Android App Development For Beginners

Steps to Build Your Own Android Application

If you are reading this tutorial, it means you are probably new to the Android app development services. Don't worry, we will divide this tutorial into different parts to make it easy for you. The guide offers easy and useful information regarding android app development for beginners. Let's get started by following these steps:

Before you start, there are three important things that you should know, such as:

Android OS is created using Java, so knowledge about Java is always a benefit if you want to develop an app for Android.

Then, you will need to get Android SDK, which is Android's basic app writing program like Android Studio or Eclipse, the Java Software Development Kit (JDK). The built-in features of Android SDK provide the base needed to build some great mobile applications and providing a great opportunity for developers and entrepreneurs.

Now, you are all set to start!

Step 1: Start with Android Studio

The most common IDE for Android development is Android Studio, which comes directly from Google itself. The amazing thing about Android Studio is that it is designed specifically for Android app development services.

Step 2: Installation of Java Development Kit (JDK)

After the installation of Android Studio, it's time for some more positive action! You also need to install Java on your machine to use Android Studio. The JDK is able to interpret and compile your code for the application development.

Step 3: Start Your Project

Choose 'Start a new Android Studio Project' option. Enter the name you want for your application and your 'company domain'. All these elements will be used to create your package name in a format like:

com.companyname.appname

This APK ('Android Package File') that you'll in the end upload to the Google Play Store.

Step 4: Select Activity

Moreover, you'll be given the option to pick the way you want the app to look at the beginning. This will be the look of your main 'Activity Module' which is basically the main page of your app. There are various fields available which you have to choose according to your app needs, such as templates, title, access to Google maps, full-screen activity, blank activity etc. As per my view, it's better to go for 'Basic Activity' to keep things as simple as possible and for all intents and purposes.

Step 5: Selecting the Layout

Now, you have to choose a layout name for the selected activity. This will define that where elements like images and menus go and what fonts you'll use. Choose a name for the menu and title as well. Pick something attractive for the title, as your users will be able to see this at some points.

Step 6: Edit the Welcome Message

Go to the activity_main.xml tab if it is not open. Click and drag the "Hello, world!" from the upper left corner of the phone display to the center of the screen. Then go to the values folder, and double-click the strings.xml file. In this file, find the line "Hello world!" and add "Welcome to my App!"

Step 7: Adding Button to your Activity

In the Palette menu to the left of display, find Button. Click and drag Button to be positioned beneath welcome message. Afterward, go to properties and find the field for text. Change the text from "New Button" to "Next Page".

Now go back to your content_main.xml and click on the button. In the right corner, where you have your parameters for the button, you will catch an option called 'onClick'. Click on this and then select the 'onClick'. By doing this, you have told Android Studio that you want to associate the section of code with the button created.

Step 8: Test your App

Finally, all that's missing to do is run the app you just made. Simple go to 'run' along the top and then select 'run app' from the drop-down menu. Follow the steps to launch the emulator running your app.

I hope the above information will surely help in android app development for beginners. Besides, there are numerous ways to develop Android apps. With a lot of information and services at your disposal, you have the opportunity to make your "dream app" a realism!

By Priti Singh

Visit: mobile app development company, Android App Development in Lucknow.

8 Things To Consider When Electing A Mobile App Development Platform

The increase in the use of smartphones has led to a significant rise in the demand for mobile applications. Enterprises have recognized that mobile apps can help them increase the value of their brand, and also enhance their business offering to their customers.

Before developing a mobile app, however, it's important to decide which mobile app development platform the app is going to be built on. And choosing which mobile app development platform to go with is one of the most vital decisions when it comes to developing an app.

Do you go for a native app or a cross-platform app? Are Windows and Blackberry phone worth your attention? Or do you just focus on iOS and Android? If you do this, which of the two do you pick - Android or iOS? Do you pick both?

There's a lot you need to think about when choosing between mobile development platforms.
So, if you're wondering which MADP to pick, here are a few for starters:

1. Market Share

The first way to decide on the right mobile app development platform is by learning about each of their market shares. For instance, Android by Google runs 80% of the world's mobile devices. On the other hand, Apple's iOS runs about 14% of worldwide mobile devices. However, this doesn't take iOS out of the running. iOS is preferred by users from countries like the US, Japan, and Australia. And so, if they are your target audience, you should consider iOS. Android is preferred by users in Asian and African countries and is the better mobile app development platform if you're looking to reach users in these regions.

2. Demographics

When choosing from a variety of mobile development platforms it's also important to consider demographics. Android users are usually those from a lower income group and prefer Android, as these devices are quite affordable. In addition to this, Android mobile devices are usually owned by people from an older age group. However, because a bulk of Android apps is available for free, there is less engagement with them. iPhones on the other hand, are preferred by users who belong to a medium and higher income group. These users are generally younger, educated individuals who are open to spending money when it comes to buying digital products like mobile apps.

3. Content

Content categories also play an important role in deciding which mobile app development platform to choose. Research has found that those who own iOS devices tend to explore a variety of app categories when looking to download a mobile application. Right from gaming and entertainment, to social media and education, iOS users have the tendency to download different kinds of apps. It has also been found that Android users, unlike iPhone users, generally download solely social apps. That's why, when choosing a MADP, it's important to take content categories into consideration.

4. Browsing-to-Buy Conversion Rates

Browsing-to-buy conversion rates should always be taken into consideration when choosing between mobile development platforms. Studies have shown that this rate is higher among iOS users. 23% of iPhone users are more likely to make purchases from their smartphones. Android users, on the other hand, are less likely to do this.

5. Generation of Revenue

As mentioned in one of the previous points, iOS users are more willing to purchase apps. This is why iOS apps generate higher revenues as compared to Android apps. Hence, if you're looking to create an app that is a product all by itself, like a gaming app, then the mobile app development platform you need to pick is iOS.

6. Development Costs

The costs that come with different mobile development platforms vary. For instance, when an Android app is being developed, the developers are required to write 40% more code, and this, in turn, costs the app owners 30% more.

7. Customization

This also plays an important role when picking the right MADP. Android is the better option here, as this platform allows developers to add a lot more features and customizations to their apps, whereas iOS can be quite limiting.

8. Launching the App

If you're looking to easily launch your app on an app store, then Android is the mobile app development platform to choose. This is because, it's much simpler to launch an app on Google Play, than Apple's App Store, as Apple requires every app to go through an exhaustive approval process.

By Kiran W

I am a developer and writer. I would like to write in-depth guides and case studies that teach users to guide mobile application development

The Mobile App Revolution: Why You Should Be A Part of It

If you have a business, then you must be aware of the fact that mobile apps are bringing great changes in how people do their work, shop or connect. Applications are becoming the bridge between the customers, employees and the products or services. And the rise of smart phones has created a thriving market for the mobile apps and this has in fact helped businesses to increase their productivity by effectively mobilizing their resources and enhancing the user experiences. Though the process is gradual and iterative, mobility has brought in a huge change in the way businesses operate.

Here is why you should be a part of the mobile app revolution

Simplicity in the front end:

Having a mobile application for your business would result in giving easy access opportunities to your customers. It helps them to reach out to you any time of the day and even on the go. The easy front ends of enterprise apps are often attractive and intuitive so that people can enjoy while availing various services. Not only shopping, people can also play, watch movies, listen to music and do various other works without having much trouble. Mobile app brings with it the freshness that today's business can no more afford to miss.

Keeps the users more engaged:

Building an app is easy, but creating something that can keep your customers engaged may be difficult. Mobiles have become an integral part of human life and so it is the best device through which you can keep your audiences engaged. It is by developing a mobile application that you can help employees become more productive and keep your customers hooked to your business. Offering personalized information or message is easy with such apps and this increases the chances of conversion.

Mobile centric business

If online business owners want to develop a revolutionary app, then they must adopt a mobile centric approach. They need to think of mobile first and if they can adopt a long term mobile centric vision, then they can easily develop applications that ensure great experiences and are also integral to all their applications. The trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment has also changed the way business owners think today. If they want to be at par with the latest trends and technologies, then it is a must to develop a mobile app for the business.

Reach out to a wider market base: 

For making a business successful, it is important to have a huge market base. And this is possible by developing a mobile application that can be accessed from any device and OS. The mobile app can easily be accessed even on the go and people can gather information about the products and services anytime and from anywhere. It also helps to target a huge market base as there is no geo limitations. People can easily access your app and get the desired information.

Mobile centric strategies are the ultimate future of all enterprises and it is very important that businesses realize the importance of leveraging mobile platforms that helps them to effectively address the varied challenges that includes integration, scalability, security while enhancing the user convenience.

Mobile applications are becoming an important part of every business and today almost every industry think of creating an app so that they can easily interact with people, help them avail services, products and etc. any time of the day and from anywhere.

By Om Namdev

Choosing Among Native, Web And Hybrid Apps - What's The Difference?

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the app ecosystem that we recognise today. It is estimated that there are 12 million mobile app developers worldwide. As smart phones become more affordable, apps have also become ubiquitous. Android leads the pack with almost 6 million developers creating apps for the Playstore while almost 3 million are focusing on the Apple App store.

Many small businesses are still reluctant to embrace mobile. They have already invested on a website and are satisfied with the current amount of traffic. But because of the tectonic shift in the digital space, failing to adapt to a mobile market may not only mean missed opportunities, but can also spell the future demise of their business.

To stay competitive, you must keep abreast of your customer online preferences and behavior. Apps can play a major role in improving customer engagement, facilitating payments, fostering loyalty and boosting the bottom line. When deciding to create an app for your business, there are three main approaches to consider: native, web, or hybrid approach. Each has its own benefits depending on your business objectives and resources. Here is a lowdown on these different types of app:

Native Apps

Native apps are quicker and more responsive. They are referred to as "native" since they were made for a specific platform such as Apple iOS or Android. They are made using the Software
Development Kits (SDK) for a certain framework, hardware platform or operating system. Since they are optimized to the device's operating system, they can have full access to the gadget's capabilities including the camera, mic, GPS, etc. without dealing with complexity of native plugins. It can also store data that can be accessed offline. Because of the better responsiveness, it is best for graphical applications, HD games, and intensive animation applications. Since native apps are more stable and reliable, users report a better user experience and spend more time utilising them other types of apps.

One drawback is that each platform requires the development of apps using a specific coding language. This entails different skill sets from app development team which can add to the cost. Each app store also has their own approval and publication process that can cause delays to the release of the app.

Web Apps

Web apps are basically websites that are configured to have the look and feel of real apps provided the device has a web browser. To "install" them, the user simply creates shortcut to their home screen. They are run by a browser and usually written in cross-platform technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, which are common coding languages. Because they are cross-platform ready, you do not need a team of developers that are well-versed in the Apple iOS or Android platforms.

This makes creating them significantly less expensive. Compared to native apps, web apps also easier to distribute. You have more freedom in designing them and are not bound by the rules imposed by Google or Apple. They are more convenient to maintain and update especially when you want to keep adding novel features.

However, they require internet access and the quality of their performance are dependent om the wifi speed or strength of the cell signal. They also have limited graphic ability and low device integration. They cannot access certain phones features such as the mic or camera. Touch gestures are not always responsive and can have a noticeable "lag", which can affect negatively affect user experience.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps combine beneficial features of the native app and web app technologies. The objective of creating a hybrid app is to provide the experience of native app while keeping the simplicity of a web app. Some developers choose hybrid apps to conveniently integrate device features such as GPS, camera or push notifications. Since hybrid apps can be distributed through app stores, they have the added benefit of accessing the customer base of Apple and Google's platforms. Because they are still essentially web apps, they are cheaper to develop but may require experts that have more specialized knowledge of the different interfaces and features of the phone. They also still fall short when it comes to a native app's polished look and feel, graphical abilities and responsiveness.

By Candace Aditya Chaudhury

The 10 Proven Best Free Mobile Messaging Apps

Developers the world over are constantly innovating. They design and develop messaging apps that let us stay connected conveniently to each other in this fast-paced modern world. Most of these apps require you to subscribe or pay to download and install. Quite a good number though are available absolutely free-of-charge.

We are going to highlight, and briefly explain, our selection of the top ten best free mobile messaging apps as of the year 2018. These apps generally let users make free voice and video calls, share instant messages, photos, and even text messages. We hope this will help you get started hassle-free. A selection of the 10 proven best free mobile messaging Apps.

#1: WhatsApp

This is perhaps the king of mobile messaging apps. It was jointly developed by Brian Acton and Jan Kuom. The app was taken over by Facebook Inc. in February 2014. It presently boasts of over 1.5 billion total users who are spread out in over 180 countries. It is also visited by 450 million users monthly and 315 million users daily.

The app basically lets users send each other instant messages, make video and voices calls, and send free text messages among other features. It does have a payment option which, at the moment, is limited to India alone. This is the WhatsApp Pay feature. All the transactions are processed by the Unified Payments Interface.

#2: Facebook Messenger

Closely trailing WhatsApp is the Facebook Messenger. As the name suggests, it was indeed developed by and is owned by Facebook Incorporated. It boasts 1.4 billion active users as of December 2017. It is presently installed on 87.5% of all Android devices in circulation. It does have a payment option which is still in beta version at the moment.

This messaging app enables two Facebook users to chat, exchange files and photos, make video calls, and even send each other text messages. It does not require the subscribers to share their telephone contacts as each user logs in with his Facebook username.

#3: WeChat

WeChat stands apart from the top messaging apps in that it originates from the most unlikely location - China. By the close of the year 2017, it had around 963 million monthly active users. It is basically a social chatting tool that lets its users chat freely with their friends. It also has a friend-finder tool which enables you to track the location of your contacts via the GPRS functionality.

It does support a range of payment options. These include Native In-App Payments, QR Code, Quick Pay, and In-App Web-Based. Because of this, it brings along the benefit of utmost convenience to its users.

#4: Telegram

This Russian-developed instant messaging app is cloud-based. This simply means that it stores all the conversations, files, and data in a cloud. It thereafter avails this data to its users regardless of their precise locations on the globe. It grants its users the ability to send instant messages, exchange photos, files, videos, audio, and stickers.

At the moment, it has 180 million active users globally. The app has variants that are compatible with various operating systems and platforms. Among these are iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows Phone, Linux, and Windows NT.

It also has a payment option. This option basically acts as an intermediary between the end user-payer, the bot developer, and their preferred payment platform.

#5: Snapchat

In sharp contrast to other mobile messaging apps, Snapchat is multimedia. This simply means that it handles and transfers files of various formats and types. It lets users chat instantly, share files and photos, and hold live video conferencing, among others.

It had a whopping 187 million daily users as of the end of 2017. It is also available in 22 languages and is mainly popular among North American and European teens.

Other than sending each other messages, the app also allows users to send money to one another. The money is relayed by use of Square Cash's email payment platform.

#6: Line

Unlike most other mobile messaging apps that are restricted to mobile devices, Line accommodates several electronics. It can work well via cellphones, personal computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is free-of-charge and commands an active user base of about 217 million people. It is mainly restricted to Asia though.

With this app, users can chat; make conference voice and video calls, exchange photos and stickers, and even play games! It does have a payment platform called LINE Pay. This provides a secure and trustworthy payment service.

#7: KIK

Developed by the Canadian company, KIK Interactive, this software is a freeware instant messaging mobile app. It is available free-of-charge via the iOS and Android operating systems. It is also free to operate as it utilizes your smartphone's data plan or the Wi-Fi connectivity to send and receive mobile web pages, instant messages, videos, photos, and sketches.

In the year-ended 2017, it had 300 million active users. It is especially popular among US teens. The app launched its own digital currency called Kin. With this currency, users will be able to earn and buy items from inside the app.

#8: IMO

IMO supports and works well alongside other big instant messaging names like Yahoo!, AIM, Google Talk, Facebook Chat, and MSN Messenger. It basically lets you chat instantly with all your contacts in the aforementioned social networking sites. This saves you a great deal of time and effort as it absolves you from the need to log in to those sites separately.

Other than sending and receiving instant messages, the app also lets users make and receive video and voice calls, for free! At the end of 2017, the app had been downloaded 500 million times especially by the younger range of teenagers.

#9: Viber

Founded in 2003, this social chatting app bears several similarities with most other mobile messaging apps. It is cross-platform in that it can work well across several operating systems and platforms. Examples of these are iOS, Microsoft Windows, Android, Linux, and MacOS. It had a whopping 980 million registered users worldwide as of the year-ended 2017.

Apart from merely chatting, the app also enables its users to make phone calls to each other, absolutely free! Other than that, it also enables users to exchange media - like images and video records. It has no payment platform of its own.

#10: Kakaotalk

Closing our list of the top mobile messaging apps is this free mobile instant messaging application for smartphones. With a pretty small user base of just about 49.7 million10, this app is mainly limited to South Korea and much of Asia. It does have a bright future though as more and more people are anticipated to download it in the future.

The app is loaded with free text and free call features. It also works well across several platforms as MacOS, Bada OS, Android OS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Windows, and Nokia Asha.

It also comes along with KakaoPay which basically allows users to pay for certain products online using their KakaoTalk account. It also allows users to safely transfer money to their respective bank account from their Kakaotalk chat. They do this without necessarily using any of their authentication certificate or one-time-password (OTP).

Conclusion

Mobile apps for Android and iOS are indeed here to stay. Moreover, they also play a crucial role in enhancing how we connect to and share with people all around us. You just cannot afford to overlook them at all; not when you own a smartphone.

For this reason, you have to make every effort to download and install at least one of the free mobile messaging apps. The 10 best free mobile messaging apps we have identified and reviewed above will usually give you the much-needed starting point.

By Bob Tom

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3 'MUST' Methods To Ensure a Successful Mobile Application Development

Taking into consideration the growing technological development, businesses are rushing to tackle the need for mobile applications. Consumers and employees use their tablets and smart phones always, therefore the companies are regularly trying to discharge mobile apps to serve their customers and employees in a better way.

Selected companies are in a hurry to complete mobile application development which in the long run needs to be updated every now and then. This would not have happened if the client had given himself enough time.

Below are a few things which as a client, you can implement to avoid a hurried mobile application development process that will give you problems in the long run.

Formulate a plan for your mobile app

The worst fear most companies come across is that they are not aware of what they want exactly, and before liberating a mobile application, the first thing to do is to avail yourself a defined objective and a plan for your mobile app. You must weigh its achievements and the method which will be useful to the users.

Amateurs provide a recommendation to companies to organize a comprehensive plan of steps to be followed, their suitable time of completion and the overall expenditure. Be definite on your requirements for the application, and also get reviews from clients so that you are able to come to the right conclusion on what your objectives are with the mobile app development.

Selecting between staying-in-house or outsourcing

Companies are requested to intensely calculate if the applications can be handled by freelance developers or a mobile app development company or in-house. It is simpler for big companies to accomplish resources for full time in-house developers due to the considerable size of their IT section, quite often accompanied with a big number of mobile applications and quite a sturdy online presence.

Employing an internal IT staff for mobile app developments varies a lot on software development expertise, and most regularly, it is very difficult to select the sole personnel with development and design skills who is capable to achieve the entire project.

When contracting a company, look for that which is adequate for the dimension of your company because naturally, large companies work with their counterpart agencies. Do a thorough online search for reputable agencies around your area and you can as well ask for reviews from past clients and records of previous accomplished company's project from the agency.

Lastly, be definite to see the way the agency has incorporated your mobile app with latest software systems for previous customers and their objective to build it for you.

Test it and wait for users' feedback

Testing and getting a feedback are crucial points for mobile app development as the designers and developers are not the precise product users. After completion, the programmers are required to engage themselves personally so that they can recognize if the application will be worthwhile to users. An appropriate response can be achieved if the developers can either form trivial pilot groups or force the application out to the end user base.

By Hannah Cuthbertson

Hannah Cuthbertson is a technical writer, at Maxtra Technologies, who writes on mobile technology, app development, web app design & development and digital marketing. A leader in his own rights, her grad-friends see her as an avid researcher and a technology evangelist.

The Dilemma Of Wireless Infrastructure In Cities

Wireless connectivity is an issue currently confronting cities across the country. This isn't something that is going to happen in ten years, but rather a revolution that is going on right now. No one could have predicted wireless to explode the way it has.

Do you think of wireless coverage as part of your city's infrastructure?

We need to start thinking about wireless as infrastructure - the same way we think about water and sewer systems. Four out of five Americans say mobile connectivity is a necessary part of their daily lives. Let's be clear - mobile internet access is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Time and again, studies after study on this topic, multiple sources all say the same thing: internet connectivity NOW is an essential element of modern life. Connectivity is a critical part of private enterprise, home life and effective governance. We should be doing everything we can in our cities to encourage deployment of wireless infrastructure.

The pressing need for robust wireless infrastructure is only going to increase. It's hard to keep up with the demand for additional wireless infrastructure to serve business and residents in our communities, but the demand is going to increase further. When you think of wireless, do you just think about mobile phones? It's really much more than that. It includes water meters, gas meters, every electric meter. Just about every new car being delivered today has a cellular enabled modem on board. Traffic lights, street lights, iPhones, even iWatches.

In less than 12 months, the major carriers will start rolling out 5G in select American cities, including California. Most of us have heard of 5G. While the exact specifications still haven't been released, the overarching idea is to provide mobile data at the same speed as today's residential broadband connections. This means wireless internet on our mobile devices at just about the same speed as we have at home. This will change EVERYTHING. This is the most important trend in modern infrastructure since the mass deployment of broadband internet. Imagine a world where having a blazing fast internet connection no longer requires a hardwired connection. The enterprise and services this infrastructure will support will revolutionize the way we collect data, conduct business and go about our daily lives.

Many of us here remember the introduction of the internet to people's homes. Initially the internet was seen as a novelty. Most businesses didn't take it very seriously. Even when we got to the point where most companies had a web page, they were fairly static and there was still a lot of debate on how useful the internet was to the average person. Today, I think there is no doubt it's a critical component of modern life. Now the vast majority of companies don't just have a website, they have mobile versions of their websites with Ecommerce built in. Billions are sold through the Internet. Applications are optimized to work on mobile devices straight out of the gate. In January 2018, an incredible 95 percent of active Facebook users accessed their account through mobile devices at least once. There are dozens of similar pressures on mobile data driving the need for expanded wireless infrastructure.

Mobile video is a huge component of this demand. Video streaming is already more than 75% of total data consumption. People who are near or below the poverty line are much more likely than middle- and high-income Americans to only have one source of access to the internet.

That source is almost always a mobile phone. For them, lack of quality data coverage isn't just inconvenient, it can be the barrier between them and critical health, banking, job searching and government services. We really need to spend more time thinking how wireless infrastructure plays a key role in serving the low-income residents who live in our cities.

80% of 9-1-1 calls are made from mobile phones. Can you imagine if it was as challenging to make that emergency call as it is to send a picture from a crowded stadium? Investing in wireless infrastructure is more than just a revenue opportunity. Cities should be incentivizing its proliferation. Robust wireless infrastructure supports public safety and can saves lives.

Cities can take advantage of private sector investment to build the best wireless infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayers. This is where it takes leadership. Cities need to adapt to the world of connectivity to meet the needs of the community.

After nearly a decade of work in this arena, we still can't tell you what all the right and wrong answers are because every city has a unique profile and needs. However, what I can tell you is cities should be exploring every opportunity to provide your constituents with the infrastructure they need to improve the economy, public safety and our quality of life.

For more information visit: https://madaffer.com/5gwirelessinfrastructure/

By Sania Victor