The last time we checked Statista; there were 1.6 million apps in Google’s Play store while Apple’s score was at 1.5 million available apps. Even if all these apps were free to use (they aren’t) and you could try them before buying, it would be a tough ask for both, you and your phone. So how do you choose the best app in any category? Well, we have some staples like WhatsApp, Skype or Instagram that the world recommends and without a good enough alternative. However, what if you are interested in the best “photography app”, or say, the “best Weather” app? Here’s our take on how to choose the best app under a given category – 

1.     Firstly, the “Top Lists”

Both the Android and iOS app stores have handy charts to help your search for the best app. if you are on an iOS device, search for “Top 25” and you will get to see the current top sellers across categories. Though, top selling apps are by no means the best pick for your needs, this is a good place to start with. The Play Store too has a “Top Chart” helping out new smart phone users.

If you don’t find the relevant app in these “top” lists, it’s time to navigate to the “categories” section. The Play Store has a helpful demarcation of all kinds of categories you would normally seek an app in. find your area of interest and generally, the top users are features ahead in these “categorized” lists.

2.     Reviews

Customer and user reviews are invaluable when looking for an app. at the first glance, anything that has acquired more than 4 stars would be a good app and anything under 3 stars would be worth avoiding. Further, the reviews of users would lead you to the specific advantages and disadvantages that people are enjoying/facing with the app. Browse through all the details to ensure that your device is compatible enough to give you the features you are looking for.

3.     Featured

Featured Listing is another handy place to start your search. Since neither Apple of Google receives payments for these features, the apps in there can be believed to be the best in what they are promising.

4.     Ask around

Well, if you are seeking something niche-specific, it’s also a good idea to ask around. Going back to the start of this article, if you have been looking for the best photography app, it would be helpful to reach out a photography community in Facebook. Your colleagues and friends too can advice on your pick.

The above should do the job, but you should again understand if you really need an app. Apps certainly are the driving features in smart phones but maybe, you don’t need some Afterall. Some apps like Facebook eat up a lot of RAM and if you aren’t going to browse too frequently, it is advisable to look into the mobile version of your Facebook (m.facebook.com) profile when required.

The app stores love to flaunt their size and say that the choices are close to being limitless. But having hundreds of choices will also mean more stress and more complicacy. Choose only the ones you really need to add convenience to your life.

A number of choices exist when it is about platforms available for your customer or enterprise mobile application development. However, the one which is the best suitable can be figured out need a lot of consideration. A Mobile App can be divided broadly into 3 types, the highly functional native apps, the newer HTML 5 software dominated apps for developing cross platform app versions and lastly, the Hybrid apps which have the combination of positives from both native and HTML 5.

Mobile platforms like Apple iOS and Android share a larger chunk of the demand over other OS’s like Blackberry in recent times.  Now, each platform comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Some have the ability to lower the development cost of the apps while some have the tools that will ensure a dynamic presentation. Depending on your purpose, one must choose a platform that enables high performance with limited issues.

Whenever a business enterprise is trying to make a mark in the online world using mobile applications, there are a number of considerations and aspects which need to be put under the lens. Here are the key points to focus on.

1.     Select Maximum Engaging platform

It is important to know which is the most used platform used by your target audience. Each of Android and iOS has a highly segregated user base.  If you are looking to connect with young high level executives, iOS would be the way to go. However, if you are looking to address the mass the in general, Android has a better penetration. By the last quarter of 2015, Android dominated the market with an 82.8% share while iOS shipped only 47.5 million devices.

2.     Digging into technicalities and deciding software’s which can aid business needs

There a lot of technicalities which needs to be identified when selecting the software for the app development.  If you require a cross-platform app but with the efficiency and functionality of native apps, hybrid apps would be the solution. For example, selecting palm OS can be a bad idea in case the businesses requires the application to be run in the background. IPhone OS can help protect the memory and the Symbian in Android enables memory warning callbacks.  Hence, depending on the needs, the OS must be selected.

3.     Ease of development and maintenance

Hybrid apps and HTML 5 are easy to script and maintain compared to the native apps. On the other hand, native apps need the best features to be installed, including faster downloading graphics, camera, GPS and several others. Further, native apps require the application of appropriate languages and coding to work for a particular platform.

4.     Cost considerations

When it comes to the financial aspects in app development, the native apps are costliest to develop. Consequently, iOS developers earn the highest amount of money in making their apps. The debugging, prototyping and various app design processes involve a comparatively lower amount of financial investment especially in cross-platform OS like HTML 5 over the native apps on some of the platforms.

5.     Futuristic prospects

We already know that Apple has been trying hard to save its market. In the second quarter of 2015, its market share dropped by 22.3% but it still was able to save its popularity, thanks to bigger screen devices. Depending upon the business you are in, there is a need to research about the market trends and the devices that your demographics prefer.

As obvious, the selection of the perfect mobile development platform depends upon the nature of the audience and the business to be delivered from it. The choice requires through analytics and understanding both the market and the available app development platforms.

The world is becoming more and more addicted to Smartphones. The variety of unique applications racking up on our devices proves how quickly we are getting hooked onto the technological revolution. User engagement levels are also up and surging like never before, be it about fitness or shopping from the convenience of your home. 5 major developments dominating the scene currently include:

1.     Internet of things leading to creation of apps with an edge

The network connections to a multitude of objects like wearable technology have surged in the modern times. Powered by IoT, wearable technology will grow from a $20 billion market in 2015 to a $70 billion industry by 2025. This has made it necessary for the mobile apps to keep pace with this towering trend. The outstretching imaginations are leading to more and more innovative apps which are beneficial for both commercial and industrial usage.  The smart sensors in the apps will alert and perform a number of useful functions.

2.     Beacon technology- a big leap from the native technology

All iOS users can now get alerts from even the dormant retail store apps as these are woken up by the beacon technology. Whenever customers are physically inside a store, the beacon allows identifying the exact location. If the customer is standing in the jeans section, the message is immediately received by the store app which alerts the customers regarding the discounts on the needed product. This technology is the new profit racking instrument for retailer and the trend will continue into the future.

3.     Craze for building mobile videos in Enterprise Apps

More and more enterprises have sprung up to take advantage of the growing trend in app usage on smaller screen. Hence these apps are leading to excessive profit making for the enterprises. Creative mobile videos have become an important tool for brands and enterprises to reach out. These video ads are no more just meant for the websites; but to directly target customer’s attention clearly on the mobile screens.  The enterprise video market will in fact grow to a $36.84 million industry by 2020. The companies are increasingly seen using multimedia site apps to project their videos ads so as to successfully propagate its image.

4.     The cloud app integration

Millions of apps that have mushroomed on various platforms are becoming very more user friendly with the integration of cloud.  Larger mobile apps are now able to fit in as a small subset of the bigger space, bandwidth and memory availability in the cloud network.

5.     Secured apps are a cut above the rest

The security of the apps has become a serious agenda for all kinds of applications, old and new. Serious competition among brands and businesses has led the need to address any security concerns in the apps at the earliest. While there are about 4 million apps in the major app stores, 75% of them would fall short of passing the basic security tests.  This is directly linked to the credibility of a business and isn’t a thing that can be taken lightly. Developers are thus continuously preparing and updating themselves to meet the expectations.

Mobiles and more specifically smart devices hold our future. As we roll into 2016, smartphones will become the change-bearers.

Finding the best hotels in a new place takes just an app! Hotel booking sites like Hotels.com, Expedia, and Venere have recently gained a lot of popularity with 76% leisure travelers accessing them for the better deals and lower prices. The other side of the coin also reveals that most travelers today are less likely to go for branded hotels. Statistics suggest that 13% travelers are looking for mobile convenience when booking accommodation and branded sites are failing short of the required urgency.

Intermediary hotel booking apps have the mobile muscle to come in between the hotels and their guests.  Hotel apps ensure “hospitality on the move” and major brands across the globe are focusing on new mobile strategies to improve their guest’s experience. The fully customizable apps ensure that all types of transactions and searches are made simple, before, during and post the stay. Mobile apps for hotels are also changing the way guests interact with the service staff and vice versa.

Looking beyond the booking process

Several hotels are coming up with apps that facilitate a seamless booking process. Some even step things up a notch to take advantage of in-app messaging and push notifications that would remind guests about valuable information about their lodging and booking. A good example of such an platform is the Ritz-Carlton app that gives guests access to early check-ins, access room services, access special offers, and use their reservation code to stay in contact with their guests at all times.

Technology raising the bar

The increasing demand of self service hotel apps have been met by technology that has helped automate requests both on and off the property. Businesses that have deployed these mobile apps invariably improve their guest satisfaction score, regardless of being independent properties or as a part of a hospitality chain. The digital experience is possible long before the arrival and this provides enough opportunity for the hotel to reinforce their service experience.

Catering to instant gratification

Mobile application across the hotel industry ensures on-demand services with just some taps on a smart screen. One of the best examples of such a service is i-Guest, deployed by several boutique hotels. Developed by FCS Computer System, this multilingual application allows guests to customize every part of their hotel experience, right from accessing property amenities to ordering dinner. Apps like this offer a range of convenience including mobile check in/out, room service requests, housekeeping requests, laundry orders, scheduling spa appointments, valet parking requests and restaurant reservation, without the need to go to the front desk. Sometimes this bundle of features also includes mobile concierge, local information, current news, travel guides and other locational services.

Increased staff efficiency

Self service apps don’t just connect the hotel and guests but also makes it easy to organize staff participation. With every employee’s login time registered and tracked, it’s more convenient for hotels to schedule orders coming from the guests.

All of the above only prove that if you are associated with the hotel industry, it’s time to take apps more seriously! The power and popularity of apps today is beyond boundaries and there are many opportunities to be explored.

There are a lot of options these days for companies to engage with various audiences through mobile technology. As they seek to stand out from the masses, these companies are continually looking for innovative solutions that go beyond the norm, or expected, to drive interest and engagement.

That’s where GoodWorkLabs comes in. GoodWorkLabs is a leading new-age software and design lab that delivers cutting-edge products and solutions for a growing list of global clients. The firm specializes in outsourced product development, high-end mobile/gaming apps and custom software development.

Mobile app development is highly in demand these days, and many companies are emerging to meet that demand. So many, that it can be challenging for businesses to determine which offer the best, and most reliable app developers. That’s where Clutch comes in. Clutch is a Washington, DC-based analyst firm that identifies top services providers in mobile and web development. Using a proprietary framework, the Leaders Matrix, Clutch maps firms’ focus areas and ability to deliver on client expectations.

Clutch is committed to identifying the leaders in a variety of industries, such as software development, advertising and marketing, web and mobile app development and IT consulting. GoodWorkLabs is on their radar screen. The firm has been selected by Clutch as a company to provide as a “firm that delivers.”

Our profile offers potential customers a thorough summary of our services, including detailed charts showing prospective clients which industries we serve, a list of some of our clients, and a sense of what it’s like to work with us. As we move forward our profile will be augmented by the inclusion of customer testimonials to offer an even more realistic feel for what we can do.

Our name says it all: we’re GoodWorkLabs and we do good work! But don’t just take our word for it. One of the most important features of our profile is the client reviews section. What’s unique about the reviews is that Clutch actually reaches out and interviews our clients over the phone. This allows our clients to give unbiased feedback about our products and services. While this feat might make some business owners nervous, we welcome the unbiased reviews, as it’s the only way we can truly know how we’re doing. We want to constantly be evaluating and improving our services, and these interviews allow us to do that. As of right now, we have a 4.8-star rating, so we’re feeling pretty confident about our ability to meet our clients’ needs.

The client testimonials which accompany the review section are crucial in giving potential clients a glimpse into what it’s like to work with us. One of our valued clients, the CEO of Audetemi, a mobile development company said: “GoodWorkLabs did a good job of designing the user experience…I would say their attention to detail is what sets them aside. They insisted on coming up with a design of their own before discussing my ideas.”

Another client, the founder of ID Verify Wizard, a fraud prevention company, said: “One of the things that stood out for me was their level of service and approach to the customer’s need. GoodWorkLabs is focused on what has to be done.”

We couldn’t be more pleased with our profile, and our relationship with Clutch. If you haven’t already, we invite you to check out our Clutch profile, and let us know your thoughts!

Mobile apps have taken over our life and it’s unnecessary to suggest how much they imply for businesses trying to get to potential customers. Whether it shopping or booking a cab for a ride to the workplace; there is nothing that doesn’t have an app alternative. Regardless of the size of a business or the industry it belongs to, a mobile app developer would be one of the top assets and investments.

Now, talking of mobile app developers, there are thousands in any neighborhood. However, not all have the talent, technology or the infrastructure to be able to create a successful application platform. Hiring a quality developer will not just save you money but also add credibility to your brand.

Here are the top advantages of hiring a professional mobile app developer:

The internet of things and growing business opportunities

The Internet of Things (IoT) is fuelled by a flood of data coming from mobile devices and other internet enabled devices. Internet of Things has been helping organizations to store, analyze and use data to their advantage like never before. Now, all this data has the power to transform business models and many leading brands are already working on this. From retail to manufacturing, production and logistics, data has become the tool to optimize the value chain and build better customer experience.

Now all of this would be possible only if you are working with a resourceful and experienced mobile app developer. Professional developers will have the tools to quickly develop and deploy apps that bring in more data from users.

Directly engaging with customers

The growing use of mobiles for shopping and services has automatically led to the increase of transaction volumes; right from content downloads to status updates. An app that would be able to wind a small flame across the organizational network and database can trigger the mobile-first approach to better serving customers. For example, a bank that has a good enterprise app with features like push notifications will have better control over customer engagement. On the other side, customers too would find interacting with the brand / service more convenient.

Collaborative app development for new opportunities

Modern organizations, big and small, are increasingly seeking agile development platforms that allow them to communicate with a wide range of users. Whatever be the platform, it should help empower differentiated and efficient mobile apps that are compatible across devices. Now, having a mobile version of everything isn’t as easy as it may sound. An app can duly replace the need to create responsive yet tricky mobile websites. Since most of the end users are accessing from smaller screens, it is only profitable to invest in a dedicated app that fits the situation well.

Designed for flexibility

Apart from the risks, an app makes it much more easy and flexible to interact with a business/service than a website alternative. Modern customers are looking for quick, easy, safe and convenient options and there’s no better solution than an app.

The mobile app developers are maturing with experience in devising higher number of useful mobile applications in 2016. With IoT, Cloud computing, wearable devices creating a buzz in 2016 the Mobile App Development trends also reflect some of these latest revolutionary impacts like the launch of IoT mobile apps for connected cars. The mobile apps are also converging with the cloud technology in 2016 hence, are becoming bigger and better. Some interesting trends in 2016 in mobile development are worth noting.

1.     Horde of enterprise mobile apps launches

The mobile Smartphone devices are absolutely the most used interfaces for web and overtaking desktop surfing by leaps and bounds. A research further suggests that the apps being faster and more convenient than the mobile websites are mushrooming on the web in higher numbers.80% of time spent on web is for shopping and surfing time is via Smartphone apps. The apps are first thing which are used for personalized jobs like hiring a taxi and ordering food. Hence, the enterprises have no option but to remain in line with the trend. They need to aggressively focus their marketing by developing their enterprise apps to witness a good lift in the bottom-line in 2016 and also remain competitive.

2.     Mobile app security enhancement

Elimination of the weak security problems in the Mobile App Development are the focus plans of most mobile app developers in 2016. The ecommerce stores are paying more attention to the security of their apps to prevent the leakage of the important details fed by their customers. Beefing up stricter security protocols is the agenda in 2016.

3.     Cloud technology to rule on the apps 

The cloud computing in apps is gaining ground in 2016. This technology is conferring a number of benefits. The app users are now able to sync their apps with a number of smart devices. Both large and small apps can conveniently manage the speed, security and other functional issues in the cloud.

4.     Increasing number of wearable apps on the Smartphone

The ever-growing trend of wearable technology has made the developers busy in making the multifunctional wearable apps. These apps make the wearable Smartwatches or smart glasses interesting gadgets.

5.     IoT apps for connected cars

The connected cars are ultimate fascinating IoT developments in 2016. The apps of advanced technology are being made in 2016 for this IoT. The apps of connection of cars basically sought connection with the traffic signals. This helps the users to know in advance the traffic ahead, or any kind of car mishaps which are creating the traffic besides knowing the directions and alternative routes.                              

6.     Additions of  offline and voice command features

The progressive web applications of 2016 are also featuring an option to work offline on apps. Also, integrating intelligent personal assistant feature in the apps is on the schedule for the year 2016. This includes making the mobile apps use voice commands given by the users to perform the task. This step towards gaining more convenience while driving, bathing is definitely what the customers can look forward in 2016 and beyond.

The life of a student is much complicated than their parents think. It is probably the most eventful period of one’s life full of fun as well as loads of stress. They often miss assignment deadlines and forget important dates because of the pressure of their studies. College going students often indulge in part time jobs to pay for their expenses. What they sorely miss is the technological help from mobile apps that will make their life easier by decreasing the amount of stress they encounter in their daily lives.

Students fail to put their smartphones to good use and limit its functions to texting and clicking selfies only. The good news is that there are quite a lot of mobile apps available on all OS platforms that can help in stress management of students and help them streamline their academic and personal life. Let’s look at some real stress buster mobile apps for students:

Google Calendar

Available on every Android based smartphone, the latest versions of the mobile app are extremely useful in reminding students of various events, lectures, seminars and their crucial dates. You can set alarms, notifications or take notes for a particular day. Remembering important days would not be a problem now as the app will notify you if you have marked a date.

Newshunt

Mass communication students absolutely adore this app. This one brings all popular newspapers as well as online news portals at one place. You can access these portals and e-papers through the numerous categories mentioned in the app. Business Standard, Economic Times, India Today etc. all will be available in this mobile app. This one is also useful for students who want to boost their general knowledge and keep themselves updated with current affairs.

inClass

This app can be used to categorize your classes and set time-tables. Students can also record the assignments for each class along with the deadline of their submission. Available on iOS and Android the mobile app helps in smart stress management. Students can also add documents along with their notes in order give themselves a better view of the assignments.

RealCalc Scientific Calculator

Students of maths are going to feel blessed once they download this app. It can perform all functions of a scientific calculator and can be used as a replacement of original ones. It will save students from the hassle of carrying their calculators all the time while studying as they will just need to keep their smartphones with themselves.

Whatsapp

Students can use Whatsapp not only chat with their friends but also to exchange notes. If you fail attend a lecture, you can ask a friend to record the lecture and send the audio file through Whatsapp for stress management. You can also ask your friends to send pictures of the unique notes he/she has.

Dictionary.com

This is a must have for every student regardless of the field of interest. You will need a dictionary at all times and downloading one in your smartphone seems to be a good plan. The app also explains the meaning of the word through examples and sample sentences. You can also look for synonyms and antonyms of a word in this mobile app.

We will be happy to know your pick of most used mobile apps to aid with your academic phase of life. Write in to us and let us know.

Ask people what they want to do, and most of them will end up using terms like ‘business’, ‘start-ups’, ‘entrepreneur’, etc. So, what exactly is required to have a profitable business, an idea? True, but just an idea isn’t sufficient. There’s a lot more that is essential including effective outreach methodologies, publicity and revenues for the organization to survive in the competitive world.

With the growing popularity of smartphones, many companies have started investing in mobile advertising by creating mobile application software (app). This technique, without a doubt, makes the app visible to a wider audience, but visibility doesn’t guarantee returns; ‘download’ is the keyword. Interestingly, only 2% of the app developers claim 54% of all app revenues. Today, we look at6smart app monetization techniques to ensure that the app remains a profitable product for your agency

1. In-app Advertising

In this kind of app monetization model, the download happens for free. The goal, here, is to create large user database, after which the information gets sorted, and app publishers pay the developer to publish targeted ads. This technique is widely used because, well, who doesn’t like things for free.

2. Freemium

This android app monetization technique offers the customer to ‘use and try’ services before selling. There’s no download cost, however, only limited features are provided on download, i.e. some features are gated. The aim is to accumulate and engage app users until they are convinced to pay for the upgrade and enjoy all features.

3. In-app purchase

The in-app purchase monetization method works like a super-market where many companies showcase their products and on any physical or virtual goods purchase, some percentage of profit is given to the app developer. The catch remains in the fact that the users save a lot of their time and easily get what they want.

4. Paid Apps

This android app monetization technique generates direct income from the user. In order to download the app, the user needs to pay the mentioned amount. However, with this technique, it is essential that the entire app experience is creatively designed to arouse the interest of people and compel them into purchasing.

5. Paywalls (Subscriptions)

Paywall is similar to the freemium model, however, here, instead of the features, the content is gated. The users are allowed to see predetermined amount of content and need to pay to get full access over the information. This iOS app monetization method allows the user to not just ‘judge the book by its cover’, but also experiment with it.

6. App Promotion and localization

App Promotion refers to using various social interfaces as a platform to sell the app, whereas localization refers to extending the app’s reach across borders and monetize international traffic by offering region-specific content. This iOS app monetization technique is rather indirect but very useful, as you can either increase the cost or the customers.

The above techniques are one of the many ways to survive in the mobile advertising world; an app developer can actually customize and use a combination of them to create a successful business. Now, that’s what we call more than just an ‘idea’!