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.