Making smarter, faster and more intuitive Android apps

Android OS dominates the smartphone industry today and Android apps have played an immense role in the popularity of the OS. Earlier this year, the Play Store finally surpassed iTunes in terms of the number of applications it holds. There are over 1 million android applications on the Play Store today, and thanks to the tools that Google offers to developers for Android app development, this number is only going to increase over the coming years.

When Google first launched its Android operating system, iPhone had already destabilised Blackberry, Nokia, and Microsoft to become the most popular smartphones in the world. The whole world was raving over the exceedingly simple to use interface of the device and the sleek and elegant body, which the iPhone came in. Google’s first smartphone in comparison was bulky and slow. Android was considered a second rate operating system and was ridiculed for its lack of quality mobile applications.

A New King Emerges

When Google launched Android, even they could not have predicted the success this operating system would achieve in just a few short years. Today, Android dominates the smartphone market and accounts for well over two-thirds of all smartphones sold in the world. With close to 80% of the world smartphones market controlled by Android, Google is not only a major player in this arena, it has the most successful and popular OS. Today the Play Store, Google’s application store, has over a million applications created by developers from every corner of the world. Android’s applications are its biggest advantage and offer users incredible features no other smartphone does.

Android App development challenges

Application development for the Android platform is not easy. Unlike the iPhone, Android devices are made by dozens of manufacturers and these manufacturers often reconfigure the OS to make it unique for their company. The differences between the various Android devices, even the ones running the same Android version, make Android App development a challenge. Developers have to make sure that their app works on as many devices as possible. 

Some key points that Android developers have to keep in mind are:

• There are half a dozen flavours of Android that are in use today. Google launches a new version, or flavour, of Android each year, but not all old devices can support new updates, so they continue to run their stock Android version.
• Android devices are made by over a dozen manufacturers, who use often different binaries and codec. Developers try to make their apps compatible with as many popular devices as possible
• Even within the same manufacturer’s line of Android devices, variations are present in the form of screen size, processing power, RAM, storage space and graphic engine capabilities.

Since customers get to pick from a wide selection of products, the many variations in Android devices have actually helped the OS become more popular, but the differences have made Android application development a nightmare for the developers.

Java is the primary language used for Android app development, but app development frameworks can be used to create Android apps using several other languages, as well. With Android 4.1 and onwards, Google has incorporated a single design called HOLO and has asked developers to stick to it. This new policy has made developer’s job considerably easier, and Google has also incorporated stricter rules with manufacturers to ensure that there are no compatibility issues between different devices. Google also continues to update its Android SDK, which makes it simpler for developers to create Android apps.

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Android’s new version KitKat and its effect on apps

The Android mobile operating system has come a long way in last 4 years. Back in 2009 when Google launched its first version, the Cupcake, it was very primitive and lacked several essential features. But they quickly learned the market statistics and customer requirement trends and upgraded themselves pretty quickly. Within a year they came up with 3 new versions namely, Donut, Éclair & Froyo. Among them, Froyo started getting popular quickly across the world.

Then in 2010 and 2011 Froyo along with its next 2 subsequent versions Gingerbread and Honeycomb quite literally established Android as one of the strongest and the most powerful mobile operating system in the world of smartphones. From Cupcake that could only let you surf the internet, check emails, manage day-to-day calendar, and enjoy your media it became a feature rich operating system in Jelly Bean today, which would intelligently check the location of the user, support multiple languages for contextual approach, record HD videos, edit them, play them on super high resolution screens, and perform tons of other tasks to make the user’s life more comfortable and more informative.

This hasn’t just been a good ride for the customers. It has also been a blessing in disguise for the Android app developers. It has opened up so many potential domains that app developers can venture into and create wonderful apps for Android users.

Recently in September Google announced that their next version after Jelly Bean is going to be KitKat. It will be the successor to Jelly Bean and its version will be called 4.4 and not much speculated 5.0. Everyone is curious about what features will be offered in it and what changes will be made in it compared to the latest Jelly Bean.

There are reports from strong sources that there might be changes in design and UI of the OS. The transitions and content transition would be a lot smoother. There might also be higher degrees of cloud integration. Google might push Google drive harder in the Android devices to sync the user’s files. Also, looking at the developments in the last few versions, it seems that the battery life would improve and the OS would use the battery optimally.

Google is yet to release all the development material and instructions needed for developing apps for KitKat. But there shouldn’t be any drastic changes for apps that are already working fine in Jelly Bean as Android has been growing smoothly. Keep watching this space for updated information regarding KitKat and get in touch with our representative to know more about developing Android apps.

Making User Friendly Google Glass Apps

When Google Glass first hit the market, most people did not know what it was about. The fact that this glass wearable computer can do almost anything that one requires of it, makes it one of the must have computer devices today. The technology is very easy to use as all it uses is a voice command. This means that one will be able to operate the computer using commands they give it using their voices. Most people have attributed not trying this technology, to the fact that most of the app developers have not installed their services into this technology. You will therefore find that there are things that you will be able to do with a normal computer that you can’t do with Google Glass. However, good news is here.

How does it Work?
Most of the users of all the apps available in the market today use them due to the fact that they are very accessible. The app developers or the owners of the app usually avail their apps on different platforms that most of their customers can access them. This is the same idea that is behind putting apps in the Google Glass technology. If you are an app developer it is very important for you to install your app in a format that can be used with this technology due to the high attention that it is getting. However, this might prove very difficult and this is why some professionals have come together to make the work, that much easier for you. Within the shortest time possible, you will have you app on the app store ready for your customers to use. You do not need to worry about the ease of accessibility of the app due to the fact that not only will it be easily accessible but it will also be easy to get it on the search engines.

Elan Emerging Technologies is custom app development company have professional app developers who develops apps for native apps and cross platform apps development. The company also custom makes apps, so that they can fit the user demands.

Google Android and the Latest Trends Enveloping the Platform

Android-powered devices are all over the smartphone and tablet devices market since the demand has risen considerably. Android is one of the popular platforms for mobile development companies are engaged in a plethora of Android app development projects.

Since Android is an open source platform, developers have the incredible advantage of making ample use of the technology for innovative mobile apps and projects and also attend to the growing demand from the users.

Mobile developers are particularly adept in harnessing the best qualities of the platform for building applications. Most of them prefer using Java language and also Scripting Layer for Android (SL4A) for writing the mobile applications. Also all Android versions from 2.2 Froyo onwards allow Flex to be a language for Android application development projects. Also after this version, all versions support Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR technologies.

Android application developers perform their programming tasks with the help of Android SDK which is becoming more and more feature-rich. But it requires an extremely competent and competitive mobile application development company for testing, debugging and deploying mobile apps.

The Eclipse IDE is one technology which helps in quick Android application development which is convenient and hassle-free for the developers. The technology works well when customized and enhanced using Android plugins, which expands the Android universe and also adds much more features and abilities which were not possible with the vanilla version.

Android Emulators help a great deal when the developers need to ensure if the entire process of mobile application testing and debugging is working well. The emulators are great for getting a virtual view of the end mobile app. The features of the OS are simulated to perfection and also worked virtually on mobile phones and tablets supporting the Android OS.

Android app developers also use the APIs and include a plethora of libraries which help in attributes required for the app. The platform also supports use of C/C++ libraries along with some core media libraries and the SGL graphics engine. One can also utilize the 3D libraries based on OpenGL ES 1.0 APIs for creating apps for the Android 4.0 version.

Mobile app developers who are dedicatedly working for the Android platform opt to publish mobile apps which they have created for sale in the Android Market. This application store helps in distributing free as well as paid Android-based apps. There are more than 500,000 mobile apps in the store right now but the demand for more apps has not subsided. The smartphones which support the Android ecosystem have grown tremendously too. This platform reigns in the mobile application development market due to the sheer size of its ecosystem although it is yet to eclipse the iOS market in the total number of apps in the Apps store.

The Android platform has won over other mobile platforms because it has managed to gain a substantial market share in terms of tablets which were launched since the past year. Many apps were downloaded from tablets alone. Due to their balance in price point factor, many users who cannot afford the pricey Apple products have preferred going for Android. Also, there are multiple options with the platform too.

Hire iPhone App Programmers and Android App Developers from Elan Emerging Technologies a leading iPhone App Development Company provides iPhone Application Development, iPad Application Development and Android App Development services.

Android Apps: What you need to know about them

Make yourself acquainted with Android applications and their usage. Android apps are applications that have been typically devised with the Java programming language, in collaboration with the Android Software Development Kit. However, there are other development kits such as Android NDK or indigenous tools for extensions or apps in C/C++.

There is a visual setting which is known as Google App Inventor which the beginners and trainee developers use. This is also used by the multiple phone web-based application framework.

The end-users can get Android apps in two methods. They can get them from an applications store like the Amazon App store and Google Play. They can also download them and set up the APK file of the app from a third-party website.

If you are using the Google Play Store, you can surf through, download, and modify apps that are created by the developers and launched by Google. These apps are featured on Google Play Store and can be pre-installed on gadgets which stick to the compatibility criteria of Google. The list of applications that are well-suited to the gadget is screened by the app. In addition, the app developers might limit their apps to specific bearers or transporters for commercial purposes.

Till the month of September 2012, the number of applications available for Android crossed 650,000 and the projected figure of apps which have been downloaded from the Google Play Store surpassed 25 billion. Statistics say that the number of devices in which Android OS was installed crossed 400 million.

Multitasking of Android Applications

The multitasking feature of Android application has been upgraded with the launch of Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 version. If the users keep pressing the multitasking button or the home button of an Android gadget, a task manager will come up which features a list of the apps which have been opened lately. The users may choose to start using the app in the state it was used on the previous occasion.

Android software development

This is the procedure where new apps are being generated for the Android OS. A survey conducted in June 2011 substantiates that over 67% of cellular phone developers have utilized the Android platform for publishing apps. Mobile developers are finding the platform extremely user-friendly. In the second quarter of the year 2012, approximately 105 million Android smartphones have been sold which represents an overall share of 68% of smartphone sales figures until that quarter.

Android app development tools
The following tools are used for the app development process:

• Android Software Development Kit (SDK)
• Android Open Accessory Development Kit
• Native development kit
• HyperNext Android Creator
• App Inventor for Android
• The Simple project
• Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL)
• Basic4android

It is worth mentioning that the app developers always face challenges associated with Java standards since no set standard is used for developing them. For this issue, many tools have been developed which help in Android conversion activities. When you review the credentials and prospects of Android app developers, you must make sure to take following tips into consideration, including experience, location, skills etc.

The list of best recent Android Apps from the Google Store

It is hard to pick the best Android apps nowadays since the number of apps being uploaded is huge.

Here are some of the best apps though.

Chameleon Launcher's developer shelled out thousands of dollars to get a better Android homepage and now it is out for public use. The Android's default widget system is given a fresh look and several APIs are provided for developers to tinker with, in it.  You can tweak the screens and add a bit of spice.

Amazon MP3 on the other hand, is not new but popular now with the Brits. Amazon launched its newly developed Amazon Cloud Player in UK which enables users to play music from the music locker. One can also add new songs to the Cloud Player automatically.

The new app Talking Ginger has more than 500,000 installs within days of its release, which is incredible to say the least. As the other "talking apps," its animal hero will repeat the words you speak back to you. This app is very popular with kids and adults alike.

Additionally, this year's Guinness World Records book has come up with its own augmented reality companion app developed by efficient Android app developers which brings different types of interesting sharks, slam-dunking parrots, unique set of spiders, the longest snakes and world's shortest men with spectacular effects.

Subscription music service eMusic has its Android counterpart which was launched in early 2012. One can listen to their listing of songs and even ask for recommendations from others. In its paid service, one can download music from the service too.

The International Cricket Council has released its own Android app which focuses on the latest cricketing news and action, team information, along with comprehensive text commentary during live matches. One can view live matches too.

Bloomberg is one of the most active broadcasters and has fantastic apps developed by different Android apps developers for multiple platforms. The latest app brings its radio station to smartphones with live audio of the radio. Shows are also available on demand.

The Triggertrap is an Android app which is designed to work with an SLR camera and includes features such as time-lapse, long-exposure and Star Trail. A dongle is required to make the connection between the Android device and the SLR camera.

Geotracks is a GPS-based app which is also a location-sharing app with the ability to share location with friends in real-time. It is using the Geoloqi's API and functions as a standalone app.

Distress Signal is known as a mobile emergency solution app which can help people to contact local emergency services if they are far away from home. Emergency text is sent in the local language to the emergency services. It is working in few countries as of now.

Former athlete Michael Johnson is back with a fitness app Motiv8 in Android which tracks the runs while playing music. The vocal encouragement along the way will be from Michael Johnson himself.

Insomniac's official Android app is finally done with. This app provides comprehensive information and content of the events it is hosting along with relevant photos, videos and a radio station.

MyShelf is a new app which helps its users to store notes, pictures and links and is similar to Evernote. It can exchange data across devices with the help of Wi-Fi or USB.

Android App Development and the Various Tailored Services for Enterprises

The use of Android-based smartphones has grown considerably in the recent years. It boasts of an incredible number of apps in its market which is growing at an incredible rate of 32 per cent every month. There are brilliant smartphones available now for every price range thus giving them a huge number of options. The rise in interest has been credited with the new models like Samsung S III.  There are certain HTC models which have been very popular along with Sony Ericsson which has launched mid-range budget phones in recent months. Android being open source has been extremely successful in attracting various developers for creating innovative apps.

There is a huge and open market place for developers for publishing their apps. There are less restrictions for Android app development compared to the iPhone market and apps can be created for and on any platform: Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Companies offering Android app development are extremely in demand as there is a huge need of applications of different types in the mobile world. Android is preferred by many of the developers and inspite of its less number of apps in the store, people prefer Android phones because of range and budget. The newer phones boast of high end graphics too. Core library support is essential too for the creation of innovative apps

The apps which are shipped with the default software development kit are Email Client, SMS, and Google products including Google Chrome and the contacts section. One can easily reuse the existing framework APIs for better and solid third party Android applications. Programmers are also provided with basic or complex apps as they desire.

Coming to the enterprise world, mobile field personnel are lost when they are out in the field for getting a real-time notification about the inventory or even get an idea about a sales visit address. Sales orders are usually done manually and then entered in the system and updated after they are back in their office. The manual input of data is done in the company ERP database. This is absolute wastage of resource time and even the sales order updates are not of real-time nature. Sometimes sales personnel realize that they are short on inventory but are unable to deliver. This creates problems for the sales personnel since they do not have immediate updates. They might even lose the customer’s location and address.

Mobile field service apps are created as Android apps and are usually integrated with ERP solutions so that there is information sync between sales personnel and the database with real-time updates on both sides.

Many offshore companies are well-versed for creating and developing Java-based third party mobile applications, for mobile devices including tablets and smartphones.

Here is a list of the most popular Android application development services:

• Application development for mobile devices
• Custom application development
• Java-based game development
• Android games and utilities development
• Mobile business software development
• Third-party libraries implementation
• Security-based mobile solutions
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS support-based apps
• Communication apps
• Design apps for companies
• QA and testing services