A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Mobile App Development

The mobile app development industry is evolving at a rapid speed, and it is expected to grow more in the coming time. Even in the present scenario, from messaging to fitness and banking, you will find a mobile app for everything. Although the idea of mobile app development may sound exciting and as simple as a pie, it’s not that easy. You will be surprised to know that there are almost 6.63 million apps on Google and the Apple App Store combined.

So, making your app stand out from the crowd is the real challenge. You must understand the basics of mobile app development before making a decision. Whether you are a mobile developer or a business planning to develop a mobile app, this blog post will help enrich your knowledge of mobile app development. So, let’s start from scratch.   

Understanding Mobile App Development and its Importance 

Mobile app development is the process of building mobile applications that can be pre-installed or installed later by the user in a small, wireless computing device like a smartphone or other hand-held device. It is all about defining, designing, coding, building, and launching a successful mobile product. Mobile apps are becoming popular among businesses, just like a websites. In the rapidly changing business environment, a mobile app helps build a continuous presence, and it is an effective, efficient, and quick way to deliver information. Go through these mobile use statistics to understand the importance of mobile apps. 

– People use 90% of their mobile time on apps

– The average consumer has 30 apps installed on mobile

– On average, smartphone users spend about 35 hours a month using apps

– 85% of consumers prefer native mobile apps over a mobile website 

Mobile App Development Platforms

– iOS from Apple Inc

– Android from Google 

Both app development platforms have various similarities, but different kits are used for both platforms. These two also differ in development level, design, and marketing strategy. You can consider factors like user location, budget, and target audience when deciding which app development platform is better for your business.  

Things to Consider When Planning for a Mobile App

Consider the following factors when planning for a successful mobile app for your business. 

Concept – Every app starts with a creative idea, but the theoretical plan may not necessarily be effective in a practical situation. So, researching and defining the concept and features of an app is essential before beginning the development. 

Target Audience – Understanding the goals, needs, and technological preferences of the users is another important thing that you should consider. Keep an eye on the market trends and your competitors for a better understanding. 

Business Value – Your app must have a unique value and a solution to the problem of your users. It will motivate the users to choose your app over your competitor. A successful app should serve business objectives as well as consumer needs. 

Flowchart – Once all the concepts are clear, start working on them. The first step is to create an app flowchart that is a simple, readable, and brief presentation of the app. It should include concept, workflow, features, budget, deadline, and the development process. 

Find Reliable Mobile App Development Services 

You cannot bring life to your dream app without a team of trustworthy mobile app developers. So, here’s how you can find reliable mobile app development services that meet your expectations. 

Research and References – Online research and references of friends & colleagues are the easiest way to find a reliable company. You can also ask the company for their current and previous clients’ contact details for honest feedback. 

Portfolio and Reviews – Check the portfolio of companies and look at whether their apps are visually attractive and with an easy-to-use interface. You can also check online reviews of the company. 

Budget – Setting a budget is important but don’t let the cost be the deciding factor. The mobile app can lead your business to heights of success. So, don’t hesitate to invest. 

App support and Maintenance Services – Make sure you hire a company that provides app support and proper maintenance services. Find a company that works with a positive & flexible approach and is ready to make changes according to the need of clients.

When we come across the term mobile app development, complex coding activities start daunting. But, there is nothing to worry about. When looking for the right mobile app developer for your business, you can count on Deftsoft. Our professional developers know how to execute jaw-dropping mobile app plans for both Android and iOS platforms. We are a reputed web and mobile development company with years of experience and exceptional expertise. Check out our mobile app development portfolio and get in touch with us to bring your mobile app idea to life. 

A Serene Guide for Mobile App Development in 2022 — Native or Hybrid?

The moment you decide to have a mobile app, for your business, the first question that suddenly strikes your mind is how mobile app development is done.

The Apple App Store has 1.96 million apps, and the Google Play Store has 2.87 million apps available for download. However, despite using mobile apps in everyday life for almost everything, most people do not have an idea of what goes behind creating a mobile app.

To be honest, it doesn’t matter either unless you are a coding geek. However, one should be aware of the basics before investing in mobile app development. Recent research from GoodFirms shows that the average price of developing an app is between $24k to $150k, and the average time taken to develop an app can vary from 4.5 weeks to 26 weeks. So, indeed there is a lot at stake.

In this blog post, we will try to water down the technical information related to mobile app development in 2022 in easy terms that everyone can comprehend while keeping the serenity intact.

The average hourly rate of a US app developer is somewhere around 100$/hr, while an Indian app developer can create the same thing for you somewhere around an average hourly rate of $30/hr. The major reason behind the rise of the mobile IT outsourcing industry; we are not going into the details of that. It is just that we are saying that we, Deftsoft, can develop an impeccable mobile app for you for any platform: iOS, Android, or Cross-Platform.

What are Native Apps?

What is Native Apps

To put it in simple words, native apps are platform-specific apps that are coded in the languages particular to the platform. It means if you are developing a native app for Android, it will be coded in Java or Kotlin, i.e., platform-specific programming languages. If you are developing a native app for iOS, it will be coded in Objective C or Swift.

Similarly, there are coding languages for other types of platforms like Windows and Blackberry, but a major share of the users use Android and/or iOS devices.      

Kotlin is the official app language developed by Google to create mobile apps for its operating system, Android. Similarly, Swift is also the official language developed by Apple to create mobile apps for its operating system, iOS.

Native apps are considered better than other apps because they provide app developers with their SDK, interface elements, and development tools that offer a plethora of perks for mobile app development compared to other apps development systems.

Pros of Native Apps:

Native apps are fast

The fact native apps are native to the platform they load faster. They come with plenty of preloaded features that make them highly responsive. As they also have access to all the features present on the device, they work flawlessly with the platform.

Native apps are secure

Native apps are safeguarded by various layers of an operating system. As a result, they are less likely to face security threats as there is no reliance on third-party systems.     

Native apps have a recognizable UI/UX

Native apps are written in languages specific to the ecosystem of the platform and use the official APIs. This results in a better user experience due to better performance.  

Easily scalable

Native apps are easily scalable to the latest updates in the operating system on the platform due to the fewer complexities in the code.

Fewer Bugs

As native apps use native SDK and development tools during development, they have fewer bugs than hybrid apps.    

Cons of Native Apps:

– Native apps take time to develop.

– Native apps can be used on a single platform.

– Native apps require frequent upgrades 

What are Hybrid Apps?

What are Hybrid apps

Hybrid apps are a combination of native apps and web apps. They are primarily web applications moduled in a native app environment. They display the web contents in the app form using the web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS and rely on native browsers like Android WebView or UIWebView to enable smooth interactions. To put it in simple words, hybrid apps can be used on multiple platforms. 

React Native is one of the top choices of hybrid app development frameworks for development teams across the globe.

Pros of Hybrid Apps:

– Hybrid apps can be used on multiple platforms such as Android and iOS. Therefore, it offers a cost-effective solution for mobile app development. There is no need to create a separate app for each platform.

– Hybrid apps use simple coding languages such as HTML and have a simple backend structure. As a result, they are easy to update. 

– Hybrid apps take less time to develop as compared to native apps.

Cons of Hybrid Apps:

– Hybrid apps are not fully scalable to the platform-specific features.

– Hybrid apps have heavy third-party reliance that impacts the performance and security of an app.

– UI/UX of the hybrid app may seem foreign to the native platform, which may hamper the user’s experience.

Which Type of Mobile Application is Right for Your Company?

Which type of Mobile Application is right for your Company_

This is the most concerning question for business owners. To be honest, there is no universal answer to this. It all depends on the needs of a business, budget, timeframe, objectives, features of the apps, and many more similar factors. The best way to make a well-informed decision is to get in touch and sit with an expert mobile app developer or app development company.

At Deftsoft, we pay huge attention to strategy and planning. In this first step of mobile app development for our clients, we schedule a meeting with our clients to offer the best possible solution. Our teams of mobile app developers are experts in creating both types of Hybrid and Native. Contact one of our experts to discuss your project.   

On-Demand App Ideas for Startups that will Take the Center-Stage in 2022

Are you looking for a business idea that will take your startup to the new heights of success?  An on-demand service app might be your jackpot ticket. In 2022, on-demand service apps will gain more momentum, and one reason for the popularity is COVID-19. After COVID-19, people avoid going out to buy daily products and services. Another reason, when you can fulfill all your needs in the convenience of your home, why go out?

Why On-Demand Service Apps Have Become Popular?

With the coming of new technologies and mobile app ideas, the actual gold lies in few profitable domains. And on-demand services are a few of them.  According to research conducted by Harward Business Review, on-demand economy is attracting more than 22.4 million consumers annually. On-demand services cater to a wide range of industries, either directly or indirectly.  This hype is because more and more people are willing to contribute their resources, skills, and knowledge to on-demand apps.

What’s the main idea behind an on-demand product and service startup?  Startups will provide the best service to customers, and in return, they will pay you for the best efforts. This principle applies to each and everything you are looking for.

– Want urgent cleaning service?

– Looking for instant food?

– You are in need of laundry service

– Need immediate home repair service?

What if we say you can avail all these services with a tap of a button. On-demand apps are the latest gift of technology that fulfills all essential and urgent needs of people. From transportation to beauty and food, on-demand app services are the key to acquiring all these services at any time as per your convenience.

Now, you are all set to enter the on-demand service app business. But, before we look at some amazing on-demand app ideas that will boost your business in 2022, let’s talk about few statistics.

Overview of On-Demand Service Apps

– The on-demand app market is attracting more than 22.4 million users’ attention annually.

– Revenue of the on-demand apps and websites market will reach a value of $335 billion by 2025.

– 49% of on-demand consumers are millennial

– The telemedicine trend will get a boost

On-Demand Business App Ideas for Startups

Use Uber like Apps- for Travelling

Do you know who was responsible for boosting the demand for on-demand app development?  It was Uber and Airbnb. And, after that, in a short time, the transport and logistics industry got a new direction with the success of popular taxi apps.  If you are thinking of developing a traveling app, options are numerous. You can opt for cargo-logistic apps, taxi booking apps, and also bicycles. 

Get Information about Local Events

Want to find information about the upcoming local events? This is the basis of the second app idea on the list.  You can build a database and network of all local pubs and clubs in an area, connect with them and request updates regarding top bands performing each night. Use the app to create a listing of other local events and festivals.

Create an Inventory Management System App

Warehouse owners often have a hard time managing, arranging, and putting stock to showcase their in-inventory products.  A million dollar-on-demand app idea is to organize and sell products using on-demand services app.  By creating a user-friendly app, you can tap into a huge audience.

On-demand app for Fuel Top-up

Getting stuck on an isolated road with a vehicle that ran out of fuel is the worst nightmare for anyone. If you have ever faced such a situation, create an app that offers a solution to this problem. Create an app that delivers fuel to vehicles stuck along the roadside. You can also use the app to target neighboring niches like cars and motorbikes, along with tire replacement services.

On-demand Vacation Rental Apps

If you want to capitalize on your app’s existing and established market, consider the vacation rental industry. Airbnb is the best example of an on-demand vacation rental app. Consider how the supremo operates and brings in your creativity to offer something new that will become your USP.

On-demand Health Care Services Apps

What if we say you can instantly find and book the exact physician for any health issue with one click of a button? With the help of an on-demand healthcare app, you can help people schedule nursing, medicines deliveries, and medical tests at home. Some of the exciting on-demand healthcare apps you can take inspiration from include ZocDoc, Pager, Healthtap, Doctor on Demand.

Navigation App for Blind People

Blind people face challenges whenever they step out as the environment sometimes can be a little harsh on them. For instance, walking through a straight ramp can be hard for a blind person. But, you can become a savior for them by introducing a startup app with navigation for blind people. The main idea is that you can request camera and speaker access for blind users’ smartphones; view the objects’ hurdles they may hit.  Blind person will have to keep the app in the shirt’s pocket, allowing the app to overview the area.  With over 40 million blind people globally, an app like this can be a true money maker.

– Invoicing App for Freelancers

After COVID-19, freelancing has become a favorite money-making opportunity for the Gen-Z population.  However, invoicing acts as the spoilsport as many freelancers fail to understand the concept.  With on-demand invoicing apps, freelancers can easily generate and share invoices, thus making these apps a profitable startup business idea.

Implement the right on-demand app idea and get ready to enjoy soaring profits. Choose the idea that works best for you. Once you decide which app to create,  Deftsoft app development team will guide you at each stage.

How Augmented Reality Will Shape Mobile App Development in 2021?

Augmented reality- A flashy technology is giving your smartphones and tablets extended functionality in mobile applications and also playing a crucial role in mobile app development.

It’s almost three decades since AR was first added to the tech world’s glossary. Boeing first used it as an internal tool for designing. At that time, nobody imagined AR to become a popular technology for the masses. And, who would have thought AR would be accessible to everyone and would become part and parcel of our lives?

AR is growing tremendously and is on the verge of an explosion. This technology has led to an increase in the demand for AR app development. More and more companies are incorporating AR and VR in building mobile applications.

Top companies worldwide have created AR devices for multiple companies like healthcare, media, entertainment, e-commerce, and more. AR has changed how businesses operate, especially e-commerce. It has made it easy for customers to find products creatively. So, what is augmented reality, and what is the hype around it?

What is Augmented Reality?

AR combines the real world and digital visual elements, sound, or other sensors through technology. AR is also referred to as VR. However, AR is not a virtual reality. Unlike VR, AR applications need a headset for operations like Oculus Rift. With the help of AR, app developers combine digital information in the real world in mobile applications.

When we talk of AR, our mind goes to Pokemon Go, the popular app mixed with virtual and real-world reality. Did you know the gaming app got 900 million downloads in its initial release and made $1.2 billion in revenue? The augmented reality market is valued at USD 8.9 billion and is growing at an exponential rate. To further explain the popularity of AR, let’s look at the following statistics.

Augmented Reality Statistics in 2021

Mobile AR market size in 2021

8.9 bn USD

Number of mobile AR active users in 2021

810 m

AR glasses unit sales in 2021

410 K

How is AR Impacting the Scope of Mobile App Development?

Location-Based AR App

Have you ever thought about how mobile phones provide your exact location? It’s because of the location-based AR app that uses geolocation data to provide information about your current location. Location-based apps provide customers an immersive tour of a city or even help you find where you have parked your car? Sound’s futuristic, but it’s a reality!

An Amazing in-Store Experience

Who would have thought you could try out products through your mobile phones without stepping inside the store. AR mobiles apps stimulate products in actual size via virtual trial rooms giving customers an in-store trial experience in the comforts of their homes. AR also helps retailers to keep a check and showcase more stock as compared to the physical inventory. Retail companies that use AR for a state-of-the-art customer experience include Converse, Sephora, and L’Oreal.

Make Way for Innovative E-Learning Experience

If you thought AR is only for shopping, think again. State-of-the-art technology has revolutionized the educational sector. AR can make online education or e-learning more creative and effective; with virtual graphics or animations in real-time, teachers are able to interact with their students better. AR has improved the learning experience and led to better student-teacher interaction.

Social Media Apps Also Use AR

AR is one prime reason responsible for the popularity of Snapchat and Musically. People love apps that are easy and fun to interact with. And, this is the reason why app developers use AR for building unique social media apps that offer high user engagement.

Bespoke Online Shopping Experience

Before buying any product, do you watch demo videos or unboxing videos of the same product? With AR apps, brands and companies offer visualization and configuration of their products. AR plays a key role in removing doubts amongst shoppers by providing real-time information about products. AR also gives freedom to brands from abandoned shopping carts.

What’s the Cost of Augmented Reality in Mobile Apps Development?

The cost of AR app development depends on three key factors.

Location: Where you will use the AR app

Information: What information user gets from the app

Method: How you are going to provide a solution to users

Pro Augmented Reality Tools Used by App Developers

AR app developers use numerous tools for building an AR-based application. Some popular tools include:

ARPA SDKs
ARlab SDKs
Droid AR
Metaio SDK
Vuforia SDK
Wikitude SDK

How to Integrate AR in the Mobile App Development Process?

By now, you would have got an idea of how AR has and is changing the mobile app development domain. With all the frenzy and excitement surrounding the technology, it’s time to check out the basics of incorporating AR in your app. Here we have enlisted the general development phases to consider when integrating AR in your next project.

Find out which AR elements you want to incorporate. For example, informational facts at different locations use GPS or the app to show internal anatomy when pointing the camera at a body part.

Determine how you want to integrate AR elements, i.e., choosing the right AR platform to develop the application.

How will users interact with the app? Whether it will be through push notification, how they will launch AR features in the app. Or they need a QR code to work with the AR feature.

Choose the right AR category from four different categories; marker, markerless/location, projection, or superimposition.

Does your app require a connection for AR hardware like smart glasses? Do you want users to have a hands-free experience? Answer these questions to have a clear picture of what you want in your app.

After reading this comprehensive handbook on augmented reality, are you thinking of creating your AR app? Say no more; the mobile app development team at Deftsoft will transform your dream into reality.

Top 7 Mobile Tech Trends That Define the Era of Immersive Technologies

Are you all set to witness the latest mobile development trends that will dominate the year 2021? To become successful in any business, you have to keep your finger on the pulse. When we talk about the mobile industry, with its continuous fluctuations, you have to stay on your toes about the latest mobile tech trends.

Mobile development has become the new norm for businesses. Without a mobile-optimized solution, you will be at the risk of losing a significant proportion of your valuable clients. Whether you are a mobile app developer or run a local business, keep a close watch on the tech trends dominating the mobile space.  

There are approximately 3.8 billion smartphone users, and this number is going to increase in the coming years. Hence, there is an opportunity for businesses to use advanced mobile tech technologies to achieve their goals quickly.

The Driving Force Behind Mobile Market Growth: Mobile Tech Trends

The widespread adoption and usage of connected gadgets has led to the growth of mobile industry. Smartphones and tablets affect how customers purchase products, thus providing substantial business opportunities. At present, users want more; the full freedom to decide which app to download or which application to use. 

When consumers have so many choices, it becomes imperative for businesses to encash the opportunities and create solutions that will give them an edge over competitors. Competitiveness and customers’ needs are two primary factors that drive the mobile industry.

Now, let’s talk about the key trends that are defining the mobile tech industry.

Blockchain Apps

Blockchain plays a crucial role in mobile app development. In AppStore and Google Play, you will find lots of applications that work with blockchain. These apps include e-wallets, currency converters, digital asset tracker apps, and networking solutions.

Blockchain is not only for cryptocurrencies; you can incorporate it into many industries to create more sophisticated projects. The primary benefits of blockchain apps include:

– Increase data protection and reduce the risk of data loss.
– Faster transactions
– Simplicity
– Transparency’

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality 

In 2021, more mobile apps will incorporate AR and virtual reality features. Applications that run on AR and VR offer incredible opportunities to enhance the real–world environment, thus elevating user experience. It was only after the success of the game Pokemon Go that AR caught mobile app developers’ attention. In the past, AR and VR were only used in gaming apps. But, the new trend is the use of AR and VR in mobile apps for practical purposes like object measurement, navigation, education, interior design, user manuals, and more. To keep up with the trend, Google has collaborated with Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei to make smartphones with AR-enabled technology.

Chatbots to Answer User Queries

It’s not possible for customer care personnel to clarify all the customers’ concerns, and customers don’t have the time to get a valid answer. So, it’s essential to use chatbots that will guide and reply to customers immediately. The best thing about chatbots is that they offer 24/7 services reducing the waiting time for customers. Benefits of using chatbots:

– Result in higher customer satisfaction and user experience
– Round-the-clock services to your customers
– Give quick responses without the need for a human associate

Cloud-Based Mobile Apps 

What’s the new hot word in the mobile world? Combining the technological trend with mobile apps will boost productivity, storage capacities, and team collaboration. Numerous apps use cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, which come with good cloud computing backup. Google, Youtube, Twitter, and Pixlr also use cloud technology.

Benefits of Using Cloud-based Mobile Apps

– Recover your old data easily.
– Mobile cloud computing technology supports multiple platforms.
– Store and recover data from any locations across the globe.

5G Wireless Technologies 

5 G technology has become the new norm in the mobile world, and it has tremendous capacities for businesses. 5 G wireless technology will make brands more agile and efficient and improve e-commerce sites’ responsiveness.

With 5G technology, you can transfer large amounts of data over wireless brands at 20 Gbps. The new technology is beneficial for the mobile app business. Users will love to shop from a super smooth and fast website, which is only possible if the website uses 5 G technology.

Use of Digital Authentication and Mobile Wallets

 The main reason for abandoned carts is the unavailability of a safe, secure, and fast mobile payment system. Users prefer mobile transaction systems with digital authentication processes that allow them to pay via mobile wallets.

Mobile wallets offer two-step or even multi-step authentication facilities, creating a secure payment environment. Pin or fingerprint verification is the key to achieving security with smartphones and tablets. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

In 2017, Apple allowed developers to integrate voice assistant Siri in their applications. Since then, developers have focused on integrating AI and machine learning algorithms into their mobile solutions. Some examples of AI and machine learning in mobile solutions include:

– Chatbots and virtual personal assistants
– Use of motion and facial detection apps
– Financial forecasting solutions
– Speech recognition apps for gaming and entertainment
– Recommendation engines for online shoppers or travelers.

At present, mobile technology has become a must-have for businesses. Enterprises use mobile apps to perform multiple tasks such as selling, buying, and promoting services. For business growth, startups, SMEs, and big enterprises use technology-based apps. Mobile technology not only helps firms make correct decisions but also boosts productivity.  

Deftsoft Diwali Celebrations 2020

“Kindle your spirits with the light of Diwali.” Deftsoft wishes you sparkling festivals of light!

Dazzling earthen lamps, vivid lights, finger-licking food, and mesmerizing rangolis are the real gems of Diwali Celebration. Diwali is the synonym for fun, gaiety, and jollification, and a sheer time to enjoy the Indian Culture. The warmth from diyas, the wrinkling of fairy lights and the colorful rangolis make the day a celebration.

Diwali is the best of times for everyone –A time to celebrate life, express the joy of living, to forgive, and come together. It’s a festival of giving, bonding, and sharing joy with your loved ones. This statement held the backdrop of the Diwali celebration at Deftsoft this year. The HR department at Deftsoft made every possible effort to make the Diwali celebration enjoyable, giving employees and even the managers a break from the daily routine.

Festivals like Diwali offer an opportunity to leave the stress behind and blend in with the festivities. A time to flaunt your ethnic side and savor on the finger-licking delicacies that you can’t say no to even if you are not a sweet lover. Being the second home, Deftsoft made sure employees felt special as they are the foundations of the reputable institution. The festive time was all about sharing a beautiful bond with the employees and giving them a reason to embark on their future journey with a smile on their face.

Diwali at Deftsoft was a gala affair. Starting from the decorations, everything looked grand. Every floor was decorated, keeping in mind the Diwali theme, which was all about lights and Diwali paper lanterns. The entrance was decorated with fresh flowers and innovative Diwali rangolis, keeping up with the Diwali tradition at Deftsoft. As a step towards protecting the environment and keeping the pandemic in mind, Deftsoft promoted eco-friendly Diwali by ditching crackers for the beautiful and classy diyas, which were placed where there was no risk of fire.

HR planned and managed games inside the office area for employees to help them relax and enjoy their work. Everything was planned and organized with perfection, and other series of events were scheduled to recall and glorify Indian Culture.

Diwali is incomplete without tasty treats, and keeping this in mind, Deftsoft celebrated the festival of light with their employees by distributing sweets. And, to add to the festivities, men and women at Deftsoft family looked their stylish best by getting all dolled up in their beautiful ethnic wear. We know there is no fun in looking your stylish best if there is no one to appreciate your beauty and efforts. This is why the HR department organized a photo session to appreciate the efforts taken by the men and women to glam up the celebrations. Smiling pictures of employees looking ravishing in traditional wear provided a great feed to post on the Deftsoft Instagram account.

Not the end, but the beginning of the festive season concluded with the gift distribution. Managers distributed beautiful gifts between the team leads, and employees congratulating them for their work, and looked forward to celebrating more festivals with them in the coming year. The lasting note was an encouraging speech from the CEO, Mr. Amaneet Singh Brar, and Director of Operations, Mr. Amaninder Singh Brar.