Within a very short span of time, Android has emerged as the most popular operating system for smartphones and tablets. The rapidly growing popularity of the open source mobile operating system launched by Google also encourages many enterprises to launch new mobile apps. So a gradual increase is noted in the demand for experienced Android application developers. Also, many beginners are learning Android app development to target the recent trends in mobile computing. As the mobile operating system has matured over the years, both experienced developers and beginners have option to access a large collection of resources. A developer must know about and use some of these key resources to optimize the look, feel and performance of the apps without writing longer lines of code.
Important Resources Every Android Developer Must Know About
1. Books
Many people nowadays avoid reading books. But books are still one of the most effective ways to learn Android programming. A developer can further consider building his personal library that can be referred while writing code. Also, each programmer has option to choose from the conventional or digital version of the same book. Some of these books also explain the Android SDK is a detailed and simple way, along with highlighting the frequent updates. Each programmer also has option to choose from a wide variety of books according to his specific needs.
2. Online Articles and Blogs
Whenever a developer needs any information, he simply initiates a web search. In addition to gathering information on a specific aspect of Android app development, a developer can further read the online articles and blogs to stay tuned to the latest trends and updated in mobile application development. It is also a great idea to bookmark certain websites that frequently publish content related to Android development. However, a reader also needs to consider the professional credibility and reputation of the blogger while reading the online articles and blogs.
3. Discussion Forums
Regardless of your experience in developing mobile apps, you will still needs answers to specific questions. That is why; you must know the discussion forums where Android developers frequently post their doubts and answer questions. The online discussion forums will make it easier for you to write code without any interruptions. Some online forums like StackOverFlow.com also allow you to get your questions answered by experiences Android developers, framework engineers and experts.
4. Source Code of Open Source Android Apps
If you are new to Android development, it is advisable to access the source code libraries. As Android is an open source operating system, many developers share the code written by them. Some programmers even distribute code to help others in developing robust apps without putting any extra time and effort. There are also many websites that help beginners to understand specific aspects of mobile application development. For instance, you can access a website to learn how to optimize caching, image loading and displaying.
5. Android SDK
As an open source mobile operating system, Android is open to all types of users and developers. Google further allows developers to access the source code know as Android SDK. However, a programmer needs to download the complete SDK to start developing apps. He has option to download and use specific resources according to the needs of his project. Google recommends developers to use the Eclipse IDE which is available as a simple Android Developer tools plug-in. The plug-in enables programmers to download, install and use only specific SDK.
6. Application Development Frameworks
A programmer must be familiar with several Android application development frameworks to avoid writing lengthy code. Each library provides a set of libraries and tools that help developers in building robust apps at a rapid pace. Further, they can use a set of APIs to perform some of the basis and standard tasks. However, a developer must choose the framework according to the nature and requirements of the app. So he needs to understand some of the widely used Android development frameworks.
In addition to understanding the key Android app development resources, you also need to know some of the important best practices for developing to mobile apps. The combination of these resources and best practices will make it easier for you to build rich and highly engaging apps which get downloaded heavily from the app store.
We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our top mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Today, Android powers hundreds of millions of mobile devices in more than 190 countries around the world. Android is the world’s most widely adopted app development platform which continues to scale up and grow. Currently, there are more than 750,000 apps sitting pretty on a Google Play with new releases coming up thick and fast. Android gives a world-class platform for creating apps and games for Android users everywhere, as well as an open marketplace for distributing to them instantly. This Smartphone platform fulfills customer's requirements by providing customizable, low-cost, lightweight operating system for highly customized devices.
In smartphone war market, Android is leading the top among other technologies. In this year total of 900 million Android devices have been activated and 48 billion apps have been installed from the Google Play store. It consists of a kernel based on Linux kernel version 2.6, being the latest model to be installed and running on every possible device.
Here is a look at what makes Android a best-seller in its own right:
Mass Market appeal: One of the pivotal reasons why Android lives up to the mass markets is its low barrier to entry. The open-source nature brings accounting for licensing and development tools down to minimal, in fact it doesn’t need any investment. That leaves with just development and marketing costs to deal with. Stacked up against iOS, Android apps turn out way too affordable and easy getting to.
Wide Distribution channels: While Apple loves tight control over its own apps economy leading to pretty drawn-out approval mechanism, Android is a lot more versatile and open. One can distribute an Android app to suit any business for example by creating subsidiary distribution channels for vertical market application. One has complete control of building the site and deciding how to publish which is possible with Android.
Big Outreach: Android has always had a massive outreach but the predictions for 2013 simply are of another level. It’s estimated that the total number of apps downloaded will break the 70-billion barrier, and Android apps will be a major force accounting for over 50% downloads. That means close to 35 billion apps getting downloaded in 2013 and that’s simply mighty by any count.
Development ease: Android apps for the most part hang on Java, which has been ideally accessed to developers worldwide. That helps shorten the development cycle along with bringing more versatility to the development. Java programmers are plentiful in the marketplace (especially in this economy) and the Android platform documentation is very good. There’s never been a better time to attempt the jump into mobile development. Android makes this easy.
Strong Inter-Platform Integration: The Android app development has the best framework for inter-platform integration which is a big mileage for promoting across platforms. The Android SDK exhibits the most robust development architecture leading in developing or promoting cross-platform. This works out to a big leverage in achieving a tightly knit end-user experience, especially on cross-platform mobile apps.
Open and Free Platform: Android has free license, royalty free and open source. No costly licensing fees required. This makes the Android platform very compelling for handset manufacturers and wireless operators which translates to better opportunities for developers to monetize.
Have a vertical market app (or device) that needs extreme customization and tight integration? Android is the best choice for building extremely customized and interactive websites.
The benefits of Android app development go far and wide. Every small and big business need to accelerate their business to stay up to date with the latest technology trends. Hence they choose mobile app development as the best means to be on the top. And of all the platforms, including iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Palm, BREW, J2ME, etc. Android platform stands unique with its attractive features and useful benefits. You can hire developers from top android app development companies in india who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. We are glad to share that all our mobile apps developers are certified. If you would like to hire android developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
As the Android application development fever grips India, the companies offering software consulting are rapidly gearing up to render support to this new technology, which is the primary open-source mobile platform. Android is categorized as the software load for mobile devices including key applications, operating system and middleware.
Components of Android app development
An Android SDK provides application programming lines as well as tools which are needed for starting app development across this mobile platform through Java programming. The developers are empowered to take the benefits from approach location information, device hardware and also background services. It is the greatest benefit of leveraging this open-source software.
So far as India is concerned, we have the fastest growing market for mobile application development wherein most of the developers are in their early thirties or even below. The main reason that has triggered the growth is the accessibility of Android handsets with respect to any network. This makes the technology available to a large number of subscribers. Applications built over this operating system can be circulated for free as well as monetized with the advertising aspect. They are generally based on Email and SMS, Wi-Fi and GPS, use of Google maps, multimedia, browser and contacts.
Presently, the software consulting companies are rendering support to this mobile development platform to keep in line with the latest technological developments. The rise in the development of these applications is directly proportional to the enhancement in the user base. This implies that with the increase in the number of users the demand for android apps will see a rise. Hence, the software firms are considering investment in skilled and proficient developers who are experts in the mobile apps.
Android application for tracking phones
Majority of the business organizations are considering third parties for the development of the maximum number of applications. Nevertheless permission is required before the apps can access definite features such as writing to or reading the memory cards along with the address books belonging to the users.
During the development procedure, developers make use of android NDK as well as android SDK. Most of the professionals have considerable experience in mobile application, an aspect which has contributed significantly to their success. The companies offering software services dedicatedly test and get conversant with newer and newer technologies so that they can effectively team up with their clients for providing result-oriented outcomes. Prior to the initiation of any project, the companies indulge in performing a possibility study which is followed by project management that takes place in phases. After the implementation is done and the client is satisfied with the results, the termination of the project takes place.
In the domain of Android development, background services are also included and there is a well organized supporting system in case of the GUI navigation. Compared to the iPhone platform, this OS is extra flexible, both in case of development as well as deployment of the applications. The mobile operating systems which happen to be the most recent ones are currently getting extensive support from the recognized players operating within the mobile market along with the support that is provided by Google.
Considering the domain of app development across this mobile platform, the Android App Inventor may be considered as a great alternative tool. The app is in fact a do-it-yourself device for designing the applications, wherein no programming expertise is required. Given this, the drag-and-drop application may be utilized for addition of features within your application.
Android has indeed become a ground-breaking Smartphone operating system, more so because of integration with a plethora of cutting-edge technologies, which helps the operating system in supporting loads of games and applications. You can hire developers from top android app development companies in india who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide mobile app development services. We are glad to share that all our mobile apps developers are certified. If you would like to hire android developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
Did you know that, as of today, over 1 million Android devices are activated each day (that's 12 each second)! There are 48 billion android apps downloaded till date and still adding more at a staggering pace. Android Apps are best because of the OS on which they run. Android is highly customized and contains out of the box features which has helped Android application development gaining momentum with every passing year. It is an open source mobile operating system used to develop applications to help customers satisfy their requirements. Android mobile application development is very popular and customized to meet varying customer needs. Android game development has also built games, meeting the users need which thrills all its players and thus make it all the more demanding.
Today one can do almost anything using Android apps on mobile such as book air tickets for travel trips, pay electricity bill, pay phone bill, pay mobile bill, book movie tickets, buy anything or everything from e-stores, etc. There is not a single thing remaining which cannot be done by a mobile.
Nowadays, Android marketplace offers more than 10,000 applications of personal finances for games and utilities. The release of Android tablet is beneficial for various institutions; it is gaining popularity day by day. The latest tendency is using apps through mobiles which can make one close to nature.
Here are some of the features to help one decide as to which features make for a good Android application:
- An android app has the ability to collect information quickly and dispatch them as per the action
- Android comes with customized tools which are simple to use
- It has Web kit engine integration based browser
- Memory usage and battery consumption is less
- It delivers rich internet application for development usage
- Can easily adapt to changing IT world
- Images, voices, and videos can be easily supported by android apps.
Here is a list of 5 best free Android Apps of all time and very popular this year 2013.
1. Snapseed: It is more advanced photo editing software for any phone or tablet. It is the only photo app one wants to use every day that customizes any photograph with rich and high-quality photo experience right at fingertips. Anyone can enhance, transform and share their photos with ease using incredibly advanced features from the leader in digital photography software. It has built-in Google+ capabilities which makes it even more powerful to share images with near and dear ones.
2. WhatsApp Messenger: It is a popular Smartphone messenger available for Android and other Smartphones. It uses 3G or WiFi to message with friends and family. Users love to use WhatsApp than SMS to send and receive messages, photos, audio and video messages. It is the latest chatting app used by millions for varied aged users.
3. Cloudee: It is the work of set-top box maker Boxee: a service for storing and sharing videos, as well as organizing them into collections. Like a YouTube operates and can be embeded on Facebook, same is Cloudee where videos can be uploaded and watched on PCs, phones and tablets.
4. Goodreads: Tap into the world's largest social network for readers with the Goodreads Android app. One can easily read thousands of book reviews by friends and other Goodreads members, keep a virtual bookshelf of what read and build to-read list as one can discover great books on the app. It is a free service for everyone who have added more than 300,000,000 books and 8,500,000 members.
5. Evernote: Evernote is an easy-to-use, free app that helps one remember everything across all of the devices one use. With this app one can save ideas, be organized and excel productivity. Evernote capture photos, maintain notes, make to-do lists, record voice reminders-and makes these notes completely easy to search, whether at home or at work.
Android Apps benefits both business and customers. It increases visibility, accessibility, loyalty, relationship. Solve the problems of getting stuck in spam folders. It even enhances social networking strategies, generate repeat business. It has tools that are driving the new economy from the web applications. Popular businesses such as Amazon, eBay, Target and Gap, have started promoting their brands and merchandise with Mobile Apps a few years ago. Slowly the smaller business quickly followed this popular suit. The App wagon now comprised of all kinds of industries be it auto dealerships, hair salons, realtors and many others. As these mobile Apps are affordable and most effective way to reach out to customers these days.
One can benefit using android apps because of its great features such as one-touch access to contact information, one can easily track directions to any location from wherever they are, automatic reminder of their next servicing date can be sent, use of calendars, automatic appointment scheduling, recording of next appointment etc. All this is possible now with Android Apps. It makes life simple and easy with its customized and rich features. The functionalities, changes the phone image to a “Super Phone” making the app world go mobile. Businesses hire android app developer from top app development firms to get a share of the burgeoning Android pie.
We provide Android app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert Android developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
The popularity of a mobile app depends on several factors. Along with the popularity of the mobile operating systems, the popularity of an app also depends on its look, feel, performance and scalability. Within a very short span of time, Android apps have become hugely popular among users across the world. Many reports have even highlighted how these apps have made mobile application development competitive. However, an enterprise must make an application development plan by keeping in mind the latest trends in user demand and mobile app development. It is also important for the developer to determine what needs to be included for Android application development to optimize the user experience and ROI.
What Need be Included for Android Application Development?
1. Gesture Control: The mobile cameras have encouraged many users to become photographers. As they are not required to invest in expensive digital cameras, most users love to take snaps using their mobile cameras. Along with front cameras, the new Android devices also come with infrared gun on the front panel. The infrared camera enables users to access and control the mobile apps by swiping, turning or stretching the device. So the new apps must be designed with gesture controlling features to optimize user experience.
2. Animation: While evaluating Android apps, the first thing a user notices is their look and feel. Many users even download the app if they like the screenshots. So along with its feature and performance, developers also need to concentrate on optimizing the application’s look and feel. Normally, the users find an app dull, if it does not have any animation effect. While developing an Android application, programmers must include loads on animation effects. In addition to attracting kids, the animation effects will also optimize user experience by soothing eyes.
3. HTML5: Most enterprises launch different versions of the same mobile application to target different mobile operating systems. For instance, an app can become more popular when it is compatible with some of the widely used mobile platforms like iOS, Android and Windows. The developers can reduce the overall mobile application development time and cost by using technologies compatible with each mobile platform. Most of the new Android apps are designed with HTML5 to avail several advantages like hassle-free porting. At the same time, HTML5 will optimize the Android app to meet the latest technological trends.
4. Features for Enterprises: The popularity of enterprise apps are growing at a rapid pace. Most organizations, nowadays, allow employees to access business information on their mobile devices. Some companies even allow employees to bring their own mobile devices. So your app can become popular when its features complement the needs of various enterprises. Most enterprises look for applications that enable their staff to work in ERP, CRM and EAM environments. When the Android app is effective in meeting these requirements, it will become popular among business owners and professionals.
5. Cloud Computing: Within a few years, Cloud computing has become hugely popular among both individuals and enterprises. Many businesses are even building Cloud infrastructure to meet the latest trends in communication technologies. The innovative technology has further encouraged many people to store their data in Clouds. So you can consider developing the Android app with Cloud compatibility. When the app enables users to access data stored in clouds, it will surely become popular.
6. Mobile Payment Options: The modern users are carrying out several transactions using their mobile devices. An increasing number of users are completing financial transactions through mobile apps. The growing popularity of the payment apps have made these popularly known as mobile wallet. But each user wants to complete the financial transaction in a faster and secure way. So your Android payment application must be secure enough to convince users that their sensitive financial data will not be stolen or misused. At the same time, the app also needs to ensure that the money is transferred and received within a few minutes.
When you are making the Android app development plan, it is important to understand what the users want. It is a great idea to refer to the latest market research data and technological trends to ensure that your app will become popular within a very short timeframe.
We provide Android app programming services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified Android app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Every developer who is developing mobile apps knows that creating an app is a very interesting yet cumbersome process. Right from choosing the right platform to, choice of features and UI and then marketing – everything is interdependent and contributes to the success of the app in a big way. With the increasing acceptance and widespread use of smartphones & tablets, android app development also has picked up steam. And with it has surfaced challenged. One of the biggest challenges that the mobile app development industry faces today is the development of apps that work on multiple platforms. To solve this, cross-platform mobile technologies like Sencha Touch, PhoneGap and Titanium have come in, using which, experts can develop apps for Windows, IOS, Android and BlackBerry. Let us take a look at Sencha Touch in more detail.
Sencha Touch is the right tool for building high level mobile applications through the web. It provides better performance as it interacts with the mobile device’s operating system. It allows web apps to look and feel like native apps on iPhone and Android mobile devices. Beautiful user interface components and rich data management, all powered by the latest HTML5 and CSS3 web standards and ready for Android and Apple iOS devices. Sencha Touch is the best framework for app developers who desire a visually interactive mobile application. It is said that Sencha Touch is the best web app framework for true high level web applications.
10 Top Things one should know about Sencha Touch
- Sencha Touch allows programmers to build mobile web apps apps that look and feel just like native apps on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry touch devices. It uses HTML5 to consign components like audio and video, as well as a localStorage proxy for saving data offline. It also makes extensive use of CSS3 to supply a robust fashioning layer. Sencha feel is compatible with Apple iOS 3+, Android 2.1+ and BlackBerry 6+ devices.
- Applications developed from this framework easily scale to different resolutions for maximum compatibility with varying screen sizes of different phones - iPhone, iPad and the various Android phones.
- With HTML5 and CSS3 allowing higher flexibility in the application, it also provides greater support for animations and enhanced touch events.
- Using Sencha Touch, one can get a single codebase that covers multiple platforms (iOS and Android) using only Web technologies and PhoneGap for the push.
- It works as a time saver, for building a basic mobile app or creating a complex app with many screens. Having all of building blocks in a single package, with one set of documentation and a single code-style makes Sencha Touch the only cross-platform professional-grade solution for the mobile web. The cross-platform compatibility and the various built-in mobile tools help one achieve native performance quickly and easily with the best effects.
- Sencha is popular for HTML5 as well as JavaScript framework it provides. 50 built-in components, state management and an integrated MVC system. It offers a free native packager that streamlines distribution to stores like Google Play.
- This technology has come loaded with some modern features and APIs that simplify the task of developing applications for mobile. But, the developers are required to work harder to get the coding right and also the end result is fantastic. To create native apps for different mobile platforms codes can be used. This technique helps saving a lot of time and cost associated with mobile development.
- Event Handling - Event handling provides much better touch event response on Android devices. The users find it so smooth and easy to scroll on their mobile devices with the Sencha Touch development.
- Rationalized Configuration System - The configuration system makes it very easy for setting up the touch application. It thus saves time and allows streamlining the setup of components.
- Faster layouts - The layout components are comparatively faster and thus make the apps work faster too. Its orientation is also attractive and advanced. Its new class system from Ext JavaScript 4 that provides the benefits of intelligent and innovative builds as well as dynamic loading capabilities.
The Sench Touch development offers an extremely powerful framework for companies to develop touch devices as per their customers need. It provides 3 key features Performance, ease of use, and native support. Since its launch in 2010, more than 500,000 developers have downloaded Sencha Touch and created tens of thousands of apps that run across the most popular touch-based Smartphones and tablets. Some of the best Sencha Touch applications are featured in the Sencha Touch App Gallery, with more added every week. Smaller sites can be developed in a matter of days. This saves a considerable amount of time in development. Using the built-in components of Sencha Touch, reduces development time by days since developers need not spend time implementing on usability features like Carousel swiping and multimedia loading including video and audio. This way it meets the current day business values.
We provide android widget development services. To talk to our cross platform developers or to hire android app programmers from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.
The trend of Android development is on the rise and this is the major reason why an increasing percentage of the world population is inclined towards android based devices. For those who are new to this industry and do not have in-depth knowledge of the development process, we bring here some significant tips for successful development of Android apps.
Have a Good Understanding of the Resources: When it comes to any Android based device, do not go for app development until and unless you have complete knowledge of the resources. It might require you to indulge in continuous learning, but it’s worth going for it. It’s imperative to gain considerable comprehension of the Android SDK platform as well as other tools in order to come up with effective Android development.
Properly Define the Target Market: If you are planning to offer customized Android development services, try to be well-versed with the choices of the target audience. Indulge in good amount of research to know what your chosen niche likes or dislikes. Once you are able to think from the perspective of the user, you will be capable of implementing the features of their choice and this will ensure that an increased number of your target customers are downloading your app.
Reach a Balance between Innovation and Creativity: In case it is not needed, do not be excessively creative. Remember that it is essential to keep things comprehensive, simple and user-friendly. This is very important because often, if you try to be overly creative, the outcome is a more complicated, unnecessarily cluttered code. The same will make room for more flaws and errors. So, it is advisable to focus on the core requirement while developing the app.
Target at Complete User Satisfaction: An android developer’s aim should not be solely to develop the app, but also to focus on the performance and quality of the application for ensuring customer delight. You need to create an advanced user-interface in order to render high grade user experience and enhanced user engagement. For any kind of app development across the Android platform, it is imperative to ensure that the application can be optimally used.
Pay Heed to What the Customer has to Say: In order to come up with a successful app creation, every single detail needs to be meticulously followed. In case even some minutest detail is not taken care of during the developmental phases, issues might crop up later. Carefully understand what the customer needs and refrain from any short-cuts. It is true that every developer will have their own preferences and preconceptions but do not let these things make you incapable of seeing what the client really wants.
Make good use of themes: With the help of themes, you will be able to control the styles so far as the entire app is concerned. While you are developing an app, it is best to strictly adhere to styling patterns in the early stages of development. This makes it easier to cope with device idiosyncrasies at a later phase when you are aiming for the best presentation on manifold resolutions and sizes of screens.
The above-mentioned information plays a crucial role in android app development. If you employ these guidelines during the developmental phase, you can accomplish noteworthy success in coming up with a high performing android app. Along with keeping these tips in mind, also update your knowledge regarding the latest activities in the Android market. The discussed tips are in fact timeless and will definitely facilitate development of apps which bring a radical change in the user-experience quotient. So, go ahead and create apps that render ultimate client satisfaction!
We provide android game development services. If you would like to know more about our certified mobile app developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
Many people nowadays avoid reading books. But books are still one of the most effective ways to learn Android programming. A developer can further consider building his personal library that can be referred while writing code. Also, each programmer has option to choose from the conventional or digital version of the same book. Some of these books also explain the Android SDK is a detailed and simple way, along with highlighting the frequent updates. Each programmer also has option to choose from a wide variety of books according to his specific needs.
