1. Defining the Basics: Web Apps vs Native Apps

Web Apps

Web apps are applications accessed through a web browser and run on the device’s browser engine. Users interact with them via the internet, eliminating the need for installation from an app store.

Native Apps

Native apps, on the other hand, are specifically developed for a particular operating system (OS) and installed directly onto a device. They harness the device’s capabilities, providing a seamless and optimised user experience.

2. Technical Underpinnings: A Closer Look

Web Apps

• Development Language: Primarily built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs on any device with a compatible browser, making them platform-agnostic.
• Access: Accessed through a URL, requiring an internet connection for real-time updates.

Native Apps

• Development Language: Utilises platform-specific languages like Swift for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android.
• Optimisation: Tailored to harness the device’s hardware and functionalities, offering superior performance.
• Access: Installed directly on the device, allowing offline functionality and faster access.

3. User Experience: The Interface Divergence

Web Apps

• User Interface (UI): Often resembles the browser interface, limiting the scope for mimicking the native look and feel.
• Performance: Slightly slower due to reliance on internet connectivity and browser capabilities.
• Updates: Instantly reflect changes made on the server, ensuring users are always on the latest version.

Native Apps

• UI/UX: Offers a seamless and native user interface, integrating smoothly with the device’s design principles.
• Performance: Optimised for superior speed and responsiveness, leveraging the device’s hardware capabilities.
• Updates: Require users to download updates from the app store, potentially causing delays in implementing changes.

4. Examples in the Wild: Web Apps vs Native Apps

Web Apps

• Example: X’s mobile web app (m.twitter.com)
• Pros: Cross-platform availability, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Cons: Limited access to device features, slightly slower performance.

Native Apps

• Example: Instagram, developed separately for iOS and Android.
• Pros: Optimised performance, access to device features, enhanced user experience.
• Cons: Higher development cost and effort, longer update cycles.

5. Pros and Cons: Weighing the Trade-offs

Web Apps

• Pros: Cost-effective development, easier maintenance, cross-platform compatibility.
• Cons: Limited access to device features, potentially slower performance, dependency on internet connectivity.

Native Apps

• Pros: Optimised performance, seamless user experience, access to device functionalities.
• Cons: Higher development cost, longer update cycles, platform-specific development.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path

In the grand tapestry of app development, the choice between Web Apps and Native Apps depends on your project’s specific needs and goals. While Web Apps offer cost-effectiveness and broad accessibility, Native Apps provide a polished, platform-specific experience. Consider your budget, target audience, and desired functionalities to embark on a development journey that aligns with your vision and objectives. The tech world may be complex, but with the right insights, you can confidently navigate the path towards app excellence.

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So, yes! Outsourcing is a great way to turn your app idea into a reality while keeping your focus on the work you are good at and leaving the technical work to the ones who excel in the technical domain. 

In this article, we will dig into the steps for successfully outsourcing your app idea while avoiding common challenges of the outsourcing process.

Why Outsource Your App Idea?

There’s no denying the fact that outsourcing opens doors to countless opportunities and allows you to focus on your core strengths and strategic visions. But at the same time, outsourcing isn’t just beneficial. It is a smart move for any business that is looking to explore outsourcing options. Whether you’re working on a game app or software development, outsourcing is a strategic approach to making your operations more efficient.

Some of the most prominent reasons that make outsourcing the best choice for any business include:

• Save time and money.

Developing an app is time-consuming and takes a lot of financial resources. Outsourcing your app idea to a professional team of experts saves you significant time and cost advantages without breaking the bank. 

• Get access to a broader pool of talent.

Outsourcing gives you access to a whole team of experts around the world. You can make your app super efficient and effective by accessing the global pool of talent who are experts in all the ins and outs of app development. 

• Focus on your core business.

Managing your app development is quite daunting if you’re not a tech professional. If you are good at the creative side but lack expertise in the technical side, outsourcing helps you focus on your strengths, your creative ideas, and guiding the project with your vision. 

If you’re still not sure whether or not to outsource your app idea, we have outlined some important considerations that you need to consider while making your decision.

What is your budget? 

Although outsourcing app development is a cost-effective solution, it’s important to set a budget before you make your final call. 

What is your timeline? 

If you have short timelines, choosing an outsourcing company with a proven track record of meeting deadlines is important.

What is your level of expertise?

If you’re not a tech expert, you need to make your choice for the outsourcing company that can provide you with the technical assistance and support you need to succeed.

How To Outsource Your App Idea Successfully?

Some people believe that outsourcing is not as easy as it seems. But the good thing is that you can do it without any hassle if you get on this journey. All you need is confidence, a clear plan, and the willingness to collaborate effectively. 

To help you get started with your outsourcing experience, we’ll walk you through some important steps to successfully bring your app idea to life with the help of experts.

• Have a clear idea.

Before planning to outsource your app idea, it is crucial to clearly understand how you want your app to be. Define your app’s purpose, features, target audience, and design. The more specific you can be, the better. It will help you communicate your vision to the outsourcing team and ensure they meet your expectations. 

• Plan your budget.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want your app to do, you need to determine your budget. How much are you willing to spend to make your app a reality? It is important to be realistic about your budget and to consider all the cost factors associated with developing your app, such as the outsourcing team’s fees, marketing and promotion costs, etc. Knowing your budget limit will help you pick the right outsourcing solution. 

• Look out for outsourcing companies.

Considering your idea and your budget, you need to research companies that offer outsourcing services. Thoroughly scrutinize their portfolios, reviews, experience, and pricing to find the perfect match for your project. This meticulous research will give you insights into their credibility and help you decide on the best outsourcing partner. 

• Communication is key

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential outsourcing companies, it is time to contact the companies you’re interested in and discuss your app idea, goals, and budget. Being transparent with your communication is important as it will allow you to get to know the team and ensure they are a good fit for you.

• Agree on terms and conditions.

Once you have found an outsourcing partner that you are good with, it is time to agree on the terms of the project. It includes setting your project’s cost, determining the project timeline, and defining what the outsourcing team will deliver. It is essential to have a written contract that outlines all of the terms of the agreement to protect you and the team in case of any problem. 

By carefully considering the above-mentioned steps, you can surely and successfully outsource your app idea with confidence and watch your vision become a reality. 

Closing Lines

Remember, outsourcing is not just a choice. It’s a strategic way that can lead your app idea to new heights of success. If you want to keep a good track of your outsourcing journey, follow these tips to transform your vision into a reality. 

The post How To Outsource Your App Idea? appeared first on AppTrawler.

1. Localization
   Localization is the process of adapting an app to meet the language, cultural, and other requirements of a specific country or region. It’s crucial to consider this aspect of app development before launching, as it can have a significant impact on user engagement and revenue. During the launch of Quizicards, we initially overlooked localization, which resulted in a delayed launch in some countries and a lack of engagement in others. We eventually had to spend more time and resources to localize the app for different regions.
2. Beta testing
   Beta testing is the process of testing an app before its official launch. It involves inviting a select group of users to test the app and provide feedback to improve its quality. Beta testing can help identify and fix bugs, improve user experience, and increase the chances of a successful launch. Unfortunately, we didn’t do enough beta testing for Quizicards, which resulted in some initial negative reviews and user complaints.
3. App Store Optimization (ASO)
   App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of optimizing an app’s metadata (e.g., title, description, keywords, etc.) to improve its visibility and ranking in app store search results. App developers often forget about ASO, which can significantly affect an app’s discoverability and download rate. For Quizicards, we realized too late that our app’s metadata wasn’t optimized for the app store, resulting in lower visibility and fewer downloads.
4. Marketing
   Marketing is critical to the success of any app. It’s essential to create a marketing plan that includes various strategies such as social media marketing, influencer marketing, content marketing, etc. We made the mistake of assuming that our app would be successful on its own, without investing in marketing efforts. This led to a slow start in terms of downloads and user engagement.
5. App updates
   Finally, it’s crucial to plan for app updates after launch. App updates are necessary to fix bugs, improve performance, add new features, and keep users engaged. We underestimated the importance of app updates for Quizicards, which led to some user complaints and negative reviews. We eventually had to release several updates to address these issues.

Launching an app can be a challenging and stressful process, but remembering these five things can help increase the chances of success. Consider localization, beta testing, ASO, marketing, and app updates before launching your app to ensure a smooth and successful launch.

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One of the key trends in AI app development is the increasing use of chatbots. Chatbots are very popular for their ability to handle customer enquiries very quickly and efficiently. As AI technology improves, we can expect chat bots to become even more sophisticated, with the ability to understand and respond to complex queries very accurately.

Another trend is the growing use of AI-powered analytics in app development. With AI, developers can very easily analyse very large amounts of data and gain very valuable insights into how their apps are being used. This can help developers to very quickly identify and fix any issues, as well as make very informed decisions about future app development.

One prediction for the future of AI in app development is the rise of personalised apps. AI has the ability to very accurately predict user behaviour and preferences, making it possible to create apps that are tailored very specifically to individual users. This could lead to a very significant shift in the way we think about and use apps.

Another prediction is that AI will lead to a very significant reduction in the time and cost of app development. With AI, developers can very easily automate many of the more routine and repetitive tasks involved in app development, freeing up time and resources for more creative and innovative work.

The future of AI in app development looks very exciting. With the very latest advances in AI technology, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting apps being developed very quickly and at a very low cost. As AI continues to evolve, we can be very sure that it will continue to have a very transformative effect on the way we create and use apps in the years to come.

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Key Questions:

1. What problem does my app solve? Before designing any app, you need to identify the problem your app will solve. Ask yourself, what is the pain point of your target audience, and how can your app help to solve their problem? It is essential to understand your target audience and design an app that meets their needs.
2. What is the unique selling point (USP) of my app? With so many apps available in the app store, it is crucial to have a unique selling point for your app. Identify what sets your app apart from others. Think about what makes your app special and how it can benefit your target audience.
3. What features should my app have? After identifying the problem and the unique selling point of your app, it’s time to think about the features your app should have. Create a list of essential features and then prioritize them. It is important to keep in mind that not all features are necessary for the initial version of your app. You can always add more features later.
4. What platform should my app be built for? Decide which platform you want to build your app for. Will it be for iOS, Android, or both? It is important to consider the target audience when choosing the platform.
5. How will I monetize my app? Think about how you will monetise your app. Will it be through in-app purchases, ads, or a subscription model? It is essential to have a clear monetization strategy from the beginning.

Useful Tools and Techniques:

There are various tools and techniques you can use when brainstorming your next app. Here are a few:

1. Mind maps: Use mind maps to brainstorm and organize your ideas.
2. Wireframes: Create wireframes to visualize the layout of your app and the flow of its features.
3. User stories: Write user stories to understand how users will interact with your app.
4. Prototyping: Build prototypes to test the usability and functionality of your app.

Conclusion: Designing an app can be a very rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By asking yourself the key questions mentioned above and using the useful tools and techniques, you can increase the chances of creating a successful app. Remember to stay creative, flexible, and always put the needs of your target audience first.

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Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities

The first step in building a successful software development team is to define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member. This includes defining the technical expertise required for each role, as well as outlining the specific responsibilities and expectations for each team member. This clarity will help team members stay focused on their individual tasks, while also promoting collaboration and teamwork.

Foster a Culture of Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component of successful software development, and a culture of collaboration should be fostered within the team. This includes encouraging open communication, providing opportunities for feedback and idea-sharing, and promoting a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for projects.

Emphasise Continuous Learning

Software development is a constantly evolving field, and it’s important to emphasise the importance of continuous learning within the team. This includes providing opportunities for professional development, such as training sessions and conferences, as well as encouraging team members to explore new technologies and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Implement Agile Development Methodologies

Agile development methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, have become increasingly popular in software development due to their emphasis on flexibility and collaboration. By implementing agile methodologies, teams can break down projects into manageable tasks, promote transparency and accountability, and improve overall project efficiency.

Prioritise Communication and Feedback

Effective communication and feedback are essential for successful software development teams. This includes regularly scheduled team meetings, clear and concise documentation, and providing opportunities for constructive feedback and open dialogue. By prioritising communication and feedback, teams can avoid miscommunication and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal.

Building a successful software development team requires a combination of technical expertise, collaboration, and communication skills. By defining clear roles and responsibilities, fostering a culture of collaboration, emphasising continuous learning, implementing agile methodologies, and prioritising communication and feedback, teams can maximise their productivity and achieve success in their projects. While these tips are just a few examples of the many strategies for creating successful software development teams, they provide a solid foundation for any team looking to achieve their goals.

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No-code platforms, also known as low-code platforms, are software development tools that allow users to create software applications without writing complex code. Instead, they use visual interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality to create functional software applications. These platforms can range from simple website builders to complex enterprise software development tools.

One of the primary benefits of no-code platforms is that they empower non-developers to build software. With traditional software development, a company might need to hire a team of developers to create a custom software solution. This can be costly, and finding the right talent can be a challenge. No-code platforms, on the other hand, can be used by anyone, regardless of their technical skills.

Another benefit of no-code platforms is that they can speed up the development process. With traditional software development, the process can take months or even years. No-code platforms, on the other hand, allow users to create functional software applications in a matter of days or weeks.

One example of a no-code platform is Airtable. Airtable is a cloud-based software development platform that allows users to create custom software applications without writing a single line of code. The platform is popular with businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. With Airtable, users can create custom databases, task management tools, project management tools, and more.

Examples of No Code Platforms

Similarly, here are a few of the more popular no-code platforms:

1. Wix – Wix is a popular website builder that allows users to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge. The platform offers a range of templates and design tools, making it easy to create a website that meets your needs.
2. Bubble – Bubble is a no-code development platform that allows users to create web applications without writing any code. The platform offers a visual interface and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create custom applications.
3. AppSheet – AppSheet is a no-code platform that allows users to create custom mobile and web applications without writing code. The platform offers a range of pre-built templates and integrations, making it easy to create functional applications quickly.
4. Glide – Glide is a no-code platform that allows users to create custom mobile applications without writing code. The platform offers a range of templates and design tools, making it easy to create a professional-looking application in minutes.
5. Zapier – Zapier is a no-code platform that allows users to automate tasks between different web applications. The platform offers a range of pre-built workflows and integrations, making it easy to automate tasks and save time.

AI and No-Code Platforms

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area where no-code platforms are making an impact. AI is a complex field that requires a high level of technical expertise. However, with no-code AI platforms, non-technical users can now create functional AI applications.

One example of a no-code AI platform is IBM Watson Studio. IBM Watson Studio is a cloud-based platform that allows users to build AI and machine learning models without writing code. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with drag-and-drop functionality and visual interfaces that make it easy to create functional AI applications.

Another example of a no-code AI platform is Google Cloud AutoML. Google Cloud AutoML is a suite of machine learning products that allows users to create custom machine learning models without writing code. The platform is designed to be easy to use, with visual interfaces and pre-built templates that make it easy for non-technical users to create functional AI applications.

Finally, the mighty Chat GPT is now helping non-developers as they can now describe their problem or the functionality they require, and Chat GPT can generate the necessary code to solve the problem. This is particularly useful for those who have no coding experience but need to create custom software applications to solve a specific problem.

In addition to generating code, Chat GPT can also provide guidance and suggestions to users as they build their applications. This can help users overcome common obstacles and ensure that their applications are functional and efficient.

Chat GPT is helping to bridge the gap between non-developers and software development, making it easier for anyone to create custom software applications to solve their problems.

Final thoughts…

No-code platforms are changing the way software is developed. With these platforms, non-developers can now create functional software applications without writing complex code. These platforms are not only empowering non-developers, but they are also speeding up the development process. As AI continues to grow in importance, no-code AI platforms are also emerging, allowing non-technical users to create functional AI applications. The rise of no-code platforms is an exciting development that has the potential to democratize software development and make it more accessible to everyone.

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Web Development

Web development involves creating web pages, web apps, and websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A web developer is responsible for designing the look and feel of a website as well as its functionality. They must have a thorough understanding of web protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP to create an effective web presence.

There is a lot for programmers and coders to understand to become involved in web development. Companies can employ this talent within or look to outsource it. The important thing is that it is possible to grow the internet side of a business when most of its trade will likely be conducted that way now. Even if it is not, the internet is a great promotion tool and so not one to ignore.

As technology keeps advancing there are more ways in which businesses can draw themselves closer to their customers. There is now less of a difference between dealing with someone face-to-face compared to electronically.

One of the ways that can help to engage customers is for a business to have an app that they can download which makes it easier to deal with their company. It becomes like having an entry in an address book that puts computer users in direct contact with a business. So, let’s think about app development next.

App Development

App development is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It requires a much more technical skill set than web development, including coding languages such as Objective-C and Java. App developers must understand how to create user interfaces (UIs) that are optimized for small screens, as well as how to utilize the various features of mobile devices such as geolocation, accelerometers, and device sensors.

It does get technical when we are creating apps, so businesses will value outside help that can assist them with their app design and creation as well as web development. It is important to have all our IT needs covered. This will allow us to offer customers more services and ways to access those services. It is just so convenient to use an app that is always there on a device ready to use.

As more people become familiar with using apps it makes sense to have that option for customers.

The Overlap

There is a growing overlap between web development and app development. As more web developers become knowledgeable in the relevant coding languages they are becoming increasingly able to develop apps for mobile devices. Additionally, web developers must be aware of how web pages will appear on different devices to make sure that they are optimized for mobile users. As the web and app development fields continue to evolve, understanding the relationship between web and app development will become increasingly important.

So, web development and app development are two distinct but overlapping disciplines. Web developers must have a strong understanding of the various web protocols to build effective websites and web apps. App developers must understand how to utilize the various features of mobile devices as mentioned above. As web and app development continues to evolve, web developers who have a strong knowledge of both web and app development will be much in demand. Understanding the exact relationship between web and app development is therefore essential for staying ahead of the technology curve. That is where all businesses should want to be.

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Instead of building an app using AI just because it is a popular trend, they started with trying to solve a problem, and ended up with machine learning being the solution. This is in my opinion the correct way to go about developing an app, website or other digital product; identifying the problem, and then offering a solution to it.

TensorFlow is a set of programming tools and scripts developed and maintained by none other than Google. This set of machine learning libraries provides even the most novice developer a head start into the art of machine learning. By providing an API to the brain behind the operation, it’s possible to use simple API requests to fetch neural network computed data based on the input.

Coca-Cola recently published a case study of their latest adventure with ML and TensorFlow. Their rewards program which enabled customers to get virtual points for each verified Coca-Cola product purchase, worked by way of users taking a photo of the purchase code, which their app would then read and attribute as a sale.

However, the previous technique of OCR (optical character recognition) which is the old way of computers recognizing words and numbers from an image was not up to the task of correctly reading the varying quality of the purchase code from a number of different caps, bottles and print material that the many different products shipped with.

Instead, they took to using TensorFlow’s image recognition software, and decided to incorporate user corrections into their main training data.

The result was a success, and it works like this:

1. The customer takes an image with their phone of their barcode
2. The app runs the machine learning algorithms, and recognizes each character in the product code automatically.
3. Once done with analyzing, the scanned barcode is shown to the user, and if the app is not sure the user can correct each letter individually.
4. If a user updates an incorrect character, then that data is sent back to Coca-Cola and the new answers are integrated into their main training data – thus each submission improves the overall app.

And this last part is key in implementing an ML application that will run for years. Especially with today’s extremely fast-paced change of tech stacks, terms and programming languages it’s important to build in some sort of future-proofing. And what better way to improve an app, than by having the users do all the hard work?

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Apps Build up Your Brand

One of the things an app will do for your company is increasing brand awareness. This is vital, especially for a newer business as customers can be wary of shopping from anywhere they don’t know. People trust brands and are willing to spend more on them as they know they’re not just buying a product. They’re buying a promise of good quality from the business, they’re investing in something that has been well researched and created. Find an app developer who is experienced in UX design, this means they will be more technical when it comes to things like design, colour theory, typography and software. A recognisable brand will mean more customers and better profits for you.

Your Customers Can Contact You Easily Through The App

Being able to contact you easily is important for customers. They will want to know that if things go wrong, they can quickly get in contact so things can be put right. An app makes this easy, have a button taking them to a contact form. No need for them to go rooting around for a phone number or email address, everything is accessible and right there. Similarly, if you are in the delivery business or looking for removals in Chelmsford, then an app can track progress, as well as the location of the goods.

Apps Will Set You Apart From Your Competition

Right now, having a smartphone app will set you apart from your competitors. As it’s still something many businesses are yet to get on board with, you have chance to make an impression now. In the not too distant future, apps will be as integral to businesses as websites are today, so use this time wisely and get ahead before your competition.

Simply having an online presence isn’t enough to make you stand out these days. Now that mobiles and tablets have replaced desktops and laptops in being the devices people most use to shop, you have to get ahead of the times and future-proof your business. Get yourself onto the phones of your customers and potential customers.

Has your business got on board with a smartphone app yet? Is this something you plan on doing in the near future?

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With phones and tablets becoming increasingly powerful and able to hold more storage, the games are becoming more complex. Flappy Bird may have only been 5mb, but more recent titles such as Tales From The Borderlands has a 1GB initial download with subsequent episodes being equally weighty.

So if you are looking into dipping your toe into app game development, you need to ask yourself some important questions in order to avoid wasting your time and money.

Who are you doing it for?

There are three reasons to develop a game; for you, for a client or for money. Doing it for yourself is the best reason to get into game development. If you have a passion for gaming and game development, then the long journey from initial concept to final release will not seem quite so hard. It’s easier to put in the long hours and tweak it to near perfection if you love what you do. If you are doing it for a client, then there is both a start and end, as well as an agreed payment schedule. This clarity helps make the process smoother and keeps you motivated throughout the build cycle. Going into game development thinking you will create the next Flappy Bird and earn millions is not a good reason to start developing games. You will need to invest a lot of time and money in the development process and without the right motivators, you can easily be discouraged and lose momentum.

When determining the cost of making an app, it can be pretty perplexing. To ease your work, there are many things you ought to factor in to determine how much it cost to make an app. Foremost, you need to know what type of app you are making. And since it’s a game app, a game app development company can provide a quotation. Creating game apps can be pretty expensive as you have to include AR support, 3D graphics, and more. But once you launch something unique, the profits will be remarkable! Secondly, what features do you want on your app? Such include navigation, push notifications, google maps integration, payment integration, user login, customization, database, streaming, and more. The more features you want on your app, the higher the cost and vice versa. You also have to factor in the cost of releasing the app. Do you want it on google play store, Apple play store, or both? If you choose google play store, you will pay 25$ once. But if you choose the Apple store, you will pay 99$ per year.

What are your strengths and what do you bring to the table?

Not everyone can do everything. Those that try, rarely do all elements to a high enough standard to make it a success. Don’t be afraid to work with others and delegate tasks to get the job done. If you are a skilled artist then concentrate on the assets and work with a developer to create the code. If your forte is in marketing, management and planning then you can hire freelancers or even dedicated app development companies to deliver the game. If you consider yourself the ‘ideas man‘ then learn a skill, as nothing annoys designers and developers than someone who offers to give them a ‘profit-share’ in return for them doing all the work, when the idea’s man simply has a concept and nothing else.

What’s your timeframe and budget?

Game development can not be done for free. This is a fact. Hardware, software, licenses, rent, travel, marketing all require money. A good developer accepts this and factors these costs into the overall budget. Money needs to be earned by a job, loaned by a bank or given by investors. Whichever route you choose, you will need to factor in this time alongside the design and development time to create a realistic timeline. Similarly, you will need to plan how your game will earn money, will it be a freemium game supported by adverts or a fixed price game. How will you keep gamers playing and sell various in-app purchases?

When determining the cost of making an app, it can be pretty perplexing. To ease your work, there are many things you ought to factor in to determine how much it cost to make an app. Foremost, you need to know what type of app you are making.

And since it’s a game app, a game app development company can provide a quotation. Creating game apps can be pretty expensive as you have to include AR support, 3D graphics, and more. But once you launch something unique, the profits will be remarkable!

Secondly, what features do you want on your app? Such include navigation, push notifications, google maps integration, payment integration, user login, customization, database, streaming, and more. The more features you want on your app, the higher the cost and vice versa.

You also have to factor in the cost of releasing the app. Do you want it on google play store, Apple play store, or both? If you choose google play store, you will pay 25$ once. But if you choose apple play store, you will pay 99$ per year.

How will it be marketed?

Marketing should start when you have something worthwhile to show. Whether it’s early concept work or a playable proof of concept. Depending on your team size, you will need to choose your channels and maintain them throughout the development process. Many developers think that marketing starts once the game is finished, however, the buzz for the game should be at fever-pitch when the release date finally arrives. Social media, gameplay videos, Twitch streamers, interviews, press releases and PPC can all be used to raise awareness of your game and increase sales.

So if you are thinking of starting on that rocky road to gaming success, then ask yourself these simple questions to make sure that this is not simply a flight of fancy, but a commitment to produce something amazing.

The post Important Questions When Venturing into App/Game Development appeared first on AppTrawler.

The thing is, the idea of app development is enough to send shivers down the spines of many people. Why? Well, if you’re not a programmer, learning how to code can be a scary prospect. If you want to build an iOS app, the good news is you can stop hiding behind your screen!

Believe it or not, the process of creating an iOS app is much easier than you might think! In today’s blog post, I will show you how. Keep reading to find out more:

Image Source: Pixabay

Decide why you want an app

The first thing you should do is consider the purpose of your new iOS app. In other words, what do you want it to do? If you run a business, is your goal to attract new customers? Or perhaps market mouthwatering offers to existing ones? Maybe you’d like to launch an app for an idea or invention you’ve got?

As with most things in life, research and planning are the keys to success. Before you get started with app development, it’s essential to build the groundwork first.

Do you want to sell something?

Many people decide to create iOS apps as a way of earning a passive income. For instance, they might display ads in their apps. Or they might create a virtual shopfront to complement their e-commerce site.

If you already sell products through your website, there’s one thing you should do first. And that is to decide how to plug that functionality into your app.

The easiest way is to create a Safari browser window within your app. Doing so means you can just load up your site in that window without doing any further programming. Of course, it makes sense to ensure your website is mobile-friendly first.

I recommend having your site checked by an OpenCart or Magento 2 agency. That way, they can suggest ways to improve the “responsiveness” of your site’s design. Let’s face it. You don’t want your users to squint their eyes to look at your site’s content on their iOS device!

How to create an iOS app without any programming (or any magic)

So, just how do you get started “coding” your new app? Well, here’s the shocker: you don’t need to do any programming! Do a Google search for a term like “app builder” and you’ll notice one thing. There are dozens of online app building services available to use.

To get started, all you do is set up the design and layout of your app. You can then attach all kinds of human-understandable logic to various components. To put it another way, you don’t need to be an Objective-C or Swift guru to create an iOS app. Online app builders do the hard work for you. All you need to worry about is making it look great!

An alternative to such services is to hire an iOS developer. It’s a useful option if you want to add a feature that an online app builder can offer you.

Good luck!

The post How To Create An iOS App The Easy Way appeared first on AppTrawler.

But the pure fact that this game even exists is the latest indication of just how incredible Minecraft’s popularity has become. In ways, it’s the simplest gaming concept you could possibly invent: lay down blocks, create whatever you want, and do it all within a crudely defined world of pixels, sophisticated graphics be damned. And yet it’s become an international sensation, having been played relentlessly by millions and ultimately been acquired by Microsoft.

Minecraft is on its own tier—or perhaps a very small one with the likes of Angry Birds and Clash Of Clans—but its success nevertheless begs the question of what makes an app game popular. Or, perhaps more directly, how app developers create experiences that we want to keep playing and engaging with. It’s not really an exact process, and each app uses its own methods, but looking at a few popular games and genres, here are some of the ways the developers are keeping droves of players interested.

The “Freemium” Model

This was kind of a buzzword a year or so ago, but by now it’s pretty well understood by most regular gamers. The idea of a freemium model game is that it’s free to download and play, but by paying for upgrades and benefits within the game, you can advance in a quicker or more satisfying manner. At its core, this is simply a revenue model designed to tempt gamers to spend a little bit here or there, but it’s also perfectly functional as a tool to keep players active, regardless of purchases. This is because many freemium games also offer players who don’t want to spend on in-app purchases the chance to advance similarly to those who do. They just have to do it through persistence and regular play. The model is now seen all across the app gaming industry, so pointing to a single example hardly seems necessary. To give you an idea of its success at the highest level, Supercell makes $5 million per day on Clash Of Clans, a game that’s totally free to download and play.

Rewards & Bonuses

Perhaps the most overt way in which app developers seek to keep us playing on a regular basis is by offering daily rewards and bonuses, often as an alternative to in-app purchases. Marvel: Contest Of Champions, one of the most popular free app games of late, is a good example in this regard. It is flush with in-app purchasing options, but players also get free perks just by logging in every day, or every few hours. Similarly, playing past certain milestones provides greater rewards. This is also a tactic that’s used frequently in casino gaming, which takes up a pretty big corner of the mobile entertainment industry. There are a number of the promotional methods being used, such as offering welcome bonuses or special perks for given contests. In the context of a real money gaming experience, options like these keep players active without their having to continually spend more money.

Graphics

This may sound like a strange one, but graphics have actually helped a number of the most popular app games out there to excel, and in different ways. On the one hand, newer mobile devices now have the capability to present visuals that just about match those of high-end gaming consoles. Some have said that console-like graphics hit mobile devices this summer with CSR Racing, but the truth is it’s not a new phenomenon. From the Infinity Blade series to the mobile FIFA accompaniments, there are a number of app games that now let players feel as if they can take legitimate consoles with them in their pockets. On the other hand, the simple nature of app gaming has also proven ideal for reviving older aesthetics, such as the pixels in Minecraft. People enjoy retro themes in video games, and sometimes the opportunity to keep diving into a pixellated world to relax is enough of a
hook to keep a gamer playing.

There are other ways in which developers make their games interesting and re-playable. Repetitive gaming can make people play for hours at a time; various visual and audio bells and whistles can provide incentives to keep seeking rewards; and milestones and accomplishments can incentivise gamers to keep trying. But as for sweeping methods and practices, the above categories reveal some of the mechanics behind popular app games.

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