Redbytes UK SEO, Author at Mobile App Development Company UK

GraphQL : The Future of APIs

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

When discussing API design, REST or Representational State Transfer is what comes to mind first. It is a standard tool used for data retrieval from the server that accesses data by URLs.

Client applications whilst progressing into the new millennium was relatively simple. That is when REST had been developed and it became a good fit for many applications in due course of time.

It was revolutionary for its time as it brought forward vital API design concepts to the forefront like stateless servers and structured access to resources.

With design getting more complex and increasingly data driven, these were the following key assessments:

Efficient data loading was needed as depending on mobile usage rose manifold
REST was limited in terms of developing an API that was able to cater to a variety of client requirements
There was an expectation for a swifter feature development

Read Also: Why Golang is Better than other Programming Languages

Solving the Shortcomings of REST

IBM, Twitter, Walmart Labs, The New York Times, Intuit, Coursera were some of the first companies to have migrated from Representational State Transfer or RESTful to GraphQL APIs for internal usage and they claimed that the switch was a successful one.

Some like AWS, Yelp, GitHub, Facebook, and Shopify went a step further because their migration from RESTful to GraphQL APIs was for both external and internal reasons.

But are you aware of GraphQL?

Simply put, GraphQL is an open-source query language and the protocol for APIs. You can think of GraphQL similar to SQL which is applicable only for APIs instead of databases.

It is the modern alternative for REST-based architecture. Unlike REST, GraphQL allows for requesting specific data that a client needs, departing from the fixed data structure approach.

The Reason for GraphQL Hype

Does GraphQL have any real merit and can it be a key game changer?

Interestingly, all of the companies that have been mentioned so far that have the following in common:

They have several clients that also includes mobile
They are planning to shift to or are already using a microservices architecture
Their dependence on RESTful APIs multiplied and became more complex
They are looking at ways to remove dependencies of their client teams and move it to API teams
They care about the developer experience and value good API documentation

As GitHub Engineering rightly puts it, “Using GraphQL on the frontend and backend eliminates the gap between what we release and what you can consume. We really look forward to making more of these simultaneous releases.

GraphQL represents a massive leap forward for API development. Type safety, introspection, generated documentation, and predictable responses benefit both the maintainers and consumers of our platform.

We’re looking forward to our new era of a GraphQL-backed platform, and we hope that you do, too!”

GraphQL Basics

A pre-defined schema is offered to clients by the GraphQL server. This is basically the model data that can be retrieved from the server where the schema acts as the connector between the server and the client whilst defining the process of accessing the information.

The basic elements of a GraphQL schema are written down in SDL or Schema Definition Language. It explains all sorts of objects that can be requested on that specific server including the fields that they possess.

The queries that are permitted to be requested such as what types of data can be fetched and the relationships between these types are defined by the schema.

In fact, the GraphQL schema can be developed and an interface can be created around it with any programming language.

To make sure that the server is able to respond to the query, the client can validate their query against the schema. You will be able to predict the outcomes depending on the shape of the GraphQL query that closely resembles the result.

This additionally scrubs out any unwelcome surprises, for example, incorrect structure or unavailable data.

At the point when the GraphQL operations reach the backend application, the interpretation is made against the complete schema. Only then is the data for the front end application is totally and accurately resolved.

GraphQL Operations

In a nutshell, there are three primary operations in play with GraphQL. These are:

The query for reading data
The mutation for writing data
Subscription for automatically receiving real-time data over time

The client driven approach has made GraphQL so attractive to developers. This is simply because of the progress made in querying in one request and receiving the data that is required instead of the complete set.

The data type being returned is decided when the control of the data is handled over to the clients GraphQL.

On the other hand, REST encounters the issue of over-fetching. The server defines the data that is available for each resource.

Even if only a part of the data is needed, the client will have to request the entire information in a resource via repeated network requests.

GraphQL Advantages in Comparison to REST

GraphQL and REST are both specifications that are needed to build and consume APIs. A common feature in both technologies is that they can return JSON data in the request when they both retrieve resources by sending queries.

Additionally, they can both be operated over HTTP. Moreover, the endpoints of REST and GraphQL fields are more or less similar because they act as entry points into the data that call functions on the server.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About a Tech Stack

In spite of the commonalities, there are a few stark differences with their conceptual models. GraphQL is built on graphs whereas REST is developed on file.

Take a look at how the developer experiences of building and consuming an API differs.

In terms of speed, GrapgQL is way faster as you can actually minimise time by cutting down on your request by choosing the fields that you want to run the query on.

These are the obvious benefits of utilizing a GraphQL API instead of a REST API.

1) Good Match for Multifaceted Systems and Microservices

GraphQL is able to unite and hide complexities by integrating multiple systems behind the API. Fetching the data from the current systems and then packaging them in the GraphQL response format is the job of the GraphQL server.

For third-party APIs and legacy infrastructures that have been on an expansion spree over the years, this is specifically relevant as it presents a maintenance burden.

Merging multiple microservices into a GraphQL schema can assist in handling communication between them too when migrating from a monolithic backend application to a microservices architecture.

It can be consolidated into a global schema through one GraphQL API gateway even though each microservice defines its own GraphQL schema and has its own GraphQL endpoint.

2) Obtaining Information with A Single API Call

Multiple endpoints need to be combined by the developer to collect all needed data because REST is scattered around individual endpoints.

This is the main difference between GraphQL and REST. The developer can request the required information with just one API call whereas GraphQL concentrates on the primary task.

3) No Over and Under Fetching Difficulties

There is an element of erratic in the responses received from REST. Either they contain less data or too much data making another query request inevitable. This problem has been solved by GraphQL as it fetches the exact data that is required in a single request.

4) Adapting Requests to Your Requirements

There are only specific endpoints, their related functions, parameters, etc. that can be requested from by a REST API documentation by a developer.

On the other hand, GraphQL is able to describe data types, fields and any interaction points between them. This allows developers of GraphQL to customise the request to access the necessary information.

5) Authentication and Type Checking Out-Of-The-Box

The introspection feature by GraphQL enables navigation into the types and finding the schema to make sure that apps only request for what is possible and in the right structure.

Having said that, developers are able to add new fields to current queries with the help of a GraphQL IDE without any further validation of the data format. All that needs to be done is to write resolvers by the developers.

6) Auto-Generating API Documentation

The documentation is kept in sync with API changes with GraphQL because it is tightly entwined with code. Therefore, a change even in a single field, query or types triggers a change automatically in the documentation too.

7) API Evolution without Versioning

REST offers several API versions that it is an evolving API which means that developers have to keep the old version until the switch to the new version has been made.

GraphQL skips this step as ageing fields can be removed from the schema without influencing existing queries at a future time or date.

This ensures that GraphQL’s evolving version allows constant access to the app’s new features, therefore, encouraging a server code that is cleaner and easier to maintain.

8) Code-Sharing

If the need for reuse arises, then fields used in multiple queries in GraphQL can be shared at a higher component level. These are known as fragments that enable you to access various types of data whilst still adhering to the same schema field.

9) Detailed Error Messages

To ascertain what has gone wrong and what needs to be done to handle it, checking the HTTP headers for a status of the response is adequate in REST.

However, in GraphQL, if there is an error during processing, a detailed message is provided by the backend which also includes resolvers. These refer to the exact part of the query where the fault lies.

10) Permissions

Choose which functions and their workings to showcase when creating a GraphQL schema. Comparing this feature to REST views, it tends to be all or nothing.

Hence, the idea is that individual view should possess the knowledge of what can or cannot be made visible under certain situations. And this is not a simple feat to achieve.

Read Also: Why Should Mobile App Developers Consider Flutter in 2020

Putting It Together

It would be incorrect to say that GraphQL can completely substitute REST since the former is a tool, whereas the REST is an architectural pattern. Which one will be a better fit will depend on their unique interaction scenarios.

10 Best Free Pregnancy Apps For Mom

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

It might be a little offensive to see expecting fathers spending good chunk of time frantically fiddling with their smart gadgets.

But with pregnant woman curiously expecting a baby to enter the world, you will do all it takes to make sure everything goes smooth. Just a shadow of small concern about imminent baby is enough to have you googling the smallest of information.

Both mothers and fathers spend stretch of time interacting with MidWives, other Moms or Instagram club asking for advises on late night screams. It is inevitable to be worried and agitated as the belly grows larger.

However, having some of the free dedicated pregnancy apps comforts you at times of emergency. As Technology for parental guide is booming, many free apps have already entered the online app store to help you prepare for good news to pregnancy.

Read Also: 10 Best Free Health and Fitness Apps

We have picked from the lot the 10 best free pregnancy apps in UK for baby care and parenting.

1) Mush

It is a great pregnancy app for expecting mothers and is from British native entrepreneurs Katie Massie-Taylor and Sarah Hesz. It works best as a parental aid when you need it most by connecting you with other like-minded moms in your neighborhood.

This is something that especially comes handy if you are on parental leave. It contains useful parenting guides, mom-friendly discussions and best places to purchase baby gear.

To integrate moms’ social tendencies, the app offers Peanut, connecting moms with other pregnant moms.

2) Glow Nurture

Essentially a good pregnancy tracker app, Glow Nurture joins the list because it targets almost all pregnancy tracking needs a pregnant woman seeks. It keeps you informed with daily updates on baby size.

Hence fathers and mothers will always remember the healthy growth of a baby.

You will be in the know of baby’s ongoing inputs about developmental milestones, symptoms, forums as well as tracking mothers’ health during the phase.

3) Baby Monitor 3G

It is a baby monitoring app that uses the best of both smartphone and its camera.

With this app, you can forgo expensive video baby monitors and just rely on the magical internet-connected device in your pocket to watch your little ones.

Just pair two smartphones with internet and let the magic begin! This is a wonderful app when parents are compelled to be away on trips or at work.

4) Ask The Midwife

Ask the Midwife is a potential alternative comes handy in cases of emergency baby check late in the night.

Users who are parents to expected babies can easily use this paid app to ask for a quick consultation with a professional midwife when they are most worried.

All they need is to initiate a text message or a video chat with a baby expert. Ask The Midwife gives you some first-aid care when you are unable to contact NHS Healthcare Visitor.

5) The Wonder Weeks

Named after the hot famous pregnancy book, the Wonder Weeks is a great women-friendly alternative in pregnancy tracker app category. The app is quite a rage among new parents already.

The purpose here is to provide week-by-week updates on your child’s development.

After the baby is born, parents can investigate into why their sweet angel suddenly turned into a squalling crier at night. The app looks after your baby’s different phases of development.

Read Also: 13 Best Free Mental Health Apps

6) The Bump Pregnancy app

This app is highly recommended for weekly pregnancy comparison guide and checking conditions of a baby inside the womb. It uses a comparison fruit to help you compare and monitor each stage of pregnancy, which clarifies a lot for curious parents.

The app is regularly updated with good fresh editorial content by the Bump staff. Users can also clear their doubts by asking questions to the medical experts, editors or other connected moms.

Additionally, it is an opportunity to document your pregnancy with the weekly photo albums.

7) Ovia Pregnancy Tracker

Dedicated to mom’s general wellness, Ovia Pregnancy Tracker keeps the process of 40 weeks of pregnancy in fine tune while supporting the process.

Ovia checks on mum’s health and makes sure you never forget about it. Considering your age, BMI and previous history, the app also sends personalized feedback and lets you set up notifications and reminders for medications.

It also imports all the details of daily activity and sleep pattern on your fitness tracker while helping you keep the weight gain under control.

8) Belly Bump App

Created by celeb dads Justin Baldoni, Travis Clark and Travis Van Winkle, Belly Bump app is an awesome time lapse pregnancy tracker app that stays with you through the reverse count down to the delivery.

The unique app makes the best of technology to show bump photos in 180-degree angle transformed then into an incredible time-lapse video.

Go ahead and share with your friends on your social media.

9) Pabobo

This app is created by the nightlight maker and makes for the reliable pregnancy app especially as a travel-friendly resource.

Built to work on iOS devices, the app interacts with iPhone’s environment and reads its color, light intensity and suggest a lullaby to send your baby to sleep.

10) WebMD Pregnancy app

WebMD is what online medical advice seekers look to when in the need for quick information or common medical practices.

The app opens up the full access to over 900 article content you need to enhance your pregnancy knowledge and they are all approved or recommended by doctors.

Moreover, you will also track the belly progress and pregnancy journal. WebMD pregnancy app is an excellent source of dependable maternity support and tips coming from its community of medical experts.

Read Also: Growing Prevalence of Healthcare Mobile Apps in UK

Conclusion

You will find many other free pregnancy and parenting apps that guide you well while you expect a baby or even after your baby is born. However, the top 10 best free pregnancy apps in UK described above ends your struggle for discovering the best in the niche.

If you are a UK denizen, these free apps accompany you when you are most worried and accommodate almost everything you need during pregnancy or post-pregnancy phase.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Netflix?

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Back in the 1920s when television was first introduced, people were startled by the power of modern technology. Little did they know that something more powerful is on the way that would isolate televisions forever. Internet is one such powerful, magical invention that has transformed everything that it touches.

According to the recent Global Digital report, it is estimated to be nearly 4.3 billion internet users all around the world which is increasing every year.

With the advancement of internet and mobile technologies, online video streaming applications like Netflix are sprouting and pushing the old televisions in the dark drawing-room corners.

With its rich content, smooth user interface and easy access, the media platform Netflix is winning millions of hearts all around the world.

Read Also: Why Should You Invest in Video Streaming App Development?

According to the Netflix financial report 2018, the company’s annual revenue has crossed total $15.79 billion while in 2018, the company had earned a total amount of $1.21 billion.

Share of respondents using Netflix in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2016, by age group

Like all other mobile applications, video streaming apps are also in its boom now.

Let us give a detailed insight regarding the cost and features of video streaming apps so that you can also develop an app like Netflix.

Know More About Netflix

As we all know, Netflix is the most popular and widely used streaming media these days. A study reveals that this platform has already crossed more than 150 million users globally. However, the idea of Netflix is quite old, more than twenty years.

It was during 1997-1998 when two Americans Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph brought the revolutionary idea of online movie rental. Their idea freed the customers from the hassle of receiving and returning DVDs from the local stores.

By 2006, the number of Netflix subscribers increased to 4.2 million which inspired the team to change the concept of movie watching once again. And as a result during 2007 they introduced online movie or video streaming allowing the subscribers to enjoy live shows and movies directly on their computers.

Key Features of Netflix

The key features of Netflix that make it unique in the market are as follows:

High-quality streaming
Original content
Ad-free movie and shows streaming
Valuing the viewers – their experiences and ratings
30days free trial

Why Should One Use the Video Streaming Apps?

How cruel it sounds when you need to leave a movie in the middle and rush for urgent work. Unlike a smartphone or a tab, it is inconvenient to carry your laptop everywhere you go.

With a fast and smooth video-streaming app, you will never miss your favourite shows or movies even if you are not at home. Take a glance over the benefits of using a video streaming app:

Free Access: You can access and browse a video streaming app anywhere and at any moment. It is like carrying a whole television inside your pocket.

Customize Shows: One can easily watch and re-watch their favourite shows and movies that will be saved in the cloud. Also, they can choose the type of content they prefer to watch.

Time-saving: Apart from customizable content, these streaming apps also help in saving a lot of time. There is no tension of missing the important match or show. The app will store everything for you.

Ad-Free Content: Unlike televisions or other platforms, you can enjoy ad-free content for hours using a mobile video streaming app.

Different Payment Schemes: Another benefit of using a video streaming app is its payment schemes. You can share the account with multiple users, maybe your friends or family and share the payment. Hence it becomes affordable as well.

How Can Video Streaming Apps Benefit Your Business?

It is true that in today’s busy world, people hardly get enough time to snuggle in their couches with a bowl full of snacks and watch their favourite shows. Watching television has eventually become an old concept.

Streaming media is a new-age concept that has changed the way people used to watch shows, movies or other content on television or their computers using DVDs.

Every TV production house is now trying to make their services digital and reach to a broader audience. Apart from that, some entrepreneurs are trying to develop video streaming apps with new and unique content to engage the viewers.

Let us brief the business advantages of a mobile video streaming app:

Easy Access: All they need is a mobile device, headphones or other sound equipment and a decent internet connection – subscribers can enjoy watching their favourite shows and movies anywhere they go anytime.

Wide Audience: With the help of a video streaming app, you will get the potential audience who will invest their time and money on your app and explore the content you share. These apps do not limit your business by geographical range. The videos can reach millions of people.

Live Streaming: Some apps allow live streaming of sports, news, or any other events where many people can’t reach physically. These Live streaming apps help to reach a wider audience remotely.

Unique and Rich Content: Unique content always invites more audience than the usual ones. Through your video streaming app, you can deliver some rich and unique content to the subscribers to retain their interest.

Audience Feedback: Collecting audience feedback for the mobile app is easy. You can set the feedback forms of polls that will pop up while closing or opening the app and your audience can drop their feedback.

Tracking Analytics: Using smart technology you can always keep a track about the analytics and overall performance of the app and ensure the better customer experience. Also with the use of analytical tools, you can evaluate audience behaviour and engagement every time they interact with the app. This is how you can know your potential customers.

Free of Advertisement: Advertisements are the pillars of any business but for the viewers, the advertisement might look disturbing as they often stream in the middle of a movie or show. The subscribers of a video streaming app can enjoy a movie without being distracted by the advertisements.

Read Also: Top 10 Live Streaming Apps

Let’s Learn the Important Factors to Develop an App Like Netflix

In case you are dreaming to develop your successful video streaming app like Netflix, then these are the following things or features that may influence the app cost:

Integrate Social Media: Social media is not only limited to communicating with your dear ones, but it has evolved into a strong marketing and advertising platform. Integrating your app with sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram will help you in sharing the videos directly on social media and invite more people.

Live Video Streaming: Live streaming feature can engage your viewers and make their experience with your app interesting.

Monetization: Include email marketing, sponsorships, in-app advertisements, affiliate marketing, in-app purchase, and others to ensure earning from your app.

User Experience: Help your users to make an easily manageable profile on your app. Make it customizable so that the users can choose the type of content they want to watch, scroll through the viewed content to find their favourite ones to re-watch, check their subscription details and pay for up-gradation without hassle.

Review: Let the viewers review your app and share their experiences and opinions. Their review and ratings will not increase their involvement with the app but will also help you to understand what they are looking for.

Subscription and Payment: Convert your viewers into potential customers by offering lucrative subscription offers and features. Different subscription packages with multiple features and benefits, e.g. unlimited content, ad-free content and others might lure viewers to subscribe.

User Registration: User registration will help the users to one-time register into their account on the device. This feature helps them to use directly without wasting time logging in every time until they decide to shift to another device.

Multiple Device support: Let the user access his or her account on multiple devices at the same time.

Cost to Develop an App Like Netflix

Over the past few years, Netflix has spread its wings and reached in every corner of the world. It has only been possible because of the increasing rate of mobile and internet users.

The statistics of Netflix are shocking as it reveals that nearly 58% of US adults watch Netflix regularly and 1 billion hours per week is the average amount of the total hours of Netflix streaming among the subscribers.

However, every successful app needs some good amount of time and money investment. But the first thing you need to build a clone application like Netflix is a strong team.

Without a team of professionals, app development will not bring the success you are expecting.

However, let’s meet the team:

UX Designer: UX designers will give your app a smooth and attractive interface.

Android/iOS Developers: These professionals will help the app perform without any difficulty on various mobile platforms like Android or iOS.

Backend Developer: Starting from taking care of the data to the server performativity – these backend developers ensure the software and the server is running smoothly.

Quality Analyst: The responsibility does not end with just developing the app. Quality assurance is necessary. The primary job of a quality analyst, in this case, is to test the quality and performance of the app before and after its launch.

Business Analyst: Without strong business strategies it becomes difficult for the new app to adjust to the competitive market. Business analysts are there to boost the growth with their incredible smart strategies.

Project Manager: The entire project is executed, monitored and managed with the help of a project manager, who is also responsible to release the project or the app within the deadline.

The cost to develop an app like Netflix usually depends on several factors which primarily include:

Multiple features that you would like to add to enhance the user experience.
Mobile platforms that you choose to release and perform the app.
App complexity and designs to boost performance.
Maintenance charges.

However, the average cost to develop a video streaming mobile app like Netflix is estimated to be around $10,000 to $25,000.

The per-hour cost of the app developers also depend per location – in North America, the average per hour rate is nearly $140 while in the Eastern countries the rate becomes nearly $60 per hour depending on the app complexities.

Read Also: 10 Best Free Music Apps For Android & iOS

Bottom Line

Now that you have all the information that you were looking for developing an app like Netflix, are you now ready to step into the competition of the video streaming market and make your brand successful?

How to Revamp your mobile apps using Machine Learning

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Have you ever used masks on Snapchat, found a perfect match for you on Tinder or perhaps watched a movie recommended by Netflix? If you have done any of these before, then you’ve already had a taste of what machine learning can do to mobile apps, knowingly or unknowingly.

A report by Allied Research revealed that machine learning as a service market is predicted to reach a staggering USD 5,537 million in 2023 with an estimated CAGR of 39% between 2017 and 2023.

This is happening at breakneck speed as the number of businesses to adopt machine learning is expected to double at 64% in the next three years.

In the last few years, machine learning has been transforming our lives in multiples ways. Be it through automated surveillance systems, smart assistants like Alexa and Siri, humanoids like Sophia and self-driving cars by 2020, it is pretty much everywhere.

Making gadgets, devices and mobile apps as intelligent as humans, machine learning is a leading component of the digitization efforts being followed by businesses globally.

Read Also: Role of Blockchain in Mobile App Development

With over 90% of CIO’s in agreement with the fact that this level of automation is bound to improve the speed and accuracy of decision making processes, investing in machine learning is this current business landscape is way forward.

Machine Learning Has Infiltrated Various Sectors

Every field including health care, e-commerce, and, of course, mobile apps have found ways to implement machine learning technology in some way or the other. A report by Statista mentioned that machine learning apps attracted USD 29 billion during March 2019.

Using Machine Learning to Revamp Mobile Apps

With cognitive technology on the rise, experts are getting superior at executing jobs via being exposed to relevant data and a bunch of energy-guzzling, cloud-based computer servers that are fitted with specialised processors.

This, on the other hand, has allowed machines to gain senses. Now they are able to perceive, learn and respond as per the requirements of their present environment.

That is a tremendous transformation, indeed.

A lot can be achieved by mobile app developers with the integration of machine learning offerings across sectors. This has been made possible because of the technical competences that mobile apps bring with machine learning.

With such capabilities in place, designing smooth interfaces, improved user experiences and empowering businesses with key features, for example, exact location based suggestions or detecting chronic diseases instantly is a much more seamless process.

Personalisation is the same as the game. It is not just about creating a quality mobile app anymore. You have to do a lot more to ensure that your audience remains loyal to it. And that is exactly where machine learning can assist with some innovative renovations.

1) Personalized Experience

You can benefit from a continuous learning process with the help of machine learning as algorithms are developed to assess data collected via multiple sources such as social media activity, credit ratings that enable pop notifications directly on to the customer’s smartphones.

Users can be categorized depending on their interests. Moreover, by collecting user information, you can also determine the look of your app with the assistance of machine learning by being able to answer the following key questions:

Who your customers are?
What do they want?
What they can afford?
What hobbies, preferences, and pain points they have?
What words they’re using to talk about your products?

By structuring your users in this manner, you can identify a more custom designed approach for each customer group and adapt the tone of your communication accordingly.

Here, machine learning allows you to offer your customers with content that is more relevant and inviting that expresses the thought that the mobile apps are actually speaking to them.

Take a look at how these mobile apps are using machine learning to personalise customer communication.

2) Advanced Search

If your goal is to optimise the search functionality in your app in order to deliver enhanced, contextual results, then Machine Learning is undoubtedly the way to go. With the right interventions, it makes the app search more intuitive.

With the application of Machine Learning algorithms, businesses are able to access customer queries and only prioritize results which have relevance to the query generated.

To group articles, FAQs, documents, scripts, DIY videos, etc. into a knowledge graph, cognitive technology plays a vital role that allows users to browse through immediate answers via smart, self-service tools.

The data collected from modern apps includes customer search histories and related action which can later be used to identify patterns of user behaviour, help rank products and services and show only the best matching results to their queries.

Additionally, voice search technology is also a bonus app integration that streamlines the search processes further.

Take the example of Reddit that is using machine learning algorithms to allow their community users to perform advanced search operations.

3) Predicted User Behaviour

By examining a variety of user information such as age, gender, location, search requests, frequency of using the app, etc., ML technology can help businesses and marketers to grasp customer preferences.

But why is this data so important?

The data can enhance your app’s effectiveness and guide your marketing efforts in the right direction to keep your user base engaged and interested in your application.

For instance, your data shows that your app is being used more by females under 35 years in comparison to men. On the basis of this information, you can design your communication to get more male customers interested through targeted marketing campaigns.

ML technologies further assist in crafting recommendations that cater to a more individualised taste of the customer. The idea is to increase user engagement and get them to spend more time on the app.

Here are a few more examples of Machine Learning applications:

4) Relevant Ads

Machine Learning has made display advertising more targeted with messaging more personalised and accurate. The Relevancy Group released a report which states that 38% of executives are using ML as part of their overall strategy for Data Management Platform (DMP) for advertising.

Machine learning enables businesses to stop pushing products and services that have been recently bought by their customers. Drawing on individual customer’s unique purchase patterns and interests, businesses are able to generate targeted ads with the help of Machine Learning.

Being able to predict customer behaviour is a tremendous advantage that can direct promotions through a series of specific communication where the likelihood of a sale conversion is at its highest.

Coca-Cola has incorporated Machine Learning in their user image recognition technology. This helps them to recognise pictures of those products, their own or from the competition of social channels and check the conversations happening around it.

Having this information handy, it was a simple process for Coca-Cola to understand and gauge situations where their target audience is driven to converse about the brand.

This, unquestionably, is one of the best approaches to assess the conversation and serve targeted promotion. This will have an increased probability of being clicked.

Read Also: Why Should Mobile App Developers Consider Flutter in 2020

5) Improved Security

App authentication via video, audio, and voice recognition is a key functionality offered by machine learning. This enables users to authenticate app access through biometric data like fingerprint and face recognition technologies.

Along with that, machine learning also streamlines the user flow through simple log-in processes which are secure.

Malware attacks for online retailers in Asia, Europe and North America last year increased 45% resulting in a whopping USD 3.3 billion loss.

Machine Learning bans suspicious activities via prompt detection. Hence, there is no need to constantly monitor or control the app against such unidentified malware attacks.

Major banks and financial institutions across the globe are also leveraging Machine Learning technologies to analyse transactions, borrowing patterns and social media interactions to arrive at credit ratings.

6) Deep User Engagement

In comparison to all apps available in the store, mobile apps that have been enhanced using Machine Learning are found to generate more user engagement as it is able to offer a broad range of functionalities including real-time customer support. This drives more people to use this app on an everyday basis.

By assessing information, businesses are able to offer adequate support and service enabling them to make more decisions in real-time.

AI chatbots, voice assistants are intelligent digital assistants that are features which can be integrated to offer friendly and prompt support to customers. Build-in translators also provide real-time support, thus improving your overall mobile application workflow.

Snapchat is a great example of an app that has masterfully exploited machine learning and augmented reality that enables its members to transform and redesign images using filters.

Top Mobile Apps That Use Machine Learning

Take a look at some of the top apps that have used Machine Learning to their advantage:

1.Netflix

Netflix has used Machine Learning, specifically linear regression and logistic regression algorithms to create customised content lists for its users. Tracking user behaviour and monitoring the shows that are being watched by Netflix users are some of the data that goes into Machine Learning algorithms.

Hence, when users open the app, they are able to browse through recommended content lists that have been specially curated keeping their individual user preferences in mind.

2.Tinder

This is a dating application that helps you to find like-minded partners. Machine Learning technologies helps in finding the ideal match by using data like images posted and the frequency in which they are swiped. This allows the algorithm to understand and puts forward only those photos which have been observed the most.

3.Google Maps

If you are looking to find a parking slot, Machine Learning capabilities built into Google maps will help you to find a spot.

Read Also: New Technologies Trends Driving Mobile App Sector

Key Takeaways

When it comes to strengthening your business, these are some of the ways by which Machine Learning applications can make it more efficient and user friendly.

With its state of the art search functionalities and authentication that is quick and secure, using Machine Learning to revamp your mobile apps is a definite differentiator that sets your app apart from the rest of the pack.

15 Must Have Features in Auto Insurance App

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Huge amount of funds are being spent in the automobile sector in advancing the concepts of self-driven cars and complementary safety systems that will make driving a more secure experience.

According to the Annual Global Road Crash Statistics released by the World Health Organization, road crashes cost a whopping USD 518 billion per year and are predicted to become the 5^th leading overall cause of death across the globe by 2030.

Continuous researches and development have been able to reduce the number of car crashes. The introduction of six airbag systems and security tools has been able to minimise the extent of potential injury to the driver. Having said that vehicle still remains largely prone to damage in the event of an accident.

Read Also: How To Build A Personal Finance App

The Need for Auto Insurance Mobile App

The insurance industry is undoubtedly thriving with the number of vehicle accidents rising every year. And repairing these damages to the vehicles is an expensive affair which is why the majority of vehicle owners opt for insurance services.

Having an appropriate motor insurance can save vehicle owners from hefty expenditures of repairing and servicing. Between 2015 and 2016, the auto insurance sector saw a wave of innovating and digitization.

In order to scale these insurance related services to improve customer accessibility and reach, insurance companies were keen to develop auto insurance app with suitable features, as their way forward into the digital future.

With an auto insurance app, insurance companies can be open to more prospective leads by being able to significantly expand their reach. Communicating services and prices through the app to the prospect’s fingertips additionally gives them competitive edge.

With nearly 1.25 million people killed in road accidents each year and another 20 to 50 million individuals being injured and disabled has led to a massive rise in insurance claims too.

Therefore, it makes absolute sense to have a mobile insurance app that streamlines the process. It allows customers the opportunity to leverage the potential of technology to raise their claims online.

The communication with the insurance company is basically hassle-free in this instance.

Creating an Auto Insurance App

Creating a mobile application for the insurance segment can be slightly tricky. One has to understand the basics of the industry first. The three primary factors involved are:

The insurance company or the insurer
The policyholder or the insured
The providers of services covered by the insurance, for example, car repairs in case of an auto insurance

The insurance application should ideally cover all three of these segments in one application or separate applications. In the case of a combination app, the user, upon registering should be able to navigate and access information for the section that is most relevant to him or her.

However, that may have its disadvantages.

The user is compelled to choose a role which is an added step to the registration process. The global revolution is focussing more on acceleration and simplification of processes which is introducing fewer steps to make the customer experience more enhanced.

The application will require 3 times more space as it combines 3 segments of the insurance company making it quite heavy. It also translates into more processing power, resources and space on the mobile device.

Having three interconnected apps will help you to add more features when your application becomes too heavy. If three apps are sounding a bit too much, you can consider building two applications – one that caters to your clients and the other for your employees.

Overall, you will find that the effort will be worth the effort of having two applications in place.

Top Features to Include in an Auto Insurance App

The benefits of developing an auto insurance app for your insurance business far outweigh any negatives.

However, you need to ensure that the auto insurance app does have some of the necessary basic features that will enable you to improve levels of service, building customer loyalty for your brand and expand your reach to a wider audience base.

Here is a list of the must-have features in auto insurance app:

1) User Profile

The primary feature of any mobile app is to ensure that the user experiences a simple process of integration. The users should be able to create a profile in a short span of time.

This is possibly one of the most important features that your developers will create for an auto insurance app.

2) Quick Registration Form

The majority of apps will require its user to register on it. With the help of a quick registration form, clients can simply register on the application by inserting their insurance policy number.

Read Also: 11 Best Personal Finance Apps

3) Information about Vehicles

Once the user has registered on the app, he or she will have to provide details of the vehicle such as the model, manufacturer and year of purchase.

5) Push Notifications

This is an extremely vital feature of the application as you need to constantly communicate with your user base.

Through push notifications, you can notify users on any changes in the claim process, share reminders on policy renewals, and any relevant information concerning the auto insurance industry.

6) Documentation

To file an insurance claim, the policy holder must upload pictures of all relevant documents in the app.

Therefore, having functionality where your app allows users to scan their documents and submit them is a must-have. This makes the entire process more real-time.

7) Prompt Pricing

With a pricing functionality, your users can explore pricing quotes depending on their requirements. They can insert the parameters in the application that customers can fill in and gain access to a variety of different quotes that is most relevant as per requirements shared.

8) Claim Filing

This app is an absolute must. The idea is to make raising claims easier and more accessible for your client. Integrating a chatbot here further minimises paperwork.

Users can file the claims themselves without having to physically go the insurance company’s office or reach out to an agent to help them. This greatly optimises resources and enhances the service quality at the same time.

9) Geolocation

This feature will assist your clients to find your workspace conveniently. Additionally, it can also enable the insurance provider to track customer movements.

10) Telematics

This is one among the innovative features that is a fantastic functionality to have on the auto insurance app. Using GPS on the smartphone in combination with artificial intelligence, gyroscopes data and accelerometers, data collected can be analysed to measure customer’s driving expertise.

The driver will have to test this out for over a two week period. The app, during this time, is able to identify patterns in the customer’s driving behaviour.

Aspects that are measurable through this app include locations frequented by the driver, smartphone utilization during driving, the duration of time that the vehicle is in use, if traffic rules are being followed by the driver and any change of roads.

Once the insurance company has access to this information, they can use it to determine the auto insurance premium for the policyholder.

If the driver is low risk because he or she has been able to clear all safety parameters, then the premium amount will be reasonably low.

On the other hand, if the safety risk is considered to be high, the same will be reflected in the premium amount quoted by the insurance company.

11) Policy Review

The ID screen is the personalised space on the app for the user to access his insurance related details. This can be added as the Policy Review screen where your customers will be able to take a look at the policy number, type of policy, premium payments, renewal dates and vehicle specifications.

12) Filters

The majority of drivers will opt to go with a low premium paying auto insurance policy. In fact, some drivers may have separate requirements.

Depending on these needs, the app developers can insert filters to draw more suitable policy options for these niche users.

13) Customer Support

The support service for any business is vital. These key interactions determine whether your customers stay loyal to your insurance brand in the long run.

Having a dedicated customer support service screen is a definite feature that you should have on the auto insurance app.

Some of the possibilities of customer support functionality that you can choose from are:

Integrating chatbots that allows users to get their basic queries and questions answered promptly
Live chat support plug-ins can give users access to experts to get solutions to more complex issues
The customer support screen can also double up as a claim processing platform with users having access to updated insurance details.

This leads to better resource utilization and minimised operational expenditures for the insurance company too. With a more compact team, you can offer better service to your customers.

14) Multi-lingual Assistance

With globalisation, it is imperative for apps to offer the multi-lingual assistance to their customers. This opens up a wider audience base for the insurance company too.

15) Payment Gateway

The most important feature to include in your mobile app is the payment gateway. In order to process purchase of services, policies, etc. the payment option needs to be enabled on the app.

Think of using multiple gateways such as debit cards, credit cards, net banking and even wallets like G Pay.

Read Also: 10 Best Mobile Banking Apps

Future of Auto Insurance Apps

The concept of ‘one size fits all’ is no longer valid in the world of auto insurance. Innovative products such as ‘Try before you Buy’, ‘Pay as you Drive’, etc. are enticing more a more millennial.

There is a distinct shift in user behaviour which insurance companies should adapt for a rapid pace. The future of the insurance app has a lot to do with customisation and personalisation according to client requirements, hence the features may vary accordingly.

Therefore, whenever you choose to build your auto insurance app, ensure that you have done your research and peg user satisfaction as your criteria for the application is success.

Impact Of Mobile Apps On Oil And Gas Industry In UK

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

The Oil and Gas industry has been playing a significant role in balancing the global economy and environment. The entire human civilization will collapse if oil and gas production suddenly stops due to any natural or technological mishap.

We all are aware of the term “Oil flows, the nation grows” – The growing demand for gas and oil in today’s world for domestic and business purposes justifies the phrase’s reality.

The industry produces energy and provides with fiscal fluidity that keeps the wheels of the economy moving. The tremendous growth of mobile apps in recent times has had an enormous impact on each industry, especially on Oil and Gas.

Starting from banking and finance, education, hospitality to retail, healthcare and more, has experienced changes. Every industry has felt the importance of digitalization with time and embraced mobile technology to safeguard their business.

According to the Mobile Statistics Report 2019-2023 published by the market research team of The Radicati Group, by the end of 2023 the total number of business and consumer mobile users all around the world will cross 7.3 billion. Oil and Gas industry is not an exception to this rule. And the sector in the UK is no different.

Read Also: Features And Benefits Of Fleet Management App

Why Do Business Industries Need The Mobile Application?

For the business industries that work across several regions, on multiple projects in multiple locations usually encounter several challenges that affect the productivity and profitability of the business.

Adopting mobile technology not only benefits the industries to maintain smooth production but also helps in overall enterprise management. Also, in this age of mobility, mobile phones and applications are changing the usual concept of performing and maintaining business.

The growing demand and sales of smartphones have influenced business organizations to develop their apps irrespective of industries. After all, mobile applications have the power to shrink the entire world into a tiny device.

Mobile application developers use several app developing technologies which include JAVA, PHP, HTML 5 and many more to build up highly efficient apps for companies on demand. A recent report forecasts the increased number of app downloads in 2022 might cross nearly 258.2 billion.

Below are the reasons why the Oil and Gas industry need to embrace mobile apps more than before:

1) Data Access at Your Fingertips

Mobile technology has made it easier for you to record every data using specific software on that tiny device. Arrange smartphones equipped with useful mobile software that will allow your business team to get access to the real-time data at any time anywhere.

2) Keeping a Track of Business Insight

With the help of business mobile applications companies can observe and analyse their business insights using the recorded data. Business process optimization like exchanging important files, studying statistics, monitoring the process and others also become easier.

3) Improved Communication among Colleagues

Not only the devices but the work culture and atmosphere has also evolved over the past years. With smart mobile applications, companies can build better networking and connectivity among the employees.

Starting from video conference, meeting, group discussion to working in collaboration from multiple locations – communication among the colleagues improves more than before.

4) Increasing Transparency

Better communication builds transparency. Mobile apps keep the employees updated regarding the projects, services and products which are beneficial while communicating with the clients or customers.

Clear and informative communication replaces ambiguous or incomplete communication and enhances company transparency among both colleagues and clients.

5) Expand Business with Better Marketing Strategies

Lastly, mobile applications help in modelling unique and efficient marketing strategies as per the ongoing market trends which increases business growth.

You can expand the business and reach out to a potential audience and clients all around the world. Thus mobile application becomes the secret weapon for the company marketers.

Growth of Oil and Gas Industry in the UK

From ancient times, people have been using ancient or fossil fuels as one of the primary sources of energy. It was thousands of years ago when Herodotus had observed natural asphalts in walls and tower constructions in Babylon. History says petroleum was first used by China that too during 600 B.C.

However, with the continuous evolution of science and technology, people have learned the secret of processing and refining natural oil. And as an eventual consequence, the oil and gas industry started to sprout all around the world. And now the industry has expanded enough to influence the world economy and as well as the environment.

The above insight shows how the consumption of natural fuels or energy has increased over the past years. The total consumption of oil is approximately 30% where the total consumption of natural gas stands near 22%.

As per research reports, during 2016 the daily oil consumption in the UK had reached nearly 1.6 million barrels. The same report also reveals that approximately 75% of the total energy that the UK consumed in the same year was produced from oil and gas industries.

Impacts of Mobile Apps on the Oil and Gas Industry

Now the question might arise, what has mobile applications to do with the oil and gas industry? As mentioned above mobile apps are the new-age innovations that have evolved and revolutionized the age-old methodologies.

The oil and gas industry has also incorporated mobile technologies and mobile apps for better performance and growth. Research says that digitalization can earn the Oil and Gas industry nearly $1.6trillion value. The industry has, however, started to invest more in mobile app development to increase more efficiency.

Read Also: Reasons Why Enterprises Need Mobile Apps

Multiple types of mobile applications can be developed for the Oil and Gas industry which include:

1) Disaster Management Apps

In case of emergency disastrous situations, mobile apps can help to save important business data and other crucial information that can be retrieved at any time.

Also, these apps can help to aware the team about the urgent condition and get immediate response from them.

2) Health and Safety Apps

Oil and Gas industries are not only limited to indoor cubicles. Multiple employees are working directly on the field in some remote locations to explore and unearth raw materials for further processing.

Sometimes it becomes difficult to locate and contact them. Mobile apps help to keep them connected with the company allowing them to update their safety or health issues, share field images and videos with the other team members in the office.

3) Communication Apps

Communication mobile apps will keep all the employees of a relevant team interconnected. They can share report files, arrange quick video conferences and group discussions using the app to communicate immediately.

4) Project Management Apps

Project management apps can help in effectively executing long and complicated projects. These apps make business operations easier for the employees as they can track the process, costs, and update field information and activities.

5) Reporting Apps

A reporting app is required for updating regular data and forming daily reports. These apps can reduce the manual effort of recording each data and report daily for the management.

However, all these types of mobile apps for the Oil and Gas industry bring some significant impacts which are as follows:

1) Improved Safety

Working in the Oil and Gas industry as a field executive can sometimes be life-threatening. Dealing with health and safety issues, environmental challenges are a part of their daily life.

Mobile apps can bring the mobility solution to keep the relevant team updated regarding their safety issues from the field. Also, the technicians and the inspecting team can easily follow up with their condition and prevent fatal accidents before it happens.

Thus mobile apps can improve the work atmosphere and make it safe for the employees.

2) Capturing Accurate Data

To improve business efficiency, one needs to collect accurate data. Oil and Gas industry works with multiple professionals like field executives, geologists, environmental specialists, managers and others.

Instead of carrying paper and pen everywhere, using a mobile app is more convenient to collect accurate data.

3) Better Trouble-Shooting

Machines breakdown is another common challenge that the industry faces. Sometimes it consumes a lot of time to report and troubleshoot the problems. A mobile app for such troubleshooting and immediate reporting can reduce time consumption.

4) Real-Time Data Tracking

Apart from data-capturing, dedicated mobile apps can help tracking and analyzing in data or business insights. These apps can also allow making decisions and adjustments to ensure smooth business productivity.

5) Enhanced Communication between Field & Office

As we all know, communication is the key. Improved communication will lead to successful business growth and performance. In the oil and gas industry, people work in multiple locations for the same projects sometimes.

A better mobility solution can enhance the communication between the field executives and other professionals at the office to improve business operations.

6) Better Inspection and Situation Monitoring

Oil and Gas industry requires regular and constant inspection of the pipeline, environmental assets to increase efficiency. Deploying mobile apps for such monitoring and situation inspection jobs can cut down the cost and will also help the relevant technicians to keep a note of the data for further action.

7) Reduced Network Failure

Network failure is one of the most common challenges in the Oil and Gas industry. Networks fail to capture and share data once the professionals move out the specific network range.

Mobile apps with offline capability can reduce the probabilities of network failure and increase connectivity. These mobile apps are efficient enough to capture and sync data automatically even if they are out of the range.

Read Also: Logistics Mobile Apps To Replace Traditional Process In UK

Let’s Wrap Up

With the magical wave of digitalization, Oil and Gas industry has evolved over the past years by implementing multiple digital facilities for the employees and business.

The powerful impacts of mobile apps on the Oil and Gas industry has reduced the struggle of the professionals in massive data capturing, location tracking and others.

However, there is no doubt that with the right tools and guidance you can identify the right solution. Mobile applications in today’s world can guide your business through the right path.

How To Shape Your Smart Homes With Mobile Apps

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Time has brought us into an era where life without internet is slowly turning into a myth. It is not only difficult but impossible to imagine modern lifestyles without the least aid of technologies these days.

The rapid advancement of mobile technology and smart devices has replaced human involvement in almost every aspect of life. The emergence of multiple smart devices and a tendency for easy lifestyles has given birth to the idea called “smart home”.

Although this new-age concept of smart homes sounds a little confusing and complicated to the people who are not much used to internet, efficient mobile apps have made this home automation technology easier for everyone.

Read Also: How IoT Applications Are Transforming Industries In UK

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is another name for home automation technology. Home automation technology is a modern age wonder that allows the homeowners to remotely monitor their homes and control appliances like lights, heaters and others.

Being a smart homeowner, you can connect all your smart devices with the appliances and systems of your home so that you can manage everything even if you are not at home.

“Did I switch off the kitchen lights?”, “Did I turned off the heater?” – These kinds of thoughts are enough to distract you from an important office meeting or any other important work.

But with a smart homes, you can keep all these thoughts aside and focus on your work. All you need to do is to peek into mobile apps and check the current status of your home, sitting at your office.

With several interconnected smart devices and home appliances like smart lights, smart locks, smart power outlets and others you can easily set up a smart home and save time, money and total energy consumption.

Apart from that, you can get smart entertainment appliances (audio and visual), air conditioner, washing machines, and refrigerators to smarten up your home.

It is worth mentioning that 22% of the UK households already own smart home assistant devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home in 2019. According to reports, 87% of US consumers who use smart home devices have confirmed that their life has become so much easier than before.

Research says the high demand smart devices for setting up smart homes has made the United Kingdom one of the rapidly growing and the second largest smart home market on the natural ground. According to a research report by Statista, the smart home market in the United Kingdom has reached US$3,934m this year.

And another surprising fact the same report reveals is that the UK smart home market has generated most revenue as compared on a global ratio. The global Smart home market is expected to amount to nearly 27% growth in this year.

Why Do You Need to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home?

According to market research focusing on the global forecast of 2024, the global smart home market is predicted to reach $151.4 billion by 2024. In 2018 the net worth of the overall smart home market was $76.6 billion.

The primary factor that influences the smart home market is the continuous growth of internet users. According to recent research conducted by the Office for National Statistics reveals, 91% of all UK adults use the internet regularly.

All 99% of adults aged between 16-44 years and nearly 47% of adults aged over 75 years use internet connectivity. However, making your home smart has several benefits. We have enlisted below the multiple reasons why you should think about turning your home in a smarter one.

1) Control Your Home Remotely

The primary benefits one can get from a smart home are smart controlling and management. Once you connect your home with all other smart devices you can control everything from outside.

In case you want to check what’s pet is doing you can simply log in to your laptop or mobile app and take a glance.

2) Time is precious

Today, time is something that you always need to save. Smart home understands your value of time and helps you in performing daily chores like drawing the curtains, turning off the lights and so on. You command and your home will follow.

3) Reduced Expenses on Bills

Managing monthly expenses is another biggest challenge that every household face. A smart home helps you in saving money by reducing monthly electricity bills. Often we forget to turn off the lights and heaters or any other electronic devices and it remains on until we come back.

Home automation technology will help you in turning off such electric systems if you don’t feel like stepping out of your cosy blanket at night or if you have already left for work.

4) Customizing Facilities

Home automation technology comes with multiple customizing options. You can personalize all the electronic appliances as per your wish.

For example, adjusting the brightness of the lighting, turning on backdoor light at a certain time or drawing the shades automatically and others.

5) Ultimate Security

The most important benefit of having a smart home is security. Now home is such a place that everyone tries to keep secure and safe from the outside chaos.

Smart homes will allow you to monitor everything even remotely and keep your home safe from small local crimes and thefts.

6) Enable Home Alarms

You can also enable the home alarm to save a life in case of fire, terrorism or theft. Your smart home can send a notification to your dear ones if you seem to be in such trouble or alarm your neighbours for immediate help.

7) Relaxing Mind

With a smart home you can get back your peace of mind. Using home automation techniques you can check whether the doors and windows are properly shut before dozing off for the day.

Nearly 72% of US consumers who use smart home products have ensured their peace of mind due to ultimate security assurance of these devices.

8) Comfortable Home

Smart homes can also make your life more comfortable than before. You can sit in a corner of your couch and still perform all the necessary daily tasks. You do not need to move from one corner to the other inside your home to manage everything.

Read Also: Must-Have Features In Real Estate App Development

These above reasons are enough to tell you why you should consider smartening your home into a more comfortable, energy-efficient, secured and fully connected one.

Contribution of Mobile Apps in Shaping Your Smart Homes

Smart home technology is a new-age concept of reshaping your homes in collaboration with high-end technology and mobile apps.

Home automation technology has simplified our lives by connecting homes with smart home mobile apps. Using a mobile app for every task is no more a trend rather it has become a necessity nowadays.

Studies reveal that nearly 1 94 billion apps were downloaded last year and within the time block between 2016 – 2018 the total time spent on mobile apps increased by 50% while downloading rate increased by 35%.

With this expanding growth, mobile apps are also evolving every day and they are no longer limited to paying bills, controlling finances, booking hall tickets or chatting with a friend.

Mobile apps have developed enough to supervise and control your home – smart home. Many smart homes mobile apps help you in putting everything together and make your life hassle-free.

The ways how mobile apps benefit your urban smart homes are as follows:

1) Optimized Lifestyle

In simple words, smart homes mean more simple life with high automated maintenance. Smart home mobile apps simplify and optimize your life by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the time and cost consumption.

With smart home apps, you can even keep track of how much time you are spending on the device.

2) Reduced Household Maintenance Stress

Life is uncertain and unpredictable. You might face some urgency at work or you might fall sick suddenly. With smart devices and smart home apps, you do not need to take the stress of maintaining and cleaning your home.

There are varieties of smart home cleaning appliances available in the market that can work automatically on your command and get the work done with full efficiency.

3) Remote Access Using a Smart Home App

Smart home mobile apps will also help to get into your house remotely. Maybe you are on a long vacation with your family, you can still be connected and operate all the smart devices of your home that are connected with the mobile apps.

Anytime you can get remote access and turn on outdoor and indoor light to aware the sneakers around that you are keeping an eye on them. A smart home will take full care of the security of your home.

4) Receiving Push Notification

Smart home mobile apps can send push notifications from time to time updating the recent activities inside and around your home. In unfortunate cases like fire break out or robbery, you can get the notification on the phone if you are not around to take immediate action.

Apart from emergencies, the trivial matters like if your television is on, if your speaker is still active, if your bedroom lights are still on – you will be updated through push notification.

5) Enhanced Centralization

With the help of smart home mobile apps you can gather everything in one place. In other words, you centralize your home. These apps give you easy control to check everything even when you are travelling to another country.

Read Also: 10 Best Real Estate Apps 2019

Final Words

The concept of a smart home has now become a trend these days. The collaboration of mobile apps and smart homes devices are together dominating the consumer market not only in the UK but in every corner of the world.

With every passing year, more and more global consumers are upgrading their homes to a smart and brainy one. As a result, the overall market for smart home is vastly expanding. As per Forbes reports, by the end of 2021 there will be more than 73 million smart homes within North America.

So in the coming years as technology reigns, we can expect to witness significant growth and mass adoption of smart homes with relevant mobile apps all over the world.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Mint

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

There are over 2.7 billion smartphone users across the globe. The mobile application market is naturally growing at a very fast and at a steady rate. With the continuous development of technology, the users are available to facilitate this rapid adoption of technology with ease making the industry thrive with loyal customers.

It is also estimated that by 2023 that this market will have a revenue worth $189 billion. Thus, building an application for your business can get you the perks of staying ahead in your league and at par with the leading competitors of your niche.

Technology today has taken over all aspects of every individual’s life and finance is also under its umbrella. For a generation that loves to have everything on their fingertips, wouldn’t it be great to have a singular solution to all of their financial problems?

We are talking about apps that have changed the way people view finance. Award-winning apps like Mint provides financial tools not only to individuals looking for better budget trackers but also provides solutions to businesses.

A financial application of your own can be a great advantage for your business idea and put you ahead in the market competition. If you are looking towards to develop an app like Mint, its very important to know about the cost of development and features to be included.

Read Also: 11 Best Personal Finance Apps 2023

What Does Mint Do?

Mint is the brainchild of innovator Aaron Patzer which was initially introduced to focus solely on the US and the Canadian markets. With time, it grew to provide a solution beyond budget tracking.

It has systems like TurboTax and Quicken to look after the accounts and taxes of its clients. It is a rather compatible application and is available on almost all operating systems including Android, iOS and Windows.

The financial solution they provide to the customers are well-suited according to their habits and can help them prepare for a more secure financial future. It has more than 15 million active users and is reliable amongst its audience.

The users can keep a track of their expenditures, loans, credit cards, mortgages, bill payments and do their financial planning accordingly.

The users can provide the information related to their accounts and expenditures while the structured database of the app will provide budget tracking solutions. The users can track their transactions and get structured details of it on the app.

The ease of using the app is what makes it so popular among people. The budgeting tools and solutions are flexible, well-integrated and customized according to the users. The users also receive regular updates or reminders through various communication channels.

The app is well categorised and the customers have the option of evaluating their assets and liabilities. Not only this, but it is a platform that will track the spending and suggest options to save money.

The cost to develop an app like Mint will depend on a lot of factors. Thus, before getting into the details of the cost structure it is important to look at certain aspects of its developmental processes.

Things to Keep in While Developing an App Like Mint

1) Data Security:

This should be the most important concern for your app development team as your target audience will prioritise on this aspect the most.

A finance management app requires its customers to insert their bank details. Any breach of security will lead you to face legal issues and will downgrade your business’ reputation in the market.

For a long term goal, it is better to develop a system that assures its users of multi-level security. The information databases must be secure and the data must be effectively used.

This aspect must also be checked regularly and ways to improve data security must be introduced and updated regularly.

2) Data Collection and Recovery:

Your users will be having multiple accounts on various platforms. Thus your app must be compatible enough to the level so that it is able to support all the information and utilise all the information effectively.

The users must also have the liberty to choose and erase the data from the database and recover it on another device. Data stealing is one of the primary concerns and must be looked after by your app development team.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Mint?

Keeping in mind all the factors to perform well in the market, your app must have an attractive design. Most importantly, it must be user-friendly and with a smooth interface.

Charging an additional cost from your users might turn into being a disadvantage as your competitors are already doing it for free. The algorithms must be updated regularly to provide improved and efficient strategies to your customers.

The cost to develop an app like Mint will depend on the features you want in there. Here are some factors that can affect your expenses on developing a financial application.

Basic Features of Your Application

What features do you exactly need? How do you want your application to function? What will the basic structure be like? Discuss these aspects with your team and prepare a basic structure or an outline for your application.

If you are low on budget, keep the features simple and customized rather than hopping on the bandwagon of blindly following trends. More feature will cost you more.

Prioritise your needs and plan the features accordingly. Extensive market research will help you manage your app development costs.

To cut down on your expenses, you can proceed with your developmental process with the ready made templates already available. A wide range of pre-built features is available at a much lower rate as opposed to custom-designed ones.

1) Advanced Features

You might be thinking of getting a customised UI/UX design for your application or maybe that one attractive feature. A better UI might improve and provide a better user experience, but customizations will increase your expenses to some extent.

Remember, you can always add more features even after the launch of the app.

2) Application Development Team

Whether you hire freelance developers or get yourself a team working for you full-time is going to be the factor determining your overall costs. While choosing freelance developers or outsourcing can be effective money wise but it will be a problem in the long-term.

A finance app needs to be updated and bugs need to be fixed quite regularly too. In such a scenario, choosing a team can be a better option as the team of the developers can fix the problems in a short and effective period.

3) Compatibility of The App

Mobile applications are mostly divided into two categories based on their compatibility- Native and hybrid. A native app is good to work on only a specific operating system whereas a hybrid app is more compatible and works on all operating systems effectively.

While choosing the native way, it will require your team to code separately for different platforms. A hybrid app will save up on both your time, money and effort.

Differentiation between the two categories must be done while keeping in the business needs in mind.

Read Also: How To Build A Personal Finance App

4) Costs After the Launch

The cost to develop an app like Mint might also vary significantly after the launch of the product. Constant updates on improving the features and functioning, resolving customer issues and providing them maintenance support, all of this might add up to the costs.

You might also need to get legal licensing or certifications for your applications which will also cost you something from your capital.

What Features Should Your App Have?

1) Ability to Link to Various Accounts:

Owning several accounts is a common thing nowadays. Your application must be user-friendly and have the feature that lets them connect various accounts to your finance app.

The algorithm of your app must be designed to assess the data efficiently and provide better and personalised money tips. The tips must be easy to implement in the lives of the users. This will keep them engaged to increase the reputation of your app.

2) Monitoring Transactions:

The application must allow the users to monitor their expenses wisely- be it credit or debit cards or any online monetary portal. The user must be able to avail all the useful information under the same screen.

All the online payments, loans, card transaction and due payments must be easily accessible to the user.

3) High-End Security:

The application must be secured with different levels of security aspects. This will bring credibility to your brand’s name.

4) Financial Targets:

The app must have a feature that lets users set financial targets for themselves. This can be anything from buying a car to planning a vacation.

The algorithm must be suitable to fit the varied needs of the users and provide them with ways they can achieve it. The track down of records, short-term goal setting can help them reach their target more efficiently.

5) Regular Updates:

To keep your audience engaged you can also send them regular updates through communication channels like email and text messages.

These updates can be about some unusual activity on their account, target achievements or updates on their expenditure.

Read Also: 10 Best Mobile Banking Apps 2023

Conclusion

While an application like Mint comes with a series of solutions and are undoubtedly the best in their league. They have strategies that have proven to work among their target audience.

It thus becomes primarily important to know your target audience first. Market research and advice from experts can help you with that.

It is also crucial to understand that features can always be added afterwards and cost to develop an app like Mint. If you are low on budget, then maybe you can start with a cheaper process and then move on the expensive features according to the revenue generated.

Innovation is something that can get you going in the business for a long time. Even the existing financial solutions have certain problems to fix. If you can identify them and have a unique solution for these problems, then your app can be the next big thing.

11 Best Ecommerce Platforms For UK Business

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

An ecommerce platform is a software application that lets online businesses to launch, host and manage their online store. All ecommerce platforms provides businesses with standard functionality such as the ability to showcase products in an online catalogue, take payments online, manage customers and provide with after-sales.

Ecommerce platforms help to save your time and allows you to focus more on the marketing and selling side of the businesses. With e-commerce platform, you can create, customise, and launch online stores and start selling.

This eliminates the need to spend a huge amount of time on coding, designing websites as well as online stores and maintaining the web hosting and server. It is very secure and you may experience little to no downtime.

It enables you to provide great customer service to your customers with seamless payment and shipping integration. There are a lot of e-commerce platforms available.

Read Also: 10 Best Shopping App 2019

Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your business is really a daunting task. This article will help you choose the right ecommerce platforms for your business.

1) Shopify

This ecommerce platform allows you to start, grow and manage a business. It helps you every step of the way from first sale to full scale.

To start your business, all you have to do is to create a business name and logo, get a custom web address, personalize your website with high resolution images and increase awareness and run ad campaigns on social media.

Then, start selling using shopify’s powerful features. Shopify allows you to sell online, in-person at retail locations, pop-ups and on social media, online market places etc. With shopify, you can transform any existing website or blog into an online store.

It helps you to find and sell your products to the right shoppers, wherever they are. It allows you to fulfil one or multiple orders in one click.

It manages customer’s contact info and order histories. It saves time with a unified inventory that stays accurate across all the places you sell.

It securely accepts credit cards on your online store from the first day itself. It allows you to see real-time and recent activity, gain insight into your visitors and analyse your business performance.

It lets you get detailed information about your business, including sales, customers and marketing. Shopify dashboard, which is available on desktop or mobile, allows you to run your business from anywhere.

2) EKM

This cloud based ecommerce platform offers everything that you need to sell online, from your own domain name to the ability to take payments.

EKM have over 150 themes, which helps your shop to look unique. Its features come standard with all plans, thereby eliminating the need to pay for expensive add-on apps.

3) Big Cartel

This is one of the cloud-based ecommerce platforms, designed for artists and makers. It is very affordable and has a free forever plan. It is easy to set up and use.

It allows you to connect directly to your Facebook account, allowing you to sell from your Facebook page. It offers high-level data encryption that keeps your customer’s information safe.

By using Big Cartel ecommerce platform, you can improve the look of your store with a range of pre-made themes or give your store a completely custom look by tweaking the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript directly. It also allows you to manage your shop from any phone or tablet.

4) Magento

This ecommerce platform is built on open source technology which offers online merchants with a flexible shopping cart system as well as control over the look, content and functionality of their online store.

It provides powerful marketing, search engine optimization and catalogue-management tools. It is a very robust system and easy to install.

It has the ability to scale that allows shops with only a few products and simple needs to easily expand to tens of thousands of products and complex custom behaviour without changing platforms. It offers a variety of plug-ins and themes to help you improve the customer experience easily.

5) WooCommerce

This flexible, open-source ecommerce plugin is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using Word Press. It is easy to install, free to use and full of customization options, this makes it easy to design your own e-Commerce store.

It allows you to sell both physical and digital goods in all shapes and sizes. It offers product variations, complex configurations and instant downloads to shoppers. It even sells affiliate goods from online marketplaces.

There are hundreds of free and paid WooCommerce Storefront themes available, you can click on any theme and download the theme of your choice.

You can personalize your store’s design even more with WooCommerce Blocks and use them to add selections of or single products to any page, for a seamless blending of commerce into content.

It gives you complete control from taxes to stock levels to customer accounts. It also allows you to add and remove extensions, change your store’s design and switch themes or hosts or payment service providers.

It is built with a REST API and integrates with virtually any service. It allows you to access store data from anywhere, at any time, 100% securely.

Read Also: How To Create A Successful Retail App Like Walmart

With Woo Commerce, developers can easily create, modify, and scale a store that meets client’s specifications and make enhancements either with extensions or with customs solution. It has a robust framework that supports stores from basic to enterprise.

6) PrestaShop

This immensely feature-rich, free, open-source ecommerce solution can be used to run stores in the cloud or via self-hosting. It has a variety of tools that will help you to build a successful online shop.

It works well on PHP and helps the business merchants to build comprehensive eCommerce websites coupled with amazing functionality. It is one of the strongest eCommerce website builder platforms and has an intuitive interface to manage your online store.

PrestaShop comes with features such as advanced backup schemes, high reliability and easy accessibility, allowing users to scale their business and increase the credibility of the site.

It uses a web template system that allows you to customize the store theme and make use of add-on modules.

To create PrestaShop theme, you need a robust PrestaShop theme maker that will help you built your own theme according to your specifications.

7) Lightspeed

This cloud-based ecommerce solution comes with features such as automated tax calculation, support for multiple currencies and languages, and integrated shipping options. It allows you to add up to 10 different images for every product in your store.

It has a search feature that makes it very easy for customers to find exactly what they’re looking for. It lets you do things like edit your metadata, titles, tags, descriptions and Meta descriptions.

It optimizes all the themes using SEO best-practices. It offers a built-in blogging tool, thereby allowing you to create SEO optimized content easily.

It offers an array of marketing tools to help your store grow. It also offers an optimized back end, which will help your site to load fast. It allows you to create product categories, process returns, add and update product descriptions, add photos etc.

With Lightspeed, you can use optimized website templates to create a beautiful e-commerce store easily. It does not require any coding skills.

Omnichannel allows you to integrate your online and in stores into one platform. It has centralized inventory, the ability to track customers both online and in-store and the ability to generate a report covering both online and in-store metrics.

8) Ecwid

This cloud based ecommerce platform helps you create an easy to use online store and start selling anywhere online or in-person.

It is a perfect solution for small as well as medium sized businesses. It can be integrated with your existing website, business page on a social network, your blog, marketplaces or mobile app.

With Ecwid, you can sync and manage all the storefronts from one control panel. It does not require any installation. It can be added to any website through their widget or a plugin for WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Wix websites.

9) X-Cart

This is one of the open source PHP shopping cart ecommerce software platforms that enables online merchants to process orders, track inventory and manage every aspect of an online store.

It is easy to use, maintain and modify. It is the only PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant software that you can run on your own server.

It comes with features including awesome design templates, real time smart search and bulk product editing. It provides effective SEO tools as well as offers auctions, coupons and discounts.

10) Squarespace

This website builder helps you to create a stunning and professional-looking portfolio website. All you have to do is create an account, choose a template and then edit it.

It is ideal for photographers, artists and designers and also for anyone who loves design and wants their website to look as good as the content they are showing off online.

Its templates are crisp, clean and full of white-space, which gives your portfolio a very high-end feel and can really elevate you above your peers. In addition, templates are mobile-responsive to ensure that your work looks great whenever and wherever it is viewed.

11) PinnacleCart

This hosted ecommerce software platform provides a robust all-inclusive online store builder that allows you to custom design an online store, manage product catalogues, create marketing campaigns, collect web analytics etc.

It integrates with a host of add-ons such as AVALARA, MAILCHIMP, ENDICIA and ADDSHOPPPERS. It comes with SSL certificates. It can make the payment page or your entire checkout process secure.

It is PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard) and PCI certified. PinnacleCart storefront allows you to set up recurring billing accounts for customers or provide multiple languages and currency selections.

It lets you create beautiful storefronts with features such as photo galleries, image magnify, zoom and lightbox. It has a content management system (CMS) for creating information pages and managing SEO attributes. It offers various marketing tools that enable you to promote your ecommerce store.

Read Also: Top 10 Ecommerce Trends To Implement In Your Business

Conclusion

When choosing the best platform, you need to consider your business’s needs, sales volume and potential future growth.

These ecommerce platforms offer different features. All of them give business owners the opportunity to build a branded online storefront to sell their products.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like eBay

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

The rapidly evolving technology has considerably changed the way we look and consume things around us. With smartphones in almost every hand, every possible human need is addressed and available at our fingertips.

It has taken over almost all aspects of life and e-commerce is just one of them. People love shopping from the comfort of their homes. Businesses too have developed safe channels for its users that enable ease and comfort of usage as well as security.

It is estimated that 42% of smartphone prefer shopping online and are planning to use more of it in the coming year. Thus, if you have a business that involves selling and buying, you must get an app.

About 53% of smartphone users make their online purchases from apps that are specific to a certain company. This provides them with a sense of reliability on your product while you can focus on building a brand for yourself.

It can put you ahead in the existing market competition and help you climb the success ladder.

If you are planning to build to an e-commerce platform like that, then the eBay application can be a great example for you. It is one of the leaders amongst its peers and has users from across the globe.

Read Also: How To Make A Website Like eBay

Let’s have a look at the features and factors influencing the development cost when comes to develop an app like eBay.

What Does eBay Do?

eBay is an e-commerce platform that enables its users to make purchases from the biggest marketplace online. eBay has made shopping easy for its customers. It is budget-friendly and has a wide variety of products available for different audiences.

The users have also the ease of making instant payments through their cards or any other online channel and the product is delivered to their doorstep. It is available on almost all operating systems including iOS and Android.

The e-commerce platform has great deals and offers to attract customers. They have the latest items available for their users and the recommendations based on their shopping history keep the users engaged.

The prices are affordable, and it keeps the users updated about any latest feature, alerts, and offers. The users can not only buy but also sell items online through the channel. The customers can list and sell the items using their already created account.

Regular notifications keep the customers coming back to them. It also lets them keep track of their orders and purchases. The customers can also write their feedback on the products or the delivery through the platform.

Whether it is selling, purchasing or reading reviews, eBay provides a one-stop solution to all the needs of their customers.

Things You Need to Keep in Mind

Developing an application like eBay means that you have to deal with a huge amount of data. This data can be used in several ways to develop and improve the application regularly.

Thus, it is important to have structured data that lets you use the user data while segregating the useless ones. Data is an integral part of any e-commerce platform.

This can help to develop algorithms that can be suitable for the need of the customers which in turn can get you more users on board.

Usually, an app like eBay has a system architecture that can be divided into four parts, namely the back-end part, the front-end part, database servers, and application compatibility.

Developing an application is only one part, elaborate research and efforts will ultimately make the app successful.

If budget is not a problem for you, then you can focus on the nativity of the application. A native application is suitable and compatible with the operating system it has been programmed for.

If your developers’ team have programmed the application for iOS, then they can’t use the same code while developing it for android. A separate code is required for each platform.

Hosting and Domain:

It is necessary to have an attractive domain name for your website. An attractive logo that speaks for your brand is necessary. The next step can be getting a website script.

You can choose from the various CMS solutions like WordPress available. Custom PHP scripts are also commonly used for e-commerce platforms.

Site Design:

This can be one of the most important cost deciding factors for your application. It is thus crucial for you to discuss the important factors and carry out a design outline with your team.

If you are looking to save up on some capital, it is advisable to keep the features simple and customized according to your needs. This can be done by some market research, observing trends, knowing your audience and prioritising the features keeping in mind your budget accordingly.

One can also save up by using readymade templates already available. A wide range of pre-built features is available at a very low rate.

An attractive, customised UI/UX design is like a cherry on the pie but it is important to note that heavy customizations will increase your expenses to some extent.

Payment Gateway:

One of the most important things to consider while developing an e-commerce application is to create a secure payment gateway. This gateway must provide complete security to the users and a smooth transaction from your side.

Logistic Support:

However, this is probably the last step of the developmental process but is a crucial one. The products purchased by the customers must reach the customers on time and at the right location.

For this, you might need to tie-up with logistics groups that can help the smooth transitioning of your business. Better customer experience will help you build a good reputation among your market.

Read Also: 10 Best Shopping Apps Of 2023

How Much Will the cost to Develop an app like eBay?

The cost to develop an app like eBay will depend on the features you want in there and the number of developers on your team. Here are some factors that can affect your expenses on developing an application like eBay.

App Development Team:

The cost to develop an app like eBay depends on the number of hours that the developers spend on building the app. For e-commerce applications, a native mode of app is preferred as it provides smooth functioning and better user-experience.

This requires more time and effort of your team and will naturally increase the cost. It also depends on whether you want to hire freelancers or get a developer’s team.

However, for a long-term benefit, a developer’s team is suggested as you would need to fix bugs and update features accordingly.

Application Design:

The UX/UI design of your application can be a deciding factor for developmental prices. It is important to have a well-categorised application and attractive graphics can be a win-win.

But these will also shoot up the costs of developing the app. You can also start with the basic and default features available and improve them after customer feedback.

Tips on Managing the Developmental Costs

Start with The Basics:

Before you kick start your business, you need to evaluate and assess the needs of your business as well as predict the feedback of your customers. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a basic layout of the app.

A simple logo and UI designs and an interface that provides a decent customer experience. As and when the business becomes profitable, you can add in features and customizations to improve the app.

Engaging Content for Loyal Customers:

Now that you have your store, it is necessary to have regular customers. To keep your customers engaged and keep coming to your site, it is important to send out regular reminders.

You can achieve this through communication channels like email and text messages. These updates can be about offers, tracking down orders and other updates about features.

However, no customer likes spam. Make sure your reminders are customized and at regular intervals.

Know Your Market:

Before you start, it is necessary to go through extensive market research as it will help you understand your competitors.

To stay ahead of them, you can try and find the existing problems and focus on fixing them. You have to make a statement with your brand and focus on the things that set it apart from others.

Customer Support:

It is the customers that will make your product and business success. Set up customer support that assists them with their orders and requirements and resolves their issues quickly.

This will help you build trust among your people. A good customer support system indicates the reliability of the product and will keep you ahead of your competitors.

Read Also: How To Create An App Like Walmart

Final Thoughts

A platform like eBay provides a series of buying and selling a solution to its customers. While it has features that make it best in class, it is important to understand that success doesn’t come instantly.

It sometimes can be a series of trial and error methods. One can always start with the basic features and update them regularly keeping the customer feedback in mind.

Above all, know and understand your niche audience. You can always look up to experts in the fields and seek their advice or refer your market research.

If you are low on budget, you can always consider getting basic features and designs for your application. Try to develop an app that speaks for a brand like eBay and is clear with things that set it apart from other factors like cost.