Celebrities Score With Apps

If you think all celebrities do is take home their winnings, you’re wrong — they have taken the plunge into the tech world to do more than sing and play—they are letting you do the playing…

A celebrity’s popularity is directly related to the app’s popularity. That is the newest strategy that mobile application developers in USA have lately adopted to market their apps.

By working with celebrities during the development process, developers create celebrity-centered apps. ‘Bolt!’ stars the fastest runner in the world. Two-time Olympics gold medalist Usain Bolt aka Lightning Bolt helped develop and launch the game app. It was intentionally set to coincide with his triumphant win at the London 2012 event. The game now ranks as the 25^th most popular app.

Other celebrities have also previously left their imprint on the app stores. These include famed boxer’s ‘Mike Tyson: Main Event,’ Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco’s ‘Mad Chad’ and Portuguese soccer player’s ‘Heads Up with Cristiano Ronaldo.’ Companies too have invested in mobile platforms for sports and entertainment. Mobile content developer Babelgum offers free ad-based video content on iTunes through which they have recently launched a game app featuring musical band Coldplay on the iOS. The app also contains newsfeed, catalogue and contests for fans where winners get free tickets to Coldplay’s concerts.  ESPN runs their own ‘Developer Center’ to connect with other platforms. In house as well as third party developers can use their APIs to build sports apps. This open up new avenues for sports fans and celebrities to come together, just as their motto relays “Where geeks and jocks stand united.”

Another initiative involved singer/actor Jon Bon Jovi pitched in on the government’s cause to provide care to homeless veterans. The joint project Reach (Real-time Electronic Access for Caregivers and the Homeless) invited software developers to an open challenge to create “an online and web application that would provide real-time info to connect service providers who aid the homeless” from which five finalists were selected.

Why celebrities? Applications are also an excellent tool for fan engagement and celebrities consider mobile platform a way through which they can gain a wider international audience. Users prefer real-life personalities more than they do imaginary ones whom they can relate to, or pretend to be! For developers, besides successful marketing, it has opened a window of job opportunities. As one website rightly confirmed “This could be the start of a big trend on iPhone, and a big new source of income for developers.”

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

8 Great Reasons For Considering iOS6 for your iPhone

For the typical user, updates may seem just a routine thing to do in technology. They barely give thought beyond the UI to the expansive work that goes on by manufacturers and mobile application developers.Its only when there’s a major overhaul in user experience or software innovation will they pay attention. The rest of the time, the excitement is mainly shared by those that make the difference. Every little tap and click on the device sets forth an operation that resembles factory mechanisms, except that they are intangible such as mobile apps.

Apple recently announced beta 4 release for iOS 6 version available for developers to test iPhone applications. The main points have been extracted from their press release.

1. iOS6 can be tested through the iOS Simulator
2. To check for content accessibility an app can check it through the authorization status API
3. Warning to not follow proper instructions on installation could render the mobile as unusable.
4. Once upgraded the device cannot return to its former version.

Now for some more interesting changes to look forward to:

1. Siri, iPhone’s digital assistant can install apps.
2. Facebook is integrated as a built in application to fulfill all the social needs.
3. FaceTime now has a cellular connection where the call receiving option is also available on the iPad and Mac.
4. ‘App Banner’ is a feature that advertises native apps which users can easily view, click and download.
5. iCloud allows easy sharing of photos
6. Additional apps are an attractive bonus. Such as Passbook for loyalty cards management.
7. Apple is introducing its own mapping app, Maps which features various services
8. Bluetooth sharing is another exciting feature for users who prefer to share data with those in close proximity.

In short, reviews have been extremely positive and worth the upgrade. The iOS6 is expected to be released this fall.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Alternative Tech Makes Waves

If we want to simply submerge ourselves in the depths of tech creativity and creative technology, here’s yet another example of thinking out of the box: mobile apps integrated with sound-triggered technology…

Sonic Notify is the latest in unconventional tech solutions for personal or professional that provides media content via sound. Although the auditory sensory platform is currently popular with entertainment media, it is highly recommended for companies as well. Marketing and sales’ departments can run promotion campaigns from the SDK sound code-enabled ad to a mobile app.

Discount shopping and entertainment services are received from within an iOS or Android app – simply through the high-pitch sound inaudible to the human ear. Make sense? If not, then here’s what you can do: Download an app compatible with Sonic Notify. Bring the device close to, say a television broadcast. Previously unavailable content appears as timely notification. This could include photos, website links, maps and other relevant details. Users can choose to make their Sonic Notify app or apps content-specific by selecting the time and type of information they want delivered. Sound triggered updates appear even when the app is not open. Sound triggered updates appear even when the app is not open.

Access and installation is relatively easy. The platform is available in the iTunes store as a ‘Sonic Experiences’ app. Mobile app developers can install the SonicNotify SDK and create apps. The feature services depend on how developers program the app. All the extraction and interaction is done via the app. Such as earning rewards and votes. Sony Music’s ‘Miranda Lambert Official App’ gives an insight of how to make optimal use of the platform.

The technology is unique because it does not require any additional hardware install, but it’s certainly not new. Similar software was previously made available, some of which require NFC, QR codes and Bluetooth. Zoosh and ShopKicker proved to be massively popular in the use of sound waves to provide services.

But some concerns have been expressed in reviews. Apparently Sonic Notify does not invade privacy, but would lead to invasive advertising. Also the company assures the sound is of safe decibel (dB) levels that would not affect hearing ability in any way nor can it detect human voices. Unless they were as high-pitched as Lady Gaga’s who made headlines by using her voice to connect with a Sonic Notify app to promote her concert tours!

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this Post on SocilJitney

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Tech Integrations: When Will Enough Be Enough?

In the world of technology, it is never enough. There is a pressing demand for more, and when there is more, then the need for an entirely new creation. Today, Apple is experiencing this sort of pressure. Despite launching several new product and feature launches at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2012, where even critics admitted they exceeded those launched during the previous conferences, there was plenty of dissatisfaction expressed from within the industry.

It has been exactly one year since Apple integrated Twitter into their iOS5 platform. The question that arose at the time was why they chose Twitter over Facebook. Now it’s déjà vu, except this time it is why Facebook and not Google plus. The former was understandable: Twitter, even with its 200 million users at the time, was no match for Facebook’s 700 million users. Various explanations, some of them outlandish were given by analysts for this decision as:

• Facebook in comparison was far more complex because of its and myriad features and services
• Apple had a fallout during negotiations with Facebook
• Windows Phone 7 had been the first smartphone to integrate Facebook and Apple did not want to play second fiddle
• Apple needed more time to prepare for the world’s largest social network

The last assumption sounded most plausible and proved to be correct, as Apple announced Facebook integration featured in their up and coming iOS6 platform during this year’s WWDC. Their rejection of Google services has been pretty much outright, not only of their social services but also of their applications, ousting the popular Google Maps and bringing in their own version of mapping technology.

While bitter rivalry turns to friendship and vice versa in the business world, at least Apple is keeping their priorities intact by providing the largest ground for mobile application developers to delve into. But it’s the second party apps, that is, the end users that are primarily running the show successfully. And if Apple keeps in tune with their demands for iPhone applications, then they will continue to provide as many options as possible. Where iOS5 users felt confined to Twitter, they now have Facebook, but they also want LinkedIn and Google+ and some lesser known social media as well to be available. For now, the line is pretty much drawn. In their own right, it makes sense for the company to withhold their own. But not for long, experts believe, when Google will find their way in tomorrow, as Facebook has done today and Twitter did yesterday, provided of course, Google remains in the league. Then integration may be the only way out for Apple yet again.

Salman Ghaznavi Found this Post on SocialJitney.Com

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of SocialJitney Inc. a company focused on Mobile Application Marketing and tool Design & Development. SocialJitney is one of the premium Mobile Apps Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out  SocialJitney social tool, the SJ Pathways. 

Let the Games Begin—On Social Media

It’s not about the innings and scores and goals anymore– it’s about tweets and Facebook apps being used most glamorously. They are all into it: the players, the fans, the audience, the last growing by leaps and bounds by the minute because of social media exposure. From the youngest to the oldest, the amateurs, the pros, everyone is all on the same page. The interest elicited in sports today is not simply gluing one’s ear to the radio and listening to the (often) monotone commentary. It is beyond the game. the interactivity between players and fans serves to boost the confidence of players seem to have replaced traditional cheerleading. Tech reviews are talking about how English footballer Wayne Rooney had listen to music on Spotify to gear himself to reappear after a ban.  The English Premier League has seen 3 million new Facebook ‘likes’ in one month.

This season is time for media opportunists to spring forth and make the most of some major sports events of the year: the UEFA Euro 2012 which is underway, ending July 1 followed by Olympics beginning July 27. Football Social Media that provides social coverage of everything related to football claims to have increased “more site traffic, new revenues for merchandise and above all – a better relationship between club and customer.” Similar businesses who are investing in sports believe that fan engagement, like user engagement must be priority, ROI follows naturally.

If you can’t fight ‘em, join ‘em!

Deloitte, business advisers for the London’s Olympics Committee (LOC) directed businesses within the surrounding area of the games to prepare in advance so they are not affected due to road closures. To wage a suit, which is what SMEs companies are doing against Tfl (Transport for London) is certainly a waste of time and money because the event is happening. It would be wiser to accept and find an alternative as one company that has created a Facebook app combined with Google maps to show a reroute to customers for their service and goods delivery.

Don’t bend the rules

While sale of game tickets has risen three times the rate because of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, business advertisements have been cleverly controlled by the LOC. No one is permitted to publicise content on social media without permission. This applies to players as well. While social journalists and audience members view it as restriction, it certainly makes sense to marketers who obviously want to monetize during the event. Anyone thinking of finding other means should be warned about the recent ban imposed by Twitter on aforementioned Wayne Rooney and his Arsenal adversary. BBC reported how they both used hash tags to advertise a famous brand within their tweets.  Such incidents affect a firm’s reputation in an uncontrollable speed on social media. Business firms too are encouraged to show a good spirit while competing, whether it’s to win or lose.

Originally Posted By Avenuesocial.Com

Superb Smartphones Need Superb Apps

They are all into it–Rolex, Prada, Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton — not with their latest summer wear, but showstopper designer mobile phones. To look at them, you would think these designers have become tech savvy. But while their exteriors are par excellence, yet most don’t have classy tech specs to match. Spending an exorbitant amount only to have a regular user experience and outdated OS is certainly not value for money. They would do far better if they invest as much in ‘rich’ mobile applications, because isn’t that what brands are about–quality– inside and out? Anyway, looks matter and so they are selling like hot cakes.

Chairman by Ulysse Nardin

For those who think Google’s Android is charitably priced for the masses, then they are unaware that they have also donned the title of Guinness World Records as the ‘most expensive mobile phone.’ The diamond-encrusted hybrid device bears the label of the renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, Ulysse Nardin. The brilliant handcraft blends superbly with high tech. It comprises the OS Gingerbread and sophisticatedAndroid applications that fit right in the midst of such luxury. Price starts from USD 14,000 up to 130,000. All you have to do is sell everything you own and more. But you may be too late because its limited edition will sell out even before it hits the shelves of some 20 select countries.

TAG HEUER  Racer

This Android smartphone has been inspired by and is built of the same materials as its sponsor, the race car Formula 1. It has 3D UI and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for its OS. The product will be available in the market this month on for the curious, including app developers who will race to see how fast applications will run on this super smartphone.

Lamborghini TL700

Another recently launched device modeled after the luxury car, it sports Android OS Gingerbread. They have received more than too many disappointing reviews with regards to their specs.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney.Com

BlackBerry PlayBook — Another Day, Another Update

It’s true — the heart of the tablet is in the OS. And the heart of OS is in the apps. BlackBerry’s attempts at improving their PlayBook 2.0 and subsequent upgrade to 2.1.0, is a reminder of both.

Edits without credits

Tech updates are much like editing an article: both are intended to improve the quality. But this thankless job is not given due credit even when it involves having to rewrite the entire article in the name of editing. Just like that, sometimes it’s better to simply create new apps than to recompile and transfer to another OS especially when the apps fail to gel on multiple Oss.




At the start of this year, BlackBerry Tablet 2.0 OS provided the opportunity for app developers to transfer Android apps to BlackBerry App World. Brilliant idea that did not entice enough Android apps into the BlackBerry fold. Of those that did make the attempt reported crashes and bugs.

Apps without ads

This was perhaps the most disincentive term set by RIM.  Android developers mainly rely on Android app monetization through ads and in-app purchases. To provide the same for free on PlayBook or charge directly was enough to discourage porting their apps.

But the scenario isn’t all dismal. Android Community reported more than 800 apps successfully installed on PlayBook and social app integration was among the best of them.

Success without conditions

Needless to say, one of the requisites for OS compatibility was whether the same app will work on the mobile device as well as the tablet. Some apps do not mention that, making app discovery turn into an unpleasant experience.

While some terms and requisites were downright easy to implement, others resulted in a web of confusion. The developers were required to remove the name Android when transferring applications to PlayBook. But other developments were sending off red signals which brought app usage and development to a standstill on the device. One was RIM’s announcement three months ago that side-loading apps will no longer be permitted for Android apps on PlayBook. The reason for this was to control “app piracy”. Foresight on this might have controlled the situation but they must be credited for following best practices even during their dire need for apps.

Despite all this, things are looking up and efforts are still ongoing. Rooting or jailbreaking the device has proven more successful, although not for all Android apps. Recent news of transferring iOS apps on PlayBook has also provided hope. Then there’s the gaming sector without which no app store is complete and PlayStation Games can now be played on the tablet.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney

Mobile Apps And Mobile Websites Will Steer Your Business In Future

Mobile Application Development

Mobile apps and mobile websites are going to be the most important vehicle to drive your businesses growth. Read more to find out.

By 2015 more than 1 billion of mobile devices will go live globally. The internet usage is increasingly shifting everyday to the mobile devices and thus it is important for organizations to utilize the Smartphone medium to flourish and promote their businesses.

An application for your target buyers is a good way to get started. Organization and even small business owners are increasingly making use of applications to be in touch and generate business in real time. Be it a multiplex or a renowned coffee shop, they all have an iPhone or android app for their customers to get or book services while they are on the go. The app trend is increasingly catching up with cost effective  Mobile App Development  in off shore development centers. In the long run, mobile apps can also generate revenues through in-app advertisement. In-app advertisements are banner ads with which you can allow advertisers to advertise on your mobile application. There are specific indices that will determine the revenue generated from your application

Another major factor that must be taken into consideration is optimizing your website according to mobile devices to catch hold of your customers who are incresingly browsing with mobile devices. It is perceived that a normal website optimized for broadband will work with mobile devices as well however this is entirely false. Mobile devices with their varying resolutions and low bandwidth might result to distorted page display and ultimately high bounce rate. It is thus extremely important to hire talented team of mobile developers who must possess deep knowledge of mobile app development along with technologies like HTML5 to optimize your website for mobile devices. This is the first and the most important step to take your website into the pockets of millions of potential buyers.

The future will be in hands of businesses who successfully exploit and move first into the mobile revolution. They will ultimately win over and retain their customers. After all it’s the early bird that gets the worm

Openxcell Technolabs is a world class mobile app developer specialized in iOS, Android Blackberry and windows phone application development. To know more about the company visit, http://www.openxcell.com/

 

Originally Posted By Weebly

BlueStacks Opens The Way To Run Android Applications On Windows Desktop

Have anyone heard about BlueStacks? This revolutionary app company and  is  proving to be boon for the windows userbase. Bluestack will help supporting Android applications on your windows desktop. It’s one of recent update for windows users.Since, Microsoft, plans to make it more difficult to dual boot OS on windows 8 system and make it possible to switch operating system on Windows RT tablets and phones. The extreme invention BlueStacks will be looking one and only way to run Android applications on Windows 8 tablets, smartphones and PC’s. As PC-giant ASUS has signed deal with BlueStacks to include it’s own Android App player on the company’s next generation PC.

As we all know that Wine is one of most popular emulator so, BlueStacks really works like wine because of it doesn’t emulate the actual hardware of a device. Instead, BlueStacks just emulates Android Davlik to server as a bridge between the application and Windows API’s (Application Programming Interface). BlueStacks can easily access the system’s graphics hardware to accelerate the program’s graphic processing.

As BlueStacks has also the related Application which one is Cloud Connect, this one lets you sync Android Apps from your smartphone or your tablet to your PC running BlueStacks App Player. As BlueStacks has its own Application Store, but as usual people really like to find a way to install other applications. Cloud Connect is very useful but this one is easy road for malware and in the same case, if you haven’t been paying attention, there is lots of Android Malware on the loose. So, it proves that BlueStacks is one of the great featured options for the windows users to use Android Applications.

BlueStacks is really one of stunning and risk free way for the careful Android downloads. It’s really one of most elegant way to use Android Applications in Windows desktop, PC, tablets, and phones. As the same company plans to bring it’s technology to Mac OS X as well.

OpenXcell Technolabs is a premier android app development company. It has a talented team of expert android app developers having expertise in developing custom android applications.

Originally Posted By Weebly

Do Not Fall For Advertising And Jargons While Selecting Your iPhone App Developer. Rather ANALYZE!

iPhone app development is one of the hottest trends in the tech market. What’s unique about I Phone app development is its nature of transaction between the iPhone app developer and the client or the recipient of the service. Unlike the typical offshore services for software development which are mostly b2b in nature, iPhone app development is mostly a b2c business deal. Thus, clients who mostly come with no technical knowhow do not possess the methodical checklist to hire the perfect iPhone developer and finally makes a decision based on his intuition.

However there are two factors which if analyzed properly can lead clients to hire the right iPhone developer.
  
Glimpse into the experience (but not from their website alone)

Now, every developer will boast of their experienced team of iPhone app developer with an overwhelming portfolio on their website. However, clients must always look for deployed iPhone applications or android applications developed by the app development company in the app store and find out their reviews and performance. If their apps have high download numbers then it is an indication of the competitiveness of the coders and the UI designers associated with a specific development company. Even the comments made over the application can suggest a lot about the team and its capability. And if you happen to land into an app that matches your app idea, then bingo! , you found your developer.

You must have a visual space to understand what’s going on and suggest at the same time-

The second factor is communication. But before you think that it’s the “high end and state of the art infrastructure” is all required to settle communication issues then reiterate your thoughts. This is not the purpose. In case of applications that are an amalgamation of technical and creative skills, robust communication is a must. Imagine a group of college students sitting together and making a collage. All of them are interacting, understanding, suggesting, rectifying the overall collage to win the competition. What is meant here is that; a brainstorming space is necessary and the iPhone app developer/android app developer must provide that space. There are developers who provide a common project management platform in which clients along with every developer and artist involved in the app development process can interact, report and suggest at the same time. Such an interface (with even rich media sharing capability) would not only make it a lot easier to communicate but refine your ideas and lead to a better application in the end. Clients would actually be able to understand as to how their app is coming out unlike waiting for it to finish and then pull their hairs out if it is not upto the mark in the end. So if a developer is only boasting of skype video calling and daily reporting, analyze and understand that one time reporting that’s lasts for few minutes might not give the clear picture of the development progress.

In the end, its recommended to avoid falling for advertising and mystifying jargons presented by an app development company alone. Rather, be clear with your app idea and analyze your iPhone app developer thoroughly to get your desired output.

Openxcell Technolabs is a leading offshore iPhone app development and Android development company. Check out its iPhone apps at http://www.openxcell.com

Originally Posted By Weebly

Blog-Mobile app development cost is affordable with Indian app developers

Mobile development cost is a variable that is often misappropriated by corporations who want to get their own business app built. Read as to how Indian mobile developers can help.

Mobile apps the hottest technology stuff of the current times. After Steve jobs created the iPhone, there was a birth of an app driven ecosystem that triggered a whole new breed of mobile app developers. With the entry of android which penetrated into new and lower strata of market, competition increased leading to higher demand for mobile app development.

Often people with a specific business purpose want to get an iPhone app developed but due to misappropriation of the associated mobile app development cost they often refrain from converting their app ideas into reality. A successful mobile app can easily find huge download numbers and can generate significant revenues along with brand recognition.

Most of you would know that India leads in the mobile app outsourcing services. Mobile app development cost in India is lesser by 4-5 times than their European and American counterparts. Generally an Indian developer can be easily hired for $15-$20 on an hourly basis. The Indian mobile app developers have the smarts to deliver a quality application along with all the ancillary services such as testing the application and its deployment without any additional amount spent. The American and European developers on the other hand charge $50-$100 on hourly basis for mobile app development and include additional charges for supportive services.

Indian mobile app developers certainly have an edge when it comes to the cost associated with mobile app development. Only time will tell whether Indian mobile app developers could create success stories like Infosys and Wipro in IT services outsourcing in future.

 

Originally Posted By Weebly

Mutual Benefits with Facebook App Discovery

Mobile Application Development is one of most exceptional feature of today’s world. The incredible popularity and demand of these apps are really going high day by day. Let me give you a trending example. As I have heard that Facebook is going to launch its own App Center to thrill Social Mobile and Web Apps. As the same Apps center will be really helpful for users to find social apps. This App Center site will be like an App Store where developers can easily grow their apps and users can easily find them.

According to Facebook engineer Aaron Brady, this upcoming App Center will be really helpful for mobile developers to grow their apps and create huge opportunities to invent in similar mobile applications. Brady also unveiled that the same App Center will become the newest central place to get unique and impressive apps for 900 million people that use Facebook.

Mr. Brady also said that Facebook will use a variety of Signals, like user ratings and engagement, to determine if an app is listed in the App Center. The app center is meant to generate more users and engagement time in Facebook along and give catalyze app activity in the respective app stores.  Users can easily browse the apps from this mobile App Center with their device, and if the mobile app requires installation, they will be sent to download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

As I have also heard that App Developers can easily create app detail page in the section of Developer App. This will be helpful to people to understand the exclusivity of an App. Users can easily find regarding screenshots and other information from these detail pages.

The leading social media giant is really offering opportunities to developers to offer paid apps and it’s really cool.

Openxcell Technolabs is a premiere offshore iPhone app development company with specialized iPhone app developers. To know more about the company visit, http://www.openxcell.com/


Originally posted by Weebly

BYOD Strengths and Weaknesses

Bring your own device (BYOD) or Bring your own technology (BYOT) is not a new concept in the work environment. Majority companies are now providing the option for employees to use their own laptops, notebooks and mobiles to the workplace.

Employees exercising this freedom are proven to have greater productivity level, according to a study by the International Data Center. They can upgrade, install and set their devices as they choose rather than being bound by company procedures. Plus, employees find relief at not being ‘burdened’ with company assets, which they perceive as more of a liability, where employees feel the risk of paying for loss or damages to company devices too high a price to pay.
On the other hand, BYOD employees do not receive IT support either and instead depend on coworker to resolve their device related issues.
Advantages outweigh, not to mention monetary savings on IT devices. Small sized companies view this in a positive light, given their limited resources.
The increasing practice can mainly be attributed to the innovation of the Smartphone, and more so with Smartphone apps, especially those offered by iPhone and Android. This may be a consequential factor in the increased use of business apps as well, as recorded in a Nielson study stating “the average number of apps per Smartphone has jumped from 32 apps to 41, among people who use an iPhone or an Android phone.”
But the main concerns that IT staff has to constantly contend with are security breach between employer/employee data and malware from external devices.
As app users increase, so does malware. The most common solution is presumed to be sandboxing in application download. Unfortunately, it does not guarantee malware prevention altogether, as Guardian demonstrated how some viruses come through apps even when mobile companies sandbox them. To what extent such apps are prevalent is uncertain, but apparently, if it isn’t malware then app developers have to deal with drive-by downloads. Even as mobile companies seek to provide updates, attackers tend to outpace them with new ways. While it may be managed with single, personal devices, it is far more challenging when it spreads within the entire intra network in companies.
Companies expect employees to abide by restrictions when it comes to downloads, but controlling individuals’ technology is certainly a time consuming micromanagement that most just prefer to ignore.
As mentioned, despite the odds, BYOD’s popularity is a success in the business world, especially now that the web is deeply integrated with mobile platform, this trend will continue.
 This post originally appeared on Socialjitney.

Development Trends for Blackberry Apps: Just Business?

It is great to feel wanted. Just like the App Developers were given plenty of attention by Research in Motion (RIM), the wireless service provider for Blackberry, at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.  RIM made it clear that they wanted to form a strong alliance between developers and themselves. Developers were invited to attend the panel session–an encouraging sign that RIM wanted to concentrate their future effort in App Development. The other point that was made plain by RIM was their support for quality apps. They expressed a strong policy against piracy of apps, a trend that has become increasingly common on other mobile platforms.
The reviews haven’t been very kind and continue with their harsh criticism of how Blackberry will fail, despite their efforts, especially as far as Mobile Apps are concerned. Incidentally, it seems that it is the flexibility in their app development that will allow room for more creativity on the Blackberry platform.
To ensure they are making the right decision, RIM is testing the waters. Their earlier introduction of WebWorks SDK on the Smartphone V2.2 proved to be a success with developers. They are currently running a promotion campaign in the US by offering Blackberry 7 preinstalled with 17 free apps, which includes games, and if successful, they will then release them globally. Their free trail offer for BBM music is still open. Given the right incentives, RIM hopes app developers will be willing enough to pitch in their efforts on the up and coming Blackberry 10.
Supporting multiple programs in apps is considered a drawback because it will weaken the apps’ quality. Native programming is encouraged for the mobile platform. In this case, it is the multiple program support options, which include web apps. A recent article in the Guardian thought it unwise to completely disregard HTML5 as well. The native apps are a customer demand simply because of the client/server trait, but that also means limiting the options that apps can provide if they are to be say, native web. Ultimately as long as the app serves the purpose, the end consumer will not care what program it is supported by.
So should anything different be expected from Blackberry, considering that the mobile has always been associated with the business sector? That still holds true, except Research in Motion also realizes the significance of diversification and as such, has recently introduced some very interesting apps, including games that are bound to tempt the non-professionals and the younger age groups.
This post originally appeared on Socialjitney.

Four Efficient iPhone Apps for The Employer

It is truly a golden era for employers who have made use of business apps on the mobile to increase work efficiency, enhance productivity and useful time management tools. Whether the office is based locally or outsourced, business apps have contributed to improving communication between the employer and employee mainly because they clearly spell out expectations without the need for direct and often awkward confrontations. To prove the point, four examples that are beneficial for the employer are:
1. To control employees’ time
TimeClock ST by ScavaTec LLC is certainly not thrilling news for the employees who have a tendency to arrive late to work. The app records an employee’s arrival and exit time at work, and also allots time for specific assignments in the ‘job category’ feature. There is an option for employees to leave a ‘note’ as well. The app also records and calculates the amount of work time through its ‘daily totals’ record feature. Its USD 8.99 cost is considered inexpensive compared to other costly time keeping devices.
The app can function alongside the desktop platform as well.
2. To control employer’s time
The Harvest Time & Expense Tracker app by Harvest is a perfect combination for employees, especially entrepreneurs and those working on a project basis and most of all, for outsourced offices. The app not only maintains record of work time, but also calculates its cost. The record can be accessed, started and stopped by the user at any time. A significant feature of this app is its ability to maintain a record of expenses incurred during the work period, and receipts can be photographed and maintained automatically within the app.
3. For Human Resource efficiency
The Proactive Employer App by Qbiki Networks performs the role of a consultant in the matters of ‘EEO compliance, HR and employment best practices, self-auditing and employment litigation risk management.’ The app is an instant solution provider and time saver for employees. It does not replace legal counseling, but certainly assists employers gain knowledge in order to deal with a pressing issue via social networking and blogging.
4. To recruit quality employees
Unlike outsourced offices, Work Around Me by five81 pvt. Ltd is designed for employers who wish to hire local employees located within the office vicinity. The free and real time mobile app functions as an employee search and filters by location. It is recommended for the smaller businesses that can choose to place their advertisement for the ‘casual’ worker looking for work nearby. The employer and employee can communicate via the app. The reviews have been highly favorable toward this app which has a ‘clean interface’ and ease of navigation.

This post originally appeared on Socialjitney.

Daily iPhone App: MyTunes Pro makes your music sound better

MyTunes has been on the App Store for a little while. It's developed by SRS that uses that company's patented sound enhancement algorithms to make music sound "better." It's not completely clear what the algorithm does (as SRS wants to keep it secret), but basically, the tech boosts and lowers certain qualities in audio to make it clearer and more listenable.
MyTunes Pro is the new version of MyTunes. I saw it in action at CES earlier this year, and it's now available for the iPhone and the iPad (here's the HD version). The biggest update is that you can use AirPlay directly with the app. This lets you push your iTunes library through MyTunes Pro's enhancer, and then kick it out to an AirPlay system.
You'll also find new controls for a system called "TruSpeed," which will speed up or slow down your audio without changing the pitch (so you can listen to more podcasts in less time). A new "workout mode" lets you gather songs by tempo (BPS). The interface of the app has been updated as well. Unfortunately, it's still pretty laggy (and doesn't really feel like a native interface), but it is a little easier to navigate and use than earlier versions.
MyTunes Pro is free to try, so if you just want to hear what it does to your music, you can download it and give it a try (you get 10 minutes a day, unless you pay an in-app purchase of US$6.99).
It's an app that's of somewhat limited use, because you can only listen to music in your iTunes library. iOS doesn't let audio from services like Pandora or Slacker get processed. Still, if you listen to music coming off of your iOS device all day, and would like it to sound even better (or just want to have a really capable EQ to use on it), MyTunes Pro should do exactly that.

This post originally appeared on TUAW.

Google Play—is it the ‘Everything Everywhere’ Software?

The concerns follow the recent announcement of renaming Android Market as Google Play.

Google should also be working on enhancing their overall software capabilities. While the Android Apps have managed to succeed in popularity ratings, to get ahead, Google has to provide beyond its present state of services. Time is crucial and they should now double their efforts on improving their current services.
While Google is proudly marketing the platform for their web-based syncing and large storage capacity, the availability of all its services is limited to only few countries besides the US. Google is working on resolving this with regard to licensing agreements with different countries. That is not a problem for the applications. Although Android apps should work in exactly the same way as before, should there be compatibility issues, the solution suggested by the Android community (android community.com) is for users to get in touch with developers directly within the region.
Features, Apps and Games
The service range is wide, with quick and easy access of the platform services. It includes books, movies, music, games and over 45,000 apps that were previously available in the Android Market. The services can be exchanged from the Web to the mobile device.
Files can be accessed from and transferred to any device that allows Google sign in. ‘My Apps’ is a new feature that displays on the UI, which enhances user experience. Swiping on the handset will reveal ‘all’ and ‘up to date’ tabs that are far more convenient than scrolling down.
A combination of free apps combined with purchasing the premium version seems to have worked for competing platforms, referred to as Freemium, and Android is using a similar strategy to promote Google Play.
For the user as well as App Developers, there has been no significant change in way apps are created. It just means improving on present versions. There’s a lot to look forward to as well, such as Zynga’s ‘Scramble with Friends’ that has just been introduced free to use on Google Play.  The long awaited and much delayed popular game, ‘Temple Run’ is expected to be released by this month’s end. The timing for this free launch seems incidental, as users will get a chance to experience access through Google Play. Users are probably hoping at this point that ‘Mass Effect 3’ will also convert from live wallpaper to the real thing.
As if all this is not enough, reviews have criticized the software capabilities and one has expressed a need for a ‘Google TV. ’ Looking at how technological development is progressing, one just needs to spell it out and the next thing you know, it’s quickly made available!
This post originally appeared on Socialjitney.