Swift vs React-Native

Swift vs React-Native

Anko

Anko

Intel Multi-OS Engine

Intel Multi-OS Engine

App Stores

There are many app stores on the web now. The three primary ones include Google Play Store, Mac App Store, and Amazon App Store. These seem to have the largest market share and potentially ones with good monetization potential. However, it seems app stores still need to converge, integrate and provide better services. So, far only Mac App store has a decent enough quality assurance process in place. And, Amazon App store provides the widest amount of device coverage as long as it is Android specific. There are certain functionalities that all app stores need to provide these days in order to make life easier for developers.

• An app store that can support many devices, languages, and platforms not exclusive to a few
• A separate analytics option to measure app performance and churn rate
• A separate analytics option to measure sentiments, marketing, and monetization channels
• An app integration option to drive packaging with ease across multiple platforms
• A demo section where consumers can get a preview of the app before buying or downloading
• A docking facility to support on browser, desktop, and mobile
• A gateway or fusion service that seamlessly makes upgrading, deployments, and publishing easier
• A widget and theming service
• A push notification, synchronization, and upgrade management service
• A separate option for desktop and browser
• A separate option for mobile, tv, and other ubiquitous devices
• A better way of monetization for free apps and a way to control viral amplification on the web
• A secure way to download and upload apps, and app security checking during QA review process, as well as continuous identity and apps screening
• Also, a standardization process across all app stores to make monetization and publishing easier
• A more secure and flexible payment processing workflow both for seller and buyer
• A better semantically searchable option for apps that can be queried across app stores
• Access to public and private controls for downloads for enterprises, DRM, and country restrictions
• Age and parental control restrictions
• Ability to check app compatibility on the fly
• Simpler and more accessible policy and code of conduct guidelines for developers
• Better selection criteria for app stores
• A central administration console
• Device registration and management
• Auto-scalability, CDN, and uptime features via public and private cloud options
• Options for added promotions, offers, and discounts for further upselling on the apps 
• Also, app stores should only be commission based no flat fee for membership should be necessary, and if the fee is necessary then it should be fairly nominal like $9.99 rather than $99 per year

List of mobile software distribution platforms
App store optimization
best google play store alternative app stores
android app stores
17 android app store alternatives to google play store
google play store alternative
What ingredients go into the successful app store
the enterprise app store the 10 must have features

Apple iPhone

The iPhone has become one of the most revolutionary mobile technologies of today with an endearing and impenetrable mark on the mobile industry. It has not only changed completely the way we view mobile phones but also added a new dimension to visual aesthetics combined with simple functional features. Sleek and intuitive functional designs as part of feature rich smart phones are now the main stay of the mobile industry. As it marks the introduction of the iPhone 6 we can reflect on the history and embark on a joy ride into the past. For many, it is a solemn experience when owning an iPhone, not only has it become a symbol of coolness but also has a premium value in the second hand market.  In past, it used to be the iPhone reshaping consumer experiences of a smart phone. However, many new players have also entered the market to compete. The iOS also competes against Android. In time, it has emerged into consumers reshaping and challenging iPhone experiences with their developed tastes and demands for features and functionality. If the iPhone is to continue its successes of the past, it will need to satisfy consumers from all new releases of today. One major obstacle in path of Apple would be of making sure releases are properly quality assured. Bad publicity could not only effect sales against competitors but threaten the established confidence, loyalty, and regard that consumers hold for Apple products. The mobile industry is a competitive market. It seems the one natural step for iPhones of the future is to transition from a smart phone into more intelligent, visually appealing, versatile, and ubiquitous devices. While, Semantic Web could hold the key to making all those things possible in context. 

History of the iPhone
Apples iPhone a history in pictures
apple iphone design history
iphone history pictures
iPhone Infographics

Mobile Frameworks

Mobile applications are a hot commercial market for software developers. However, with the limitations of the user interface it brings with it a set of unique complexities and functionality. Responsive applications become all the more important on mobile devices and effect the web browser feel as well. There is a lot of competition in market from both mobile devices as well as applications. JavaScript and HTML frameworks are likely to play an even bigger role in the mobile applications development as they move further into native development. However, it has always been the case on mobile development that either C/C++/Objective-C, Java, and perhaps even Erlang have had a strong hold for native applications. One major issue for mobile development is to develop applications that can work across multiple devices seamlessly. In process, it forces one to lose native access to the platform in certain respects. Android and iOS have been the most popular platforms in last few years. The following framework options have been quite workable and popular on mobile platforms.

Apache Cordova/PhoneGap 

Appcelerator Titanium

PhoneGap and Cordova are essentially similar.  However, PhoneGap utilizes Cordova under the covers as it's a distribution. 

The Value of Apple Products

Has one ever wondered how Apple products compare with other products in market. I am sure so many have and yet have been gobsmacked by the sheer ease of use that Apple products bring with them. However, they do bring all that at a cost to the consumer. Apple products are twice more expensive then rivals in market and not usually high on durability or reliability either. So, is one really getting best value for money? In my view Apple products are never really full functional items, they also do not provide the most dependable and reliable use either. Apple products can only be realistically described as a collectors item, a trendy piece of accessory for the trend tracking gadget aficionados. In my view Android products are far higher in functionality and reliability then Apple. Apple spends too much time on making user interfaces look good that most of the functionality, user friendliness, and reliability sort of takes a back seat. I rather have a durable electronic item that does what I need it to do than one that shape shifts its way around in shaky haphazard gasps through a pretty user interface. Nothing is even free on Apple, everything has to be paid for with extortion prices and even further whatever you do download becomes the property of Apple. These sorts of drawbacks should really make anyone wish they had an Android gadget at the palm of their hand. Having used both Linux, Windows, and Mac OS, I even found the Apple OS too slow and not very user friendly. An OS that tries to bridge the divide between Windows and Linux just cannot be very user friendly let alone without its quarks. I once even owned an iPhone with its paper rustling sounds, its haphazard antics of being functional one minute and non-functional the next. Now, owning an Android I feel a lot happier and content. With so many other gadgets out there that are worth pursuing, I think Android ones are not only cooler, less expensive, and the most functional ones in market by a hands down. In comparison to Android and Linux, I think Apple still are lagging quite behind and still haven't truely figured out where a balance really matters.