Android Studios: Are There Any Experienced Mobile App Developers In Charlotte?

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If you’ve been feverishly searching for experienced Android studios in Charlotte, North Carolina — you’ve come to the right place! Not only is NS804 one of the leading lights of the mobile app development world in the Queen City, but we’ve also received many accolades. 

And while we pride ourselves on being one of the most prominent Android studios in this dynamic city, we’re experts at cross-platform native app development. That means that we know both Android and iOS platforms intimately and are renowned for creating engaging and performant apps for either platform.

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However, you may not be interested in iOS and only care about targeting Android for your upcoming project. Or you’re thinking of releasing an iOS version of your app at a later stage but want to focus on Android for now. Whatever scenarios you’re currently contemplating, we’re here to help you make the right choices and accomplish your goals.

But now you may be wondering what to expect from one of the most prolific mobile app developers in Charlotte. And if you’re embarking on your first app project, we understand you’ll have many questions. Also, we know there isn’t enough information available about what Android studios can offer their clients. 

So, to make things easy for you, we’ve prepared this in-depth article to demystify a matter that may seem obscure. Read on to learn more about what one of Charlotte’s most talented Android studios can do for you!

The Best Android Studios Go Native 

We’re now living in the era of powerful cross-platform development frameworks. These include the likes of Flutter, Ionic, and Reactive Native. While the latter framework promises native performance, it’s still fundamentally a hybrid development toolkit. Furthermore, it requires a significant degree of optimization to create performant apps. 

Now there’s nothing necessarily wrong with using these platforms, especially for startups on a tight budget. Cross-platform hybrid frameworks make app development cheaper and faster but not necessarily better. And by better, we mean that hybrid-developed apps seldom reach the quality and performance levels of native apps.

However, if you’re targeting a single platform, especially Android, there’s little to no reason to opt for hybrid app development. And the best part is that Google offers exceptional native development tools to create engaging Android apps. 

They offer the Android Studio integrated development environment (IDE) and several robust tools free of charge. Furthermore, these include well-written documentation, tutorials, and even training videos to help anyone commence their app development journey. 

Therefore, there’s no excuse not to take advantage of all these free resources. But if app development seems too complex or beyond your capabilities, consider partnering with NS804 to complete your Android project. Our deep knowledge and expertise of Google’s entire Android development stack put us in a position to deliver apps according to your exact specifications.

Creating The Perfect Android User Interface (UI)

There are considerable differences between the UIs and gesture navigation systems between Android and iOS. Yet many cross-platform mobile app developers attempt to make them similar when targeting both platforms. Unfortunately, this is a massive oversight that worsens the experience for users in the general sense. 

That’s why we continuously stress the importance of native app development, as it impacts the overall quality of an app. It’s not just about performance but also how the app looks and feels. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced UI/UX designer on the team with intimate knowledge of Android’s native UI. 

Moreover, this designer should feel at home with Jetpack Compose — the official Android UI development toolkit that integrates fluidly with several Kotlin application programming interfaces (APIs). And what makes Jetpack Compose so powerful is that it helps designers make engaging UIs for small and large screens. 

Let’s not forget that the Android ecosystem is larger and more varied than iOS. When targeting Android, you must consider the multiple screen sizes of smartphones, tablets, foldable devices, smartwatches, smart TVs, notebooks (Google Chromebooks and Windows 11 PCs), and vehicle dashboard systems (Android Auto). 

But the most experienced Android studios know how to create responsive UIs that work with any device flawlessly. They can foresee when and where issues may arise while working on an early wireframe UI or prototype. Then, implement the solutions to deal with any bottlenecks to avoid costly and time-consuming workarounds that may occur later on.

 

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Working With Firebase

Without any doubt, you’ll likely need a backend developer for your upcoming Android project. You may need to store client credentials on a database, authenticate users, or even keep track of scores on a leaderboard if you’re creating a mobile game. In most cases, you’ll use either an SQLite or NoSQL database and work closely with the backend developer.

But you may want a more elegant cloud-based solution that minimizes the need for a backend developer. In that case, you may opt for Google’s Firebase solution, which includes several powerful analytics tools. Therefore, you can spend most of your resources working on and improving your app without worrying as much about the backend elements. 

Another reason why you’d want to use Firebase is for its Crashlytics feature, as it’s a lightweight crash reporting tool. It will give you real-time reports with in-depth insights into the health of your app. And it’s possible to conduct A/B testing and remote configurations via Firebase, which means you’ll cut down on tools for these additional tasks. 

Of course, if you’ve partnered with one of the leading mobile app developers in Charlotte, you won’t have to go it alone. You can rely on NS804 to integrate Firebase into your app development toolchain.

Making Mobile Games For The Massive Android Market

In 2023, Android ranks as one of the largest and most important gaming platforms. It also overshadows iOS significantly, even though Apple Arcade has made great strides as a game subscription service. Nevertheless, Android dominates, with 75% of all smartphones and tablets in the world powered by this operating system (OS).  

Then, there are Android gaming smartphones available in the marketplace, such as the Asus ROG phones. And devices such as the Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro gives gamers a console-like experience at an affordable price. Moreover, Microsoft’s Windows 11 OS can run Android apps and games from the Amazon Appstore. Thus, there’s no shortage of devices capable of running Android games, making it a truly all-encompassing platform.

And the world’s most popular game engines and tools vendors have responded in kind. Construct, GameMaker, Godot, Unity, and Unreal Engine all offer Android export modules. And Unity takes things several steps further by having the capability to run and export to Chrome OS (Google Chromebooks). A key benefit of Chromebooks is that they can run Android, Linux, and Windows apps and games. 

Making games is hard enough, but supporting all these devices requires the expertise of a professional studio. While an Android game should run on all these devices without issues — this seldom happens. It’s not uncommon for mobile games to run great on specific devices and perform poorly on others. However, the most effective Android studios know how to optimize mobile games for a wide range of devices, even those not commonly used.

In Conclusion

There are several mobile app developers in Charlotte, yet NS804 stands apart due to experience and reputation. Furthermore, we’re one of the top Android studios in Charlotte but also have a notable presence in Denver and Richmond. Contact us today to learn how NS804 can help you create Android apps that engage users on Google Play and beyond!

8 Mobile App Development Trends in 2023

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The e-commerce industry ushered in the mobile app development landscape. That’s because consumers were gradually shifting from computer-based interaction to mobile-based buying. In addition, the upsurge in mobile phones and the rising popularity of shopping using smartphones further opened an avenue for mobile commerce.

Mobile app development responds to this drastic change in consumer shopping habits. Mobile apps assist individual consumers shop and pay online while still tracking and receiving products through their smartphones. That’s why leading e-commerce stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s, Best Buy, Apple, and Target were quick to reinvent their digital strategies.

As we usher in 2023, it’s important to note that several trends will dominate the mobile app development market. In this post, we look at some of the trends that will dominate the mobile app industry, with a closer look at such trends as 5G, IoT, cloud, and artificial intelligence.

Here are 8 Mobile App Development Trends in 2023:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence is a new digital technology that’s transforming how customers shop. The infusion of artificial intelligence in digital platforms has helped e-commerce and m-commerce stores to understand consumers and emulate their shopping behaviors.

It’s important to note that to know how artificial intelligence shapes online shopping, it’s equally crucial to understand how machine learning enables machines and endpoints to be more intelligent. Machine learning collects vast amounts of user data, processes this information, and helps these machines to copy or emulate human actions from collected data.

So, a key trend to watch out for is artificial intelligence and machine learning empowering machines to be more innovative, interactive, and agile in communicating and emulating online consumers. This, in turn, will have a catalytic effect on online e-commerce stores, helping these digital shopping outlets personalize their interactions with consumers and make shopping more enjoyable and personalized.

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2. Adoption of Cloud Technology

Cloud technology has transformed how mobile apps are developed and deployed. Cloud technology has revolutionized how apps are used, and this trend will solidify in 2023. The utilization of cloud technology has allowed for greater flexibility, security, and scalability in mobile app development.

Cloud computing has further enabled developers to develop apps quickly and more efficiently. In addition, alongside helping developers create apps faster and more efficiently, cloud technology assists mobile app users in securely storing their information, including credit card information, digital assets, and data. Users can also access this information and data faster and more securely.

3. Metaverse-like Experiences

The metaverse is an app that integrates different online experiences. In 2023, users will see the growth of metaverse-like online experiences within individual apps. Users will move between and among different app experiences. Users will also access a wide range of services and experiences on a single app or platform. In addition, by integrating metaverse-like experiences, users will use their apps to compare different products visually and make informed decisions courtesy of this ‘live’ or realistic interaction with online apps.

4. 5G Technology

The 5G technology will satisfy or simply meet users’ need for speed and efficiency. 5G technology will offer increased speed, more latency, and faster data transfer. In addition, we are likely to see mobile app developers optimizing the 5G technology to improve an app’s functionality and inject more efficiency. Developers will leverage the 5G technology, optimizing its strong network to include more features such as augmented and virtual reality experiences. In addition, developers will use 5G technology to provide better cloud experiences and improved live streaming.

5. Gamification of Apps

There’s recently been a fusion between apps and games. Indeed, 2023 will see this line becoming fainter. There’s also an increasing gamification of apps in domains like healthcare and fitness, productivity, and education, providing users with more interactions and engagement. The benefit of gamification is to allow users to meet their goals and complete tasks quickly and efficiently by awarding points or virtual rewards for every milestone completed. For instance, a health and fitness app can encourage users to complete exercises by awarding them virtual gifts for completed milestones.

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6. Integration of Apps

The Internet of Things IoT is here with us, allowing devices such as wearables, computers, and laptops seamlessly integrate and communicate in real-time. There’s no doubt that the growing proliferation of interconnected devices such as voice assistants, wearables, and smartphone devices will spur up opportunities for mobile app integration in 2023 and beyond.

Users will control their computers, phones, laptops, cars, and virtual machines with their smartphone devices, providing seamless experiences and more convenience across their interconnected platforms and devices.

According to documented statistics, the smartphone valuation market will reach $10 billion by 2028, with North America contributing slightly over a third of that valuation. More advanced thermostats, lights, cleaning systems, and security systems will be accessible and remotely controlled by apps. So, residential owners and housing developers must consider the rising possibility of smart homes; a reality that will be predominantly controlled and centered on mobile apps.

7. Beacon Technology

Beacons emerged in 2013, but they’ve become more popular in the mobile app market. The online retail market experienced a 65% revenue increase with the deployment of beacon technology in 2021. Beacon technology is revolutionizing the online retail market because of the propensity of Bluetooth technology to use low energy to transmit signals based on a user’s location.

Beacon Technology allows for location-specific, real-time alerts. The beacon technology enables enterprises, especially e-commerce stores, to understand user shopping habits and spending preferences. Real-time, location-specific alerts benefit enterprises looking forward to optimizing data to suit consumers’ shopping habits.

8. Augmented and Virtual Reality

The emergence of augmented and virtual reality prompts the development of travel, entertainment, gaming, and live-streaming applications. Today, more than ever, virtual reality allows mobile users to see what they’re buying. Augmented reality provides a detailed perspective and a 3-D view of commodities and products, helping buyers make more informed buying decisions.

AR and VR provide immersive experiences, allowing users to try new clothes and see how new furniture will fit in their houses. The challenge for enterprises is creating apps and shaping experiences enjoyable in older mobile versions. Regardless, augmented and virtual reality holds deep promise for app developers in 2023 and beyond.

NS804 – Transcending Modernistic Mobile App Development Trends

NS804 provides innovative mobile app development solutions, allowing enterprises and organizations to transcend this new shift in mobile app development. NS804 designs Android and iOS apps, helping enterprises narrow their preferences depending on their target market and demographics.

Most importantly, NS804 provides hybrid apps to enterprises targeting Android and iOS consumers. So, whether you’re a small and medium-sized enterprise seeking innovative mobile app solutions or a multi-international yearning for a new digital strategy with a hybrid app, we have you covered.

NS804 provides, among many others, a minimum viable product, allowing you to see and experience exactly how a new app will function. We work with talented developers to ensure your mobile app development is superior and excellent. We are also open for consultations when it comes to mobile app integration.

Contact https://www.ns804.com for time-to-value mobile app development services– Android, iOS, or hybrid.

 

What to Look for When Finding an iOS App Developer

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Apple’s iOS is one of the most complex operating systems, not only in terms of usability but equally in terms of design. So, finding an expert IOS developer should be on your priority list if you’re looking to develop an iOS app for personal or business purposes.

Here are some factors to look for when finding an iOS developer.

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1. In-depth Knowledge of Swift 3.0

Swift 3.0 is a powerful programming language for developing iOS apps, whether for Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac. Swift 3.0, an excellent programming language created to give developers total freedom and flexibility, has superb syntax and it’s easy to use. Swift 3.0 is considered an intuitive and robust language for developing different sorts of applications for Apple’s diverse platforms – MacOS, TVOS, and watchOS.

Swift is rich and reliable, thus allowing developers to develop feature-rich and vigorous mobile applications efficiently and quickly. So, when searching for an iOS developer, it’s advisable to look for one proficient with Swift 3.0 programming language.

2. XCode IDE

Another factor to consider when hiring an iOS developer is their knowledge and proficiency in XCode IDE. Versatility in XCode is one of the most important qualities to look out for when hiring a developer.

An integrated development environment (IDE) harbors the essential tools required for debugging, interpreting, and compiling codes to simplify the app development process from beginning to end.

So, a comprehensive knowledge of XCode IDE is essential for successful iOS development.

3. Core Data

Apple and iOS users are brand-centric. They trust and are fully loyal to Apple devices and iOS applications. Core Data is essentially a framework that simplifies the development of data-driven apps. Core data simplifies the management of model objects.

An in-depth knowledge of the Core Data framework relieves the developer of routine tasks associated with object lifecycle management. In addition, Core Data significantly reduces the amount of code a developer writes. iOS developers can save data for offline use, save temporary cache datasets, and undo functionality on a single device.

Comprehensive knowledge of Core Data management is a requisite when hiring an iOS developer.

4. Memory Management

Essentially, Apple’s devices are sensitive to storage. That primarily means that an iOS developer must have comprehensive knowledge of memory management. Apple devices’ short-term memories rely on integrated RAM to store and manage data.

Apple’s operating system, iOS, dynamically decides the amount of memory allocated to each application. Any superior or experienced IOS developer must know that an iOS app might stop functioning once the system reaches or exceeds the allotted storage limit. Thus, any experienced iOS developer must know how to fix memory issues when called upon to do so.

5. Unit Testing

Apple has a function that evaluates or assesses how well an app functions. Great ‘unit tests’ are fast, functional, and fully isolated. For instance, when you design a calculator app and want to test the effectiveness of a given function – division, addition, multiplication, or calculus function – you might want to create a unit test function to ensure each feature works as expected.

In addition to verifying the effectiveness of an app’s function, unit tests can help prevent bugs. The ‘unit test’ tests the functionality of a function by using inputs to ensure they generate the correct outputs.

So, it’s critical to contract or hire developers who’re well acquainted with these ‘unit test’ skills to sufficiently test an app’s overall functionality and performance.

Skills to Look Out for in an iOS App Developer

Critical skills and requirements to look out for when hiring an iOS app developer include:

  • Spatial reasoning ability. Spatial reasoning ability is required when hiring an iOS developer. Ensure that your developer has the mental capacity to understand objects at varying scales and manipulate them mentally.
  • UI and UX proficiency. User experience (UX) design experts specialize in the aesthetics of an app, including its overall appearance and feel. UX experts enhance an app’s overall feel, look, and navigation to improve the overall user experience. User interface (UI) experts specialize in the app’s overall usability and functionality. UI experts ensure that your app functions as expected without buffers or delays in processing inputs.

So, an in-depth knowledge of UI and UX elements is necessary when hiring an IOS developer.

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NS804 – Simplifying iOS Design and Deployment

Did you know that NS804 simplifies the process of designing, developing, and deploying iOS apps? At NS804, we pride ourselves in superior IOS development solutions tailored to your individual and business needs.

5 iOS App Development Insights to Consider First

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IOS mobile app development refers to the process of creating applications solely dedicated to Apple’s endpoints – iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Apple’s wearables. Developing for iOS is intended to be an easy and smooth process. That’s because every IOS app must perform and function seamlessly across different Apple endpoints.

So, when embarking on an IOS development exercise, here are some insights to consider first:

1. Programming Languages – Objective-C or Swift

It’s first critical to know that IOS apps are written in a specific programming language, either Swift or Objective C.

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2. Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Creating applications for the iOS platform typically requires an integrated development environment, mostly the XCode or text editor like Sublime Text. Sublime Text functions similar to an integrated development environment and can be used in IOS app development.

3. Design Blueprint

Before embarking on an iOS mobile app development, you must first create a clickable prototype or an app blueprint. This blueprint can be a wireframe that allows you to see and test interactions, interfaces, and on-screen elements.

Once you create your app’s blueprint, it allows you to carry out value throughout your development process successfully. An app’s blueprint in the form of a wireframe allows you to plan out every aspect of the app’s development. Most importantly, this wireframe will let you see any issues or problems you’ll encounter throughout your development.

The benefits of a design blueprint include the following:

  • It gives you a picture of the app to share with your team and stakeholders (clients, marketing department, design department, etc.).
  • It allows you to share your app idea with potential stakeholders and investors.
  • It saves you costly expenses by allowing you to see and locate possible issues and problems with your app idea.
  • It gives you an accurate estimate of your development expenses before you commit to developing the entire iOS application.

The app blueprint articulates the scope of your mobile app development – from inception to completion.

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4. IOS Development Guidelines

Apple has specific guidelines it requires developers to know and follow before they submit their applications. Make sure you know these exact technical guidelines at the front end of the process before you begin your development.

Key guidelines for iOS development include:

  • Your app names must not be limited to only 30 characters.
  • Your app must not capture or include any objectionable content like offensive, upsetting or insensitive content.
  • Medical apps designed for healthcare must provide verifiable data, and accurate information and use verified or measurable methodologies.
  • iOS apps must meet rigorous safety and security standards.
  • All iOS apps must meet the minimum security and privacy standards to protect users’ information and data.
  • iOS apps must work independently without requiring the installation of other third-party software.

In addition, choose your app’s development method before embarking on any iOS development process or project.

5. Research

Developing for iOS goes beyond just the nuts and bolts of mobile app development, which refers to the nitty gritty of mobile app development. iOS app development demands that you do thorough research to understand your target audience and their most pressing needs. In addition, ensure that you follow the above steps and familiarize yourself with any technical requirements or guidelines before starting on your first iOS app.

Contact NS804 for all your IOS development needs.

Android Developers Richmond, VA

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The Android operating system has over 70% market share worldwide, making it a dominant force in the thriving mobile app market. Google continues to come up with exciting, feature-rich applications, driving entrepreneurs to desire a piece of the Google pie.

Today, more than ever, entrepreneurs are looking for enhanced security and scalability, and Android apps seem to be meeting this demand. Today, Android apps are the new frontier, driving sales for enterprises seeking unique and innovative solutions.

And if you’re running a business in Richmond, Virginia, you need a custom-built Android app to help you target and retain Android users. So, what do you benefit from when you contract or hire Android app developers in Richmond, Virginia?

Well, let’s take a look:

1. Higher Returns on Investment (ROI)

The Android Software Development Kit is open-source software readily available to developers. In addition, Android app development is cost-effective and budget-friendly to enterprises operating with a cost-structure model in mind.

The Android app development has four stages:

  • App design
  • App development
  • App testing
  • App deployment

In addition, the entire development cycle is cost-effective, making it easier for enterprises to attract a good return on investment. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, cost-effective mobile app development solution, you’re in the right place. Android mobile app development delivers on its promise.

2. Substitute for Bring Your Own Device

Bring Your Own Device, commonly abbreviated as BYOD, is an evolving trend in most enterprises. Most organizations are not encouraging their employees and co-workers to bring their own devices to enhance collaboration and communication in the workplace, regardless of distance.

So, with Android app developers Richmond, VA, you are guaranteed to promote collaboration across your Richmond team of workers. Android mobile app development allows your employees to collaborate on shared projects without losing touch on crucial matters.

3. Easy Customization

Did you know Android is a versatile and easy-to-customize platform with enhanced flexibility and agility? What you get with Android mobile app development is an innovative app with varied customization options. As a robust operating system, Android can integrate both simple and complex modifications, enhancing your business functionality across the board.

4. Security and Marketing

Since its inception, Google has launched many varied business-friendly features. Today, Android stands firm against its counterpart Apple, especially regarding usability and security. It’s hard for malware and other third-party viruses to locate Android’s data structures, making the OS a safe and secure enterprise application.

In addition, the Android operating system allows an automated system to send instant notifications to the end-users, keeping them updated on important issues. In addition, you can easily monetize your Android app, thanks to its already existing prevalence and reputation.

In a way, Android mobile app development gives you shared benefits – security and promotional capabilities.

NS804 – Maestro of Android Mobile App Development

NS804 serves enterprises across Richmond, Virginia, allowing these brands and businesses to take advantage of an already existing, superior application – Android. So, if you live in Richmond and you’re looking for trusted and secure Android app development solutions, look no further.

NS804 is your trusted Android Developer in Richmond, allowing you to design, develop, test, and successfully deploy your Android App.

Contact NS804 for time-to-value Android app development solutions.

Mobile Apps & Customer Surveys: Tips for Creating Yours

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The success of a mobile app is heavily dependent on the ability of the owners to respond quickly and effectively to users’ feedback. Hundreds of hours of the development phase will not mean much if a bug is not fixed quickly enough. Setting up mobile surveys within your mobile app makes is user-centric. It allows for the continuous collection of information on user experience which yields several key benefits.

Guiding App Development

Mobile app survey tools have become quite sophisticated to allow for targeted survey administration. Today, you can set up survey questions to appear only on particular sections of the app or to pop-up only to particular users. The feedback received helps to understand whether features are working as intended. This approach helps the developer to decide whether to build on those features or abandon them altogether.

Product Roadmap

Mobile app surveys are a great way to ask users what they would like to see next on the app. Knowing the most requested features takes the guesswork out of a product’s roadmap and improves the ROI of the development spend. It also keeps your users emotionally invested in the future of the app as they seek to get more utility from it.

Handling Negative Reviews

Getting negative feedback within the app is far much better than bad reviews on app stores or other external platforms. Issuing surveys allows users to express what they feel is not working. It allows the development team to fix these issues before users decide to uninstall the app.

Tips/Best practices

When designing and deploying mobile app surveys, it’s important to ensure that the survey does not ruin the user experience itself. It’s important that you do not administer surveys too often that they annoy users. Every few weeks might be considered as frequent enough. The surveys should also not pop up when customers are in the middle of something important. For most apps, the norm would be to survey users after they log in or just before they exit the app.

Another best practice is to ensure the app is completed within the app to avoid redirecting them to another website or application altogether. Asking people to visit another page to complete a survey is also likely to lead to a very low number of respondents as people are not willing to exert a lot of effort.

Finally, when thinking about questions to include in a survey, it’s good to use a mix of both closed and open-ended questions. The survey, however, ought to be short enough so that it does not feel like an inconvenience to users.

Types Of Questions

It is possible to classify your mobile app survey questions into several broad categories to ensure that you do not ignore certain themes. The first category would be questions on whether the app is meeting users’ demands. The next category is open-ended questions on problems users face while using the app. The other category would be on the product roadmap and improvements users would like to see.

You can come up with more categories based on the niche of your app.

If your business is seeking an app development partner, NS804 is your best bet. We are a world-class mobile app development company with hundreds of apps shipped to both small and large businesses. Schedule a call with us here. 

 

The 5 Reasons Your Mobile App isn’t Drawing In Clients

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Deciding to build a mobile app aimed at serving customers better is a significant step for any business that wants to grow revenue. Apps ensure businesses can are more available to clients and it is also an opportunity for the business to develop a better profile of individual customers by looking at the services they interact with most. However, businesses must remember that there are over 1 million apps that customers can download on iOS and Android platforms. For an app to stand out, it must serve specific needs and do so in a world-class manner.

If your business app is not drawing in clients at the rate you had projected, there are numerous things that you might have gotten wrong.

1. A Lack of a Clear Objective

You must make a strong case on why users need to download, keep using, and recommend your app to other users. The primary features of the app must integrate with users’ daily lives else the rate of un-installations will be high. For instance, an app that compiles all the important news on stock markets every morning is likely to be used heavily by people during their morning commutes. Features are less important than the utility.

2. Complicated UI

The simpler the user interface of an app, the more likely it is to appeal to a wide market. App users prefer apps that do not have a steep learning curve. Everything must feel intuitive and the experience should be quite similar across devices. Speak to a UI-expert for advice on whether this might be a stumbling block for users. Comments from users can also give an indication of the app’s experience after the first few hours or days of use.

3. Failure to Iterate the Mobile App

Apps are rarely perfect and there will always be quacks to fix immediately after you release the app. Your development team should be ready to fix bugs or to adjust features based on feedback from users. Staying too long without fixing issues will lead to the loss of goodwill from early adopters of the app leading to un-installations and bad reviews. Negative reviews will heavily impede the app’s growth despite there being genuine utility in using the app.

4. Poor Marketing

Your team must have a well-laid-out marketing strategy aimed at creating sufficient hype in the community of your target users. You might invite journalists and thought leaders in the industry to try a Beta version of the product pre-launch. Detailed reviews by such authority voices give your app credibility. You might also have a paid-ad campaign. In a market where thousands of apps may be aiming for the same market, a marketing budget is paramount.

5. Poor User Experience

Another reason an app may fail to take off is unavailability in multiple languages. Apps, just like websites, need to be customized for different markets. You must also consider the ease with which people can download, install, and begin using the app. An overly long sign-up process will cause some customers dropping off before completion. Your team must make the product very customer-centric.

NS804 is a world-class mobile app development company with decades of experience in shipping successful business apps. Reach out to us today for a conversation about turning a positive return on your business’s mobile app.

The 3 Reasons You Need A Professional To Design An App

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If you need to design an app and do it right, you should hire a professional app developer. But you may be thinking that hiring a professional is too expensive. Or you’d prefer to go at it alone, thinking that designing an app is a simple process. After all, how hard could it be, as script kiddies on YouTube seem to pull it off — right?

As an established professional developer, we do understand the concerns about costs. Designing and developing a polished mobile app isn’t cheap. But can you afford to cut corners when hundreds of expertly crafted apps appear in app stores daily? And do you have what it takes to maintain and update your app consistently?

Furthermore, let’s consider the ever-changing landscape surrounding mobile devices. With the recent introduction of foldable devices, app developers must get to grips with responsive and adaptive design. How would you respond to this? Would you be able to innovate and design an app that runs well on older and newer foldable devices concurrently? Or would you need to compromise and only support one or the other?

As Apple, Google, and various hardware manufacturers bring new operating systems and devices to the market, developers need to keep up. Thus, when you design an app, you also need to think long-term about what changes and roadblocks you’ll likely encounter. So, do you want to handle these alone or let a professional studio such as NS804 deal with them instead?

These are some of the questions you should be asking when opting to design an app. But there are many good reasons why you’ll need to work with a professional developer, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

1. A Professional Developer Adheres To Best Practices

Let’s go back to the YouTube script kiddie example and how it pertains to app design. That young, wide-eyed YouTuber may come across as incredibly smart and knowledgeable and seemingly knows everything about the latest programming languages, frameworks, and mobile app development techniques. And his well-made videos and many positive viewer comments lend him an air of credibility.

Now, you begin to trust him as an expert in his field and decide to follow his video tutorials for your upcoming app. Everything goes smoothly — and in a matter of weeks — you have an app ready to submit to the app stores. You’re excited and wait in anticipation for your app to be approved. But that excitement soon turns to astonishment as both the App Store and Google Play reject your app.

Well, that’s a dreadful outcome but not surprising. It turns out that trusting that young YouTuber was a big mistake! While he was very convincing, he typically didn’t follow best practices, a matter seldom addressed by most content creators that position themselves as so-called experts.

The sad news is that these tech-related content creators have created the myth that anyone can design an app. However, that’s not true, as the mobile app development process is complex, challenging, and highly technical, which is the domain of the professional developer.

And given that both Apple and Google expect developers to adhere to their guidelines, app development is not the space for frivolous content creators that care more about their view counts. The same applies to freelance developers that see app development as a way to make a quick buck rather than creating apps that meet quality standards.

2. It Takes A Team Of Experts To Design An App

You may have many cool ideas that you want to make their way into your upcoming app. But cool ideas are not necessarily good ideas. For example, you may want your app to stand out and envision it having a visually striking 3D user interface (UI). You also want plenty of intricate animations and visual effects to spice things up further. Ultimately, you want your app to look like the best Pixar films — and then some!

While all that sounds great, have you asked yourself if it’s practical or feasible? And if not, wouldn’t it be wiser to consult a team of professionals to help you make the right decisions? After all, it’s all too easy to trip up and make mistakes when trying to design an app on your own.

If you were to approach a professional developer and present those ideas, you would quickly learn whether or not these ideas make sense. A professional developer would also have experienced UI/UX designers on hand to recommend better approaches and design an app with usability in mind.

They may recommend a cleaner-looking and more snappy UI that uses a bare minimum of 3D and effects. Not only will this help with user accessibility, but it would also run smoother on low-end devices. And even after you release your app, this team of experts will know how to respond to user feedback by implementing changes and improvements where necessary.

3. Dealing With The Intricacies Of Mobile Game Design

While a mobile app presents many challenges, things become considerably more onerous when dealing with mobile games. And that’s because mobile games are technically more demanding to make and require a multidisciplinary approach. Furthermore, the game loop must update every time the screen refreshes, which is usually 60 times a second on most mobile devices. Newer phones have higher refresh rates, which only ups the ante for developers.

Not only must developers design mobile games that run smoothly, but they must look, sound, and play great. Imagine if a single individual or freelance developer has to create the next hit mobile game — is it even possible? Well, it’s doable if it’s a simple arcade or puzzle game with little content. But those are seldom the types of games that engage today’s gamers and become massive hits.

The hard truth is that modern gamers expect content-rich experiences with dazzling 3D graphics. And this not only costs a lot of money, but it’s also something only a professional developer can deliver. And by professional developer, we mean a studio that consists of talented individuals with specialized skills.

We mentioned earlier that games require a multidisciplinary approach, which means you’ll need those with varied skill sets. Therefore, you’ll need a game designer, character designer, level designer, UI/UX designer, sound designer, lead animator, lead programmer, and writer. And you’ll also need several 3D modelers, animators, texture artists, motion capture actors, voice actors, programmers, and game testers to complete your game.

Depending on the size and scope of your game, you may need to work with freelancers. It’s common for game studios to work with established freelance game composers. Furthermore, you may need the services of brand identity, marketing, and localization teams.

The Bottom Line

It’s exciting sitting down with a pen and paper to write down a list of ideas and draw a wireframe of your app. And that’s a good starting point, as it will give you a basic idea of what form your app will take. However, it’s even better if you consult a professional developer to make your ideas fly.

When you design an app with the help of a professional, things will turn out differently. You’ll no longer need to guesstimate whether you’re on the right path. And that’s because the professional studio will act as a wise partner offering recommendations and solutions leading to an expertly designed app.

Contact NS804 today to learn how we’ll help you design an app that’s not only professional but also engaging!

How Do Free Apps Make Money

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The mobile app market is highly lucrative. In 2021, the mobile app market was estimated to be worth $187.58 billion and is projected to reach $207.53 billion by 2022. According to PRNewswire, the mobile app market witnessed year-over-year growth of 20.45% in 2021 – a clear indication of its potential as an industry.

So, the mobile app market is a productive and high-income sector worth considering. Today, more than ever, people are turning to mobile apps for almost everything – shopping, communicating, gaming, social interactions, chatting, and even trading.

But how do these apps make money given that 97% of Google Android apps were downloaded for free in July 2022? How do free apps make money if most people download these apps for free?

Freemium vs. Free Trial Apps

The free app market is broadly segmented into freemium apps and free trial apps. Freemium apps allow users to access an assorted list of features for free, but the free trial apps let users interact and access the full functionality of all apps for a limited period.

According to reports, freemium apps have an app conversion rate of 30% while free trial apps may attract up to 50% conversion rates. Either way, these apps end up making handsome incomes for their developers and even founders.

So, here’s how publishers monetize free apps.

1. Paid ads

Interestingly, paid ads are among the leading income-generation strategies today. The same is true for most things, including mobile apps. Free mobile apps leverage paid ads in the following ways:

  • CPM – The app developer is paid a certain amount of money for app impressions
  • CPC – Revenue is generated based on the number of clicks achieved in an ad
  • CPV – Revenue is determined by the number of views per app user
  • CPA – This revenue is gained when users directly install the app on their devices or when they purchase products or services directly using links attached or embedded in the app.

So, it’s advisable to subscribe to some paid ads if you’re not charging your app users. However, always remember that when you take the advertising route, you don’t downplay the user experience with excessive ads.

Excessive ads may greatly impair the user experience, thus being counterproductive to your app monetization strategy.

2. Subscriptions

Subscription is the most cost-effective and straightforward way of monetizing an app. Think of any free app, do you pay to access additional features or do you access all features for a limited period? Either way, you end up wanting to pay for a subscription.

An obvious and straightforward approach by app publishers is to give the apps free of charge and then charge subscriptions for users to continue using the service. That means you only get to access the app’s full functionality after you’ve secured a paid subscription.

Tinder, Disney, Pandora, Netflix, Hulu, Twitch, ESPN, and HBO Max are some of the most popular paid app subscriptions globally.

3. Direct selling

Selling merchandise is a proven way of monetizing your app. Most app publishers build or design free versions to sell products such as clothing, apparel, toys, and accessories.

Most of these products are sold through email marketing or sold directly using the app. So, if you’re considering an innovative way to push your new clothing or toy brand, look no further, a free app can be a hidden ingredient to a potent cocktail.

Contact NS804 for inquiries on app costs and app development solutions.

Mobile App Design Process: How To Get Started

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The mobile app development and design process can become complex if you rely on disparate teams or freelancers to create your app. But if you work with an experienced development studio, such as NS804, it’s a streamlined process. At least, that’s the case on your end. Even so, it’s still crucial to understand what this entails to best plan your next move.

And whatever you do, you’ll need to consider your mobile app design process from the get-go and in its entirety. Don’t write a single line of code or start hiring developers without doing the following first!

Start By Asking The Hard Questions

You may have formed a mental picture in your mind’s eye of what your app will look like and how it should function. Moreover, you may be using a popular app that’s left a good impression and want to emulate its better qualities.

But is it wise to invest time and money in an app based on the above criteria? The short answer is a clear no!

Instead, you need to identify what problem your app aims to solve. You can start by asking yourself what problem you’ve faced in your daily life and how an app could solve it effectively.

But don’t stop there. Ask a series of questions that will help you identify all the possible pain points users may encounter and how your tentative app will solve all of these. And while this seems simple, it’s the first and most vital step in the mobile app design process, so don’t ignore it.

Design Your App

Now, it’s time to design your app, but it will likely take the form of wireframes, a series of 2D diagrams that act as a blueprint. And you’ll ignore elements such as colors, fonts, graphics, and styling for now.

However, you may need to build a more elaborate prototype if requested by stakeholders before they greenlight the app’s development. If that’s the case, you’ll likely spend more time on the prototype’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

But you also need to understand that app design never ends, as it’s an iterative process. Thus, you’ll do this near the beginning of the mobile app design process and whenever you give your app a UI/UX refresh.

Conduct Market Research And Competitive Analysis

At this point, you have a vague idea of what form your app will take. But you’re still unsure if there’s a market for your app. And even if there is, you don’t yet know what will make it appealing to users. Furthermore, your brand positioning strategy and business considerations will impact the direction of your app.

So, you’ll need to conduct market research and competitive analysis that help answer the following questions:

  • What pain points are users regularly experiencing?
  • Does my app address these pain points?
  • What will make my app appealing to these users?
  • What market am I entering? (e.g., entertainment, productivity, social)
  • How competitive is the market segment that I’m entering?
  • What are the top performing apps in my category?
  • What makes my app better than these top performers?
  • What sets my app apart from those released by competitors? (not necessarily top performers)

And you can take things a step further by building user personas and asking the following questions:

  • What type of person will use my app?
  • Where does this person live?
  • What are the demographics of this person?
  • What pain points does this person regularly experience?
  • What are this person’s likes and dislikes?

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re an appreneur or an organization releasing your first or hundredth app, you always start with the mobile app design process. And that’s because you need to know how your app will look and function early on.

Furthermore, you need to know whether your app truly addresses users’ needs and if there’s a sizable market that will make it feasible. Contact NS804 to learn how we’ll help you create best-in-class apps by following tried and true practices!