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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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Currently, the tech industry makes up 35% of the total world market (Zippia) with more than 585,000 tech companies operating out of the US alone. The Big Four tech companies (Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook) are now collectively worth $4 trillion. It’s a fairly safe bet to say that adapting to new technologies faster and more efficiently is going to be a major factor in ensuring the survival (and competitive advantage) of any business.

Benefits of new technology for businesses

Unlock a higher degree of efficiency with new technologies

Using new technologies to streamline business processes can save time, enhance communication, and make tasks easier. For example, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems and instant messaging apps enable seamless instant connectivity no matter where your teams or even your clients are located. Your team can always get in touch with each other and clients and business partners anytime, anywhere on any internet-connected device. This makes relaying critical information quicker and easier reducing the scope for communication errors or lags and enabling seamless decision-making.

Similarly, business process management solutions enabled by reliable managed service providers such as IT Support Rhode Island unlock the opportunity for organizations to automate repetitive tasks. These can include recording but time-consuming processes such as accounts payable processes. With automation, your staff can significantly reduce time and effort spent on repetitive tasks and instead focus on accomplishing higher-order tasks.

Make sure your infrastructure is ready for remote and hybrid work

For many organizations, issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to pose challenges. Many businesses are still struggling to cope with the challenges including how to manage remote and hybrid workforces. These issues can be addressed by implementing modern communications and collaboration tools that enable entire organizations to stay connected and on the same page. Managers can check in on employees, co-workers can call or message one another regarding projects they’re working on together, and teams can share documents and edit these at the same time if needed. They have the ability to set and track task progress so everyone’s always kept in the loop—and much more. If you are a local business that needs help with setting up its infrastructure to support the future of remote work, consider reaching out to Managed IT Services Boston.

Improve your potential for employee engagement and retention

When computers frequently freeze or take a long time to load, employees become less productive and experience frustration. Inadequate technological equipment that is not updated over time can lead to poor employee engagement and experiences. When you provide your team with the latest hardware and software, they are able to perform tasks smoothly and efficiently without being distracted by technology frustrations. Moreover, keeping your technology updated continuously shows that you are a proactive employer on top of evolving technology and security demands. It also tells employees that you are invested in ensuring their comfort with a smooth and frictionless work experience, increasing morale, loyalty, and employee retention.

Reduced costs

As technology evolves, it is imperative to adopt new solutions. New technology is vital to the growth of any business. The cost of implementing new equipment or software is often less than the expense of repairing or replacing existing equipment, downtime, or lost productivity. By investing in the cloud, you can save even more — cloud providers shoulder the burden of managing your hardware, so you no longer have to worry about expenses like utilities and maintenance. Cloud-based services turn out to be highly cost-efficient in the long run, as they eliminate the need for hardware and utilities. Regardless of your company’s size and industry, new technologies such as cloud computing are key to achieving your goals and sustaining your competitive edge. To ensure that any new hardware or software is implemented properly and aligned with your business needs, reach out to our experts today. Seasoned experts at IT Consulting Boston can help your company decide which cloud solutions are right for its unique needs and goals. Contact us today to find out how.

About Kenny:

Kenny Rounds is the founder and CEO of Braver Technology Solutions, a leading IT Support Boston Company offering full IT Support & Security solutions. Throughout the last 30 years, Kenny has continually expanded his workforce, embracing the core values of integrity and innovation and growing into one of New England’s premier IT service providers. He is a cybersecurity expert and has presented at local groups and hosted educational webinars on all things IT.

The post Businesses Adaptable to New Tech Are Going to Win appeared first on AppTrawler.

Virtual reality is an evolving technology primarily known for its application in video games, but it could also be used in business. The primary ingredient of a virtual reality system is a headset or other device that completely takes over the user’s field of vision and provides an immersive experience. More advanced systems offer audio immersion, extremely high-resolution imagery, and positional tracking, allowing users to move around and use their hands to interact with the virtual environment. For extensive resources on how businesses can implement virtual reality in their daily operations, please refer to IT Support Virginia. 

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus enhancing one’s perception of it. AR is more or less a computer graphic overlay that aims to transform an actual, existing object.

Use Cases of AR and VR

Corporate Management

Corporate management is composed of the people and machinery that work behind the scenes to produce products and services. Augmented reality applications are very common in human resource training and data organization.

Human Resource Training

Human resource training includes team-building activities that are important in maintaining the chemistry of human resources. Some companies now opt to hold virtual tours, challenging the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie between employees by requiring team members to work together toward a common goal. This lets companies avoid the hassle of picking an available schedule with favorable weather and the additional expense of transportation, food, and accommodation. This is particularly applicable in a situation like the pandemic, where many organizations were forced to opt for virtual tours to guarantee employee safety and well-being. 

Data Organization and Presentation

Organizing and presenting data is one of the most critical aspects of business management. While it has been traditional for people to keep track of important data by hand, computers have made it easier to manage large amounts of information. Augmented reality and virtual reality are newer technologies that can help you organize your business data. With them, you can create a tiny envelope with an augmented reality interface that lets you keep track of all the data while presenting your findings in a non-intimidating way by giving each icon an information button you can click on for more details, even inserting short explanatory videos for each section.

Product or Service Conceptualization

The biggest hindrance in the product or service conceptualization process often comes from the prototype-building phase. Traditionally, one must invest in raw materials without knowing whether the final creation will work out as planned. The experimentation process often leads to mistakes, which also leads to wasted resources and can be prohibitively expensive. This is where digital technologies have an edge with the edit and undo feature. With this, we can save resources by not worrying about wasting them on failed attempts at creating our final product. Augmented and virtual reality technology stepping up its game, we can now utilize the conceptualization process in a more immersive way. For help and guidance on AR/VR-enabled product or service conceptualization, please contact IT Consulting Virginia.

Product Design or Service Planning

Industries like beauty, tourism, and entertainment will likely find virtual reality technology a lifesaver. The technology allows users to “edit and undo” their designs in real-time. For beauticians, experimenting with product color formulations on physical skin through augmented reality is a big help. Likewise, architects and engineers may also benefit from 3D design software enhanced with features of environmental simulation.

Better Layout Designs in Marketing Planning with AR/VR

Marketing planning includes the decision-making and outline of the marketing efforts implemented upon product or service launching and actual operations. One of the usual marketing strategies implemented by different businesses is having a poster or infographic that showcases their product or service. The poster and infographic layout design is an attention-grabbing critical tactic in swaying potential customers. Therefore, layout designing is a tedious process that businesses depend on to have more diversified and non-constrained ideas for conceptualization, which is considered “in” at that time. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) give an edge over just a two-dimensional experience, which shall leave an impression on potential customers with AR/VR technology.

Advertising and Product/Service Testing with AR/VR

Businesses rely on consumers for the success of their products or service. That is why companies need to enhance customer awareness of their offerings and convince them with advertising. In an inflationary economy, customers are likely to become only more prudent with their purchase decisions. They can study products carefully by weighing their net weights, comparing prices per gram, checking durability and quality, and ensuring that they conform to their personal preferences. This is where Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technology can be used to test products as significant value addition and added attraction in courting potential consumers. Managed IT Services Virginia offers extensive resources on the applications of AR/VR in advertising and product testing.

Post courtesy: Strategic Solutions

The post How Can We Use Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies in Business Management? appeared first on AppTrawler.

LaMDA is a highly evolved conversational engine designed by Google in 2017 to help organise and sort the many teraflops of data. LaMDA uses a neural network architecture that has been specifically trained using dialogue, so the idea of it becoming sentient is not that inconceivable. Whilst this kind of AI will have fantastic applications in search intent and delivering search results, there is a worry that our our language could cause issues with the AI’s outlook. by internalising biases, mirroring hateful speech, or replicating misleading information a powerful AI could actually propagate language that is considered ethically wrong.

AI is All Around Us

Either way, AI is now part of everyday life, Siri, Alexa, and Cortana are built into the phones we carry and even the foods we eat are supervised by AI. Optical Sorting Machines scan foods on a conveyor belt a lightning speed, removing the bad elements from the good. Amazon AWS Forecast can spot trends in purchasing and start preparing orders even before they are purchased. Spend too long looking at an item, Amazon Forecast is able to get an item shipped to a nearby depot even before you have purchased it to ensure next-day delivery.

from sorting your grapes to driverless cars, these AI systems seem far away and part of the business world, but you can have the latest AI technology in your pocket in a range of AI-powered apps. Outside of the handful of virtual assistants, five of note include:

ELSA Speak

ELSA is a popular AI-powered app that helps people to speak English. Users of this app can learn how to speak English and pronounce English words with the help of short dialogues. Due to the AI’s quick feedback, users can make progress at a faster rate.

Socratic

The Socratic app helps students with math and other homework. Students simply take pictures using their phone cameras and Socratic uses its AI capabilities to provide visual explanations for the various concepts that students are looking to learn.

Fyle

Fyle is a sophisticated expense management app that integrates with various business systems. Its AI-powered network is able to sort expenses, manage workflows and even offer real-time policy checks.

Hound

Have you ever wanted to talk to your sat nav or GPS whilst driving? Well, Hound is an AI-powered voice assistant that allows you to search for information using your voice. Hound will then read and offer you results based on your requests. Hound offers accurate results quickly and can help quickly and easily when lost in a new place.

Youper

Youper is a powerful mental health AI designed to help users take care of their mental health through personalised meditations and sessions. Youper users can get a better understanding of themselves and track their moods through regular use.

AI systems are everywhere, so it is only a matter of time before one becomes sentient. The recent viral news about LeMDA has re-focused software professionals on the importance of AI principles and governance. It may be any day now and we need to be sure that we design AI to be better and more ethical than we are.

The post AI Runs The World, But Can It Take Over? appeared first on AppTrawler.

This article discusses how you, as a parent with a disability, can increase the chances of achieving sustainable success with your business startup, including consideration of potential funding sources and how acquiring fresh skills could give you an edge over your competitors.

Improve Your Chances of Success With a Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan has been shown to increase the chances of achieving and sustaining a successful business, and it’s a crucial step in how to set up a new company. The plan details information about every facet of your business’s structure, operation, and projected finances. A business plan usually includes the following data:

• Analysis of the market/identification of the intended audience
• Marketing strategy
• Business structure
• Information on your company’s goals and ethos and how it adds value
• Details of the service/product to be provided
• Detailed costs, including startup costs, capital requirements, funding sources, and financial projections

Setup Your Business

With a business plan in place, its time to set up the business. It can be anything from a sole trader to a fully limited company. For a Company Formation Service visit www.yourcompanyformations.co.uk which will show you the various options and any associated costs. Also, consider the benefits of having your children named as 1% directors so you can pay them a small salary as well as get them company-related assets.

Hone Your Business Skills

Running a business requires a different skill set than that needed for providing the service or making the product you’re selling. An MBA program provides learners with vital expertise in areas such as accounting, human capital management, strategic planning, and marketing.

These days, it’s possible to enroll in and study for an MBA online. Online programs are ideal for parents with disabilities, as it’s possible to study at the same time as fulfilling other commitments. Many parents are surprised by just how easy it is to achieve a good work/life balance at the same time as completing an MBA online.

Apply for Business Grants

Depending on your circumstances, your startup could be eligible for one or more business grants. A wide range of grant-giving organizations across the country provides support for entrepreneurs with disabilities. The federal government also offers support in some circumstances. In addition to generic business support grants, some parents with disabilities may be eligible for grants that are targeted at people with disabilities. Disabled veterans, for example, have access to exclusive startup grant opportunities.

Applying for grants can be a time-consuming business but can ultimately deliver valuable funding that can help to get your business off the ground.

Use Local Business Networks

Organizations, such as your local chamber of commerce, are great places to meet other business owners as well as get expert assistance with common business startup problems, such as staffing, financing, or the acquisition of premises. Business support networks usually include seasoned business owners who can give assistance on a wide variety of issues. They bring a wealth of experience, which can be invaluable to fledgling business owners.

Sustainable Business Success Is Possible

Although the initial slog involved in starting a business can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly for parents with disabilities, who already have plenty to do, taking the time to put the right business foundations in place now significantly increases the chances of long-term success.

Be sure to visit AppTrawler to find news, reviews, previews, and updates from the world of apps that can help your business.

The post For Many Parents With Disabilities, Starting a Business Is the Perfect Employment Solution appeared first on AppTrawler.

Remote Working Tools

Of course, many people needed to start using remote working tools as lockdowns happened across the country. As a result, companies offering these tools saw a real boost in their earnings as demand skyrocketed. 

The best example is Zoom. This video conferencing software saw a huge 109% download growth, and their shares rapidly rose. Microsoft Teams reached 44 million users in just one week. In China, programs like WeChat Work crashed on the first day workers were working from home. 

These businesses are looking to see steady growth too, as more and more workers will opt to remain working from home. 

Online Streaming

This is a broad category, but it’s one that can’t be ignored. Of course, as entertainment outside of the home was a no go, people had to find some ways to entertain themselves without leaving home. That’s how several entertainment services gained popularity. 

Streaming services have already been doing well, but over lockdown they found more of an audience than ever before. The launch of Disney+ came at a good time too, launching in the UK in March 2020. By April 2020 they had 50 million paid subscribers, as opposed to 28.6 million in February the same year. 

As well as TV and film streaming, there was also a significant rise in streaming on services like Twitch and YouTube. There has been a steadily growing demand for streaming services, and with lockdowns more content creators than ever before were reaching wider audiences. 

Online Betting And Gambling

There has always been a market for online betting and gambling, with several online casinos being launched in the late 90’s. With lockdown though, of course people couldn’t go to their regular betting shops and casinos, so they went to play on online ones instead. 

Sites like Bet365 and 888 have reported some of their highest profits ever, thanks to people being six times more likely to start betting online during lockdowns. Paired with high quality online games, it’s not hard to see why. 

Casinos were able to offer live betting services, streaming a live host on table games. This was something that brought the casino experience into the customer’s home, something that was very welcome during isolation. 

Contactless Technology

As we aimed to reduce the chance of spreading the virus, we saw the use of contactless technology flourish. This tech allowed for less contact between people when lockdowns were happening, making it easier for everyone to get what they needed. 

For example, contactless debit and credit cards were already in use, but their use became much more widespread as companies aimed to minimise cash transactions wherever possible. Companies like Amazon Go took things one step further, using contactless tech to allow shoppers to buy their groceries by simply carrying them out of the store, and having the charge made to the card linked to their account. 

Voice and speech recognition technologies are expected to reach over $18.8 billion by 2025, partly thanks to the pandemic, too. These have helped reduce contact, such as on phone services where customers could interact with tech to get what they needed. 

While some industries have suffered during the pandemic, others have very much flourished. Some industries have changed the way we work and entertain ourselves for the near future, so we may see a shift in which industries see success. 

The post Industries That Benefited From The Pandemic appeared first on AppTrawler.

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.