The Advantages of Windows Mobile Apps Compared to Others

When it comes to mobile platforms, there are three that rule the world – iOS, Android and Windows. While iOS and Android are the industry leaders, that doesn’t mean that Windows should be counted out. In fact, there are some advantages of Windows apps that you won’t find with other options on the market. What are these advantages and how do they make these apps stand out from the crowd?

Outlook

When it comes to Windows, there are few programs as popular (and necessary) as Microsoft Outlook. You’ll find that syncing with Outlook isn’t really available with iOS and Android. They want you to sync with their own proprietary solutions (Google Calendar and iOS Calendar, for example). With Windows mobile apps, direct syncing with Outlook on a desktop PC or laptop is simple and easy. 

 

Using Internet Explorer

Ok, let’s be honest here. Internet Explorer hasn’t really generated a great reputation as a browser in the last few years. People have flocked to competing options, like Firefox or Google Chrome. However, with the last couple of releases, Explorer has become a far better solution and people are beginning to realize it. In addition, you’ll find that syncing bookmarks from a computer’s IE to a phone’s browser is not only possible, but straightforward and simple.

Email, Email, Email

Both iOS and Android have offered email contact syncing, though neither does a good job across the board. For users of Windows Mail and Microsoft Outlook, there hasn’t been a solution that allows them to sync their contacts from device to device. However, Windows mobile apps do allow this, and they even allow users to access their mail while on the go, which means that using something other than Gmail is possible.

Integration with Other Services

Windows mobile apps also offer other key benefits. For instance, some integrate directly with Xbox Live, while others connect you to Windows Live. Full SkyDrive integration is also available for those who want to make use of Microsoft’s cloud storage solution rather than using Dropbox or Google Drive.

MS Office

Finally, when it comes to mobile apps, Windows takes the cake in terms of business (or personal) productivity through office applications. Integration with MS Office for the latest version of Windows mobile OS gives users tremendous advantages over others. Apple’s Pages has become known for bugs and stability problems, but MS Word and other Office applications are very stable and easily accessible on these devices. Many apps integrate directly with these programs to offer additional features and convenience for business users.

As you can see, there are benefits to Windows mobile apps. While the OS isn’t the largest out there, it’s growing.

Windows Mobile Apps Development: Tools and Technologies

If you think that mobile application development is limited to Android and iOS, think again. While Windows might not be the biggest player in the market, Microsoft’s market share is certainly growing. Getting your mobile app up and into the Windows marketplace now might be an excellent idea. Of course, in order to do that, you’ll need to know more about the various tools and technologies required for Windows mobile apps development. Here are a few of the things you should know:

C++

C++ has been around for a rather long time as a programming language. The current version, eMbedded Visual C++ is used to create apps based on Windows CE, as well as on Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition and other Windows operating systems. 

 

SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server plays a vital role in developing applications for the web, as well as for mobile devices. You’ll find a relatively robust set of relational database functions here, and it’s a good option for simplifying app development.

Visual Studio .NET

Visual Studio .NET offers Windows mobile apps development using the same tools utilized in creating desktop applications. As such, it’s a pretty powerful solution to app development needs and can give you access to newer programming languages than C++. 

 

Of course, these are only a few of the tools and technologies available for Windows mobile apps development. In addition, if you’re new to the world of app programming and development, and unfamiliar with these tools, the learning curve can be considerable. Rather than going it alone, it’s really a better idea to work with an experienced app developer who understands how these and other Windows-specific tools work.

Working with an experienced app developer can offer some pretty significant advantages. Obviously, you won’t have to take the time to overcome the learning curve present with Windows mobile apps development. Second, you benefit from their experience, which means that you can avoid complications and problems like a high number of bugs and exceptions in the app coding. 

 

Yet another advantage of working with a quality developer experienced with Windows app development is that you’ll be much more likely to end up with an app that offers an ideal user experience. After all, if you’re not able to provide your users with a reliable, enjoyable, quality app, you’ll find that your purchases drop through the floor. It’s all about providing a stable app and focusing on your end users’ experience. Working with an experienced development team ensures that you can do that without being bogged down with learning the ins and outs of new tools available to you.

Going it alone in Windows mobile apps development is possible, but it’s not really recommended.

10 iPhone Mobile Apps: Must Have Apps for Travelers

Traveling can be enjoyable recreation or a necessity for business. Regardless of why you’re traveling, you’ll find that the right apps can really make a huge difference in your travel enjoyment, convenience and even how much money you can save. Below, you’ll find the top 10 iPhone mobile apps to carry while traveling.

1. TripIt – TripIt is an interesting app designed for iOS devices running version 3.0 or higher. Essentially, it’s a trip organizer but you can use it to track virtually any travel related information, from your flight number of itinerary changes.

2. FlightAware – FlightAware is exactly what it sounds like, an app designed to help you keep up to date with changes in your flight information. It’s simple, frill-free, very functional, and works with devices running iOS 4.1 and up.

3. Instagram – While Instagram is not necessarily travel-specific, it’s a must-have app for anyone on the go, particularly if you’re traveling for pleasure. You can snap photos, apply filters and upload to your social media accounts very easily.

4. Trailhead – Put out by North Face, Trailhead is an ideal app for those who enjoy travel and adventure in the great outdoors. You’ll find trail and biking information here, as well as plenty of useful GPS functionality.

5. Urbanspoon – What do you do when you’re in a strange city and need to find somewhere good to grab a bite? You fire up the Urbanspoon app, that’s what. This useful app shows all the restaurants nearby so you always get what you want. It runs on iOS 3.0 and up.

6. Kayak – Kayak has made a name for itself as an all-in-one travel app that lets you find accommodations, flight information and even car rental details. It’s free and runs on iOS 4.0 and up.

7. Packing – This is an interesting app. It doesn’t give you hotel, flight or car rental details, but helps take the stress off you by helping you pack more effectively. You’ll find it’s a valuable timesaver, and will keep you from wracking your brain endlessly.

8. XE Currency – Who hasn’t been stuck in another country and unable to figure out exactly how much the money in your pocket is worth in local terms? XE Currency takes the frustration and confusion out of the process.

9. Flight Tracker – The name says it all. This handy app lets you track flight information, see detailed maps and get up to date information about air travel with the push of a button.

10. Google Translate – You’ll never need to worry that you don’t know how to ask where the bathroom is in Italian, or how to find the nearest restaurant in German with this handy little app. Google Translate isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot better than winging it.

Building Mobile Apps – iPhone vs. Symbian

Once upon a time, Symbian was one of the most robust, widespread smartphone operating systems on the planet. Today, it’s still widely used, but there are some compelling reasons that you should consider developing your mobile app for the iPhone rather than for Symbian devices. What are these reasons and how do they affect you? Let’s take a closer look.

More Consumers

First, let’s touch on how widely used Symbian is in comparison to iOS. You’ll find conflicting information here. Symbian actually is more widely used, than iOS (outside the US). Symbian is heavily used throughout Asia and in many developing nations. However, it’s on the decline, with iOS rising quickly. What does that mean for you? Simply put, you’ll have access to more consumers down the road with an iOS app than with something designed for Symbian.

More Apps

One area where iOS trounces Symbian is in the number of apps available. The OVI store (Symbian app store) has 10X fewer apps than the Apple App Store. Of course, that means there’s less competition with similar apps, but it also means fewer consumers are going to come looking for your app in the first place. It makes sense – consumers are going to go where they have access to the largest amount of apps (both paid and free). Therefore, you need to make sure your app is available where your users will be.

Symbian Is Dying

Perhaps the most compelling reason to ditch Symbian in favor of app development for iOS is the announcement by Nokia that Symbian will be phased out in the next couple of years. Yes, you heard that right. The platform is dying and will be taken out of the marketplace. That brings up a very good question – why bother developing an app for a platform that’s not going to be around for the long term? Apple’s iOS is here to stay – it’s become too much a part of the average person’s daily life for it to be phased out any time soon. Moreover, the company has never been stronger – you can look forward to years and years of life out of the OS.

As you can see, developing an app for iOS just makes sense. If you must venture into the world of Symbian, do it last. Make iOS your first choice, followed by Android, and then Symbian if you are dead set to explore that market.

Mobile Application Development Do’s and Don’ts

Mobile application development gives you the means to provide customers and clients with additional value, increase profitability and boost brand recognition. However, it’s not as simple as you might think. While developing a mobile application can be enormously beneficial, there are some important do’s and don’ts that you need to know before leaping in.

Don’t: Don’t ignore other markets in favor of just one. For instance, you should give consideration to developing both an iOS and Android app. Focusing on just one platform can help you reduce development costs, but you sacrifice potential profit and visibility in the process.

Do: Make sure that the app provides solid, reliable user functionality. While your goal should certainly be profitability, you must remember that your true focus should be providing the end-user with the experience they deserve. Rich graphics, solid functionality and reliable operation are the hallmarks of a great mobile app.

Don’t: During mobile application development and release, make sure you do not mix your mobile app with your website. While they can “touch” on each other, make your app a freestanding, feature rich entity all on its own. Remember – simplicity is the key to having a great app.

Do: Make sure you understand that the mobile environment is completely different from that of the World Wide Web (or any other environment for that matter). The app you develop needs to be designed for the lower-power processors of mobile devices, the smaller amount of screen real estate and the slower signals that mobile users must deal with when on the go.

Don’t: Don’t develop a game just for the sake of branding. Games are enormously popular, but they are not necessarily the best branding platform. Remember that players are going to focus on the game content, not your logo. Talk with an experienced designer to determine what the right direction would be for your mobile application development.

Do: Make sure that you develop and build in valuable, useful tools that your users really want. Bells and whistles are great, but no app will be successful if it doesn’t provide real tools that end users want to have. 

 

These are only a few of the important do’s and don’ts that you need to understand about mobile application development. A skilled design company can help you navigate these murky waters successfully and produce an outstanding app that offers value and profitability.

3 Mistakes to Avoid in Android App Development

So, you want to roll out an Android app and capitalize on the amazing growth the platform has experienced. Android app development can provide you with all the benefits offered by iOS, but allow you to take advantage of the global Android market, which has the potential to outstrip Apple’s platform as more and more people adopt it. However, while this can be a great move, there are a few mistakes that you need to avoid making. 

 

Choosing an Untried Developer

These days, it seems like Android developers are popping up out of the woodwork. However, while that’s a true testament to the power and potential offered by the platform, it doesn’t mean that all developers are the same. Android app development requires considerable skill, dedication and experience, and you won’t get those with a fly by night development firm. Make sure that the developer or development firm you choose has the experience necessary – look at their past projects and length of history to make an informed decision.

Rushing Development

While some apps take a short time to develop, you cannot rush perfection. You need to have patience, and you also need to make sure that the developer you choose is willing to take the time necessary to develop a high quality app. Rushed development leads to a wide range of issues, including stability problems, bugs and poor performance. You can’t expect an app like that to be successful. Moreover, consumers who download a lacking app will not be willing to risk trying another app from you – they’ve been burned once, so why do it again?

 

No Marketing Ability

Android app development is not a single procedure – it’s a manifold process. One of the key elements of that process is marketing. Choosing a mobile apps development company that doesn’t offer marketing for your app after releasing it into the wild is a sure route to failure. Think about it – do you know how to market that app? Do you know the best way to ensure that it gets good coverage and is placed in front of those most likely to download it? Chances are good that you don’t. Make sure you partner with a mobile apps development company capable of marketing your app after releasing it.

If you can avoid these three mistakes, you’ll enjoy the highest quality Android app development and the best chance of success after the release of your app.