Widgets are like icons that represent a certain application on a mobile device particularly designed for smartphones. It displays the app info right to your phone's home screen on a timely basis. When buying an Android phone, you will some standard widgets that are already installed on your device such as Music, Analog Clock and other pre-installed applications. It is so easy and fun to use these widgets from the menu on the home screen. Don't be confused about finding these widgets on your phone because these are not automatically displayed like any other standard downloadable apps. It will appear when you press and hold the Home screen for a matter of seconds and then install it to a certain slot. There so many dimensions and sizes of widgets such as wide, tiny and big ones that will fit in your home screen. So what are these amazing Android widgets that you will surely love to use on your Android device? You will notice a very tiny widget called Quick Battery that is very useful to determine your phone's battery status. It's not as glossy as you imagine but this one is the most practical among all other widgets for your Android phone. The good thing about this is that you can link it to any page or application including your favorite game app. If you are a first timer in using the Android system, then you will need to explore and use the Android Manager. The main function of this widget is to adjust your phone's volume for different applications such as alarm, alerts, ringer and so forth. One of the most functional and useful widgets for Android device is called the Extended Controls. It pertains to a phone's general settings where you can adjust the brightness of your screen, set the Wi-Fi on and off, set the Bluetooth and GPS system, and other functions that you frequently use when you are on the go. They also added further features for this widget, which are very easy to use. The coolest part is that you customize this virtually and input whatever you like. Of course, no one will miss the most popular social app known as Facebook. Although, there are still a lot of lacking features, Facebook for Android is continuing to enhance its technology to make it more appealing to users. There are so many widgets that you can install on your Android device. Other functional widgets include ColorNote Notepad Notes, Evernote, Moon Phase Pro, Fancy Widget, The Weather Channel, Touch Calendar and a whole lot more. To know more about android widgets visit in
Readmore → Amazing Android Widgets
Amadeus Consulting Discusses New Android Market Content Ratings
Android announced last week that it was going to be rolling out new Content Ratings for its app market. It will be requiring all current and future apps to select a content rating of: "All, Pre-Teen, Teen and Mature." This week the content ratings went live for developers to be able to rate their current app, but the ratings themselves arent expected to be viewable on the store for a few weeks.
We understand that these new regulations can be a bit confusing so we wanted to give you our thoughts and recommendations to help you decide how to rate your app. While this may have come as a surprise to Android app developers and users, in our opinion it seems like a natural next step for the Android Market. We believe that what makes the Android Market great is also one of its small downfalls. It is a great environment for Android app developers to create apps without the restrictions that confine them on other platforms. This is great for developers but often leaves the consumer confused because of the multitude of apps on the market. Android claims that this new content rating system will help users filter out and discern what apps are age-appropriate for them. Overall we think this is a good step for developers and users, even though it does force developers to choose the appropriate age for its apps.
Our Recommendations
We recommend that you logon and rate your app as soon as possible (within the next few weeks) as Android has stated that they will rate any unrated apps as Mature. A Mature rating could decrease the amount of exposure your app will have in the Android Market.
If you have business related app, we recommend that you rate your app "All". This will give you the most visibility and exposure on the Android Market.
Exceptions:
If the app asks for the location of your user, you should rate it as "Pre-Teen or above"
If the app asks your users to publish their location, you should rate it as "Teen"
If the app focuses on allowing users to communicate with each other, you should rate it as "Teen"
If the app has any user generated content, like a social network site, you should rate it as "Teen"
For more content guidelines please reference the Android Market Rating Guidelines
The Content Ratings can be found in the Developers Console, under Publishing Options.
In the next few weeks after the ratings have appeared on the store, I am sure we will see how the rating system actually affects users and how loudly developers protest. I believe that this is a step in the right direction no matter how restricting it might appear. We work hard to develop successful Android mobile applications for our clients and are excited to be a part of the mobile evolution. If you have any questions or comments about where the rating system will take the Android Market or our recommendations, please leave a comment below.
Readmore → Amadeus Consulting Discusses New Android Market Content Ratings
We understand that these new regulations can be a bit confusing so we wanted to give you our thoughts and recommendations to help you decide how to rate your app. While this may have come as a surprise to Android app developers and users, in our opinion it seems like a natural next step for the Android Market. We believe that what makes the Android Market great is also one of its small downfalls. It is a great environment for Android app developers to create apps without the restrictions that confine them on other platforms. This is great for developers but often leaves the consumer confused because of the multitude of apps on the market. Android claims that this new content rating system will help users filter out and discern what apps are age-appropriate for them. Overall we think this is a good step for developers and users, even though it does force developers to choose the appropriate age for its apps.
Our Recommendations
We recommend that you logon and rate your app as soon as possible (within the next few weeks) as Android has stated that they will rate any unrated apps as Mature. A Mature rating could decrease the amount of exposure your app will have in the Android Market.
If you have business related app, we recommend that you rate your app "All". This will give you the most visibility and exposure on the Android Market.
Exceptions:
If the app asks for the location of your user, you should rate it as "Pre-Teen or above"
If the app asks your users to publish their location, you should rate it as "Teen"
If the app focuses on allowing users to communicate with each other, you should rate it as "Teen"
If the app has any user generated content, like a social network site, you should rate it as "Teen"
For more content guidelines please reference the Android Market Rating Guidelines
The Content Ratings can be found in the Developers Console, under Publishing Options.
In the next few weeks after the ratings have appeared on the store, I am sure we will see how the rating system actually affects users and how loudly developers protest. I believe that this is a step in the right direction no matter how restricting it might appear. We work hard to develop successful Android mobile applications for our clients and are excited to be a part of the mobile evolution. If you have any questions or comments about where the rating system will take the Android Market or our recommendations, please leave a comment below.
Amazon Unveils Android Powered Kindle Fire; 7-inch LCD Tablet for $199
Today at a press event, Amazon confirmed that they will in fact be bringing a next generation Kindle to market for $199. The 7-inch LCD tablet will have access to Apps via the Amazon Android App Store. Featuring a modified version of the already wildly popular Android interface, complete with a streamlined, more user-centric interface, Amazon is betting the Kindle Fire will be able to compete with the iPad, which retails for $499.
Despite lacking a 3G data connection, built-in camera or microphone, the Fire will have access to the vast cornucopia of Android Apps already available on the App store, already featuring such popular titles as Angry Bird, Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who described the abilities of the Fire would be stressed on backing up all of the data to Amazon's Cloud Storage so that local content could be deleted on an "as needed" basis. Bezos added, "The model that you need to back up all of your own content is a broken model. We feel the same way about syncing," Bezos said, showing a picture of an iPhone's iconic USB Transfer Cable. "Syncing... should be done invisibly, in the background, and wirelessly, and it should actually work."
The Fire will also seamlessly interact with Amazon Prime to allow users the ability to stream movies as well as Amazon's exceptional Cloud Player service for music streaming in addition to the Kindle Application. Furthermore, featuring Amazon Silk, a "Split Browser" that will divvy up web processing between the Fire and Amazon's notable EC2 Cloud services Silk will be able to analyze aggregated reading habits of the user and pre-load pages users may visit some time down the line in a slightly Tivo-ish sort of way.
Also annoucning the Kindle Touch, Amazon seems to be going after the iPod market as well with their e-reading handheld device that will retail for $99 with wifi only and another for $149 with free 3G service while also offering a Kindle devoid of a touch screen going for $79 starting today. These new Kindles will offer features such as X-Ray, which will enable users to examine various facets of whatever book they happen to be reading and cross-reference interesting phrases or words with Wikipedia for additional reading.
Just when you think things can't get anymore interesting, Amazon goes ahead and makes things just that.
Readmore → Amazon Unveils Android Powered Kindle Fire; 7-inch LCD Tablet for $199
Despite lacking a 3G data connection, built-in camera or microphone, the Fire will have access to the vast cornucopia of Android Apps already available on the App store, already featuring such popular titles as Angry Bird, Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who described the abilities of the Fire would be stressed on backing up all of the data to Amazon's Cloud Storage so that local content could be deleted on an "as needed" basis. Bezos added, "The model that you need to back up all of your own content is a broken model. We feel the same way about syncing," Bezos said, showing a picture of an iPhone's iconic USB Transfer Cable. "Syncing... should be done invisibly, in the background, and wirelessly, and it should actually work."
The Fire will also seamlessly interact with Amazon Prime to allow users the ability to stream movies as well as Amazon's exceptional Cloud Player service for music streaming in addition to the Kindle Application. Furthermore, featuring Amazon Silk, a "Split Browser" that will divvy up web processing between the Fire and Amazon's notable EC2 Cloud services Silk will be able to analyze aggregated reading habits of the user and pre-load pages users may visit some time down the line in a slightly Tivo-ish sort of way.
Also annoucning the Kindle Touch, Amazon seems to be going after the iPod market as well with their e-reading handheld device that will retail for $99 with wifi only and another for $149 with free 3G service while also offering a Kindle devoid of a touch screen going for $79 starting today. These new Kindles will offer features such as X-Ray, which will enable users to examine various facets of whatever book they happen to be reading and cross-reference interesting phrases or words with Wikipedia for additional reading.
Just when you think things can't get anymore interesting, Amazon goes ahead and makes things just that.
Amadeus Consulting Discusses the Tablet War Android Joins the Fight
Within the last few days you probably saw the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tablet, what some are calling the first real competition to Apples iPad. The Samsung Galaxy Tablet will be released on all 4 major carriers in the US and the price and launch date varies depending on the carrier. T-Mobile is the first to release the Galaxy Tab on November 10th and will sell it for $399.99 with a 2 yr contract + data plan. Verizon will be next to launch on November 11th but will offer it for $600 without a contract. Sprint plans to release it on November 14th with a similar structure to T-Mobile offering it for $399.99 with a 2 yr contract + data plan.
The Galaxy Tab features the latest Google Froyo 2.2 platform, a 7 inch LCD screen, Adobe Flash, front and back cameras, a multi-touch screen that weighs less than a pound, WiFi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and includes Samsungs new Media Hub app which comes pre-installed and brings entertainment directly to your fingertips. It also sports a pretty impressive battery life of up to 7 hours of movie playback time.
Is it Really Competition for the iPad?
It certainly seems like it could be a contender. By leveraging the Android platform it does have some advantages over the iPad. The Samsung Galaxy Tab has complete multi-tasking capabilities allowing full mobile apps to continue running in the background. It comes with USB support and offers USB connectivity allowing users to connect USB supported devices to their tablet. It also features Adobe Flash capabilities and support through its Android platform. Now I know there has been a serious debate on whether or not mobile devices should support Flash, but the reality is there are plenty of websites that use Flash and by restricting its use you restrict what content users can access. This is more important than ever on a tablet because users are looking for more functionality in the way of media, e-books, and news content; like being able to view your favorite TV shows from network sites.
Will the Samsung Galaxy Tablet be able to compete on sales figures? Only time will tell, but I have a feeling Android enthusiasts will be excited to snatch it up and get in the tablet game. The price point feels competitive and with all carriers in the game it will give users options when it comes to how they get their tablet fix.
How does Development Differ from Phone to Tablet?
Now that Android has joined the tablet game, I think it is a good time to discuss briefly the differences that must be considered when developing apps for Tablets vs. Smartphones.
Designing a mobile app for a tablet device is not as easy as placing your already created app on the new device, there are a few items that you should consider in order to get the most out of your app. When designing and developing apps for tablet devices you must think about screen resolution and how your app will look on a larger screen in both landscape and portrait mode. If you dont take this into account, your app could look distorted or be missing out on important space available to you that wasnt available before. You might be able to add more info or graphics to make your app even more engaging. Enlisting a skilled graphic design expert can help you achieve the best user interface design for your app on a tablet. You should also think the functionality and features that are now available on the tablet that might not have been available on your Smartphone platform. A larger screen gives you more real estate for text and images. Zoom capabilities and multi-touch functionalities offers the developer an opportunity to interact with the user on a different level. An expert mobile application developer can help you narrow these new features down, figure out what is important to you and help you take advantage of the best features for your app and business.
Readmore → Amadeus Consulting Discusses the Tablet War Android Joins the Fight
The Galaxy Tab features the latest Google Froyo 2.2 platform, a 7 inch LCD screen, Adobe Flash, front and back cameras, a multi-touch screen that weighs less than a pound, WiFi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and includes Samsungs new Media Hub app which comes pre-installed and brings entertainment directly to your fingertips. It also sports a pretty impressive battery life of up to 7 hours of movie playback time.
Is it Really Competition for the iPad?
It certainly seems like it could be a contender. By leveraging the Android platform it does have some advantages over the iPad. The Samsung Galaxy Tab has complete multi-tasking capabilities allowing full mobile apps to continue running in the background. It comes with USB support and offers USB connectivity allowing users to connect USB supported devices to their tablet. It also features Adobe Flash capabilities and support through its Android platform. Now I know there has been a serious debate on whether or not mobile devices should support Flash, but the reality is there are plenty of websites that use Flash and by restricting its use you restrict what content users can access. This is more important than ever on a tablet because users are looking for more functionality in the way of media, e-books, and news content; like being able to view your favorite TV shows from network sites.
Will the Samsung Galaxy Tablet be able to compete on sales figures? Only time will tell, but I have a feeling Android enthusiasts will be excited to snatch it up and get in the tablet game. The price point feels competitive and with all carriers in the game it will give users options when it comes to how they get their tablet fix.
How does Development Differ from Phone to Tablet?
Now that Android has joined the tablet game, I think it is a good time to discuss briefly the differences that must be considered when developing apps for Tablets vs. Smartphones.
Designing a mobile app for a tablet device is not as easy as placing your already created app on the new device, there are a few items that you should consider in order to get the most out of your app. When designing and developing apps for tablet devices you must think about screen resolution and how your app will look on a larger screen in both landscape and portrait mode. If you dont take this into account, your app could look distorted or be missing out on important space available to you that wasnt available before. You might be able to add more info or graphics to make your app even more engaging. Enlisting a skilled graphic design expert can help you achieve the best user interface design for your app on a tablet. You should also think the functionality and features that are now available on the tablet that might not have been available on your Smartphone platform. A larger screen gives you more real estate for text and images. Zoom capabilities and multi-touch functionalities offers the developer an opportunity to interact with the user on a different level. An expert mobile application developer can help you narrow these new features down, figure out what is important to you and help you take advantage of the best features for your app and business.
Amazon's Android tablet to be Kindle-branded, include 'forked' Android
Amazon.com's Android tablet has been rumored for some time, and is expected later this year. The latest report was that the expected-to-be-7-inch tablet would be priced at hundreds less than the lowest-cost iPad, and that, and other details now appear to be confirmed.
However, it's not going to be what many expected, which is to say a general purpose Android tablet that might be the first to make a real impact against the iPad. It won't even be a new brand. Instead it will be called the "Amazon Kindle."
Instead, although the platform's underpinnings stem from Android, Amazon.com has forked the code from Android, and probably won't be going back. What's on the device doesn't look like Android, and it doesn't use the Android Market, either. Instead, as we theorized long ago, it will use the Amazon Appstore, which explains why Amazon.com created the market in the first place.
It's believed the OS was forked from a version of Android prior to Froyo (2.2). Amazon.com will continue to build on its code.
Although earlier Amazon.com planned to have both 7- and 10-inch tablets ready for this year, they've had to alter those plans, and will be shipping the 10-inch version in Q1 of 2012.
Right now, the schedule calls for the Amazon Kindle tablet to ship at the end of November. That might put it right around Thanksgiving, in fact, perfect for Black Friday sales.
Testing of the device seems to point to confirmation that Amazon.com has opted for a two-finger multi-touch screen, as was rumored earlier, to keep costs down.
And that cost will be about $250, which puts it in the same price range as Barnes and Noble's nook Color Tablet. What about e-ink? There will continue to be e-ink Kindles, as was previously rumored. Those will be positioned on the low-end, though.
Amazon.com is also working on a multi-touch screen / e-ink hybrid tablet device, which would be similar to the nook Simple Touoh Reader. That, however, is not yet near completion.
Amazon.com will leverage its Amazon Prime service to attract users to the Kindle tablet. It was theorized way back in February of 2010 that Amazon Prime members might get a free Kindle, to increase Kindle adoption Instead, it's going the other way: Kindle tablet owners will get a free year of Amazon Prime. That's a $79 savings for Amazon.com's popular service, which gives members free two-day shipping and Amazon Instant Video viewing, as well.
We assume that if a buyer already subscribes to Amazon Prime he will see a refund.
There have been no pictures leaked --- yet. However, the Kindle tablet has been described as very similar to the BlackBerry PlayBook (pictured). Amazon.com will hope the legacy of poor PlayBook sales won't affect the Kindle tablet.
We see one problem with this plan: if Amazon.com never goes back and re-merges code to its forked source for its own platform, it's going to start seeing compatibility issues with Android apps that run on updated Android versions, like Ice Cream Sandwich, say.
It's the same sort of thing that is experienced with the so-called Android fragmentation. But it will be even worse, since Amazon's platform is forked from something pre-Froyo.
Because of that, although the report theorizes that users may never see Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich, we believe they will, at least underneath the top U.I. layer. Otherwise, developers entering the Amazon Appstore will have a huge recoding effort.
Will it be successful? With all that Amazon.com will throw at consumers, and the pre-existing excitement, yes, it probably will. We were much more excited when we believed it to be a general Android tablet, not one with a forked OS, though.
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Readmore → Amazon's Android tablet to be Kindle-branded, include 'forked' Android
However, it's not going to be what many expected, which is to say a general purpose Android tablet that might be the first to make a real impact against the iPad. It won't even be a new brand. Instead it will be called the "Amazon Kindle."
Instead, although the platform's underpinnings stem from Android, Amazon.com has forked the code from Android, and probably won't be going back. What's on the device doesn't look like Android, and it doesn't use the Android Market, either. Instead, as we theorized long ago, it will use the Amazon Appstore, which explains why Amazon.com created the market in the first place.
It's believed the OS was forked from a version of Android prior to Froyo (2.2). Amazon.com will continue to build on its code.
Although earlier Amazon.com planned to have both 7- and 10-inch tablets ready for this year, they've had to alter those plans, and will be shipping the 10-inch version in Q1 of 2012.
Right now, the schedule calls for the Amazon Kindle tablet to ship at the end of November. That might put it right around Thanksgiving, in fact, perfect for Black Friday sales.
Testing of the device seems to point to confirmation that Amazon.com has opted for a two-finger multi-touch screen, as was rumored earlier, to keep costs down.
And that cost will be about $250, which puts it in the same price range as Barnes and Noble's nook Color Tablet. What about e-ink? There will continue to be e-ink Kindles, as was previously rumored. Those will be positioned on the low-end, though.
Amazon.com is also working on a multi-touch screen / e-ink hybrid tablet device, which would be similar to the nook Simple Touoh Reader. That, however, is not yet near completion.
Amazon.com will leverage its Amazon Prime service to attract users to the Kindle tablet. It was theorized way back in February of 2010 that Amazon Prime members might get a free Kindle, to increase Kindle adoption Instead, it's going the other way: Kindle tablet owners will get a free year of Amazon Prime. That's a $79 savings for Amazon.com's popular service, which gives members free two-day shipping and Amazon Instant Video viewing, as well.
We assume that if a buyer already subscribes to Amazon Prime he will see a refund.
There have been no pictures leaked --- yet. However, the Kindle tablet has been described as very similar to the BlackBerry PlayBook (pictured). Amazon.com will hope the legacy of poor PlayBook sales won't affect the Kindle tablet.
We see one problem with this plan: if Amazon.com never goes back and re-merges code to its forked source for its own platform, it's going to start seeing compatibility issues with Android apps that run on updated Android versions, like Ice Cream Sandwich, say.
It's the same sort of thing that is experienced with the so-called Android fragmentation. But it will be even worse, since Amazon's platform is forked from something pre-Froyo.
Because of that, although the report theorizes that users may never see Honeycomb or Ice Cream Sandwich, we believe they will, at least underneath the top U.I. layer. Otherwise, developers entering the Amazon Appstore will have a huge recoding effort.
Will it be successful? With all that Amazon.com will throw at consumers, and the pre-existing excitement, yes, it probably will. We were much more excited when we believed it to be a general Android tablet, not one with a forked OS, though.
Follow me on Twitterandon Facebook
All About Android Smartphones
Android phones are quite different from the iPhone by Apple. Anybody can use an Android operating system on his smartphone and anyone can modify it and develop applications sans any prior permission from the maker. These, however, aren't possible with the iPhone. Moreover, Google has also seized the Android application market by holding developer contests and offering cash prices. So, by the time the first Android smartphone was introduced, there were several Android applications available for downloading.
In January, 2010, Google unveiled its own Android-based smartphone to compete against other smartphone manufacturers. Nexus One was the first official smartphone by Google. Though it was manufactured by HTC, it was vended by Google.
The humble mobile phones, that once used to be devices simply for making and receiving calls, are today mini computers that can receive and send emails, browse the internet and run several applications. And unlike the computer market, Windows doesn't have a dominant market share in the smartphone segment. World over, Nokia dominates the smartphone market, armed with the Symbian operating system. However, Symbian is yet to find favor with the mainstream US customers.
Motorola could be held responsible for the popularity of the Android smartphone than any other manufacturer. In fact, the Motorola Droid smartphone was extensively advertised as a rival to the iPhone 4. Besides, it became the first proper Android smartphone to debut in the US market.
Android smartphones are usually available under various price schemes. One such scheme is where you pay the actual cost of the phone and then pay as per your usage. The other scheme is where you buy the phone under a yearly contract. The reason that a smartphone is much cheaper under a contract is because the service provider bills you more each month to compensate against the much lower price that he has got for the handset. In most cases, you pay a much less price when you buy a smartphone under a contract. However, that doesn't mean that you are bound to the contract and can't switch the carrier. You can upgrade your smartphone or cut back the minutes sans any penalty (such restrictions are generally imposed for the first six months of the contract).
Here's a word of advice for those intending to buy an Android smartphone. As you will be using the network each time you use an Android phone for anything else besides talking, you must go for an unlimited access plan, if you can afford it. Several companies charge more for a smartphone data plan than for accessing data from a regular mobile phone. Make sure to check the small print ahead of committing yourself to a particular data plan. If you plan to use your smartphone as a handy wireless gadget, you must purchase a plan which specifically includes such a facility.
An Android smartphone, with subsidy, is usually priced very economically. The price of a contract Android phone, on the other hand, could start at as low as $0.01. Make a wise choice and you can have the best deal on your smartphone.
Readmore → All About Android Smartphones
In January, 2010, Google unveiled its own Android-based smartphone to compete against other smartphone manufacturers. Nexus One was the first official smartphone by Google. Though it was manufactured by HTC, it was vended by Google.
The humble mobile phones, that once used to be devices simply for making and receiving calls, are today mini computers that can receive and send emails, browse the internet and run several applications. And unlike the computer market, Windows doesn't have a dominant market share in the smartphone segment. World over, Nokia dominates the smartphone market, armed with the Symbian operating system. However, Symbian is yet to find favor with the mainstream US customers.
Motorola could be held responsible for the popularity of the Android smartphone than any other manufacturer. In fact, the Motorola Droid smartphone was extensively advertised as a rival to the iPhone 4. Besides, it became the first proper Android smartphone to debut in the US market.
Android smartphones are usually available under various price schemes. One such scheme is where you pay the actual cost of the phone and then pay as per your usage. The other scheme is where you buy the phone under a yearly contract. The reason that a smartphone is much cheaper under a contract is because the service provider bills you more each month to compensate against the much lower price that he has got for the handset. In most cases, you pay a much less price when you buy a smartphone under a contract. However, that doesn't mean that you are bound to the contract and can't switch the carrier. You can upgrade your smartphone or cut back the minutes sans any penalty (such restrictions are generally imposed for the first six months of the contract).
Here's a word of advice for those intending to buy an Android smartphone. As you will be using the network each time you use an Android phone for anything else besides talking, you must go for an unlimited access plan, if you can afford it. Several companies charge more for a smartphone data plan than for accessing data from a regular mobile phone. Make sure to check the small print ahead of committing yourself to a particular data plan. If you plan to use your smartphone as a handy wireless gadget, you must purchase a plan which specifically includes such a facility.
An Android smartphone, with subsidy, is usually priced very economically. The price of a contract Android phone, on the other hand, could start at as low as $0.01. Make a wise choice and you can have the best deal on your smartphone.
Amadeus Consulting Discusses How The Emergence of The New Android Stores Creates a Different Type of Competition
This last week the Android Market hit a major milestone; it can now tout it has 100,000 Apps and counting. This is a major increase and achievement in comparison to its app numbers at the beginning of the year. According to Google's Android chief Andy Rubin this indicates that Android is becoming increasingly attractive to app developers, which should mean that users have more choices. Does that mean every app on the Android Market is a success or a good app? No probably not. But none of the stores can boast that, no matter what their numbers are. It does mean that there is more opportunity for developers and more competition for app creators. Speaking of competition, the Apple App Store is at about 300,000 total apps and the new Windows Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 is at 1,000 apps and the phone hasnt even been released in the US yet. Other platforms are not the only competition the Android Market is facing; it will soon face other Android markets/stores.
Competition coming to the Android Market
There have been reports in the past month that both Verizon Wireless and Amazon plan on releasing their own Android app stores by year-end. Verizon Wireless is reported to be opening a V Cast Android Store by the end of the year and is currently taking submissions. The store would be similar to its other V Cast offerings and would directly compete with the current Android Market. Greg Haller, VP of Consumer Solutions for Verizon Wireless, stated that "the V Cast App store will offer more choices and simplicity to the app purchase process, namely because it has direct carrier billing and a curated model, two things currently missing from the Android Market." The store will have a more stringent acceptance policy then the Android Market and Verizon hope this will increase the quality of their store in comparison. The new store would give Verizon Android owners another option for purchasing apps and give the Android Market a run for its money with Verizon Wireless customers. Amazon is also looking to do the same thing and open its own Android store by year end. One interesting feature of Amazons store is that it will include digital rights management so that the store only runs on devices approved by Amazon and like Apple will charge an annual registration for fee for app developers. Amazon is hoping that developers and creators will gravitate to the store because of its brand name and customer reach.
Effect on App Developers and App Creators
This means the mobile application development market is becoming even more segmented and app creators need to figure out which marketing channel (or app store) is the most appropriate and profitable for them to be in, or choose to be everywhere. It also means that there is potential to gain even more profit and exposure if they choose to be on multiple app stores. For mobile app developers, it means knowing how to utilize and understand each app stores requirements and provide the best service possible to your clients by putting them on the stores that fit their business strategy the best. App Developers have the opportunity to become highly specialized in one platform and store(s) or they can choose to be experts in all platforms and stores. We see a competitive advantage in the latter and this is the philosophy we have taken in our business. We strive to give our clients a total mobile solution by helping them with the design, development, store acceptance and app marketing, and we do this on all platforms. This strategy does require us to be on the leading edge of all technology and make sure we can answer the hard questions for our clients. Fortunately this is something we enjoy and are happy to do for our clients.
We are very excited to hear that there are so many people embracing the future of mobile technology and developing apps for each platform and for additional Android stores. We believe this is the new frontier and we will only see more growth in the mobile area in the next few months and years. With new devices, stores, platforms, and operating systems coming out daily who knows where mobile development will go!
Readmore → Amadeus Consulting Discusses How The Emergence of The New Android Stores Creates a Different Type of Competition
Competition coming to the Android Market
There have been reports in the past month that both Verizon Wireless and Amazon plan on releasing their own Android app stores by year-end. Verizon Wireless is reported to be opening a V Cast Android Store by the end of the year and is currently taking submissions. The store would be similar to its other V Cast offerings and would directly compete with the current Android Market. Greg Haller, VP of Consumer Solutions for Verizon Wireless, stated that "the V Cast App store will offer more choices and simplicity to the app purchase process, namely because it has direct carrier billing and a curated model, two things currently missing from the Android Market." The store will have a more stringent acceptance policy then the Android Market and Verizon hope this will increase the quality of their store in comparison. The new store would give Verizon Android owners another option for purchasing apps and give the Android Market a run for its money with Verizon Wireless customers. Amazon is also looking to do the same thing and open its own Android store by year end. One interesting feature of Amazons store is that it will include digital rights management so that the store only runs on devices approved by Amazon and like Apple will charge an annual registration for fee for app developers. Amazon is hoping that developers and creators will gravitate to the store because of its brand name and customer reach.
Effect on App Developers and App Creators
This means the mobile application development market is becoming even more segmented and app creators need to figure out which marketing channel (or app store) is the most appropriate and profitable for them to be in, or choose to be everywhere. It also means that there is potential to gain even more profit and exposure if they choose to be on multiple app stores. For mobile app developers, it means knowing how to utilize and understand each app stores requirements and provide the best service possible to your clients by putting them on the stores that fit their business strategy the best. App Developers have the opportunity to become highly specialized in one platform and store(s) or they can choose to be experts in all platforms and stores. We see a competitive advantage in the latter and this is the philosophy we have taken in our business. We strive to give our clients a total mobile solution by helping them with the design, development, store acceptance and app marketing, and we do this on all platforms. This strategy does require us to be on the leading edge of all technology and make sure we can answer the hard questions for our clients. Fortunately this is something we enjoy and are happy to do for our clients.
We are very excited to hear that there are so many people embracing the future of mobile technology and developing apps for each platform and for additional Android stores. We believe this is the new frontier and we will only see more growth in the mobile area in the next few months and years. With new devices, stores, platforms, and operating systems coming out daily who knows where mobile development will go!
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Affordable Android Mobile Application Development Services
Android smartphones has leaded the mobile market, Android-based smart phones and their applications are rising day-by-day. There is a wonderful rise of android application development and new games, utilities and ecommerce applications with each passing day. The market is booming at the rate of 31 per cent every month while there are number of new devices and smartphones coming up every 2-3 days. Business experts believe that the rush is mainly owing to the popularity of excellent smartphones including certain HTC models, Motorola Droid, and the free, always available, open-source nature of the Operating System.
Important Benefits of Android Application Development Open Source and Affordable Cost:
Android apps development is an open source stand where you don't need any license to work on it, the royalty is free and so there is no constraint. And since the basic SDK organization is open source the updates are all accessible to anybody and you can also give the feedback on it. The whole platform is existing for customization and therefore you can monetize your apps and it's awfully good for handset manufacturers. Open distribution system: Android apps development market helps publishers to endorse apps openly to the user very quickly and you can start earning quickly.
Multiple Technologies:
One of the main advantages contains multiple technologies like GSM, EDGE, CDMA, Wi-Fi technologies to move data via mobile networks. High-resolution Video camera, Touch screen, accelerometer and GPS system. Latest Functionalities: Some of the latest functionalities in Android app development lately that have become admired include Location based services where companies can get a LBS apps on Android where in the applications can locate out the location of the consumer via GPS and give them the thorough information they are looking for, Cloud based service addition which enables the companies to professionally run IT and also make longer its achieve using mobile apps. Experts are also axiom that android phones will become credit cards in near future. People will be able to purchase things with the help of the android mobile applications as a result of which the e-commerce companies will be able to expand themselves on the mobile stand which will build shopping simple and fun for the consumer. A good model of which is NFC, it will be the next big signal in creating a USP for Smartphone. High Returns: Android is a least investment platform with no exclusive licensing fees and you can get down for Android apps development with minimum expenses. The basic estimate can be separated into development and testing knowledge, royalty fees.
You can get above all benefits from Fusion Informatics our android application developer have proper knowledge of making different useful android applications, our android app developers are dedicated and well experienced to development any kinds of applications as per your instruction and your best requirements, you can also out source your android apps development projects to us or you can hire android apps developer contact us for more information. Choose our android apps development services and be a part of latest technology.
Readmore → Affordable Android Mobile Application Development Services
Important Benefits of Android Application Development Open Source and Affordable Cost:
Android apps development is an open source stand where you don't need any license to work on it, the royalty is free and so there is no constraint. And since the basic SDK organization is open source the updates are all accessible to anybody and you can also give the feedback on it. The whole platform is existing for customization and therefore you can monetize your apps and it's awfully good for handset manufacturers. Open distribution system: Android apps development market helps publishers to endorse apps openly to the user very quickly and you can start earning quickly.
Multiple Technologies:
One of the main advantages contains multiple technologies like GSM, EDGE, CDMA, Wi-Fi technologies to move data via mobile networks. High-resolution Video camera, Touch screen, accelerometer and GPS system. Latest Functionalities: Some of the latest functionalities in Android app development lately that have become admired include Location based services where companies can get a LBS apps on Android where in the applications can locate out the location of the consumer via GPS and give them the thorough information they are looking for, Cloud based service addition which enables the companies to professionally run IT and also make longer its achieve using mobile apps. Experts are also axiom that android phones will become credit cards in near future. People will be able to purchase things with the help of the android mobile applications as a result of which the e-commerce companies will be able to expand themselves on the mobile stand which will build shopping simple and fun for the consumer. A good model of which is NFC, it will be the next big signal in creating a USP for Smartphone. High Returns: Android is a least investment platform with no exclusive licensing fees and you can get down for Android apps development with minimum expenses. The basic estimate can be separated into development and testing knowledge, royalty fees.
You can get above all benefits from Fusion Informatics our android application developer have proper knowledge of making different useful android applications, our android app developers are dedicated and well experienced to development any kinds of applications as per your instruction and your best requirements, you can also out source your android apps development projects to us or you can hire android apps developer contact us for more information. Choose our android apps development services and be a part of latest technology.
Amadeus Consulting Discusses Android App Development In App Purchases
Google has recently released official support for in-app purchases which provides the ability for apps to sell things within the app. This benefits consumers by providing a secure purchasing channel as well as gives developers a range of powerful tools to quickly create product lists and implement in-app purchasing.
In the past, developers have been left on their own to create secure purchasing channels, which created a very loose definition of "security." This new tool will allow mobile app developers to integrate Googles secure Market Billing Service.
From a developer point of view this helps alleviate many of the challenges with building or integrating a unique billing system. However allowing in-app purchases also creates a new set of security challenges that need to be addressed. Google provides a list of app security best practices which covers a few major points:
Ensure that unlocked content is protected
Obfuscate your code
Modify sample Code
Protect copyrighted and trademarked content
The issue here is that if you are selling something through your application, make sure that the process is secure and validated so that users or hackers cannot easily circumvent the process and gain access to unlocked content without paying.
This often means that even if content within an app is "unlocked," it may be best to require that it be downloaded after purchase, rather than bundling it in your app initially. This may also include regular server checks or other validations that have the ability to revoke access to illegally obtained content. Also by obfuscating code before release, you can make it more difficult to reverse engineer important security elements.
Android also recommends changing or removing certain code if you are providing a free or sample version of your app because often by deconstructing the sample app, attackers can find vulnerabilities in the full version of the app.
Another important recommendation is to actively protect copyrighted and trademarked content. Android is very active about responding to infringement notifications, but it is the responsibility of the trademark and copyright holder to file a notice. Trademark infringement notifications and Copyright infringement notifications may be filed through the Android website.
Marketing and Design
In-app purchases can provide a very large and interesting revenue stream for app developers. Some of the worlds most profitable applications (especially gaming apps) make their money by offering in-app purchases rather than by charging for the app itself.
On popular example is the Facebook game Farmville. Even though the game itself is free to play, users can purchase different upgrades, in-game items, and benefits which at one time was bringing in over $1 million per day to the company.
The ability to sell upgrades to users once they are hooked on your product can be extremely profitable. The other benefit is that it is fairly easy to add in additional "paid" content into an app once the architecture is in place. This means that you can launch the app with a few features and optional extras, and then add new content as time goes by.
Readmore → Amadeus Consulting Discusses Android App Development In App Purchases
In the past, developers have been left on their own to create secure purchasing channels, which created a very loose definition of "security." This new tool will allow mobile app developers to integrate Googles secure Market Billing Service.
From a developer point of view this helps alleviate many of the challenges with building or integrating a unique billing system. However allowing in-app purchases also creates a new set of security challenges that need to be addressed. Google provides a list of app security best practices which covers a few major points:
Ensure that unlocked content is protected
Obfuscate your code
Modify sample Code
Protect copyrighted and trademarked content
The issue here is that if you are selling something through your application, make sure that the process is secure and validated so that users or hackers cannot easily circumvent the process and gain access to unlocked content without paying.
This often means that even if content within an app is "unlocked," it may be best to require that it be downloaded after purchase, rather than bundling it in your app initially. This may also include regular server checks or other validations that have the ability to revoke access to illegally obtained content. Also by obfuscating code before release, you can make it more difficult to reverse engineer important security elements.
Android also recommends changing or removing certain code if you are providing a free or sample version of your app because often by deconstructing the sample app, attackers can find vulnerabilities in the full version of the app.
Another important recommendation is to actively protect copyrighted and trademarked content. Android is very active about responding to infringement notifications, but it is the responsibility of the trademark and copyright holder to file a notice. Trademark infringement notifications and Copyright infringement notifications may be filed through the Android website.
Marketing and Design
In-app purchases can provide a very large and interesting revenue stream for app developers. Some of the worlds most profitable applications (especially gaming apps) make their money by offering in-app purchases rather than by charging for the app itself.
On popular example is the Facebook game Farmville. Even though the game itself is free to play, users can purchase different upgrades, in-game items, and benefits which at one time was bringing in over $1 million per day to the company.
The ability to sell upgrades to users once they are hooked on your product can be extremely profitable. The other benefit is that it is fairly easy to add in additional "paid" content into an app once the architecture is in place. This means that you can launch the app with a few features and optional extras, and then add new content as time goes by.
Alternative to the Android Google Voice
Google Voice is an app for the Android smartphone that lets Android users make calls to their contacts through Google Voice for free. Google Voice also features instant messaging and transcribes voicemails. The Android Market offers alternative apps that are similar to Google Voice and can be installed on an Android phone.
Where to Find Apps
Go to the Android Market by touching its icon on the Android home screen or by going to market.android.com/?hl=en on the Internet. Click on "Android Apps" at the top of the Android Market screen and select "Applications." Enter applicable search terms, such as voice chat, video chat and instant message into the search box. The search results will include apps that are alternatives to Google Voice and include similar features. You can also enter the name of an app you want to install into the search box.
Skype for Android
Skype for Android includes complimentary instant messaging, voicemail, and voice and video chatting to other Skype users in the U.S. or internationally. Calling cellphones and landlines requires the use of Skype credit and is not free like calling in Google Voice. Skype can be installed for free through the Android Market.
Yahoo! Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger with the
Yahoo! Messenger Plug-in features voice and video chatting with the basic messaging features of
Yahoo! Messenger. To access all the calling features, you need to install
Yahoo! Messenger and then install the
Yahoo! Messenger Plug-in. You can sign in to your Yahoo! account on your app to get all your
Yahoo! Messenger contacts that you talk with on a computer.
Yahoo! Messenger can be installed for free.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail
Google Voice allows you to receive voicemail and manage your voicemail.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail collects all your voicemails for your Android phone number, and lets you listen to and respond to your voicemail without having to dial your voicemail.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail can be installed for free. For a monthly fee, you can subscribe to transcribed voicemail, a feature of Google Voice that turns a voicemail into text.
Readmore → Alternative to the Android Google Voice
Where to Find Apps
Go to the Android Market by touching its icon on the Android home screen or by going to market.android.com/?hl=en on the Internet. Click on "Android Apps" at the top of the Android Market screen and select "Applications." Enter applicable search terms, such as voice chat, video chat and instant message into the search box. The search results will include apps that are alternatives to Google Voice and include similar features. You can also enter the name of an app you want to install into the search box.
Skype for Android
Skype for Android includes complimentary instant messaging, voicemail, and voice and video chatting to other Skype users in the U.S. or internationally. Calling cellphones and landlines requires the use of Skype credit and is not free like calling in Google Voice. Skype can be installed for free through the Android Market.
Yahoo! Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger with the
Yahoo! Messenger Plug-in features voice and video chatting with the basic messaging features of
Yahoo! Messenger. To access all the calling features, you need to install
Yahoo! Messenger and then install the
Yahoo! Messenger Plug-in. You can sign in to your Yahoo! account on your app to get all your
Yahoo! Messenger contacts that you talk with on a computer.
Yahoo! Messenger can be installed for free.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail
Google Voice allows you to receive voicemail and manage your voicemail.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail collects all your voicemails for your Android phone number, and lets you listen to and respond to your voicemail without having to dial your voicemail.
T-Mobile Visual Voicemail can be installed for free. For a monthly fee, you can subscribe to transcribed voicemail, a feature of Google Voice that turns a voicemail into text.
