Features of iOS 8 that Developers Should Be Aware of

iOS 8, the latest OS version of iPad or iPhone from Apple have finally come up and have instantaneously captured the market with a lot of buzz. If the feedbacks that have already gathered in the forums as well as message boards are to be believed, this version has striking similarities with the earlier version, though with some added features, which are still not very apparent to the users.

From the developers’ point of view as well, the latest version comes up with a string of new features that are really awe-inspiring. The developers need to know about them so as to have an improved grip on the operating system.

Additional toolkit for the benefit of the developers

The latest version has finally managed to get rid of some of the limitations that the 7^th edition of the OS had, with the help of certain add-ons. The version has come up with some of the most exquisite built-in or embedded controls, which the developers can use for enhancing the applications.

New workarounds for developers

Because of the presence of so many new as well as additional features, the process of development has also undergone a sea change. While the previous versions saw use of C programming language for development of the apps, the new version will need the use of newer languages for development of apps.

App Extensions

iOS 8 comes up with a string of app extensions that help the developers to extend the functionality of the app as well as the content all through the system with the supply of an app extension code, which helps them to customize the functionality within the perspective of the task that are predominantly of the users. The developers have the option of using the extensions for placing the power of the app depending on where the users would require it most. The version comes up with 7 types of app extensions – share, today, photo editing, customer keyboard, storage provider, customer actions, and document picker.

Touch ID

The latest edition comes up with a property by the virtue of which developers are now able to use Touch ID for authenticating a particular user, prior to accessing the app contents partially or fully. Data collected through fingerprint is safeguarded and hence can never be accessed by any other app including iOS.

PhotoKit

This particular feature provides the developers a string of new APIs that help them work with the images as well as videos that are generally managed and taken care of by the Photos App. Thus, developers are able to make technical adjustments by the virtue of which, the users can edit the images directly from the camera roll instead of having to import the images at first and then edit them. The most important features that the Photokit comes up with include a thread-safe architecture that fetches and caches the thumbnails along with full-sized assets, asking for changes in the assets, taking stock of the changes that are made by other applications and doing resumable editing of the content of the assets.

HealthKit

This is another extremely critical feature that helps the developers to incorporate fitness and health related services. It also helps them to store all the shared health and fitness related issues and information in a single location so as to be accessed as well as shared by the end users. The feature helps to store the information in a secured and centralized location. It also provides the users the option of deciding which data needs to be shared and which should be left aside.

It also helps access to any health related data that are shared and can also deliver user related information without the need of implementing the specific devices that are designed to track fitness.

Games

The new version has something new for the developers when it comes to games as well. The new range of technology that the new version has come up with has made implementation of the game’s graphics as well as the audio features much easier. The developers now are able to take the advantage of several high level frameworks for easier development and use of several low-level enhancements for harnessing the GPU power to the fullest extent. If you are looking for iPhone app development companies we can help you develop stable, scalable and secure apps.

We provide iPhone software development services. If would like to hire best iPhone app developers for your app development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

Benefits for Small Business with iOS Development

Several reports have highlighted the steady increase in the global market share of Android. But the reports also highlighted that Google Play Store is still way behind Apple App Store in terms on revenue and ROI. So iOS development can help both large and small businesses in reaping several benefits. The small businesses and startups can even invest in iOS app development to increase sales, inquiries and conversion rate. Also, a small business can implement the right iOS app development plan to create and promote a popular brand.

Benefits of iOS Apps for Small Businesses and Startups

Enhance the Visibility of Products

Most small companies find it a daunting task to make their products visible to the most relevant customers. The iPhone or iPad application will make it easier for small businesses to increase the visibility of their existing and new products, while targeting global customers. As iOS apps have become an integral part of modern lifestyle, the business can further promote its products through the app. On the whole, iOS app helps a business in advertising its products or services effectively, and getting more leads and sales.

Target Customers Residing in Different Regions

The huge popularity of iOS apps has made it easier for small businesses to advertise their products or services by targeting the most relevant users. Also, the app enables small businesses to target customers residing in different regions without investing any extra funds. The company can further opt for advanced iOS app development to enhance its credibility and brand presence by adverting the products or services to customers regardless of their current geographical location and time zone.

Effectuate Customer Communication

To achieve higher conversion rate, a business must respond to customer without any delay. The iOS app makes it easier for small businesses to respond to the text messages or emails sent by the customer immediately. The mobile application will allow users to send emails or text messages directly to the customer care department or company, without calling the office. Thus, the customer care executive can respond to the customer communication immediately, and impress him a build long-term relationship.

Create and Promote a Popular Brand

The iOS apps further make it easier for small businesses to create and promote their brands. After developing the iOS app, the company has several options to increase its visibility and downloads. It can further optimize the look and feel of the app to keep the users engaged. The users will further love to use the app to buy products or services directly from the web store. Thus, a business can increase the popularity of the iOS app to promote his business as a popular brand.

Avoid Investing in Heavy Infrastructure

Apple has further included feature in iPhone and iPad to make these devices more enterprise-friendly. Nowadays, the iOS devices support a wide range of enterprise technologies including Exchange, Active Directory and Exchange. Likewise, a small business also has option to manage these iOS devices more effectively by using several mobile device management (MDM) solutions. Thus, the small companies are no longer required to invest in heavy infrastructure or expensive software to support the Apple devices. With Apple making its mobile devices more enterprise-friendly, it has become easier for small business to curtail the overall iOS development cost and efforts.

Unlike large businesses, the small companies cannot deploy in-house developers to create and update their iOS apps. But a company still has option to hire offshore or freelance mobile developers to launch the iOS app without putting any extra time, money and effort. Along with developing and deploying the app, the programmers will further help the business with the iOS app maintenance and updates. You can get in touch with a iphone app development company who can help you develop apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

If you would like to hire iphone software developer for your iPhone software development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

10 iPhone apps which boosted marketing efforts for businesses in 2013

Last year, in the world of technology, we saw a lot of innovative apps making a mark while some vanishing without a trace. The competition is tough; tougher are the ways of satisfying the client’s needs too. Hence, let’s see what 2014 holds from the apps world for us all. It is not only about personal resolutions that we make to keep, but also for the business to be shaped well this year.

Before the discussion on the iPhone apps which boosted marketing efforts for businesses in 2013 begins, it is imperative to know whether you run a small organization, a medium enterprise or a large business. The apps that we are going to discuss have done wonders for many, big or small. Hence, let us take a close look at whats trending from last year. Who knows what mighty things it can do for you this year?

Finest of the lot from 2013

• Heard of “Evernote”? Okay, now this is an app which is user friendly, works on all platforms and allows you to capture, save or use almost everything which is imperative for your business. Right from sharing notes or ideas to business cards or photos, everything happens in one place and that’s “EVERNOTE”. It is a great app for notes compilation as well as sharing them with the team members. Moreover, notebook collaboration is also possible.

• It is not only with our personal lives that we like to tweet, we love sharing our business moves with the world too, hence “TWEETDECK” is the app you should trend with. It keeps you updated and looks after all your social media needs in one shot. This means, updates across all your social profiles happens at one go, multi-tasking is allowed and no more visiting of sites individually anymore. TWEETDECK as the name suggests runs on all platforms. Switching from private to personal is child’s play, literally.

• The good old DROPBOX never fails to satiate the businessman’s needs. Right from sharing photos as well as documents with colleagues or clients, personal sharing with friends is possible too. It allows you to share and collaborate with like minded communities. Traditional viewing of documents with this app, irrespective of the size can be possible. It works across all tablets as well as phones.

• Distributing data along with fielding them all is now easy, thanks to FormMobi. Call it a virtual clipboard if you please, filling forms using this app will be better and much more organized, say users. Recording audio as well as taking photos is possible, and you have to check out the high quality CAD sketches made possible with this app.

• Bump your way to boost the business in 2014 with BUMP, one of the best apps which allow sharing of contact information, files and photos, all in a BUMPING action by two smart handheld devices.

• Now don’t trip ever, for TRIPIT is here for those on a busy business travel schedule. It goes without saying that having travel plans in place is indeed very important. If frequent travel is what you go through, the app spoken off here is what you then need. Right from managing your travel plans to weather updates, the provision for maps and directions is also there.

• Brick and mortar businesses have realized the importance of setting up retail outlets online. And this is why in 2013, most preferred LOCALVOX as the messiah to save their dying physical businesses. Here with this app, one can publish events, news and many more announcements on the go, all with the simple click of a button. The app connects your business across all social media sites, provides help with email newsletters and directories too. Your business online is thus optimized.

• No one likes managing finances, and that is why most look for an answer to crunch all the numbers sans the headache of doing so. 2013 brought in EXPENSIFY, an app that does it all. Right from managing business mileage and expenses to filing receipts and submitting claims, you can do everything.

• Asana, an app that has helped millions across the business world is making a come back right from the start of 2014. It is intuitive, simple to use, and beats the complexities of any high end management software. Manage your tasks, projects as well as work with the user friendly easy to navigate interface.

• It was in the year 2010 when InDinero was born, and business holders were the happiest, since daily financial tracking as well as business cash flow management was now possible to take care of. It is a very popular web app, used even now for bank account synchronization with other financial instruments you have.

Taking a look at these 10 iPhone apps which boosted marketing efforts in 2013, one can only say thanks to the advancement of technology. These powerful apps are surely making life easier. The competition is tough, but with the right apps, you sure would go laughing to the bank as well. If you have an app idea, dynamic developers from top iPhone app development companies can help you build apps which are stable, scalable and secure for your customers.

We provide iOS app development services. If you would like to speak to our iPhone app developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

How to Create an iPhone or iPad Apps and Games Succeed in App Store!

The phenomenal success of Apple mobile devices like iPhone and iPad encourages many enterprises to invest in mobile application development. But many reports have highlighted how the Apple App Store has become cumbersomely large with over 300,000 apps. Further, with more than 1,000 apps reaching the App Store every week, the place has also become organized. So it has become essential for each enterprise to explore innovative ways to succeed its iPhone or iPad application at the App Store. There are also a number of points that each organizer must consider while making strategy to develop and promote an iOS application.

Simple Ways to Make Your iPhone or iPad Application Succeed in App Store

Constantly Optimize Quality and Performance

The most effective way to make your iOS application successful is to improve its functionality and performance on a consistent basis. As the customer has options to choose from a variety of similar apps, he can easily smell the rat. Along with making your mobile application distinct, unique and interactive, you need to explore new ways to deliver rich user experience. It is also good idea to include some simple features in the app to gather feedback and suggestion of users. You can even ask them what will make the users like and recommend your iOS application.

Enhance Your App’s Visibility

Each enterprise must make and implement a comprehensive promotional strategy to maximize the app’s visibility. In addition to the name, icon and features of the application, users also consider its description, screenshots, reviews and ratings. At the same time, the application must be optimized to reach relevant users when they are searching the App Store, or initiating a web search using online search engines. However, it is also important to make the users know about the mobile application from external sources like app review websites and popular blogs.

App Store Optimization

Often users search the App Store to gather information about apps belonging to a particular category. So your mobile application must be optimized for the Apple App Store to appear on such search results pages. The recently updated App Store search engine has further made it easier for customers to search for application without entering the exact search keywords. Along with identifying the variation in language, you can also consider using specialized App Store optimization tools like Appcodes and Searchman. The App store optimization also needs to be an integral part of your overall promotional strategy.

Consider First Impression on Users

Often users download apps based on their snap decisions. Many customers even do not read the features and functionality of the application in detail before clicking on the download button. So first impression created by your mobile application will have a huge impact on its popularity. Along with designing an innovative and eye catching icon, you also have to seduce visitors through impressive screenshots and video. At the same time, the name of the app must include the most relevant keywords to clearly depict its nature, usage and functionality.

Use Innovative Mobile Advertisement Techniques

Despite being effective in delivering the richest user experience, each mobile application needs to be marketed to get more downloads. In comparison to conventional mobile application marketing methods, the latest mobile advertisement techniques are more effective. In addition to promoting the application by targeting the most relevant users, the advertisement mode also enables you to pick from a wide range of networks and acquisition methods. However, you may have to incur some additional expenses to make your app succeed in the App Store by using these networks. It is also a good idea to hire an expert mobile advertising agency to make and implement a strategy that will make your iOS app popular within a shorter span of time.

Many reports have also highlighted the growing number of dead mobile applications inside the App Store. So each organization must update the application regularly to ensure that it is being used by users on a regular basis. Further, an organization must use mobile app analytic tools and services to constantly monitor user behavior and experience. You can hire mobile app programmers who have solid development experience who can help you build iPhone apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide iPhone app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Tips to Develop an iPhone App and Publishing in iTunes

Despite the growing popularity of Android smartphones, no one can deny the huge popularity of iPhone among both users and developers. Apple also upgrades the smartphone at regular intervals to provide improved user experience. The popularity of the Apple mobile devices have encouraged many developers to build iPhone apps and get these published in iTunes. If you have already experience in building, distributing and promoting applications for iOS mobile operating system, it will be a cakewalk to launch new applications. But you must keep a number of important points in mind, if you are developing and publishing an iPhone app for the first time.

5 Tips to Develop an iPhone App and Publish It in iTunes

• Make and Implement a Comprehensive Development Plan: Despite possessing adequate knowledge and skills, you cannot develop a popular iPhone app without a comprehensive strategy. Along with the budget and timeframe of the project, the plan must cover the entire development lifestyle. Once you decide each state of the app development life cycle, it will be easier for you to write the code. Also, the plan must consider the contingencies that need to be addressed immediately to develop the application on schedule. It is also important to decide how to distribute, market and promote the application once it is developed and tested.

• Optimize User Experience: Like the lifestyle and choices of users, the trends iniPhone app development also changes on the constants basis. So you must observe the latest trends in mobile app development to optimize user experience. For instance, the gaming apps are more popular among users than other apps. So you must consider including certain gaming features in your application to impress the users. At the same time, you also need to follow the standard coding and designing practices to optimize the application’s performance. Also, you must test the app thoroughly to identify and fix the bugs, errors, defects and flaws that will have a negative impact on users.

• Join Apple Developer Program: Apple require mobile application developers to join the iOS developer program by paying certain fee. As a member of the programmer you can access a variety of technical accessories, resources, support and pre-release software. The iOS developer program will further enable you to distribute the app to millions of users in a hassle-free way. At the same time, you can further earn revenue, through In-AdPurchases, iAd rich media ads and the volume purchase program, by publishing your iPhone app to iTunes and App Store.

• Convert Visitors into Customers: Normally, a person visiting the iTunes page decides about downloading an app within 2 seconds. So you must explore options to keep the visitors engaged, and convert them into customers by conveying the desired information. Many visitors decide about reading the features and functionality of an iPhone app only if they like the app name and icon. Also, you must highlight the innovative features and high functionality of the app by including these details in the app description. It is also important to post testimonials on your iTunes page to win the visitor’s trust.

• Enhance Your App’s Visibility: In addition to developing an innovative iPhone app, you also need explore options to enhance its visibility on the iTunes App Store. Many users initiate a search to find apps belonging to a specific category. So the ranking of your app on the search results page will have a huge impact on its popularity. You may find it a daunting task to understand the iTunes search algorithm. But you can always add many keywords to increase the iTunes search ranking of your app. As the search algorithm considers the application name, developer/reseller name and keywords field, you must try to include as many keywords as possible. However, you must avoid keyword duplication and using space between two keywords, as the keywords field allows only 100 characters.

You can also consider using several tools and frameworks to build the iPhone application at a rapid pace. It is also important to understand and follow a number of important iOS app development best practices to design a mobile application that will go viral within a very short span of time.

We provide iPhone app development services. If you would like to talk to one of our iPhone app developers or would like to take a look at the work they have done, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Best Practices for Mobile App Development on iPhone

iPhone app development

Despite the growing popularity of Android mobile operating system, no one can deny the huge popularity of iPhone apps. The combination of innovative features and stylish interface make the iOS apps popular among users across the world. But the huge popularity of iPhone apps often makes it a daunting challenge for the developers to build new applications. As an experienced iPhone app developer, you may find the process both rewarding and fun. However, the new developers have to look for the perfect starting point for the application development project. Regardless of your experience, you can still consider best practices for mobile app development on iPhone to build a powerful interface within a limited timeframe.

Best Practices for Mobile App Development on iPhone

Involve Users in the Planning Phase: Each developer need to make a roadmap to develop the iPhone app on schedule. But most programmers forget to include users in the planning and testing phase of the project. You can always optimize the application idea by getting it evaluated by certain users in the initial planning phase. Also, you can allow the users to try the app, and observe the problems faced by them. You can always avail the assistance of your friends to check the impact of the mobile application on end users.

Allow Adequate Time to Test the App: With companies launching apps at frequent intervals, the mobile application development has become competitive. So, clients often require developers to build the application a time sensitive deadline. As the app will be approved by the Apple app store about two weeks after your submission, you must prepare a schedule to test and market the app properly. During the initial planning phase, you must decide the timeline for testing and marketing the app before it is approved by Apple.

Make a Content Strategy: The mobile apps are similar to websites. As no website can be hosted without content, the mobile applications cannot be designed without deciding the content and context. You will need content as early as possible to develop the app in a quick and hassle-free way. When you are planning the app, it is a good idea to decide the content. If you are using the services of a professional content writer, he must be instructed to develop content according to the initial plan. However, he may also be required to change the content slightly once the app development process is over.

Consider Designing Heterogeneous Applications: Once you develop an iPhone app, it needs to be updated regularly to support interface updates and provide fresh content. The heterogeneous apps make it easier for you to update the app by avoiding the app store approval process. As the app consists of a native base that is executed by referencing to HTML5 content located externally, you can replace the existing content at your own pace and convenience. Along with availing the advantages provided by HTML5, the heterogeneous application further allows you to execute the native code without requiring internet connectivity.

Take Advantage of the Device Components: Similar to other smartphones, iPhone also comes with a set of innovative features and tools. Some of the device components like microphone, high resolution camera and GPS are used by all users. So you can consider using these device components to optimize the performance of your mobile app. Further, these components will help you in improving the user experience without writing longer lines of code. However, you must choose the components according to the nature and requirement of the app maintain its speed.

Use the Latest Security Features: Along with gathering several types of information and data, users also carry out financial transactions using their iPhones. So there are chances that you app will require users to submit several types of sensitive information. As the sensitive financial and contact details of a user can be used to carry out identity thefts and financial frauds, you must use the latest security techniques. Along with availing the security features of the smartphone, you can also consider using the advanced encryption techniques to gain the trust of end users.

Understanding these best practices not only helps you during app development process, but also helps you in evaluating top app development companies.

If you want to hire mobile app programmers for your iPhone app development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

iPhone App Development Trends In 2013 and the Future

In comparison to desktop and laptop computers, many people nowadays use their mobile devices to access the web. A constant increase is also noted in the number of users downloading mobile apps according to their lifestyles and specific needs. The rapidly growing importance of mobile technologies and mobile apps has made it essential for app developers to stay tuned to the current and upcoming trends in mobile app development.

According to statistics posted on the TechnologyBusiness, “Mobile industry has developed over 300,000 applications over the past 3 years and approximately 10.9 million downloads have been made. Considering that the demand to download apps is expected to intensify around 2013, it comes with no surprise at all that the web development industry is focusing on designing and developing creative iPhone Applications.” Despite their impressive looks, sleek design and innovative features, the iPhone apps are facing tough competition from Android and Windows mobile applications.

As the popularity of applications depends directly on the popularity of the mobile operating systems, the apps must be effective in availing the advantages of extended and fresh features offered by the latest version of mobile platform. So the iPhone app development will be directly impacted by the way Apple updates the iOS in 2013. However, the applications also need to be developed by keeping in mind the current and latest trends in mobile app development.

Some of the Latest iPhone App Development Trends in 2013

Apps to Make Online Payments

Along with gathering information on a variety of products and services, many users also make online payments using their smartphones. The growing demand for mobile payment apps has encouraged many financial institutions to launch beta version of such applications. Many web stores also allow users to complete a transaction using their mobile device. But each user is required to submit sensitive financial information about his credit cards, PayPal account and bank accounts. So the mobile payment apps must be designed with advanced encryption technologies to keep the sensitive user data secure and inaccessible.

Growing Demand for Enterprise Apps

In comparison to business applications, the social networking and gaming apps are more popular among iPhone users. But a sharp growth is noted recently in the demand for business applications. The enterprise apps have further made it easier for all types of business to share information and complete multiple tasks in a fast and hassle-free way. The growing popularity of business application will not have any negative impact on the popularity of gaming and social networking apps. But the increasing demand will encourage more businesses to develop apps to make it easier for users to share content and carry out business transactions on the go.

Location-Based Apps

The social networks have changed the way people used to communicate with each other. Along with staying connected with their loved ones in a virtual environment, many people also use social networking platforms to exchange information and content. But many reports have highlighted that an increasing number of users are, nowadays, opting for location-based content. Many businesses have already enabled social media location monitoring tools to target the most relevant customers by evaluating their behavior. As Apple has designed iPhone with GPS support, many businesses will avail the advantage to market their products and services. The location-based applications will further help businesses in earning revenue by running advertisements.

Apps to Facilitate Content Sharing

Similar to social networking applications, the iPhone apps launched by content websites are also used widely by modern consumers. But the content sharing apps launched by different companies often fail to complex features and functionalities of original content sites. Many people even consider the iPhone apps to be a scaled down version of the full content site. So, developers will work on optimizing the mobile apps for content websites to help users in stay tuned to their favorite news channels and content websites. Similarly, many news channels, newspapers, blogs, and other popular content websites will also launch iPhone apps to attract more users.

Fully Functional Mobile Interfaces

The iPhone apps have made it easier for users to access their favorite documents on the go. Many apps allow users to read the word documents, spreadsheets and presentations. But most apps do not allow users to change the files due to security issues. But the enhanced mobile app security will encourage many developers to launch fully functional mobile interfaces. Along with accessing the files, the users will now have options to boost their effectiveness by incorporating relevant changes. The enhanced security will further make it easier for web stores and other business to carry out business transactions at their own pace and convenience.

iPhone app development trends will also be impacted by the extended and innovative features provided by the updated version of iOS. At the same time, the developers have to track the frequent changes in the lifestyles and choices of modern users to build applications that will go viral.

We provide iOS application development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our top iphone app developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.