Talking to the smartphone has been a part of the culture for quite some time now. The trend started with Siri – the voice assistant introduced by Apple in 2011 with the iPhone 4S model. Google joined the race with Google Now in 2012 and now Microsoft is close to introducing the Cortana in its full colors. Though these tools have been making our life easier, the frustration involved with your voice assistant misunderstanding the commands can be quite high. Though Siri, Google Now and Cortana handle themselves pretty well, it becomes pretty challenging to determine which is better than the other. So, let’s compare!

Introducing the Various Digital Assistant Apps

• Siri: Siri by Apple has been available to users owning the iPhone 4S or anything above. The application offers the flexibility to set up appointments, ask questions, set reminders, search the web, ask for directions, and even set up a digital nickname – all through voice commands.
• Google Now: Google Now has always been about simplicity and ease of access. To use the voice commands, users simply have to say “OK Google” and then provide the instructions. Google Now is great at delivering personal recommendations that are based on your preferences and history and also to look up for online information.
• Cortana: Microsoft’s voice assistant is comparatively new, though it has been researching in this field for over a decade now. Cortana speaks the voice of Jen Taylor, the famous actress form Inheritance and is available with any device later than Windows Phone 8.1.

Voice

While Cortana allows you to interact with a recognizable voice, Siri too has lived up to be an iconic speech across the globe. It’s Google Now that fails instant recognition of any kind. However, Siri wins this category because of its customizable voices. If someone doesn’t like a male voice guiding you, it’s simple to switch to a female tone. Cortana however locks itself to the same Jane Taylor voice.

Voice Activation

Voice assistants have been a great tool for users looking to hands free usage. Google Now seems to take the winning accolades in this category by integrating the ‘always listening’ feature. Anytime, you need to activate the voice assistant, all you need to do is speak “OK Google”. However, this feature is only available in higher end models. Siri on the other hand gets activated whenever the phone is connected to a power source – the car charger or charging at home/office. Cortana fails to make any mark in this aspect.

Touch Activation

Siri’s one-touch activation requires holding down the “HOME” button for a while. For Android devices, it’s swiping up from the on-screen key from Home and for Microsoft devices, it can be activated by pressing against the “magnifying glass” shaped icon in the main screen. The later doesn’t even require unlocking your phone. Siri however wins this category gain by asking for the fewest number of motions.

Speed and accuracy of gathering information

If you put in a voice command like “Where can I watch the trailer of The Terminator”, it takes Siri 3.5 seconds to answer, 5.47 seconds by Google Now and 6 seconds by Cortana. The accuracy of information varies according to the line of question. Cortana is more accurate in delivering weather information while Google Now is best in searching up information on web. However Siri wins with its speed of delivery.

Our take – we can comfortably say that Siri is the best voice assistant among the three. Google Now catches up pretty close and it’s still some road to cover by Cortana. Do write in with your thoughts on which is the best out of the three.

Apple announced the grand and brand new iOS9 at the Worldwide Developers Conference on 8^th of June at San Francisco. As we have experienced earlier, Apple has always dropped support for older version whenever a new OS version launch is made. This time however, iOS8 users will be able to upgrade to iOS9 at zero cost. The public beta version (also a first for Apple) will launch in July but Apple is already ecstatic about the fall launch and consequently, we would like to know about the new iOS9 experience. Here are some of the lesser known features that users can expect.

1.       Search feature in settings

For someone not quite conversant with the hardware and software features of their phone, a search setting has been long denied under the settings tab. With iOS9, if you know what to change/modify, you can directly access the same from the search bar.

2.       Siri speaks and listens everything

Siri allowed users to communicate with their devices in several dialects and multiple accents. However, until iOS 8, choosing to listen to British Siri also meant that the phone was tuned to understand only British voice commands. IOS9 changes that and language input and voice will be two separate functionalities. You may talk in an Indian accent and receive response in a Brit tone.

3.       Siri doesn’t work with a silent ringer

If you want Siri to shut down when you have silenced your device, iOS9 adds an option. Especially in a crowded area, Siri can now communicate using text messages.

4.       Low power mode

Smartphones consume a lot of battery. However iOS9 has an answer in the form of Low Power Mode where the device will turn off background effects, animated wallpapers, disable app refresh to give you extra hours of usage.

5.       No more “Is my Shift key on?”

This had been bothering all Apple users since long. However, iOS9 introduces optional lower case keys that doesn’t require Shift key anymore.

6.       Keyboard shortcuts

If you had been using an external keyboard with your iPad, you’ll soon be able to do more. Apple introduces several new keyboard shortcuts. A good example would be the Command + Tab to switch between active apps.

7.       Introducing an iCloud Drive app

A long awaited feature, iCloud will now be available as a physical app. After you have installed iOS9, just go to the iCloud Settings and enable the option.

8.       Easier to move out from Android

Apple introduces “Move to iOS” app for users who are planning to switch from their Android devices to iPhones. The app expedites the data transfer to a great extent and also does a clean job.

9.       Six digit pass code

As opposed to a four digit pass code until iOS 8, iOS9 will ask for a 6 digit alternative to enhance the security.

10.   Have your devices organized for separate functionalities

Many Apple users have complained about receiving phone calls on their iPad rather than their iPhone. Similarly, text messages on the Mac are irritating. Thankfully, iOS9 introduces granular control that will help you manage your devices and their preferred functionalities.

Google announced the Android M last month at the annual I/O developer’s conference and we can expect the OS to reflect in our devices in the coming months. Several new features have been integrated for the end users including better text selection, improved power management, Android Pay, custom tabs for Chrome, USB Type-C Support, modified volume controls, direct sharing and fingerprint support. The preview of the new OS will be available in devices like the Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Player. Some say that Android updates have always been untimely and Android M follows the stint. Very few devices will be able to get sensible duration. However, ignoring the odds, there are several aspects that developers need to be prepared for.

Consumer-centric features

Google has always invested in changes and features that connect more closely with the end users imagination. This makes battery life and power management a good place to start in an update. Doze, a new feature with Android M, will be taking devices into a deeper standby mode. When the OS learns that it hasn’t been used for a while, it will go into a sort of ‘hibernation’. This will be a good update for people who use their phones minimally. However, this won’t be too exciting for someone who lives with a smart phone – texting, playing, playing music or talking.

Changes in app permission

There has been a complete overhaul of app permission system and this should be significant for developers. With Android M, users will no longer have to grant a permission before the installation takes place. However, after the app has been installed, it might require permission when accessing user information including contact lists, GPS data, social network connect, etc. Thus, the user now controls the type of information that needs to be shared and when. So what about the older apps? Android M offers developers the liberty to tweak the previous apps to integrate this feature. Applications that don’t conform will simply stop receiving feeds.

It is important to note that this feature strictly confines itself to elements that affect piracy. Apps will still be able to automatically connect to the internet.

Password Manager and Fingerprint Scanner

Android M brings some more necessary APIs including ones that add fingerprint support to apps. Fingerprint scanner will not just work as the device lock but be extended to third party. Applications might tweak logins to fingerprint access with Android M. This feature is already live with Apple’s Touch ID API. The fingerprint access will further compliment Google’s Smart Lock and other device/login security.

Android Pay

Apple Pay is the first thing that comes to our minds when hearing the term Pay, but honestly, Android was the first OS to integrate mobile payments in the name of Google Wallet. However, Android M will come with a built in OS wallet that will no longer be optional. Accordingly, developers will need to tweak their apps to integrate Android Pay for quick money transfers.

Overall, Android M showcases huge potential but only time will tell how long developers take to implement the same. Further, the device software and hardware too needs to catch up with this vision.

The Apple Watch has been making ‘Stop Press’ news in the gadget world. This is the second time that Apple has been the first manufacturer to launch a completely new product genre in the market – after the iPad. Now, getting back to the iWatch, Apple has introduced a slew of new and exciting features with the OS 1.0. However, within a mere six weeks of iWatch release, Apple has already come up with a major update – the OS 2. Though this version wouldn’t be live until this fall, Apple has already introduced some interesting features as below:

1.       Expect apps going native

Apps that aren’t native would run on the current version of the iWatch but they aren’t allowed to tap into the device’s hardware (accelerometer, microphone, heart rate sensor or the Taptic Engine). However, things are going to be different with OS 2. Apple will open up the platform for developers willing to test the boundaries of the device.

2.       Activation Lock

The iWatch has been criticized for its less than adequate security features and how easy it would be to steal a device. OS 2 changes things for the better with the Activation Lock. After upgrading to OS2, users will be required to log into their iCloud account. Though this feature will be made optional, it certainly will be helpful.

3.       Siri, the almighty!

Siri will now work entirely upon verbal commands and you wouldn’t have to swipe or even glance at your device. This means that you can relax on your bed and get all the information you need with your voice and at your will.

4.       New faces

Everyone likes to personalize their device with background images that do not come along with the device. With OS2, users will be able to choose among their own photographs, a time lapse of skyline (this would look very interactive) or a changing gallery from your personalized library.

5.       Third party Complications

Complications are small pieces of information like time global time, temperature and your schedule and activity goals. OS 2 will let users add even more “Complications” that are relevant to your lifestyle.

6.       Time travel!

Well, not literally, but OS 2 presents you with an overview of your days spent. It will show you the mails you had missed yesterday or how will it be like outside when you embark upon your road trip tomorrow.

7.       Expect to be rewarded by Apple Pay

OS 2 will allow you to store debit/credit cards and retailer loyalty programs associated with Apple Pay. The process is still the same but this time picking a card might even bring you rewards.

8.       Mass transit

OS 2 will give you turn by turn directions instead of verbally interrupting your driving as the OS 1.0 did. Further, OS 2 maps will also contain mass transit information, including bus stops and walking routes.

9.       Wake me up

OS 2 offers easier interaction with your iWatch to check the time, date, battery percentage, and alarm when you wake up.

10.   Circle of 12

OS 1.0 limited your friends to only 12 slots. However, OS 2 rightly extends this to help create multiple groups of 12. You can even choose to add contacts right from your iWatch.

Do let us know your thoughts on the new iWatch update with your comments below.

Industry statistics suggest that more than 1.5 billion users across the globe own a smart phone and 900 million of this user base operated on Google’s Android. The Play Store currently has more than 800,000 apps resulting in a whooping 48 billion downloads with $900 million in developer payouts. If you are looking to start a business and have a little knowledge about computers and mobile app development, there couldn’t be a more profiting venture to step into. However, along with the huge profits and advantages, Android app development also attaches some major complication for someone beginning in this field. Here are 8 tips that would help you get your app underway successfully.

1.       Choice of IDE

Android development is mostly centered on Eclipse and some developers also prefer InteliJ IDEA’s Community Edition. The choice of IDE should depend on the comfort level of the developer. Choose one that you are more conversant in rather than the one that will take a little more time in getting a hold of.

2.       Create for the masses

Android sells the maximum number of devices and this creates the element of diversity. OS platforms are constantly being upgraded and so are the hardware components of devices. Before venturing into app development, check out the latest frameworks. It would be important to note here than an app that is coded for an earlier version will work on the new one (most likely) but the reverse isn’t true.

3.       Do away with Emulator

Emulators are painfully slow and can help you test just a limited number of things. But, if you are looking to save some precious time and minimize your waiting time, invest in a real testing device that can be connected with an USB.

4.       Make friends with XML

The complete Android framework is based upon XML scripting. While there are tools that will help with the UI, there are also others that can be confusing (Sherlock). This has been the reason that XML is not a popular platform to work on but you don’t really have a choice.

5.       Modular UI structure

Android apps that aim at a decent UI can demand daunting amount of XML. A modular UI will help you reuse components including “fragments” and “includes”.

6.       Hire a designer

Either you do that or become a creative professional yourself. Good coding needs to be complimented by the right type of interface, which would need a good designer.

7.       Android specific solutions

Android specific solutions are simpler and easier to use. Things like asynchronous processing and multi-threading need platforms like AsyncTask or IntentService before being laid alongside the java.util.concurrent package.

8.       There are no miracle tools

There is not such platform that can guarantee easier Android development. When they seem to say so, you need to check them by creating a simple app and deploy it in all of them. Now, if each of these display look like native apps, there is a minimum degree of concern.

Android app development will be an exciting experience, though there are initial challenges. With experience, you would definitely get better at the job and face the degree of success you envisage for your development agency.

Mobile Applications In The Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism is a huge 6.3 trillion dollar industry according to the 2015 statistics. A huge part of this success has been played by mobile apps. As the partnership between the tourism industry and technology grows, both of them have earned several grand slams and many more are on the way. The days of guidebooks, compasses, maps and other printed stuff have been replaced by travel apps that come loaded with functionalities.

Smartphones make it more portable to carry all the resources you need to have along your travel expeditions. Demographic statistics suggest that travel and tourism are the 7^th most downloaded app category. 60% of the global smart phone users have downloaded some kind of travel app into their devices and 45% in this group use these apps regularly to plan their holiday and travels using their mobile.

From the above facts, it can be comfortably held that the tourism industry might as well fail without smartphones and mobile apps. Knowledgeable travel companies have come to know that mobile applications are the only way to optimize and extract the expected ROI.

Travel companies that have been able to make a strong app presence have been better able to reach out to customers who is the truest sense would be “mobile”. If you are in a tourism business or planning to invest into one, it’s imperative that you should make this technology investment. Mobile apps that integrate user friendliness and other rich functionalities are more likely to attract the crowd than the travel agencies that wok through just a single brick and mortar shop. This extends to all kind of tourism business including travel packages, guided tours, car rentals, hotel bookings, ticketing, F&B, and everything else.

Founded by Deep Kalra in the year 2000 in US and then extended in India in 2005, MakeMyTrip is the largest online travel company in India and is second largest most visited travel website after IRCTC.  MakeMyTrip is a well-known name for providing services in luxurious tours and hotel booking websites. The company has branched after its inception through a series of small acquisitions.

Within the highly competitive travel industry, having the flexibility to innovate is critical in meeting growing demands of consumers moving online to research and purchase travel products. With fluctuations in travel prices from suppliers impacting revenue, MakeMyTrip needed to maximize its margins by running efficient IT infrastructure. Year after year, MakeMyTrip has been able to capture a bigger market share through its efficient mobile application and some innovative marketing campaigns. Its revenue generation is on a steady 30% rise annually after it launched its mobile application and renewed its servers.

It is just one of the examples where mobility has given the advantage to a travel & tourism company. With mobile users increasing on a daily basis, the only way to reach out to them is to be on their mobile. Building an app with robust features and security is the only way forward in today’s era.

Get in touch with a developer / app development agency that has enough experience building mobile applications. This is an era where success doesn’t come just with hard work but smart work.

Mobile apps and app marketing is one of the guiding tools to success in the present world. 

If you are building an app, it’s a common question whether to build for Android or iOS first. Building for both platforms simultaneously can get expensive. Further, developing for a single platform to start with gives you the advantages of testing, iterations, feedback and improvements. Experienced app developers would choose to act upon the second platform only when they succeed in the first and experience enough monetization.

So it is Android or iOS?

According to Gartner’s reports, Android dominates the smart phone market with a share of 82%. However, iOS brings in the advantage of monetization, bringing in five times greater returns with in-app purchases. Further, Apple has a better distribution mechanism than Google’s Play Store. Android App Store on the other hand benefits from a simple and uniform user experience. Comparing the different advantages and the nature of your target market is the key to success. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Developers: Like most businesses, if you are outsourcing your app development to an IT specialist, it is important to know which platform they are more comfortable in or specialize. It would be profitable to play to your strengths. If your internal team and the contractors are more conversant with Android developer, so be it, and vice versa.
2. User base: It is very important to understand the nature of your demographics. If you are looking to target businessmen and professionals iOS would be a better choice than if you are trying to target the regular smart phone user or students. Whichever platform gives you the maximum engagement should be the one you work in.
3. Pricing: It’s no secret that an iOS user is more likely to pay for in-app purchase than an Android user. Apple does have a larger base for paid apps. Though Android too presents several ways of monetization, Apple users would be more willing. The choice will also depend upon your exact pricing. Through Android, you can easily target lower pricing ranges.

When to choose iOS

If you are targeting the U.S. marketplace, Apple has a significant amount of dominance over Android. Apple devices are extremely popular in states like Los Angeles, New York City of Washington DC. Thus, if your target is American audience, iOS is the safe bet. IOS will be able to generate four times higher revenues compared to Android.

When to choose Android

Businesses that are looking to enter the market and don’t have a substantial capital to start off with, Android is the perfect solution. Android app development is based on open source software, making it cheaper. Further, Android provides several frameworks and plugins that makes it easier to develop and deploy an app. Also, the Play Store has less restriction on the quality of app submission than iOS App Store.

Regardless of the platform you choose, interactivity, user friendliness, and quality will be the key to the success of your app. It is when you bring something unique to the market that you get noticed. Otherwise, there are millions of other iOS and Android apps to get lost in!

Mobile testing is becoming a fast paced industry that is driven by constant evolution. The increasing adoption of mobile devices and changing technologies have brought a whole new set of challenges for the testing world. End users of apps aren’t forgiving and even the most minor issue will lead to customers switching to a different app immediately. Consequently, every mobile website and app placed in the market needs to be “rock solid” in terms of looks and performance. Smartphones have become the primary tool of communication for both individuals and businesses, across the globe.

According to Cap Gemini’s Quality Report on Mobile Testing, about 18% companies feel that they don’t have the time to test their mobile apps and further, about 65% say that they don’t have adequate tools for testing. Every week, new devices are being launched into the market and newer applications are designed to deliver complex set of functionalities over simple platforms. This diversity and increasing expectations present unique challenges for mobile testers.

1.       A multitude of devices

Since Google launched the Android 1.0, more than 500m devices have been shipped. For Apple, the numbers close in to more than 220m. Smart devices capable of running applications span across smartphones, tablets, iPad, watches and each of these categories further include thousands of devices, each with different screen sizes, operating systems, and other capabilities. It is a real challenge to be able to create an app that would run smoothly across devices and platforms as you never know which device your target user is on.

2.       Device fragmentation / different OS platforms

Device fragmentation is probably the most challenging aspect of mobile testing. The iOS device matrix has been growing but when it comes to Android devices (which again have a larger share in the market), fragmentation can be a major issue. In July 2013, OpenSignal, an analytical firm reported more than 12,000 Android devices as opposed to just 4,000 in 2012. It is not just the changing hardware but also the constant upgrades and different mobile operating systems that add to the challenge.

3.       Types of mobile apps

Mobile apps can be categorized as being native, hybrid or web apps. Both the implementation and testing process of each app category is different than the other.

4.       Varied test interfaces

Mobile simulators and emulators are crucial testing tools as they help verify regular regression tests and general app functionalities. However, the advantages are limited in scope and would never be a substitute for real world scenarios.

5.       Varied testing tools

If the complexity of automation wasn’t enough, testing labs are also challenged by the variety of testing tools spanning across free/paid, native/web, android/iOS, etc.

The solutions

•   Mobile test labs: Cloud testing labs like SauceLabs, MobileLabs and Xamarine Test Cloud have been able to create effective sampling and cover a large segment of devices. They also cater well to the changing OS, screen, memory, fragmentation and device types.
•  The perfect testing solution: Solutions like Appium, Robotium and Calabash are open source platforms for app testing. Commercial alternatives include perfecto, eggplant, etc.

However, it finally depends upon the app strategy, the target market and the quality of app to be able to create a successful campaign.

Android attracts the majority of app developers, thanks to the continuous innovation of Google Play. Apart from providing an open-source environment, the Play Store has definitely become a refuge for those who have been overwhelmed by the strict guidelines of the iOS App Store. Also, the lack of any definitive approval process makes it easier to submit your application and invest your time and money in the development process. However, if you are daring enough to look beyond these loose ends, there are special Android development platforms that can give wings to your imagination.

However, given all the opportunities present in the Google Play Store, there are hurdles to be crossed by the developer to create a smash hit mobile app. When it comes to the hardware, Android can be provokingly fragmented, leading to manufacturers having their own proprietary modifications (HTC Sense).  Here’s a list of the top 5 Android Development Platforms:

1.       Android SDK

The basic Android ‘Software Development Kit’ can be the go-to platform for any developer looking to start his career with app development. The platform offers easy tools for API documentation, debugging, system images that support testing, and other tools that perfectly integrate with the Google ecosystem. Android SDK further includes essentials like licensing and Google Play billing that enables an easier and more secure app sales and distribution.

2.       Titanium Mobile SDK

Developers are specifically interested in platforms that help them maximize their effort in reaching out to maximum users across a wide range of devices. For developers interested in crafting apps that can reach out to both iOS and web users, the Titanium Mobile SDK can be a game-changer. Developed by Appcelerator, Titanium SDK supports a minimum of 5,000 different devices and mobile OS APIs. It gives developers the freedom to run their applications like the native apps for both Android and iOS. Titanium SDK even goes a step further by offering device-agnostic HTML5 applications that will be compatible with any device, increasing your audience reach in the process.

3.       Gimbal Context-Aware

Mobile applications that are based on geography and user experiences can not only impress developers but can be life-changing for end users. Gimbal, developed by Qualcomm integrates context awareness and offers a platform that is secure and resource-efficient. Using web-based dashboards; developers can easily set up Geofence locations that identify hotspots in-app interactions. Gimbal further tracks web activity and user preferences to customize the application experience for individual users. Additionally, there are some strict regulations to user privacy and developer controls.

4.       Vuforia Augmented Reality

Another android development platform by Qualcomm, Vuforia has impressed many developers. Augmented Reality promises developers a tech vision that recognizes and produces real-world imaging and 3D targets. For developers building a game for Android, Vuforia can be the perfect solution to the desired AR experience.

5.       AppMachine

An easy to use developer platform, AppMachine supports designing and development of native apps for both Android and iOS. Developers simply need to combine building blocks across features that include photos and videos. Developers have complete control over fonts, icons, colors, navigation paths, and the overall layout.

Apple is well known for the exacting standards of quality that they have made an integral part of their work ethic. This standard of quality is clearly discernible from the classy elegance and finesse of Apple products and the kind of immersive user experience that they routinely provide millions of people.

These same stringent standards are also a part of their approval process for apps to be features on the Apple App Store. Many iOS developers remain wary of their apps being rejected while under review by Apple, owing to the fact that the Apple App Store remains a realm where it is difficult and painstaking for developers to enter and be recognized.

If you are an iOS developer, you can do your work without the anxiety if you develop a deep understanding of the iOS app approval process, and design your apps with the process in mind from the ground up. Having this understanding helps you to see the challenges, be in tune with the standard requirements, and create apps which easily pass the test with Apple.

Getting Apps for iOS Approved the Right Way

Since its inception, the Apple App Store has had a strict approval process in place to control the quality of the apps that they make available to their users. Here is a brief step-by-step outline of the approval process –

1. Submission – As a developer, you need to first read and understand the app review guidelines that Apple has in place. Keeping them in mind from the start is a more efficient way of doing things than developing first and making tweaks later. When your app is complete, debugged and performing the way you want it to, it is time to submit it to the Apple App Store for review. During submission, you need to furnish all the information that Apple requires in an accurate manner.
2. Guidelines – Apple has compiled a detailed and exhaustive list of guidelines for developers. Once you submit your app, it is time for them to review it based on those guidelines. The guidelines involve all possible aspects and factors relating to mobile apps, including metadata, notifications, data storage, API use, content, design and user interface, transactions, privacy issues, legal implications and more. Apple reviews your app based on the totality of this list of criteria, and when the approval process is through, informs you about their decision.
3. Communication – Apple provides you with detailed review data throughout their review duration. If your app is rejected or close to rejection, they provide you with a list of factors and reasons which you can use to correct your mistakes and resubmit your app for further review. The key is to communicate transparently with Apple regarding your development project, to pay heed to their feedback and suggestions, and to fine-tune your app so that it meets the stringent guidelines Apple have set to maintain their standards. Once you are through with this process, your app gets released for public use and you get featured as an iOS developer on the Apple App Store.

Hope this interesting read will help you in your iOS app approval process in the near future. All the best!