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.

Retail apps

In the modern day and age, many sections of the industry have been remarkably transformed, thanks to the advent of smartphones. The world of retail has seen similar change over the last few years, owing to the power smartphones have provided modern day shoppers with. With price-comparing apps gradually paralyzing brick-and-mortar establishments, many companies in the retail sector are feeling the need to venture in the world of mobility.

The companies that have completed the transformation successfully currently find themselves in a strong, viable position in the market. This is down to the fact that there are numerous possibilities and benefits that mobile apps can bring to the retail sector. Currently, many companies are using the mobile platform to sell their products and services, communicate with customers, provide personalized services and manage relationships. The mobile platform is being leveraged to address a number of problems of the retail industry, and the benefits it brings to the table can no longer be ignored.

Here are some of the most convincing ways that retail companies are using custom developed mobile apps to succeed in the competitive market –

• Immersive Shopping Experience – Every purchaser wants comprehensive information about the products they are about to purchase. As a retail company owner, you can ensure the delivery of that information with your own retail mobile app. You can list your products with a full set of features and specifications, include pictures and videos, and also integrate user reviews which give purchasers a fair and unbiased idea about the product they are about to purchase. Such wealth of information is what often tips the balance and closes the deal.

• Personalized Services – Keeping customers interested and loyal has been one of the main problems of the retail industry, and the mobile platform provides a great solution- providing personalized services in the form of deals, discounts, reward points and loyalty programs. Providing incentives to customers who stay loyal is a great way to sustain their interest and build a fruitful relationship. Having your own mobile app makes it easy for you to plan and deploy loyalty programs, showcase new products and run product promotions, making things lucrative for your customers.

• Marketing – The mobile platform has now been widely recognized as one of the most efficient marketing tools currently available. You can now showcase your entire range of products and services, and allow users to bookmark products they like, and share their preferences on social platforms. With the integration of social media, you can spread information about your brand and products to large masses with half the hassle and cost that is usually involved in marketing efforts through other channels.

• CRM – Mobile apps can help you smoothly manage customer relationships. You can use your app to get feedback, address complaints and answer queries. Apps can be configured to send push notifications on the launch of new, important products. For regular shoppers, there can also be speedy channels of purchase integrated into your app. All this facilitates the building and nurturing of fruitful customer relationships.

See any other ways in which mobile apps have influenced the retail sector? Do write in to us and let us know.

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!

Apps for Teachers

Technology has changed teaching trends significantly. Today, the focus has shifted to STEM education and more emphasis is being given to STEM classes. The educator has also become the student and requires more than just a workbook to teach and motivate students to learn and understand using technology.

Just like every sphere of life has an app, there are numerous apps available specifically for teachers to engage students, improve student behavior and make classroom sessions more interesting and fruitful.

Here are 5 must-have apps that all teachers should have to get desired results in the classroom.

1. The ClassDojo App

The ClassDojo app acts as a classroom tool that provides techniques to bring quick changes to classroom behavior. One good thing about this app is that it allows the teacher to capture and generate date related to student behavior and share with parents as well as administrators.

Teachers also can use the app to give feedback and encourage or motivate students. The app allows teachers to submit and view data and reports related to student behavior.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/classdojo/id552602056?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.classdojo.android&hl=en

2. Edmodo

The Edmodo is a wonderful support aid for teachers. This amazing app helps teachers improve their level of interaction with students, even when both are not physically present in the school. The Edmodo app lets teachers and students enjoy secure classroom discussions and easy sharing of assignments. Besides these features, the app lets teachers upload important files related to projects and lessons that students can use and refer to.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/edmodo/id378352300?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fusionprojects.edmodo&hl=en

3. Remind 101

The Remind101 app helps teachers send announcements and notices to parents and students. Although a common functionality, this app has a unique feature – it prioritizes privacy.

The app lets the teacher hide their contact details and/or identity when sharing information with parents and students. In addition, the personal details of recipients too are kept hidden. The ‘privacy’ feature offered by the Remind 101 app makes it different and more effective compared to apps that offer the same features and functionalities.

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/remind-safe-classroom-communication/id522826277?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remind101&hl=en

4. Math Formulas

It is quite difficult to remember all the math formulae related to different equations and mathematical concepts. Not remembering the formula in a classroom setting can send teachers into a tizzy. This is where the Math Formulas app comes to the rescue.

It is a compilation of innumerable math formulae. These formulae cover almost every topic in math, from trigonometry to geometry and algebra to matrices. However, this particular app is available only for Android devices, but you can get similar apps for iOS devices, as well.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nsc.mathformulas.lite&hl=en

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maths-formulas-free/id645431389?mt=8

5. Geddit

The Geddit app is designed to help teachers identify students’ weaknesses and strengths. This amazing app lets teachers understand a student’s attitude to learning and their ability to understand different aspects of a lesson.

This interaction through the app allows the teacher to cater to the individual needs of students, conduct a one-on-one session for better comprehension and assist students get confident to progress to the next level.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geddit-student/id827542924?mt=8

If you are an educator, these are the 5 apps you should have on your smart device to improve interaction with and make learning fun for your students.

Mobile app testing for iOS

After you have finished developing the mobile app for iOS, you have to test it to ensure all the functionalities and capabilities are working properly. This will ensure two critical successes –

1. The app will pass Apple’s stringent app store release guidelines
2. Post release, the app will have better chances of success.

You have the option of testing the app in the iOS simulator and your own handheld device, but it makes sense to run the app on compatible devices and in real world conditions rather than simulated ones. This will ensure your app works perfectly when you launch it for users.

Beta Mobile App Testing

If you want to run your mobile app in actual conditions, you have to perform beta testing. While you can use the iOS simulator to run preliminary tests, remember the simulator doesn’t run similar threads as the devices and unfortunately Xcode tends to disable watchdog timers.

The only way to truly test the app is to use it in different devices and get actual users to use it. As a result, you will have an accurate picture of the performance of the app and how it behaves in the real world in terms of looks, navigation and functionalities.

Using Beta Testers

In the Developer Account, create an ad-hoc provisioning profile. You can get the instructions for this from the iOS Developer Library. Ensure the testers use the latest firmware for the device and get them to perform usability testing. Once they finish testing, ask for a comprehensive test report.

The beta testing phase costs money. So, do create a budget for it. On the other hand, if funds are tight, you may want to find testers through sites, like TaskRabbit and Craigslist. It is important to screen potential testers to shortlist the ones you want.

Self-Testing

There are many app developers, who prefer performing the tests themselves on multiple iOS-enabled devices. However self-testing is not recommended, as you may overlook characteristics that could cause problems to users when they use your app.

Unit Testing

This type of testing ensures that smallest element or units are tested for functionality, navigation, and look and feel.

Functional Testing

It is a system level comprehensive testing that checks for proper functioning of app from a user perspective. Tests written in JavaScript are executed as a part of the QA process to check test cases, call flows and user interface.

Third-Party App Testing Tools and Services

There are several third-party services that you can use. You also can implement an SDK, if you like. These tools and services offer a much better alternative than testing the app yourself. You can glean a lot of important information on how beta testers use the application.

Some of the information you can get using third-party testing tools and services include:

• The actual person who installed the application
• The number of beta testers you managed to get through the checkpoints you had established
• Getting feedback via the application from the testers
• Crash reports

If you are keen on implementing SDK, there are free SDKs, such as TestFlight, that offer detailed reports on users’ interaction with the app and ways to improve the application. Free SDK is the perfect choice if you are on a budget. However, do remember you would have to find the beta testers first.

Mobile app testing for iOS can sound ominous and time consuming. However, testing your app before the big launch will help you fix all bugs and develop a user-friendly app.

Messaging and push notifications are two of the most oft-used mobile marketing tools that have been known to yield excellent results. With billions of people around the world now opting to use smart mobile devices, mobile applications have now become a viable channel of communication for marketers. If you have a branded app and want to drive engagement and customer participation, messaging and push notifications can be incredibly effective when used in the right way.

The appeal of messaging and push notifications lie in the fact that they encourage users to take immediate action on the information provided by opening the concerned application and carrying out a set task. App-based notifications that are compelling and arouse interest have been extremely successful when it comes to driving engagement, and are being used to facilitate easier sales, acquire more customers and keep old customers interested in a particular brand or business.

How going local helps?

When it comes to using messaging the push notifications for marketing purposes, it is important to remember the local context. Most people use their mobile devices to gather information to help with their purchasing decisions. More often than not, these decisions involve purchases in the immediate vicinity or surroundings. Therefore, it is important as a business to focus on geo-targeting when it comes to the efficient use of messaging and push notifications to provide real utility for customers and providing enough value to encourage better adoption.

The benefits of geo targeting

The whole idea of marketing campaigns using messages and push notifications verges on a single concept- providing useful, actionable information that encourages users to make purchases. Most customer needs are local in nature (think daily needs items, plumber, electrician services etc.), and it makes sense to use geo-targeting to provide information that is really valuable and in context with the locality of specific users. Geo-targeting helps you meet your needs when it comes to the geographical boundaries of your target market. Here are some compelling advantages –

• Geo-fencing – With geo-targeting come the advantages of geo-fencing, which allows marketers to establish a virtual fence around a particular, defined geographical area for targeted marketing efforts. You can device the radius and coverage of the area, and use messages and push notifications to send important information to users who are inside the area.This way, you can leverage the local preferences of users to establish your business as a viable local milestone. The trick is to stress on the advantages of proximity between the value offer in your message and the user. This process is significantly useful for making the most of seasonal sales, answering surges in demand and trends for various products and services, and providing highly targeted value offers.

• Proximity-based Offerings – For particular business locations, messages and push notifications can be used to inform customers about the special offers and new products and services that you currently have on offer whenever they walk by your physical selling location. This way, you do not only provide value, but also convenience which becomes a convincing selling point, enticing customers to make a purchase and provide you with more business.

Have you used geo-targeting to take your business marketing endeavors to the next level? Write in to us and let us know your thoughts.

Android’s flexibility makes it a smoldering favorite among both end users and developers. Powering millions of devices across 190 countries, it is the largest base for any mobile operating system. The platform is supported by a highly skilled open-source Linux community and a minimum of 300 software, hardware and carrier partners. Android development consequently can be a huge career. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned app development professional, you would never run out of projects! Here are some top resources that every Android developer needs to check out.

1.       OkHttp (http://square.github.io/okhttp/)

Developer by Square, OkHttp acts as an open source HTTP and a SPDY library for both Android and Java development platforms. As you would already know, Android comes with two HTTP frameworks; the HttpClient and the HttpURLConection. However, since Android has always been updating its firmware versions, there could be an imminent problem posed by bugs. OkHttp helps programmers/developers stay updated with the latest bug fixes by linking them to the Android Codebase. Consequently, you can easily solve compatibility issues.

2.       Picasso (http://square.github.io/picasso/)

Another tool developed by Square, Picasso acts as a catching and image downloading library. Along with a fluent interface, Picasso presents several options for customizations and integrates developer friendly tools to customize images including cropping, circle cropping, resizing, and other forms of transformations. Even if it is not a cached image, Picasso will download the image by itself and load onto the required target, thus avoiding linking and storage overheads. The most popular use of Picasso has however been for better image viewing.

3.       Android Weekly (http://androidweekly.net/)

If you should be reading anything regularly, it has to be Android Weekly. It is a weekly newsletter that provides information and news of the continuously upgrading and changing Android Community. This is also the only place where you can hope to find extensive information on new developer tools, libraries, blog posts, bug fixes and much more. Either subscribe to it or check out the official website on every Monday.

4.       DPI calculator for Android (http://jennift.com/dpical.html)

An important part of creativity is to be able to use unique colors in unique interfaces. For developers, DPI (Dots per Inch) can be a measure of the compatibility of an image for a specific purpose in the application. While responsiveness is going to be a new standard by April 21^st 2015, the DPI calculator for Android is something that every developer should possess. Offering an easy interface, it provides the developer with the dpi at any given point. This calculator is even capable of calculating tvdpi!

5.       Android Developers YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/androiddevelopers)

Google has been taking big steps to making Android more user-friendly and be a leader of the smart phone market. Consequently, a lot of changes are being integrated into the development framework, design and the elements of UI. The YouTube channel for Android development can be used as a tutorial and also a platform to stay updated with the latest technological trends.

The nuances of app development are going through rapid changes. If you are a developer or planning to become one, the resources mentioned above will definitely aid you in your Android App development projects.

Android Lollipop has been hailed as a revolution, making smartphone interfaces better looking and more functional. There were several changes to the previous version of KitKat. In addition, Google also worked upon a lot of bug fixes while plugging in several helpful features that attaches exceptional power to the OS. The first device to get a taste of the Lollipop was Google’s Nexus devices. Gradually, third party manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, HTC and Asus caught up with the update and users worldwide have consequently got the intuitive experience of unique functions like Sense and TouchWiz.

Android 5.0 Lollipop Review: Material Design

The biggest change with Android Lollipop (5.0) has been the material designing. This version of Android presents flatter                 icons, bold color bars, and simpler shapes. There has been a total revamp of the design language, first time seen with Android OS. In fact, this kind of material designing is nothing new. We had seen Apple pick up on the same line in 2013. With Android Lollypop, everything looks rounded, cleaner and notably flatter.

The ‘techie’ appeal is more consumer-friendly and cuddlier. Even the action buttons have been simplified to represent the basic shapes. A white background replaces the transparency that we saw with Android 4.4 KitKat. Also, the multitasking screen is now presented as a rotating cascade like the Google-Now cards. Even if you had several documents open in one app, you can access them separately from this screen.

Android Lollypop Review: Notifications

The notifications panel has certainly matured much with the Lollypop. Google finally introduced the long awaited lock screen notification that allows you to see the events without having to unlock the device. The lock screen showcases text messages, appointments and email. All it requires is a tap to go straight down to business.

In case you are busy with something else – watching a movie or reading a book, new notifications will appear briefly and choosing to ignore it will get you back to the thing you have been doing.

Android Lollypop Review: Google Now update

Google Now has already been proving to be pretty useful but soon enough, it will be getting increased support through third party applications. A month after the launch of Android 5.0, Google already had more than 30 third party vendors who would be providing information for Google Now.

Android Lollypop Review: User Accounts and Pinning Apps

Phones are no longer serving a single individual. The very capability of smartphones make them a perfect gadget to be used everyone in the family. The same devices will be used by you, your kids, your spouse, your brother, and other close family members. Consequently, Google offers for several user accounts with the Lollypop. Pinning Apps on the other hand will ensure that the second user wouldn’t be able to access things like personal emails, social accounts, and other accounts.

Android Lollypop Review: Smart Lock, Tap, Go

Lock screen security can be easily breached. This raises the need for some extra functions that protects personal information at all times. Smart lock allows you to pair your device with trusted accessories like cars and fitness wearable. Face Unlock too gives a unique perspective to unlocking the phone.

Android Lollypop Review: Project Volta

Project Volta is aimed at improving the battery life of your smartphone. It ensures that the apps connected to the phone gobble up less amount of power.

Android Lollypop Review: Verdict

Minor setbacks aside, Android Lollypop is a game changer in all respects. Improved functionality, better interface, better security and an increased flexibility of customization, makes it the best version that Android has ever made.