Tag: mobile app development

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Winklix’s Frontend Development History

Winklix's Frontend Development History

Previous year, the Frontend Web Development Team of ours shed the habit of using Ruby. So, the obvious question is: which is better? Vue or Angular? Simply identify the one we chose as our frontend language.

In the past, many of our projects got built on Ruby. Without a shred of doubt, during its heydays Ruby happened to be a much sought-after language every developer wished to work with. However, years later after spending a lot of time on legacy projects, we came to a conclusion that as a company we should leave the Frontend and strive to raise our standards in terms of speed. The frontend team had personally experimented with several Javascript frameworks from various client projects, We saw the rapid transformation of these frameworks in a short span. Hence, it was apparent that to develop projects at huge scale we should familiarize ourselves with these frameworks.

VUE VS ANGULAR: OUR Needs

Being a tiny team, we required something properly documented and we could get familiar with ease. While testing Vue vs Angular, we needed to find something that was very familiar, as we would be working in an agile way. We desired a framework that enables us to develop working prototypes quickly. Having undertaken certain internal projects with Angular in the past, we came to a conclusion that Angular and React would suffice. We desired Angular as it satisfied our usual needs and also gave us the confidence that we could develop prototypes in CodePen and import them into our codebase easily. This looked impossible for us.

The issues regarding Angular

We built some humongous projects, such as Omstars and Keetoo, with Angular applications that we expanded from a mini working prototype to applications having zillions of monthly users. These are what we came to know all along.

Angular Show

Angular comprises certain performance-related hiccups and there are a lot of efforts needed to increase your project performance. But, the efforts are something which no one should comprise while building apps. For example, refrain from taking recourse to the ng-repeat directive or restricting your use of binding.

Two-Way Data Binding

This happens to be something I first thought would be revolutionary while building apps. A constant check regarding the $scope variable (data that can be utilized from anywhere in the project) and watcher in the DOM can be done when users go through your application. This check is enrolled with user events (such as click, scroll, key etc). It must be noted that this has had a profound impact on the page loading time.

Shifting to Vue

After consuming a few weeks for research and to compare frameworks (Angular2, React & Vue) and also developing some internal apps with React and Vue, we came to a conclusion that Vue, the framework, is simply meant for us. Given below are the reasons that prompted us to go for Vue.

The VUE Capacity

Vue’s performance is unarguably several notches better than Angular. Vue gives the project in the virtual DOM which is certainly quicker than the digest cycle in Angular (two-way data binding).

HTML AND CSS Expertise

All Frontend Developers need to familiarize themselves with HTML and CSS prior to dealing with other languages or frameworks. While operating on Vue you feel a bit of Deja vu which is hardly the case with what other frameworks provide. The knowledge we gained from HTML and CSS held us in good stead while moving to Vue.

A Convenient Learning Expertise

The last but not the least was how easier Vue was for us to get familiar with and this happened majorly due to the robust documentation and the community. As we built the internal applications with React, we got to know that it was very tough to get the basics right, however, with Vue, the documentation happened to be riddled with small code examples to enable you to go through every step along the way.

Vue VS Angular: The Finale

We at Winklix will be continuing our journey with the Vue because as a team we have invested a lot on it. Along the way, as we strive to make internal tools and undertake client projects we would like to share our progress as well. We have got a lot of things to talk about the Vue also. In our next rendezvous, we will be explaining how to establish a Vue project for the first time.

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Making money out of your smartphone

Making money out of your smartphone

When smartphones came into our lives they changed everything. The new technology enabled us to take high resolution selfies and watch YouTube videos from anywhere in the world with the help of a decent enough WIFI. These handy gadgets have also made many people self-reliant, as they started making their own videos showcasing their cooking and gardening skills.

There are many things that these devices are capable of doing, but we have not reached that stage. The mobile app economy, which is all set to touch $6.3 trillion by 2021, gives a lot of opportunity for independent-minded people. Let’s explore how these gadgets work for you.

Earn Off An App

You would be better off building an app if you have a unique idea for the same or if you can think of a refurbished version of a current app. Lot of money is involved in building an app.

Free apps having in-app purchases can be a gold mine and possess a lot of money-making potential than apps that charge money. They arrest the attention of the people and make them actively involved in their activities and then it becomes difficult for people to make an exit without buying. Game apps have proved this right. Candy Crush makes $1.6 million on a daily basis. Clash of Clans Royale earns $2.3 billion yearly.

The other way for apps to earn money is via subscription-based services. Headspace, the meditation app conceived by Richard Pierson and Andy Puddicombe, has become one of the most popular subscription apps in the App Store.

The Instagram Success Story

Instagram, as we all know, was founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger with the intention of becoming a useful app with check-in and photo-sharing facilities, and at present has close to 700 million users. The company was bought by Facebook in 2012 for an astronomical sum. Post Facebook buy out, Forbes said that Instagram has evolved monetarily in the range of $25 billion and $50 billion. The company that owes its rise to Instagram is the makeup and skincare company Glossier, which found success mainly through word of mouth and Instagram presence. The founder and CEO Emily Weiss confessed that the best medium to market is via social media.

Nurturing Brand Through Apps

Instagram has given people an ideal tool to achieve fame and earn revenue income as per their personalities and interests. For example, Fitness trainer Kayla Itsines owes her success to Instagram through her popular workouts. As a result, she has created her own subscription-oriented app called Sweat With Kayla, worth over $46 million. Around 25 million users give $20 a month to train “with” Itsines. In fact, many chefs, makeup artists and influencers have eked out careers as a result of their short Instagram tutorials and YouTube videos. Among the most popular are Patrick Starr, Jackie Aina, Jamie Genevieve, Bret Manrock, Manny MUA, and James Charles. These people conceived and devised their own content, formed their own fan-base, and made their into subscriptions, endorsements, and merchandise.


ON-DEMAND APP JOBS

There is another option to create wealth and that is through the phone by your side. The on-demand app job market gives a lot to the economy. They are ideal for students, part-time professionals, retired people and anyone wanting to create good money. Some of these jobs happen to be unstable so it would not be wise to depend on them as your only income. However, these jobs can be a good start and you can earn decently as well.

THE FINEST APPS FOR DOG WALKERS

WAG!

The Wag app has gained serious momentum after its launch in 2015 and it has emerged as a best dog walking app since then. The initial dog walk is free for those who sign up and then there are contests and potentials to earn extra money on holidays. In case you don the official green shirt for walks you can get bonus cash.

ROVER

Rover is famous for its home-based and doggy daycare facilities. Jobs to perform on this app are like a commitment than Wag. This app is amazing and the application process is convenient.

CARE.COM

Care.com is also an ideal option to look for dogs to walk and dog sit. The processing aspect is also very in depth. It has provision for user testimonials as well.

Some of the Finest Side Gig Apps

TASKRABBIT

This is an ideal platform to make good money. Even if your skill is very ordinary like lifting heavy things, you still have some options. Jobs on TaskRabbit include getting something from a store, painting a wall, handing out flyers etc. You are only required to let the app know your skills and expectation for utilizing those skills to assist others and you will be swarmed by requests.

HANDY

Handy is perfect for cleaners, movers, and people who love to make Ikea furniture. This app links people with their local handyman or woman. The app is very effective in spotting work in the near vicinity and creating customers who will hire you repeatedly.

FIVERR

Fiverr is a good platform to flaunt your creativity to earn money and get exposure. In case you possess skills in writing, technology, photography, editing, or translation, Fiverr is apt for you. The services provided on the site/app encompass anything you desire to create or do. Prices with regard to services begin from 5 dollars and some services go beyond this.

THE BEST RIDESHARE APPS FOR DRIVERS

LYFT/UBER

There is an intense debate on Lyft or Uber being a better company to work. In fact, many drivers find both good options. Hence, they both are tied at number 1 spot.

VIA

Via is a newbie and has presence only in Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York City. This happens to be a carpool app with fixed rates and no choice as far as riding solo is concerned. It is very economical as well.

THE FINEST FOOD DELIVERY APPS

Most food delivery apps are alike in several ways, however, some offer good salaries than others and some busier than others. Therefore the experience of working for each will be almost similar. There are apps that offer jobs only to those having a car. However, many permit you to work with a bike or a car.

  • Door dash
  • Postmates
  • Cavia
  • Uber Eats
  • Seamless

INSTACART

“Get paid to shop!” goes their slogan, which pretty much makes obvious of their intention. As an Instacart employee you are required to pick up and deliver food for customers who are not able to shop on their own. Instacart provides delivery services from a lot of shops such as Whole Foods, Costco, CVS, Fairway, etc. It is to be kept in mind that Instacart was in controversy with regard to the “service fee” on customer’s bill that goes to employees. Many customers did not tip in a big way as they thought workers were getting the money from the fee.

Apps To Let Out Your Stuff

ZILOK

Zilok permits you to earn money through your speakers, camera, blender, car, or anything else that could be useful to others.

MAVEN

Free lifetime membership is an advantage and cars can be obtained on an hourly and daily basis. However, Maven is available only in a few states.

TURO

By featuring your car on this car sharing app you can earn up to $6,500 a year. The other advantage is that Turo has its presence in more cities than Maven.

GETAROUND

In this peer to peer car sharing service there is a whole range of cars to be rented on an hourly or daily basis. Getaround claims that people can earn up to $10,000 annually by renting out their car.

The App Reality

There are several apps on the App Store and Google Play Store, claiming to give an opportunity for you to make additional money, but everyone is not trustworthy. The problem lays in the thin user base to make it viable for you to work with the company. Another issue is the inconsistent jobs, so depending on them to make sufficient money for rent is not feasible. It would be only appropriate to perceive them as part-time jobs, meant to earn some extra money, not a stable income.

Grab The Possibilities

On-demand jobs are good in their own ways. They offer flexible work arrangement, and an option to earn some additional bucks. In case you are living at some place temporarily and a full-time job is not possible, then work on-demand would be a perfect fit for you. Over here, you also get a lot of independence sans a boss to report to.

There are infinite options for those trying to eke out a career from the side gig app economy. It is up to you to grab those.

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WWDC 2020 : What Will Change In Mobile App Development ?

WWDC 2020 : What Will Change In Mobile App Development ?

Apple WWDC event had came to close last week , but this time only digitally . Apple has announced several new and important updates which will surely shake up mobile app development . Let’s quickly look at what all has been announced : 

iOS 14     

As expected Apple has launched its mobile operating system -iOS 14 . In iOS 14 , Apple focuses more on proving personalised experience and convenience to users of their phone . Apart from it , new widgets and App library has also been launched for enhancing user ability to personalise things .

The very first update that user will find in their iPhone is its App Library , which will have capability of auto shorting of mobile apps on the basis of their suitable category so that user can easily navigate between then . For instance Facebook and Instagram will list under social media tab whereas Apple TV+ and Netflix will list under entertainment category . 

User will moreover be also provided with widgets which they can freely move around their home screen in iOS 14 for enhanced personalise experience . One of the attracting widgets introduced by Apple during recent event was Smart Stack , which is we can say a combination of multiple swappable widgets in one and can automatically serialise them according to time of the day .

Other functionalities include picture in picture functionality for video , improved Apple Maps , Translate apps that works on real time basis .

Apple Ditches Intel 

As per the recent remarkable decision by Apple CEO  Tim Cook , Apple will stop using Intel processor in their Mac systems and will replace it by ARM-based Apple Silicon Chips for Macs . It is expected that the very first version of Apple Mac with Silicon chip will be released later this year which will be part of transition which is expected to take about two years . Apple has replaced the chip to make their Mac more energy efficient as well as ensure better performance and battery life .
Apple was using intel processor for last 15 years . But now Apple Mac computers will be able to run apps that has specifically been made for iPhone and iPad . Moreover developers will be able to developer apps that would work perfectly on Apple’s hardware . 
Apple has also launched its new Mac operating system named as Big Sur , which has been built specifically for integration as well as allows latest processor to allow smooth integration .

HomeKit 

Apple smart home technology will be using facial recognition technology to facilitate user to see and recognise who is on the door with the use of their smart doors and cameras . Using this as a technology user can also control and adjust their lighting at their home . At the same time Apple touted security will protect customer by providing them with end to end encryption .
Apple at the same time is also partnering with Amazon , Google and other tech giant to establish and expand their smart home network , facilitating easier use of their technology to their user .

Watch OS7, TvOS 14 & Mac OS Big Sur

Watch OS 7 : As in iPhone iOS 14 , Apple Watch OS7 is also focusing with delivering personalised experience to users by providing them with option to create their watch faces as well ass sharing them with the user .
Apart from it , the most awaited announcement for sleep tracking capabilities to watch was also announced . The new watchOS feature is enabled with sleep tracking feature which has Wind Down mode , which aids in user to go to sleep by setting desired bed time , wake-up-time as well as setting your screen to Do Not Disturb . 
In addition to it , it will also have hand wash timer , so that you can actually count down for how many seconds you have washed your hands . tvOS 14 : With this latest OS update , Apple focuses on enhancing gaming experiences for keen gamers . Apple has expanded support for Xbox controller to even work with Xbox Elite 2 or Xbox Adaptive Controllers , thereby making gaming experience extremely worth spending . 
In addition to it , Apple has also introduced Apple Arcade game on their Apple TV , so that user can play right from the point wherein they have left playing on their iPhone and iPad .
Mac OS Big Sur : With latest updates , Apple is claiming 50 % increase in speed of upgraded browser such as Safari and Guide . Safari has been further added with better tab management feature for smoother experience . 

AirPods Get Some Serious Updates 

Apple AirPods Pro will get spacial-audio by making use of directional audio filters , on the basis of your device direction , in order to give you sound experience from two earbuds . The new firmware update will also facilitate automatic switching as well as creation of seamless transition while playing audio on one device and switching over to another ( ie MacBook or iPad ) .

How Will WWDC 2020 Will Impact Mobile App Development

One of the most interesting announcement is user privacy feature in iOS 14 . Apps need to specifically obtain permission from users in order to use Identifier for Advertisers , the IDFA , which will be granted permission in order to track across apps and services .

By above written features , it is very clear that developers have to effectively ask users for getting their permission to track as well as clarify the value exchange in granting permission to their users . In addition to it , other iPhone app developers as well as business have to redefine their strategy though implementing new formats of app discovery and user acquisitions .