Redbytes UK SEO, Author at Mobile App Development Company UK

Everything You Need to Know About a Tech Stack

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

The phrase Tech Stack may sound like a peculiar jargon for non-technical individuals, but for people in tech domain its quite common workaday term.

For those living off the tech field, Tech Stack is a set of most essential technologies (tools, framework and software) that power web/mobile application and its entire ecosystem and drive the product success.

When spoken in terms of web or mobile application development, a fully blown, mature tech stack comprises of programming languages and software that enable developers to write application.

We are first going to briefly glimpse into the importance of Tech stack before taking a plunge into the depth of the subject.

Read Also: Impact of AI in Banking Sector

Importance of considering the perfect Tech Stack

As your entire mobile or web app is built using the power of technology, it is important to learn and acquire enough knowledge about the tech stack.

However, for a person who is into ideation and conceptualization, the job gets a little cumbersome and daunting. But you must know that these technologies are going to determine the future of your web and mobile app structure.

For instance, the choice of cloud technology where your app is migrated from the local storage has a lot to do with the operations and high-volume traffic of the server system.

Furthermore, the application development tech stack will also affect the security level and scalability of app functionality.

When you mull over the different user expectations and think about urgency of delivering flawless app performance, you will realize how important it is to invest in Tech stack that powers your app.

Hence, getting in involved in the extensive brainstorming for deciding on tech stack before the production work is highly considerable since making any changes later will impose intimidating risks related to cost and time.

1) Backend server-side technology

Backend technologies contribute to creating a skeleton for your web or mobile app and stay invisible to users. What users see as visual interface of any app is the result of the powerful involvement of backend technologies.

The set of backend Techs usually includes frameworks, languages, operating systems and servers. What you choose as your backend building is crucial to what you want to deliver.

“LAMP” is quite popular abbreviation in the world of web development understood as a combination of Linux OS, Apache HTTP server, MySQL database system, and PHP programing language. The backend stack can also involve Ruby on Rails framework instead of PHP core.

The Tech stack choice for backend has nowadays been upgraded to MEAN which is another backend tech acronym for MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js. They are especially handy for creating MVPs.

2) Front end (client side) technology

Front end technologies are used to build the visual presentation (client side) of your app that users directly interact with. Users see and depend on the tools and elements exhibited on the screen to get things done.

Front end tech stack is simple and more straightforward than back end stack, and it helps convert your application into a readable form.

Most common front end interface technologies are:

JavaScript: makes the web page interactive and responsive
HTML: Defines information structure
CSS: Adds style to the content elements (font, colors, layouts, etc)

You can also consider contemporary frameworks such as Angular JS, Backbone.js, and ReactJS.

Front end technologies for smartphone apps:

Objective-C/SWIFT for iOS apps
Java for Android apps

Apart from major app development frameworks, you can also opt for certain development-focused software that helps expedite the process efficiency and ensures coordination among developers. It will be great to integrate time tracking and project management tools.

3) How to make the right choice for Tech Stack?

Finally, it all boils down to how you choose your app development Tech Stack. Here is what you should focus on:

a) The purpose of Application

It is easy to find developers pocking technologies that they have experience with or knowledge about. However, one must primarily focus on application purpose to determine what technology suite will create an optimal, project-friendly tech stack.

The factors that play central role here is the application niche such as banking, social media, game or ecommerce. Ask yourself: Is it desktop app or a mobile app? Is it targeting millions of daily users or resolving security concerns?

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

Each purpose requires its own unique set of approach and skills for including programming languages and tools.

b) Price vs Flexibility

For project handlers, the confusion between the price and flexibility of tech usage often poses a crux during the discussion. PHP is a commonly used open source structure unlike other solutions and enables affordable code writers.

Other languages may ask you to buy its premium libraries and readymade platforms which will demand more finance.

The price will be easily compensated with flexibility if you seek technology that allows future changes in app functionality. Hence, if your app is focused on evolving features, it is better to choose the extensible language which may add to your upkeep.

c) Business scale and objective

The scale and stage of your business will be another contributor to determining a comprehensive tech stack. For beginners, it is pivotal to launch the MVP in shortest while possible.

Choose the language or framework or CMS that allows you to build a functional app prototype as quickly as you need. That said, WordPress would be perfect for a landing pages or blogging websites and saves you a lot of programming hassle.

Java and PHP sound appropriate if your business space is as sophisticated as banking and commerce.

d) Project scope and length

What are your detailed project requirements? Does it entail real-time live functionality such as a modern-day chatbot? Or does it require developing a GPS-based functionality as found in food order service?

In such cases, concurrent stack like Node supports best. WordPress and Drupal best suits blogging whereas Angular and React helps develop best UI with complex interactions. Remember that any wrong selection will lead to an unpleasant loss.

e) Resources and talent

Apart from choosing the right Tech stack that best goes with your business objective, it is equally important to discover finest developers who are versed and familiar with technologies you practice.

What would influence your decision about tech stack is making sure you hire web/mobile app development experts who can work within your Tech stack. Don’t select the technology that targets only a specific type of projects.

Choose a frequently used tools and frameworks preferred by wide community of developers so that you can easily hire a team of app developers.

4) Cost of development and post-development process

As we discussed above, what you stuff in your Tech stack will influence development cost. Additionally, it would also affect the cost of hiring the right talent.

What kind of skills and experience developers possess for a given technology will drive cost decisions as much as how much maintenance the application requires after MVP development. Think of maintenance and product improvement cost along with development cost.

5) Implement analytics

To better manage the entire tech stack in place, developers also need an efficient, well-synchronized product analytics.

These analytics software bring together available data sources across the whole stack and provide information on the real-time activities and minute tracking data.

Using this, developers can easily identify ongoing issues with user experience and fix them quickly.

6) Timeframe constraints

You would amply appreciate the Tech Stack that optimizes development timeframe so that you will have enough space for marketing the app. Faster you finish the development, the more time you will gain for post-launch marketing and implementing user feedback.

The leading factor that impacts the development cycle is integrating third-party apps. The Tech stack you choose should facilitate swift integration of features in your web or mobile application using third-party APIs.

Aside from integration, also check your technologies for the amount of ease for running tests on the given platform. Having a tech stack that facilitates rapid bug testing, fixes and feature improvements will give you advantage of saving a lot of time.

Read Also: Role of Blockchain in App Development

7) Create a Powerful Technology Stack

Deciding on Technology Stack requires you to imagine all the wild technical possibilities typically woven in web and mobile app development process.

From project managers and designers to developers and testers, everybody should unite together in an agile fashion to build a powerful Tech stack because this crucial decision can directly affect company’s performance.

To make things faster, dynamic and more controlled, you need to spare some time and talk to a team of experienced developers about your requirements and business priorities. They will suggest software testing tools and software you need to turn your idea into a mature mobile or web app.

Impact of AI in the Banking Sector UK

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

The achievements of the 21st century cannot be mentioned without speaking about Artificial Intelligence technology which has predominantly played as a big root of success.

Artificial Intelligence not just makes computing smarter, but also empowers them with human-like cognition and ratiocination. AI represents stimulated human intelligence, becoming an effective and powerful way of creating brilliant robots who think in almost similar manner as humans.

Of all other industries adopting the technology, banking and finance are also greatly influenced by AI solution over the years. Injected with expert algorithm, AI machines contain features like self-learning, speech recognition, reasoning, error detection and several more.

The result is improved efficiency, cost optimization, reduced maintenance, predictive analysis and ample precision while performing banking operations.

Due to massive promises of constant evolutions and usefulness, AI has entered banking and finance sector and exceeded beyond Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa.

Read Also: Significant Impact of AI in Day to Day Life

In the following section, we explore the impact of AI in banking sector in UK.

How has AI changed the banking sector?

Banking is a work that needs perfection and has little or no space for any errors to be registered; this is why AI has been greatly incorporated in the banking sector over the years to make banking easier and to get the required job done more effectively.

Ever since the incorporation of AI in the banking sector, major impacts and influences has been registered which wasn’t the case before.

Some of the impact of AI in the banking sector includes:

1) Reducing cost

AI has greatly reduced the cost for banking sectors through low value add activities with the use of the robotic process automation [RPA]. AI has helped banks to reduce the time and resources which is constantly spent on the development of a numbers of processes.

Robotic process automation has solved so many previous challenges which are usually faced by banks like difficulties that can be seen in multiple ledgers, systems, and subsystems.

It is believed by many experts that artificial intelligence will save the banking sector an estimate of up to 1 trillion by 2030.

2) Better Management

Before AI was incorporated into the banking sector, many companies turned to bank experts for advice on how they could better maximize their profits as well as minimize their taxes.

This wasn’t always a win-win situation for both parties as most of the predictions which were given by these experts were incorrect.

Thanks to the era of artificial intelligence in banking, customers who need advice from bank experts can ask the AI program of banks about any information or question related to a company.

The banks powered AI program will provide the required information in full report, facts, and references. This makes management more effective and reliable for both the bank and customers.

3) Building a better customer experience

The adoption of AI systems by banks has equally led to better customer services; banks are now more organized and have a clear idea on the need of their customers which has led to high customer satisfaction.

With the ability to determine the preferences and needs of customers through AI, banks can improve their services in order to attract new customers.

Banks use the advantages that come with having AI in their disposal in order to customize products based on the needs of their customers by analyzing their behavioral patterns through the combination of information from a previous transaction, their search history, social media sites, and queries.

The most popular form of AI in banks today is the use of chatbots. Chatbots are made available by banks to provide aid to customers in order to make payments, check balances, check transfer history, check their balance as well as carry out transactions.

AI has helped banks to better understand their customers which as a result have led to the building of a more hospital atmosphere between banks and customers.

4) Fight against fraud: Ensuring more security

The banking sector has always been a victim of fraud and constantly challenged by cyber-attacks prior to the inclusion of artificial intelligence. Cybercrime is reported to be costing the global economy a massive sum of $600 billion.

This is why so many AI and machine learning solutions have been deployed in the banking sector to easily detect any form of fraud at the exact time.

The banking sector all over the world has taken a step forward to eliminate this constant threat through the adoption of automated fraud detecting solutions throughout the entire banking systems.

Anomalous detection is used in order to increase the accuracy in detection of credit card frauds and finding money laundering solutions.

It is difficult for anti-money laundering (AML) to be detected and identified, but intelligent AI-driven solutions based on data, contexts, and networks serve as a concrete solution to this problem.

In a way, these intelligent approaches also help legitimate transactional activities which are sometimes mistaken for fraudulent move to be identified as legit more often.

Read Also: 10 Best Mobile Banking Apps UK 2019

5) Customers can now know their future prospects and returns

Through targeted AI solution which is available in banks today, customers can get constant information on the various available updates on offers which are available.

They’ll be able to build on their current assets and also increase their returns. Customers don’t have to start right from scratch because the AI does all the required work for them.

6) Personalized Banking

Artificial intelligence truly brightens up the financial sector when it comes to providing the additional benefits and comfort to the individual users.

In banking sector, artificial intelligence provides the smart Chabot’s which enable clients with inclusive self-help solutions which reduces the workload of call centers. Several apps offer personalized financial advice and help individual users to achieve their financial goals.

7) Automation

Forward thinking industrialists takes the robotic process automation when they want to cut operational costs and the productivity.

Intelligent character recognition makes possible to automate variety of time-consuming tasks that used to take thousands of manual hours to complete the same work.

Employing robotic process automation for high frequency repetitive tasks eliminates the risks of human error for financial institutions.

Read Also: 9 Steps to Ensure Security For Mobile Banking Apps

8) Portfolio Management

Banks are focused to make customized portfolio profiles for the individual customers based on their investment limits, patterns, and their preferences.

AI helps automate the process of building precise and deeply analyzed customer portfolio that resembles the same caliber as human professionals.

9) Enhanced productivity

One of the biggest advantages of leveraging artificial intelligence in banking domain is to experience significant drop in the required manpower.

Using Artificial intelligence solutions, UK banking sector would provide a revolutionary model for delivering solutions where people can use AI-enabled software for mundane tasks so that they could spare more time to focus on the other important things.

10) Process Optimization

Automating the high volume of low-value functions in banking is one of the most outstanding attribute of AI applications in banking.

John Pierpont Morgan who was a famous and influential banker in the United States of America during the 19th and early 20th century began using bots in order to facilitate the automated processing of internal IT requests, including the attempts of employees to reset their passwords which they used for work.

This was a report which was given by McKinsey.

11) Rapid transactions

There are always a lot of customers who need to be attended to in banks; shortage of personnel’s might delay transactions which a customer might need to carry out.

With the use of AI, customers can be attended to without having to displace their selves or wait for long with the help of AI programs in banks such as Chabots.

This increases the rate in which customers are attended to which directly leads to more transactions being carried out. This also encourage customers to carry out their required banking activities as they know that they can always maximize their time and effort without stressing up to complete a transaction.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

Conclusion

The banking sector is an industry that needs to be at its absolute best at all time, just a simple mistake can have unimaginable consequences.

This is why AI is being incorporated into the banking sector so that all the shortcomings which are usually faced can be negated with more efficiency. Artificial intelligence technologies clearly have a great impact on UK banking and finance service sector.

In the next 5 years, we will see more banks taking the advantage of this advanced technology to establish a system where humans and AI solutions work together to multiply operational efficiency.

As the investments in artificial intelligence will increase, it will instigate a new era of innovation, competitiveness and profitability for the existing banks, creating better, brighter opportunities for everyone.

Importance of MVP in Mobile App Development

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

As of the first quarter of 2019, Google Play has over 2.1 million apps and Apple Store has more than 1.8 million apps. The staggering number of mobile applications available today is pushing enterprises and entrepreneurs to focus on developing unique apps that stand out from the rest.

The application has to be designed and developed with one-of-a-kind features and based on the latest app development trends to beat competition and keep the users engaged.

If you are thinking of creating an app, you have two app development options – the conventional way and the other is MVP.

1) Developing an App With MVP

MVP is considered to be a better approach than building an app in the traditional way. MVP or -minimum viable product- is considered to be an asset for business enterprises.

Read Also: Role of Blockchain in Mobile App Development[Case Study]

It allows app developers to first test the idea of the app with their targeted audience. The MVP can even be considered as the base architecture of a mobile application.

The most crucial aspects of MVP are that it includes only the essential features of the app that the developer considers to be necessary.

Initially, the development team receives feedback from potential users and that enables them to understand the expected response of the app in the market.

This also allows developers to assess the specific areas of the app that needs improvements and where the performance is not as per expectations.

It is crucial to note here that an MVP application is not an incomplete or unfinished app. It might not contain all the features of the final product, but yet, it functions in the distinctive way of the design of the application.

You could say that MVP is a basic, but still a complete app that grows stronger as you add more features to expand and enhance its potential.

2) Make Changes as You Go With MVP

When you develop an app with MVP and early adopters are installing the application, you are able to collect analytical data, get feedback, carry out customer interviews and measure results.

This means that you get to test your application and if the results do not meet your expectations, you can tweak the features of your app or add new features to it.

If your app has passed the test, you can continue adding or improving existing features and the cycle can go on until the lifecycle of the mobile app.

MVP is the perfect solution if you want to test your app first and spend less money and time in completing your app project.

As Johnny Holland said, “An MVP is a down payment on a larger vision.”

3) The Need to Build An MVP

Famous and successful applications like, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Uber were created based on the MVP approach. It is believed that an MVP app development method is the quickest way to turn an idea into a thriving business.

By building an MVP, you can avoid the monumental developmental, as well as, marketing mistakes for your application. MVP helps in validating the prototype of your app -and assists you in going to the market faster.

Also, owing to its dominating market presence, potential users actually use the MVP application, which creates a real user experience. Thus, the feedback generated is effective in the assessment of app design and development.

By building an MVP application, you are presenting your targeted audience with an idea of your vision. In case the users are not too taken by your MVP, it clearly means that there is no market for your application at all. And you should start brainstorming for better ideas.

Since a prototype consists of only the basic features, MVP app development is reasonably priced and not time-consuming. Furthermore, it helps to create an early base of users for when your application will be finally launched.

How MVP Helps in Developing and Releasing Mobile Apps?

a) Get an Idea About the Preferences and Expectations Of Customers:

Without understanding the expectations and needs of the customers, it is impossible for businesses to create a popular and profitable application. There are so many instances where users have rejected some of the features of a full app version.

MVP enables businesses to get the essential and unique features of their application evaluated by real users. It also allows developers to offer real users with a number of options and features.

Therefore, it becomes easy for businesses to comprehend and also meet the expectations of the users.

b) Helps in Managing and Deploying Resources Efficiently:

Today, the developers have the option of writing the same application in different programming languages and making use of a number of development tools.

Therefore, businesses often find it daunting to develop a mobile app with the correct technologies. MVP allows businesses to get the application’s essential and unique features reviewed by actual users.

The suggestions and opinions of the users help businesses in assessing the actual performance of the application’s compact version. The feedback from the users also helps developers in addressing a number of defects and issues by using latest technologies.

c) Boost the Security and Functionality of The App:

Due to security issues and bugs, users often uninstall mobile applications. Users also expect the app to perform and function optimally under different conditions.

Enterprises these days opt for crowd testing or crowdsourced testing to get the software’s performance, functionality, usability, accessibility and security assessed under varying conditions.

Read Also: How to Make An App Using API[Complete Guide]

MVP assists businesses in improving the application’s features, security and performance based on the response of real-time users. The early detection of the defects and bugs also helps developers in quickly repairing the flaws.

d) Improve Engagement and User Experience:

Businesses can beat competition by designing and developing mobile applications with exclusive features. But they will not be able to persuade users to make use of the app on a regular basis without consistently boosting user experience.

Developers need to update the application at regular intervals to enhance engagement and user experience. MVP also helps enterprises to update applications as per the changing preferences of the users and emerging trends.

e) Decrease the Cost and Time of App Development:

Besides improving the quality of the application, MVP also helps businesses in reducing the cost and time of app development. The MVP approach allows businesses to develop a compact version of the application.

Therefore, the developers are not needed to work only on unique and essential features. They can continue to add new features and improve existing features on the basis of user response.

They can also accelerate the app development process by not working on additional features that users do not need. A number of start-ups and businesses these days take advantage of MVP in order to launch mobile applications by overcoming obstacles related to money, resources and time.

Here are instances of leading mobile applications that have hugely benefited by embracing MVP.

Snapchat: Initially, Snapchat was a very basic chat application. It is the core feature of short-lived visual messages and text. Gradually, it introduced other features to enhance its value and became a full-fledged chat application in no time.
Uber: Launched as a very basic application, the Uber app only had key features, which allowed passengers to connect with drivers and make payments for the rides. From such basic features, the app continued to expand and finally became a very complex app with a host of functions like, customer review, driver review, cab ride stories and so on.
Facebook: Facebook started a social media revolution, but it did not start at one go. It initially came with a basic app that allowed people to connect with each other, regardless of their locations. As the app became popular, the creators started adding more features and with time, you have the Facebook app that you know today where you can make friends, promote your business and so much more.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

Conclusion

To sum up, the MVP is a necessary part of the mobile app development process. However, it is not compulsory that you have to build, as well as, publish the MVP app.

But, if you are opting to develop the MVP for your product, it definitely provides increased possibilities of app retention and more scalability.

11 Best Privacy Apps for Android 2023

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

As the digital world is becoming the host of cybersecurity attacks and sophisticated data breaches, it is not uncommon to see smartphone users and online customers feel worried about privacy.

Often these concerns are about the intrusive rise in surveillance machines that follow us everywhere we go online. Our smartphone is a sensitive device as it holds incredible amount of personal data.

We store almost every aspect of our life in there including contacts, emails, chat messages, images and videos, banking interactions, etc.

It will be your worst nightmare if you lose all or any of it to a high-profile hacker. To ensure good level of privacy, there are a few Android privacy apps that address a range of usual privacy concerns.

Read Also: 13 Best Music Player Apps for Android 2023

Thankfully, for Android users, there are plenty of privacy apps in this domain.

Here are out picks for best privacy apps for Android 2023.

1) ExpressVPN

Despite many free VPN choices out there, browsing the web on your Android device with ExpressVPN software is worth considering. The app encrypts the incoming and outgoing traffic on your device and users the intermediary server outside the current location for routing.

In doing so, ExpressVPN hides your digital footprint and keeps it distant from the reach of intrusive surveillance agencies and spies and hackers. It also unlocks geo-restricted content of the apps that are usually restricted in certain locations.

ExpressVPN offers strict high-grade encryption protocol service with generous server network and fast speed. This is why the app tops the list of best privacy apps for Android. It does not store user logs which is a unique aspect over other free VPNs.

2) Hushed

Smartphone users are no exception when it comes to using their device as phones where simple voice calls initiate over wireless networks.

That means millennials needs protection and rest from those agonizing, undesirable phone calls. This also happens when you accidentally spill the contact details online for a sales rep to seize and call.

Hushed creates a temporary phone numbers to hide your real numbers. This is perfect when you go online and are compelled to fill out a form or post an ad on popular portals or fill a survey.

Hushed comes handy in situations when you need to create caller IDs for personal and business purpose so that you don’t have to bother to have a second phone in spare.

3) Orbot

Developed by the Guardian Project, Orbot provides a great solution for Android users to access the Tor network.

For mobile browsing with Orfox browser, the app lets allows users to safely browse the web without concerns about getting their location tracked.

The app encrypts your locations and hides it by routing it through several networks. You can use Tor hidden services and its gives .onion extension to certain websites you visit such Facebook.

This results in extra security. A small drawback is that while routing your data through a number of computers, your data connection speed will get compromised a little.

4) DuckDuckGo

Search engines are quite useful but one major demerit of using Google and Bing is that your search term is often shared with third-party sites you visit.

They also deliberately save your search history which can be changed from the setting. Apart from traceable searches, they also intrude your privacy by placing cookies on your device to monitor your search habits.

This is where DuckDuckGo aids and acts as a drop-in replacement. It blocks your default search engine typical behavior so that your search data is not leaked to websites you visit and Google does not keep the record of the search information.

DuckDuckGo is ad-free and users can also hide their search location since it works compatibly with Orbot.

5) ProtonMail

Google’s invasive eye is far more powerful than just being limited to search as its tracking algorithm within Gmail also helps present more targeted ads, marketing messages and product recommendations.

However, this does not mean all of these incoming email messages and ads are end-to-end encrypted. The same goes with other leading email providers.

ProtonMail is a superior alternative to Gmail and similar contemporaries. It is secure and innovative, and is engineered by CERN professionals.

Read Also: 10 Best Mobile Banking Apps in UK 2023

It is made open source for others to test and check. With this app, you can send password-protected content that is perfectly encrypted and can self-destruct after some time.

6) FrozenChat

FrozenChat, as the name slightly hints, is a message encryption solution. It is one of the best privacy apps which relies on OTR (Off the Record) messaging to keep your conversation private and safe.

The moment you type anything, it gets encrypted before it is sent outside. Whatever you talk and chat remains private and away from malicious hackers and data thieves.

FrozenChat is open source so those who are concerned about the security can check its code for efficacy.

The unique aspect about FrozenChat service is that it supports XMPP standard which is different from the central server that other messengers like WhatsApp use to enable chatting.

Due to availability of thousands of public XMPP servers, your privacy remains intact.

7) Kyms

Kyms (extended as ‘keep your media safe’) is a master of disguise, a chameleon app that conceals its real identity and pose as a normal calculator in your system.

When it dwells your home screen, it goes by the name ‘KyCalc’ and, to your surprise, it can also do your sums if you wish. But as you enter a predetermined four-digit PIN and password, it turns into an encrypted vault.

You can use this vault to store text, images and more. Moreover, this phenomenal app also has a built-in web browser and store videos straight as you download them.

You can also transfer media from other devices. Of course, as you enter the app name in Play store or glimpse at the file size shown in the phone system, you will realize this is more than just a plain calculator.

8) LastPass

As millennials tend to use same or similar passwords across almost all sites and apps, it leaves them vulnerable to data breaches and information thefts.

However, to ensure high standards of safety, they have to generate new passkeys for every other site and app, which is painful. Plus, the recovery process for multiple password approach turns out to be quite tedious and annoying.

But then why to risk compromising your password and exposing your social media account details to hackers? LastPass does care and plays a strong password manager and generator for you and helps store such private, sensitive information in a secure vault.

The app also lets you set it to change passwords automatically to your desired timing.

9) SmartApplock

It is very usual to find swipe patters and numeric codes on every Android smartphone these days. But they only serve to lock the front screen and are not enough.

One can easily access the apps and folders inside the phone once they cross the screen lock barrier.

This is not security enough as sometime you feel insecure or uncomfortable handing your phone to someone who take freedom to sneak into more than what they are supposed to access on your phone.

For example, you don’t want your young kids to access certain data or applications. Smart Applock here comes handy and allows you to change permission settings for individual apps on your phone.

Using the app, you create a strong password to block their access to social media and chat apps that contain your critical data.

10) Abit

People who are hackers and snoopers are always on the foot to hack, steal the information of value and misuse it. Although you use several encryption services like FrozenChat, they will still intrude and find out who you are and other details about your contacts.

Abit is an open-source app with Bitmessage protocol to helps you beat this problem. Using Abit, you can easily exchange messages with Bitmessage users and no one can know who you are to impersonate you or read your private messages.

For participating in group discussion with ‘Chans’, you can use its generic address to conceal your true identity. Since its consumes good amount of data, it is better to use it over Wi-Fi.

11) Find My Device

Find my Device is Google’s proprietary app and is similar in workstyle to Find my iPhone. It helps you locate your lost Android device and disable it in case it is stolen.

You can view location information to find its whereabouts or make it play sound if it is nearby.

In case it is lost, this privacy app enables you to leave a callback number so that when it is found by a good person, they can return it to you quickly.

Read Also: 12 Best Free VR Apps for Android 2023

Conclusion

These are the best privacy apps for Android users in 2023. You can download some of them to try and keep ones that suit your needs.

We also recommend you to stick to strict measures to avoid falling into the security-related trouble. The preventive measure is to carefully select individual app permissions to maintain data privacy.

Role of Blockchain in Mobile App Development [Case Study]

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

After showing lots of promises to work across many industries in many practical scenarios, Blockchain has now come so far to manifest a possibility of being adopted for mobile app development.

Developing applications using Blockchain has been the latest buzz in the technology market and there are a few good reasons for this. For once, Blockchain can’t be tempered with or abused to compromise the system security and provides quite a transparent and reliable distributed network of data.

Its ability to protect most intricate data with encrypted security makes Blockchain a considerable option for safe online transactions.

This advanced disruptive technology presents rich opportunities for mobile app development services. Illustrious tech giants like Facebook, LG and Microsoft have all embraced Blockchain in their existing system.

Read Also: Significant Impact of AI in Day to Day Life

Let’s understand the role and impact of Blockchain in modern structure of mobile app development.

How Blockchain revolutionizes the tech world?

The first word inspired by Blockchain is bitcoin and monetary transactions – which is no doubt the most popular global thought nowadays.

However, the ledger data structure of Blockchain extends beyond the usual and steps into the territory of several other industries. For instance, on digital platform, it helps owners distribute the information without allowing users to steal it.

It eventually leads to a reliable and robust kind of information management architecture of new era especially for mobile app development industry.

Due to its atypical decentralized data distribution structure, there is not one single authority handling the app data storage, organization and management. Information is stored in what they call ‘blocks’ and ultimately distributed on a ledger, virtually.

The process conforms to utmost security standard to ensure transparency and traceability. Once it is distributed, it remains unalterable. It can be readable but can’t be updated by any one user.

Data ownership here does not belong to a single person, which means if there is any change to be made, all stakeholders need to be unanimous.

1) It guarantees data availability

Compared to what you experience in non-distributed plain database, the distributed database network is advantageous. Here each action shares perfect coordination with passing messages between applications or shared memory.

Due to incredible control over the way data is processed and managed, blockchain-enabled database is more available. At times of failures or other challenges, it is easy to isolate certain parts of network and maintain uninterrupted performance.

2) It offers security for app data

Mobile app development process is a cradle of information exchange and constant knowledge sharing, which requires utmost data safety. The revolutionary technology of Blockchain technology uses precise encryption methods to keep your app content safe.

The powerful cryptography in Blockchain is designed to provide the highest standard of safety so that each phase of development project remains intact and untraceable and leak-proof.

The series of interconnected blocks formed by the technology contains transaction data and timestamp for the successive block.

The data of confidentiality is stored in a cryptographic code which ensures each block offers unbreakable security. As every block has cryptographic code from the previous block, the data chain is built which can’t be violated.

3) It enhances the simplicity of development

Blockchain technology also offers mobile app developers great simplicity, which is another remarkable benefit. Blockchain-supported mobile app development outperforms many other concepts that claim to function just like this.

The technology stands out in its straight forward attitude while ensuring tremendous security and data consistency. Simplicity of this magnitude makes Blockchain a worthwhile, easy-to-implement and economical choice.

In mobile app development, it is important to uncomplicated things because complex use of technology makes the job of developers strenuous, tiring and time-consuming.

This also eventually affects money adversely due to costly maintenance and integration. Blockchain liberates you from such unfavorable cons and effectively contributes to lowering app development and maintenance-related costs.

The technology is business-friendly and helps develop feature-rich mobile apps with appreciable simple.

4) It boosts credibility and reliability

Implementing Blockchain technology for mobile app development leads to reliability and credibility of a mobile app.

Since Blockchain architecture comes with robust, unbreakable and rugged structure, the mobile app system gets quite resilient against technical crisis like sudden collapses and random crash due to its impact.

It is similar to having thousands of pixels in a photo, each carrying certain element of data, each being equally important.

Read Also: New Technology Trends Driving Mobile App Sector

Reliability stems from its distributed streak which helps prevent any unauthorized access or malicious attempt to temper with data.

Distributed at multiple data centers and locations, Blockchain thus is quite sensitive to any smallest changes and modification in data.

Therefore, Blockchain-powered mobile app development seems to be a reliable approach for modern, scalable and receptive business models.

5) Refined and updated mobile apps

The world of mobile apps is constantly evolving, being the most innovative space. Hence, it requires a technology that does not stagnate and remains dynamic in its advancement.

Blockchain as an open-source technology certainly is growing evolved at a fast pace as expected and is likely to remain updated with more fascinating updates in future.

Its ability to grow faster will make the domain of mobile app development equipped to work on changing future requirements. Hopefully, it will also help business enterprises provide refined customer experience with highly improved mobile apps.

6) Blockchain brings discipline and transparency

Another great aspect of using Blockchain for mobile app development is how transparent everything gets. The technology when used in the process of development records every possible transaction precisely, in a way that allows users to track and assess it whenever they wish.

With tight, inviolable security standards, the possibility of malicious attacks, information misuse or fraudulent transactions is kept away. This adds a superior, unique discipline to the entire process, making the app system scam-proof, transparent and protected from fraudsters.

As Blockchain makes the mobile app transactions safe and user information private, entrepreneurs with business apps will feel the difference in terms of customer’s trust and positive response.

Users will be assured that their data remain in good hands, and businesses can also scale up their app to handle the growing users.

7) Future promises in mobile app development

It is typically believed that Blockchain is restricted to the BFSI sector, which is not true. With security of data sharing and safe transactions, it is opening doors to many industries including Healthcare, real estate, logistics and ecommerce sectors in future.

The right impact of Blockchain creates a comprehensive balance of interactions between customers, suppliers and enterprise owners.

In healthcare sector, you can take advantage of its distributed data and easily manage healthcare record of patients and communication details between doctors and patients for years to come.

This is possible as all medical updates and data will be stored safely with secure access of mobile apps. In real estate, users can see the entire process of property buying and selling streamlined in its apps to meet sophisticated working standard.

This variety of applications make Blockchain the most versatile modern technology useful across industry sectors. It is okay to say Blockchain is likely to be the most common integration in future not far from now.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

Final Remarks

Blockchain is one of the few emerging technologies that are still waiting to be fully explored and unleashed as well as experimented with its impact.

Lately, mobile app development world has started leveraging Blockchain power significantly and the use is still going up. In a long run, it also creates a competitive advantage for businesses looking to integrate the technology for its complicated business processes.

The only drawback we can see for mobile app development is that the technology is its infancy which will be possibly overcome as it evolves progressively.

Blockchain is appreciated across industries especially by early adopters, and we can certainly say that there will be a great impact of new innovative applications built with Blockchain technology.

How To Make an App Using API [Complete Guide]

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

App developers or any individual wanting to build an application today and become a part of the 2.1 million apps in Google Play store and 1.8 million in Apple App Store must have heard of the technical term API (application programming interface).

API develop mobile apps and third-party software programmes interact with one another. A known example of APIs in action is the ability to log into services or accounts with your Facebook login credentials.

For instance, you can log into Uber by using the credentials of your Facebook account.

According to Twilio’s James Parton, “APIs are going to be the driver for the digital economy and unless they (companies) are talking about APIs already, they will be left behind.”

Read Also: Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Day to Day Life

This shows that API has become an accepted tool to develop mobile apps. But what exactly is API and its benefits?

As you must be aware, technology was not born yesterday. It has taken years to evolve and grow. Yet, until a few years back, it has only been about people communicating with a machine or a man working with machine.

Thanks to the growth of API, technology has come to such a stage where machines are capable of communicating with machines by making use of the power of IoT (Internet of Things) and wearables.

APIs for iOS, Android or mobile applications of any other OS have made it easy for things to communicate, connect and work. The best example will be wearables attached to your body and connecting it with apps.

To put it simply, APIs allow one program or application to make use of the capabilities of another software or application.

Brands like, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, eBay, Netflix, Dropbox and Uber have built apps with API integration and intelligently used APIs to make their app perform certain actions like, geo-location, social preferences and usability.

To develop mobile apps, API makes it possible for the exchange of data with web services, such as Facebook, Google Maps or other such web services and take advantages of their offerings and popularity.

Today, there are other types of APIs used by businesses like, chat APIs, payment APIs, tracking and location APIs and analytics APIs.

Application of APIs

When developing an application, APIs have multiple usage making them a versatile tool. They can be used as per your requirement. The access points of a system are ruled by API.

By using APIs, developers have this massive independence in manipulating the application or system that they are developing.

Benefits of APIs

Saves time – APIs save a lot of time when developing an application. This is because it puts an end to the need of coding the entire thing in order to make it work. They are available readily from reputed web services. For example, app developers can make use of DropBox API or Google Drive API in their gaming apps, making it possible for users to save the progress of their game session into a cloud-based storage that can be retrieved whenever you want to.

Provides new function without the hassle of coding from the scratch – Building apps with APIs allow developers to provide something unique to the users. You can look at Yelp for inspiration. This popular mobile app lets users search for the best eating places in town based on the recommendations and reviews from Yelp users. After helping users find what they are looking for, the app uses the Google Map API in Android to help users locate the eating place on the map. In the iPhone version of the app, the Apple Maps API helps users locate the restaurant. You can also use APIs intelligently to offer a superior user experience.

Convenience – Apps with API allow users to use their Facebook or Google user details to sign in without the need to create a new login account. This is an excellent example of convenience.

Flexibility – Today, majority of apps allow users to share information on different social media platforms like, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram. APIs make it possible to share articles, post reviews and comments, without having to leave the app

So, APIs are basically everywhere, and users are probably using it without their knowledge.

But, when you are involved to develop mobile apps, there is only question that you need to ask – whether to buy or build API by yourself?

Read Also: 11 Easy Steps to Create a Mobile Application

Buy or build?

There is no confusion regarding the need to integrate an API. But you need to decide on how to do it.

The first option is to integrate an API that is already existing into an application. The second option is to build a new one by yourself. Obviously, the first option is a no brainer as it saves a lot of money, time and needs lesser experience.

On the other hand, building an API from the scratch will allow more room for customization according to your specific needs whilst maintaining a high standard of security.

Remember the Following When Building an API from The Scratch

Permissions

If you decide to build an API, do not forget to insert a developer key. This will make sure that whoever wants to use the API has to insert a specific code for using it. This way, it stays away from hacking, misuse and abuse.

Process documentation

You must document of the process of the API development so that it is easier to track the progress. Also, proper documentation will ensure that the user or you is kept updated about the past and present status of the API.

Plan your update

There will definitely be a time when you have to roll out an update in the future for the API. You must ensure that it is a planned one. Make sure that the development of the API is such that it is safe and easy to roll out updates when it is needed. In case you are careless, the chances of messing up the functionalities of the apps based on the API are high.

Mobile app development best practices with API

It is essential to build a solid foundation and also invest both up and down the stack to be able to create a responsive digital experience for the users. Take the necessary steps to make sure that your mobile application is not sitting on a slow API as that will provide a very poor user-experience.

Reduce API calls and network chatter as that leads to draining the battering life of mobile devices.

In order to meet the growing demands for new digital experiences, you need to move the points of integration from large systems to micro-services architecture.

Remember that every change that you do in the backend will be affecting the performance of the API of the front-end application that expends it. So, every architectural decision must be precise.

Read Also: Why Should Mobile App Developers Consider Flutter

Conclusion

The reason why mobile apps creation is to perform basic functions – communication, interactions and delivery.

But, think about the purpose that the apps will serve if they did not have anything worth transacting, communicating or delivering. Across the world, businesses are sitting on a lot of intellectual property that can be used in the form of APIs.

By using APIs, you can extend the usability of data beyond conventional boundaries. Without APIs, the future of mobile app development would have been bleak.

Significant Impact of AI in Day to Day Life

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

When the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined decades ago, the underpinnings of the concept and field were not very clear. In the intervening years, this field has evolved and blossomed to cover a variety of activities.

It is also growing at a phenomenal pace and in spite of having impacted so many aspects of our daily -lives,we are scarcely aware of its influence.

According to Nils Nilsson, a pioneer in the field said, “Artificial intelligence is that activity devoted to making machines intelligent, and intelligence is that quality that enables an entity to function appropriately and with foresight in its environment.”

Based on this perspective and since intelligence encompasses many areas and is multi-dimensional, the differences between AI and a human brain is based on intuitive learning, processing speed, scale, generality and the degree of autonomy.

At one point, a calculator was considered as an AI tool, but advances in this field have transformed every aspect of life completely.

Some instances of AI are speech recognition software, cruise control in automobiles, the auto-pilot feature in airplanes, smartphones and even thermostats.

Read Also: Everything You Need to Know About Chatbot Development

The impact of artificial intelligence is undeniable and expected to improve continuously and in increments.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on our Daily Lives

In spite all of the overlaps in AI technology today, it has evolved in disparate fields since its inception. The current narrative is very different from the original – what seemed like science fiction even 25 years ago, is now a reality.

For instance, the concept of email was initially developed for military use and is now the most common mode of communication.

Another visible effect of AI is online shopping and an extension thereof, recommendations made by Amazon or Netflix for products or movies.

AI powers their algorithms that studies customer interests and purchase patterns. An offshoot of this technology is the availability of products like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri which are designed to help users with almost any imaginable task.

Financial institutions use AI to fight phishing and fraud by tracking transaction and spending patterns. Imagine your fridge being able to order groceries for you – this technology is currently in the works.

Read Also: New Technology Trends Driving the Mobile App Sector

A couple of interesting facts to ponder over:

AI is expected to add more than $15.5 trillion USD to the global economy by the year 2030.

Another area in which AI is expected to play a big role is self-driving cars. Work is being done to ensure that cars can evaluate traffic situations in real time and adjust accordingly.

The next big thing in AI is IoT technology which uses sensors to collect enormous amounts of data. In fact, over 20 billion “things” are expected to be connected via IoT technology by 2020.

Companies and researchers are spending a lot of time and money by using Big Data to improve predictions. Work is ongoing in the field of machine learning and better translation software.

How ready are we to deal with the impact of artificial intelligence in our lives with facial recognition programs, shopping and even the creation of biographies based on the information available on the internet?

The same companies/institutions working on AI technology are setting priorities to ensure that they deal with ethical, safety and legal issues surrounding it.

Being Safe with Artificial Intelligence

Even after many years of work in this area, experts define the current and available version of AI as narrow or weak AI. Whizzes believe that all of the available AI applications and their modes of implementation are different enough and worth it to consider them separately.

This is done with the long-term view to reduce human error and improve quality of life. The long term goal is to create strong AI which would be able to carry out tasks like humans and use cognitive intelligence to do so.

Right now, the goal is to ensure that the impact of artificial intelligence on society is beneficial by helping with reducing fraud, making life more comfortable, fighting poverty and disease.

Questions that are being addressed without any clear cut answers are:

What is our future in a world run on AI?
What should we do if job automation is the new norm rather than the exception?
Will intelligent machines control us instead of the other way around?
Will humans be replaced completely?

Since AI is a new technology and in many ways is still evolving, it forms the foundation for other new technologies.

Businesses are constantly innovating by using available technologies to improve processes and ensure that information is available to consumers when they need it.

The easy availability of smartphones with fast processors has changed the way people conduct their lives, especially in the area of health, education, food, and finances.

Just like every disruptive technology that makes its way into the marketplace, AI will not be adopted across the board. Each industry sector is looking at ways to make it easier for customers to access products and services.

As the above infographic shows, the finance, high tech and telecom sectors are leading the way. And nowhere is this evident than in the use of mobile apps.

Mobile apps are one of many platforms that is making it easy for businesses to connect with their customers and provide personalized service.

And mobile apps are being designed to cover not just financial services – there are medical apps, entertainment apps, and cab ordering apps to name a few.

It would not be too far-fetched to say that AI is playing a key role in app development. With new apps being introduced every day, businesses have to distinguish themselves from the competition to gain market share and also meet the changing standards of consumers.

Consider these numbers from 2018:

Google’s Play Store alone has 2.8 million apps – and all these were added between 2008 to 2017
Apple’s App Store has ca. 2.2 million apps – in the period of 2008 to 2017
2% of phone owners accessed the internet regularly
Users spend more than 69% of their time accessing media related apps on their phones
80% of global internet usage will be done via mobile devices
91% of smartphone owners reach for their phones for ideas and help with work

There are apps now for every conceivable task and all of this has been possible due to integrated AI app development.

AI’s hallmark is its adaptability and ability to learn and developers rely heavily on it to make their work more accurate and predictive. How is AI expected to change this process?

Here is a look at some of the ways AI is influencing the app development process.

Personalization: As a tool, -AI is very powerful for gaining insights into a consumer’s search and buying habits. With the growth of the apps sector, which no doubt forms a large chunk of the software industry now, customers can expect better engagement and customer satisfaction too.

Creative code deployment: AI app development is headed in a new direction thanks to people with automated learning and finding creative ways to use their knowledge. AI has been so accessible that algorithms are being used to do specific tasks such as receiving information on new product releases and much more. This information is very specific to a customer’s location.

Relevancy: The new norm for businesses today are through -intelligent apps -. Businesses have always collected customer data, but this is now being used to strengthen their brand and expand their customer base using AI and related technology. AI has definitely helped businesses enter new markets and establish a presence. Their investments in the development process are paying off.

Extending technology use to the home: AI’s reach has extended beyond the professional sphere and mobile applications to smart homes. The deployment of regular code is no longer enough to provide customers what they -desire in their daily lives. New and innovative technology is in great demand as customers like having information and usable features at their fingertips.

Read Also: How IoT Applications Are Transforming Industries

Conclusion

AI app development and other enabled solutions are making life far more interesting as developers are able to carry out difficult tasks.

Integration is also changing the field of security, learning, drone technology and other areas to make it hassle-free for end users. Over the years, AI has become cheaper to access and implement.

With thousands of apps being marketed every year, only those ones which are really good will make the cut. Using AI to create intelligent apps which understand the why behind the “what” of a product is considered absolutely essential.

As a technology with multiple dimensions, Artificial Intelligence offers highly advanced algorithms, machines and deep learning opportunities which have the potential to develop into products which could have a groundbreaking impact on normal life.

The obvious benefits of AI in mobile development and the overall positive impact goes beyond the office and home. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and we can look forward to many more developments in the future that can have a significant impact in day to day life.

Why Comic Brands also Need Mobile App?

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

When one hears the word comic books, the first thing that comes to mind is superheroes and Marvel comics. There are so many genres to choose from – alternative, Manga, fantasy, the so-called “graphic” novel for adults, horror, comics for children and so on.With app dominating the technology scene, books and comic are also going digital the way.

Mobile app now making it easier for fans to download their favorite superhero story to their phone and try out new comic books – as well.

As a die-hard fan, you don’t have to go looking for a bookstore to purchase a book that may not be available in store or worse still, could be out of print completely.

All the big publishing houses like DC, Marvel and others have made inroads into the digital world with the launch of their individual mobile apps.

Read Also: 10 Best Android Games Popular in UK

This move is prodding other comic publishers to make the same move. All one has to do is to only observe this frenzy to know that the time for the comic app is here.

The Business Model for The Comic App

Comic apps have their own category on the Apple iTunes store and Google Play stores. -In fact, Google play store alone has over 100,000 digital comic listed on its platform.

You can navigate to – the Books category or in Entertainment and check which comic apps are available. Whether you want a specific genre or superhero story, comic apps offer readers a chance to go on a great adventure.

These apps are available in a subscription model as well and at different prices, based on the solution.

Developing a comic app is not very difficult. To start off the journey – for your brand, hire a good comic app development company. Once the app has been completed and tested, it can be published to help users get their favourite characters with just a click.

Just like people who love their Kindle app, there are others who are fans of comics.

There is no question that they are going to be thrilled with the level of accessibility being offered by a comic app like:

Reading their favorite superhero’s adventures anytime, anywhere
No need to carry bulky books when everything is available on their smartphone
Access to an online book store and an in-app purchase feature
Formats supported include .rtf, pdf, HTML5 and .txt
Notifications via pop-ups, texts and emails
Available for download on Android and iOS

The process of creating a mobile app for comics is no different than any other app. The actual app development can be done one of two ways:

Create the app with independent software which will be able run without an Internet connection
Create it using a web-based app

Most app developers prefer to create web based apps as they are more user-friendly and have clean, simple features. Offline software is great for creating intense content.

It is entirely up to the comic publisher to choose the format that they want and then go forward with the process.

Read Also: 10 Best Online Multiplayer Games

Features Available on A Comic App

User registration: This is the first step for users to get access to the app – either via email, social media log in or with a phone number.

Category: This section lists the comics available for reading. There are free and paid books to choose from. Users can go through the list and decide if they want to sign up for a subscription eventually.

Personalization: This is used quite a lot by publishers to recommend books based on their interest and choice of categories.

Tagging favourites: Allowing users to tag their favourites based on their preferences will pull up their favourite comic book. This feature prevents scrolling back and forth to find the one that they were reading last – in every individual category.

Reviews and Ratings: Every app prompts the users to rate the app and book and also write a review. By offering a section for either option, the feedback from this section can be used to upgrade the app and also know their preferences. This will help a publisher to serve their readers/app users better.

Push Notifications: This feature is crucial for any mobile app – it is used to inform users about new offers, book launches and even discounts on every purchase.

News: This is another feature which allows for importing of blog posts or other feeds with updates on new launches, movies and other interesting information.

Languages: Once an app is developed, adding a language is very easy. The same comic can be offered to readers worldwide in their native languages.

Payment platforms: These are being integrated practically into every app to make it easy for users to purchase what they want and also pay for subscriptions. Payment gateways could include debit/credit cards, PayPal or any other method, depending on individual countries.

Current List of Popular Mobile Comic Apps:

1) ComiXology

Easily one of the best known digital comic platforms, this app has published content from Marvel, DC comics and Image. All a reader has to do is download the app, buy the comic and get started on their reading.

Available on both Android and iOS platforms, this app has a huge customer base. It also offers an unlimited subscription which lets readers buy and read all the comics that they want. Users however, cannot import any other collection they have.

2) Comics Plus

This is another popular platform for comic lovers to purchase and download digital versions of their favourite characters.

Readers can buy from multiple publishers and use the app’s built in uView (enhanced technology for reading) which makes reading on a touch screen device very easy.

Built in parental controls ensure that children can access only appropriate content. Comic rentals are also available for a set number of hours. -You can check the app for further information.

3) Dark Horse Comics

Dark Horse Publishing has chosen to develop its own app and storefront. Their app makes it easy to read and offers support for right to left modes of reading.

Users can buy and also download free issues – these are usually teasers to get readers excited about an entire library of comics.

4) Marvel Comics

With this app, users have the entire Marvel library of comics to choose from. Subscriptions range from $10/month to $70/year. New comics are added often, and users have to be online to access and also read all about their favourite character’s adventures.

If you want to binge or re-reading all your favourite comics, this is the app for you.

5) DC Comics

This app works as a gateway to the entire DC catalogue for its users – they can read all the stories related to Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and more.

By downloading the app on different devices, it is easy to for a reader to pick up where they left off with a story. The app has a guided view reading mode which makes it extremely convenient to use for all readers, regardless of their age.

Cost of Developing A Comic App

The cost of developing such an app depends on factors such as:

-The complexity of the app
App size –
Number of platforms where the app will be hosted
Development region

Based on which country the development team is based in, costs could range anywhere from $10 – $250 per hour. Again, based on the number of features, it could cost up to $30,000 or more per platform.

However, if you are looking to build a cross-platform app with more advanced features, be prepared to shell out something in the range of $ 50,000.

Read Also: 12 Best Free VR Apps for Android 2019

Conclusion

Comic apps are a special entertainment category targeting a specific user group. No doubt the experience of reading a comic on an app is very different when compared to reading a book.

Thanks to mobile apps, readers are able to access comics which are hard to find and what could be better than an app which promotes a love for reading?

Everything you need to know about Chatbot Development

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Over the last decade, one constant global shift is about how technological innovations perfectly dovetails with various business revenue models and industrial processes.

Chatbot has become the latest current development in this domain and have grown compelling enough to appeal entrepreneurs and investors, be it SMEs or successful brands.

Supporting a number of practical use cases, chatbots marries technology with business streams, bridging the virtual gap that exists between customers and brands.

From automation, user engagement and lead conversion to retention and upsell, chatbots can be tailored to fulfil several business purposes.

The smart technology has also got much boost from the now-famous reality that consumers embraced online chatbot-based support model.

Due to its thriving future market potential in business landscape, business across the globe eye Chatbot development as a pressing project.

Read Also: Impact of Minimalist UI Design

Let’s explore the depth of chatbot market and the process of chatbot development.

1) Realistic perspective on Chatbot market

Seemingly an ideal solution for ecommerce customer assistance, Chatbots have now exponentially emerged as a really strong value proposition for diverse businesses across various industrial domains.

By 2024, the global chabots market worth is expected to hit the unbelievable $3172 million, with conversation AI market size reaching $15.7 billion by 2024.

In last decade the chatbot’s power and capability have matured from a straight rule-based mechanism for common repeated queries to more intelligent and adaptive algorithm developed to analyze user behavior and determine the underlying user mindset to present the most relevant responses.

This is why chatbot usability has risen to a new high and so is its market share. This is a sufficient proof to the fact that business have great hopes from chabots due to the unmatched benefits of profitability and ROI they seem to propose.

2) Business advantages of investing in Chatbot development

Apart from the benefits of automation, efficiency and 24/7 business availability, Chatbots also help deplete business operation cost.

Businesses that dither at the idea of investing in chatbot development would feel at ease learning that chatbot gains outweigh possible loss from manual services.

Juniper research claims that chatbot development cost is likely to appear fair since chatbots are powerful enough to whittle down the overall cost by $8 billion annually by 2022. Here are a few incredible gains.

3) Availability and accessibility

Business availability is among those factors that affect customer loyalty and sales. Giving 24/7 service is what today’s customer expect for instant resolution of their urgent queries.

Not being able to offer 24/7 mode means significant loss of business. A customer support chatbot remains accessible to customers during off hours in the absence of human representative, thus bolstering your brand image.

4) Low cost, more savings

The major chunk of operational cost involves dealing with high influx of customer calls. Chabots can handle such sizable volume of incoming calls and answer customer queries in a straightforward fashion, ultimately saving big part of cost related to customer interactions.

Once designed with precise algorithm, Chatbots don’t need intense supervision, which further adds to saving. Also, when customers are guided by chat bots in very first conversation, it takes less efforts and time for executives to resolve the queries later.

Read Also: Effective Post Launch Marketing Strategy That Can Drive Success

5) Cognitive learning

Since data runs its regime in digital universe, AI algorithm within chatbots can be programmed to ride data deluge, process information and learn from it.

The cognitive learning solutions can work as an extension to chatbot strategy to transform the data into business-friendly insight of value.

In fact, the word intelligence in AI firmly represents the ability to process the data, which makes the AI system adaptive to volatile market behavior.

6) Automation of processes

Artificial intelligence is rapidly automating mundane processes involved in the business, thanks to its cognitive learning ability.

The automation thus allows Chabot dependents to be free from monotonous routines and focus on more important innovations and user engagement tactics.

AI can now automate processing data from various reports to conduct detailed analysis to suggest areas of profitability.

7) Economy of Business Manpower

Custom chatbots tailored to meet your business-specific service requirements can minimize manpower to a great extent. McKinsey report suggests that having a perfectly designed chatbot in place is able to automate nearly 29% of customer support positions in the US.

Businesses with a chatbot-integrated service system can experience double the efficiency of employees while costing quite lower than their annual salary.

This also goes to say that customer service industry will be dominated by chatbots that can handle tons of users simultaneously.

8) Scrutiny and evaluation of unstructured data

Since AI takes over mundane business processes with enhanced learning, you are left with more time to innovate and automate the systems such as data collection process and analysis of different reports.

The in-depth scrutiny of unstructured data will lead to growth in business profit and ROI.

9) Increased Sales and Revenue

The reason why many businesses rely on chatbots to attain lead conversion and improved sales is that it facilitates the system of recommending beneficial offers to customers in conversation.

This creates more opportunities for ample instances of upsell, retention and extra revenue. In addition, intelligent chatbots integrated with social messengers spread the brand awareness more rapidly.

10) Types of modern chatbots

Based on what we experience nowadays in virtual world of digital operations, we can suggest the following categories of interactive chatbots.

Two main categories based on their implementation are:

1) In-app implemented chatbots – Chatbots are a built-in element of a mobile app to work and perform a pre-determined function for automating the interactions between the app and users.

2) Bots implemented as a function within a Messenger – These chatbots work within a messengers to support customer interactions and best suits business models that involve chatbot support on social media.

Along with these, below are other function-specific chatbots:

3) Conversational chatbot – Uses natural language understanding technology to launch organic conversations and engage customers.

4) FAQ chatbot – They are focused on QnA that includes common questions asked by users with automated intuitive responses.

5) Transactional chatbot – they are made to enhance conversion by helping users learn about and purchase products inside the app without relying on human representative.

6) Predictive/Analytical Chatbot – These chatbots are quite advanced and uses machine learning, and are tailored as a case-specific solution to analyze reactive pattern of customers.

Industry-oriented chatbots will target:

Ecommerce customer support
Banking and Insurance support
Online service bookings queries
Travel and tourism solutions
Hotels and Hospitality
Healthcare queries

Development of different components of a Chatbot

To develop a chatbot that transforms customer experience and makes business profitable, you need to consider certain components that form the chatbot body.

You may expect the following essentials from a chatbot development company you partner with:

1) Backend

Backend forms the backbone of any software and Chatbots need it to manage and process messages coming from various channels.

The backend also incorporates business logic and controls other integrated systems while holding the conversational algorithm developed to instigate conversation with users.

2) Channels

To support the functioning of backend and smoothly relay messages, it is important to set up the endpoints in the backend for sustaining the integration with all included channels.

To efficiently guide users with prompt replies and visual cards, developers will also need to implement the UI specific to channel.

3) NLP

The AI chatbot system needs NLP services like Luis, Api.ai, and Wit.ai to gain insight from user messages and intents. Setting up NLP and training its entities might pose certain challenges though SDK makes it easy to process messages.

It requires some work to understand entities related to elements in Contacts, Products, etc.

4) Conversational Intelligence

After implementing NLP intents and entities comes the complicated component of developing conversational intelligence. This expects you to create an algorithm for every possible aspect of conversational elements and navigation.

The challenge is to build decision trees, state workflows, if-yes-if-no conditions and logics and other deeper learning tactics to handle real-time conversations.

5) Integration

Mostly, consumer-conscious chatbots are designed to execute commercial processes such as product recommendations and purchase, online bookings, scheduling appointments, etc.

They are therefore implemented in the existing mobile application. The component of integration will focus on business logic, validations and data channels incorporated in the target business process.

Read Also: Why Should Mobile App Developers Should Consider Flutter in 2019

Final Words: Chatbot development is a good investment

We have seen here each stage of chatbot development including chatbot market prospects, types of popular chatbots, benefits and the components involved in the process.

For those who purse over the price and investment risks, the estimated figure for building a chatbot usually falls in the bracket of $20000 to $30000 – which typically includes the entire journey from its design from scratch to the successful in-app integration.

Impact of Minimalist UI Design

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Less is more – this philosophy has a big role in design, whether it is physical spaces, web pages or app design. When minimalist ui design is used in web page or mobile app designs, only essential features are retained.

Think about it – when you visit a web page or install a new app on your phone, what is – it that appeals to you about it? Its design, usage of colors and ease of use.

Web page and app designers agree that the following features are essential in a successful UI design:

Clean
Uncomplicated
Simple
Visual appeal
Attention to composition
Good use of space
Lots of white space
Good proportion
High functionality of each design element
Using the right font
Leave out non-essential elements

Read Also: Effective Post-Launch App Strategies That Can Drive Success

When these elements – are used in the right combination, it is easy to have a sophisticated app or web page which users love and will in all probability recommend to others as well.

Using minimalist ui design and keeping things simple does not mean that it is primitive or vague. It is all about keeping only the important elements and leaving out the fluff, which can be a distraction.

Trends to look forward to in 2019

Statistics and market trends are testimony to the fact that minimalism in UI will dominate in 2019.

One of the major reasons for this shift is the fact that users are more impatient and will only use a platform which is appealing, with pleasing colours, animation elements which are intuitive and touch friendly.

Some trends to expect especially in 2019 are:

Mobile first: In the last decade, the sheer number of mobile users have gone up and overtaken those who use their laptops/desktops. This gap will widen with time as smartphones are becoming faster and can offer the same access to information. Businesses are investing in app development just as aggressively to stay relevant and retain their customer base.

Designing with thumb usage in mind: Users these days prefer panels which are 18:9 instead of 16:9. Since a phone’s control is at the bottom of a screen, apps are designed to be within easy reach of the user’s thumb. App designers will work towards making this functional change so that their audience can navigate any site quite easily.

Overlap of effects: Designers are harnessing the power of a smartphone’s processor and combining multiple layers of graphics to create beautiful interfaces. Thanks to the use of good displays, colour gradients and minimalism, users can look forward to a lot of great apps

Designs without frames: Trends keep up with changes in the physical design of phones. Phone manufacturers are making new devices in which the screens and edges are really close together, with rounded edges. This helps in creating an immersive display and interface integration that is much smoother. Expect 2019 to be the year in which Frameless Designs are introduced

Why Minimalism Is So Critical?

Minimalism is in high demand these days, especially – when deployed in the enhancement of UI design and experience with websites and mobile apps.

The minimalist approach in ui has all the elements to enhance the cognitive experience of a user – keyboard design, screen displays, use of colours, fonts etc.

The perfect definition of minimalism is “marriage of function and form”. This philosophy makes even the most complex subject easy to understand by clear, concise and consistent copy along with visual aids.

Though all of this may sound complicated, it boils down to offering an app which can be navigated easily to find needed information, fast.

Read Also: Why Should App Developers Consider Flutter in 2019?

To do this well, the following elements play a key role.

Colour scheme: Since apps are a visual medium, using soft colours and just a few can have a big impact. Choose one colour and different shades of it from a colour palate. Modification can be done by increasing the brightness and saturation of the same colour – you have a range to play with and it is visually pleasing. Using an analog palate is another idea in which 3 colours next to each other on the colour wheel are picked. Different colours can be used to prioritize important tasks and use lighter colours to denote less important tasks.

Blurring effects: This is an important feature as it allows developers to layer the interface. Done right, it lets designers explore overlays and different menus to present information in one place. Details are brought to the forefront and less relevant information fades into the background – together it offers an intuitive interaction, making navigation and understanding information easy.

Even fonts across an app: Picking the right font is very important. Using too many fonts can be hard on the eye and distracting. Try different fonts and see which one appeals to your sensibility and then change the weight, size and style of a font – don’t use different fonts in one area. Check to see which font the platform uses – Apple and Google use specific ones to keep the look even across the board. It is not something that users think about a lot, but it does have an impact on the overall user experience. It may be in the background, but users are subconsciously aware of it. Also, make sure that your colour choice has enough contrast to the font in order to help people with visual problems to read information properly. Since font size is important and there is limited space on a phone screen, accent colours and slightly larger headlines can capture reader attention faster. Make sure that the spacing between the letters is also good.
Focusing the spotlight on specific data: Here, developers can use their basic colour palate and a larger font to draw attention to a call to action. Using a neutral colour, for e.g. grey for the overall scheme and a contrasting bright blue or green to focus user attention on calls to action works very well. It draws the eye to the task that a user should perform. Larger fonts and a bright colour together draw the eye to a specific area on the screen without the need for more hints.

Division by space and elements: Again, using minimalism and eliminating clutter in the form of lines and boxes can keep an interface clean and tidy. Colour can be used to draw the eye to important information. Grabbing a person’s attention can be done with the use of shadows etc. and define sections in a subdued fashion.

Icons: Icons are a great resource as they are pictorial and universally understood. These are great additions to the minimalist trend and can be used in many areas of an app to let a user know what they are doing. Highlighted icons indicate the active sections and tabs. Thus – recognizing them is straightforward.

How Using the Above Elements Leads to A Great and Minimalist UI?

Focus on the most important elements: The beauty of using minimalist ui design is that it helps designers keep only what is necessary. Every single element has a purpose and fulfills a specific need. It leads to a clean and lucid layout. The question – “Is this component really necessary?” will help in retaining only that which is needed.

Fewer colours: Using just a few colours helps in focusing a user’s attention while making the interface clean. It also promotes positive interaction – sometimes too much colour can be distracting.

Harmony: Minimalistic ui design leads to harmony in a site. Place all elements in a simple but invisible grid to create a great visual hierarchy.

Expressive use of fonts: As a core visual element, it informs a user of the content but also sets the style of a page. Combining colour and the right font, designers work very hard to find the right combination for harmony and elegance. Each element is put in place to make the right emotional impact. Readability is in no way compromised.

Limited choices: An important driver in the minimalism philosophy, the focus is on functionality. By using easy fonts and pleasing colours, a reader’s attention is maintained so that problems are easy to solve and information easy to find.

Navigation: Attention is also focused on navigation because the entire purpose is to find the much needed help or information. A simple and unobtrusive navigation menu which works well in the background is a key element in a minimalist website.

Read Also: 11 Top Mobile App development Frameworks 2019

Conclusion

All in all, minimalism is a great – technique to design a terrific user interface. The goal in using minimalist ui design is to ensure a clean interface which is functional and easily understood by any user around the work.

The whole idea is to create very simple flows for users, employ clear visuals and create an interaction which is seamless. It is a fact that the success or failure of an app will depend on whether it can make a user come back for more.

Any app which can present information in one snapshot is deemed to be successful.

To reiterate, simplicity is highly effective. Let your app draw in users by combining a well-crafted and easy to look at layout by using minimalist ui design elements to the max.

Finding the right balance need not be tricky – put yourself in the customer’s shoes. This will help in including important elements, leaving out the inessential and provide a captivating experience to the end user.

All of this requires planning and careful decisions. Going through this process can lead to gratifying results.