps. The quicker users learn to operate the app, the higher will be the chances of liking the app.

Maintain uniformity

It is very important for the design to be uniform across all the windows. The uniformity shows the quality of work put in the UI UX designing of the app. Not only with icons or buttons but the colors and patterns should also be the same across all media.

Employ the right UI and UX designer

If you are focusing on the mobile app user interface design and experience then working with the experts is highly recommended. You can also outsource app development for your app from an expert app development agency to make sure the UI UX designs are on point. The UI UX designers should understand all the end-to-end user interaction and incorporate them within the app.

Make it as interactive as possible

An interactive app is better than a non-interactive one and that’s a fact. When you allow users to interact with the app, it creates a connection between them. Interactive apps give freedom to users to navigate themselves through different windows.

Consider platform specific designs

There is a stark difference in the iOS app UI design and Android app UI design. Likewise, considering the way both the platforms are designed at the device level, the iOS app UX design also varies from the Android app UX design.

What is important is for you to understand both Material Design and Human Interface Design in addition to the elements that separate them from each other.

Don’t hamper the speed of the app

The speed of the app is just as important as the design. Startups do make this mistake by thinking the app only needs its appearance to attract users. But the truth is, the functioning of the app is just as important. The mobile app needs to be speed while having a good mobile application interface design.

Keep it simple and don’t complicate things

If a feature can be put in a simple way there is no need to overdo it. The users will appreciate the simplicity just as much as the overall app. Complicating designs leave app users either confused or furious and we don’t want either of those. It is also seen that apps with simple design have more users than complicated ones.

Keep the focus on limited things

Often the UI/UX development process focuses on so many elements at the same time that the entire user experience turns bad. If too much is going on the screen then that won’t let the user focus on the content of the app. Overcrowding content on the screen is another way to quickly lose users.

Have detailed understanding of your audience

After everything’s said and done, the only thing that can save the effect of ui/ux design from being negative is having an understanding of your users. Only by knowing who you are making the product for, you will be able to deliver a memorable experience to your user set and the world. One way to achieve that is through a well strategized product discovery workshop.

The only thing left for you to do is find a trustworthy and reliable app design company to partner with. A proper app design and app development company will help you expand your mobile ui ux design services.

The Top UI/UX Trends 2021 and Beyond

To get started with the best mobile app UI UX designing, let’s look at what the future of UI/UX holds in 2021.

Voice-based UI

Google Home and Alexa have taken over the voice assistant world. These two technologies are being used by people to get anything and everything done. Voice searches are becoming more and more popular and by in the end of 2021, 50% of the searches will be voice-based. Users are preferring buttonless options to do their everyday tasks, and increasing with this demand is the need to understand how to design voice user interface.

Foldable/Split screen

With foldable phones app development being on the rise, the split screen trend is one of the hottest 2021 app design trends. The idea of actively using two screens together, whether on websites or mobile phones, is amazing! The trend has come back after a short break and is looking more alive than ever. Split screen in mobile allows more user interaction all the while giving aesthetically appealing visuals.

Variety & combinations in fonts

Fonts that will fit any writing space will have another place in the latest UI/UX design trends. Earlier, inserting text in writing spaces had limitations in terms of adjustment. It also made designers send multiple files for the font designs used. Variable fonts are a great solution for this, since it only needs one file for any design.

Dark mode

With both Apple and Android focusing their efforts on bringing health focus in the picture through dark mode app design functionality, the 2021 trend is also inclining towards it. In fact, our app designers feel that it is only about time when health betterment will become the outcome of the importance of a good user interface design.

Animation

The use of animation in apps makes them more visually appealing. It connects with customers more than any other design. Designers are using this tool to create a positive impact on the users with the help of meaningful animations. Earlier, things were simple with flat logos, icons, buttons, etc. but now animated buttons, icons, and even logos are happening. In the coming years, animation will be one of the trends for UI UX designing.

This was our take on the importance of User interface/User experience design system services for mobile apps and the foreseeable future of UI/UX as we reckon. The next step for you herein is to get in touch with a bespoke mobile app design agency that can help you deliver lasting memories.

FAQs About the Importance of UI/UX Design

Q. Why do apps need efficient UI/UX Design?

The importance of UI/UX design in mobile apps goes beyond simply making them appear well to the end users and the other stakeholders. These are some of the other reasons that mark their importance:

Attract users
Increase probability of getting featured in the stores
Increase brand’s ROI
Lower the app maintenance time and cost in the long run

Q. Why is UX important for business?

Here are some business benefits of investing in an efficient user experience –

It has a direct effect on your conversion numbers
It helps saves long term app updation costs
Increase the probability of getting word of mouth referrals and ultimately brand evangelists.

Implement Multifactor Authentication in a Mobile App

Posted on 15/03/202015/06/2021 by Tushar

Multifactor Authentication is the need of every business that works around sensitive data and users’ personal information. The system adopts a layered approach for security, which makes it difficult for individuals to gain access to the data.

By providing an extra level of security besides the phone password, Multifactor Authentication System (MFA) has become the must-have feature of apps related to payments, enterprise apps related to viewing or retracting data from the cloud.

Let us take a deep dive into the concept of MFAs, highlighting the four ways you can implement Multifactor Authentication in your mobile app. We will also throw some light on the challenges, both technical and user-specific, that you should prepare to be encountered with.

But, before we go in further, let us look at what Multifactor Authentication System actually means.

What is Multifactor Authentication System (MFA)?

Multifactor authentication or MFA, as it is commonly called, works around providing an added layer of security that ensures that users are providing more than a single piece of evidence for their identification. It usually requires a blend of something which the user knows, like pins, passwords, something which the user has, like cards, phone, or something that they inherit like a Fingerprint scan or Retina scan.

Now, there are four ways through which you can implement MFAs in your Mobile Application. Let us look at each of them in terms of the process they take the users through.

Ways to Implement Multifactor Authentication in a Mobile App

1. Time-Based OTP

OTP comprises the creation of a one-time password from a shared secret key and the present timestamp with the help of the exact type of cryptographic function. OTP involves the enrollment and login processes.

Here’s a detail on both the processes –

Enrollment Process:

Users log in to the app with their passwords and username
If the credentials are found valid, the next stage is to enable the two-factor authentication
The shared key is then requested, which can be either text-based or QR code
The key is stored by the app which implements OTP like Auth0 Guardian or Google Authenticator.
The two-factor authentication is then enabled.

Next comes the Login process:

User logs into the app
If their credentials are valid, they are directed to a form where they have to put in one-time code generated with Auth0 Guardian or Google Authenticator
The server then verifies that the code is valid and authenticates the user

2. SMS

The process of multifactor application through SMS also involves enrollment and the login stage.

Enrollment Process:

User logs in to an application with username and password.
They are asked to enter an active phone number
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s phone number.
They then enter the code in-app, thus enabling multifactor authentication

Login Process:

User logs in to the application with their user-id and password.
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s phone number.
The user enters the code in-app.
If found valid, the user gets authenticated and the session gets initiated.

3. E-Mail

User logs in to an application with their user-id and password.
A distinctive one-time code is then generated on the app server and is sent to the user’s email id
They retrieve the code from their email and feeds it into their app.
If found valid, the user is then authenticated and the session gets initiated.

4. Push Notifications

User logs in to an application with their user-id and password.
Usually, the push notifications mechanism works with applications like Auth0 Guardian. Once the details are entered, a push notification is then sent by the Guardian app to your app.
The notification is a login request.
On the backend, this includes data like the OS, application name, and browser used while making the request, the precise location, and the date when the request is being made.
The user then asserts the request they have received through push notification and gets logged in.

Now that you know the ways you can implement MFAs in your mobile app, let us look into the challenges that come associated.

Challenges Associated with Multifactor Authentication System

It is very difficult to implement the system in your mobile app without the support of a Mobile App Development Company that specializes in providing extensive quality assurance in terms of mobile app security. While this is from the business front, every added security layer comes with more work for the users. It can lead to frustration when users are made to repeat multiple steps every time they have to do a task.

But the challenges that the system comes with are very minimal in front of the benefits that they have to offer when it comes to giving the users a safe transaction environment, amidst the soaring data breach incidents.

Want to take your Mobile App Security to the next level? Contact our Team of Mobility Experts, today.

Android Go App Development: Its Difference From Regular Android

Posted on 08/01/202012/06/2021 by Tushar

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.

A Guide To Get Million Downloads On Your App

Posted on 01/01/202012/06/2021 by Tushar

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.