Many windows mobile apps developers are very keen to try their hands on Windows 8 apps development. This is good news for Windows platform. But there are few points which developer must consider before making shift to Windows 8 apps development.

1. Presentation layer will depend on selection of programming language: Earlier, Windows mobile apps programmers were free to choose their programming language(C# or VB) and presentation layer separately (WinForms or DirectX). But in case of Metro style application development, if developer chooses C#, VB or C++ then XAML will be default presentation layer. If JavaScript is elected then it will have HTML5 and CSS as presentation layer.

C# and HTML5 or Javascript and XAML are a bad combination. This makes the selection of programming language an important decision to be taken by the developer.

2. New meaning for NoSQL: Metro apps will not have an easy access to SQL based relational data base. Earlier, Microsoft platforms could use some SQL server in the form of Express, Compact or CE but they are no more part of the Metro Sandbox. Even, usage of SQLite will also not serve the purpose.

To manage data in Metro apps developer can write in to file system and manually manage it. Otherwise, he can use ISAM interface. More common way could be use of semi-structured data storage mechanisms.
So, it is a new challenge for developer so they must not lose temper and manage data accordingly.

3. Apps don’t run in background now: With Metro apps, no application will continue to run automatically. Such applications will remain suspended until the user brings to the foreground. To be more precise, on application running in the foreground will be consuming CPU resources at any given time. It is not a limitation, though it is an asset. It will boost the responsiveness of user and conservation of resources on mobile devices.It sound similar to Apple iOS and it is true.

4. Not all .Net functionality is supported: Metro app developers should not expect all .Net functionality available for development. Unlike Windows 7, Metro is built on new WinRT API. It means that .Net functionality will be available as a subset of all comprising the full framework.

5. Take advantage of new UX controls: Metro style Windows, don’t support core idioms. It may support now App Bar, Semantic zoom, Partial Page docking and charms. It has full fledged MSDN that covers all.

Windows 8 is a new world; all its features are big to enable better apps and faster development. Interested developers must keep in mind all the above stated points to create great and high quality applications.

After the launch, new BlackBerry 10 OS has received positive feedback from mobile app developers as well as business experts. RIM has focused on every aspect of the new phone from keyboard to camera. It has also plans for making this phone a foremost device for having graphically rich mobile applications.

Some of the highlighting features of BlackBerry 10 OS are :

1. Smooth touch screen: To go with the trend of high demand in touch screen functionality of smartphones. RIM also introduced a full touch screen mode for its new generation device. This might be a completely new feature for regular BlackBerry physical keyboard users. But Rim is positive about its functionality and capacitive nature for potent buyers. Till now, Apple’s iPhone is said to have best touch screen keypad in the smartphone market. Let’s see how BlackBerry full touch screen keypad will make a difference.

2. Enhanced focus camera: BlackBerry 7 generations phones is said to have successful auto focus camera. Now, it is promising to have more powerful camera with tap to focus.

3. Notifications: notification alert system is also worked on to entertain user most.

4. Multitasking: Blackberry OS boosts multitasking to a great level. User can easily go back and froth between multiple applications easily. All application will be running in real time.

5. Better graphic usage: mobile programmers can make powerful and beautiful application with new OS packed with better graphic deployment through c and C++.

For now, only few features of BlackBerry 10 OS were unveiled yet they look promising. Mobile programmers are hoping that with the launch complete version of Blackberry 10, it might write a new success story for losing BlackBerry, RIM.

iPhone programmers are aware of the fact that users are incorporating huge trust and money in iPhone app store so it their duty to deliver them top notch services. iPhones are the highest selling smartphones in the market with user situated in every nook and corner of the world. As the promotion of business became instrumental via iPhone applications, businesses are keen to join this promotion platform. iPhone applications are adoptable by any business from bakery to designer boutique, beauty to medicine, diet to health, restaurants to transport etc. However, carrying out iPhone apps development is not an easy task for any business which leads to the concept of offshore development.

These days there are plenty of offshore iPhone apps development companies are active all around the globe. These companies offer the development of iPhone application or game on their own premises. They have all development services under one roof. The trend of outsourcing applications to offshore companies is not new; it has been there for many years. There are companies which are working as offshore developers from last ten years.

Why we should go for offshore development?

1. They are fully equipped with skilled and experienced workforce.
2. They provide mobile app solutions on all leading technologies in the world.
3. They can also provide onsite and offsite project development.
4. Their prices and cost per application is very competent and affordable.
5. They endeavor to deliver project on time with high quality standard.

Therefore, we can say that offshore iPhone app development is the economical and convenient idea for business growth. You just need to select a company whose expertise is in developing exclusive iPhone apps. After this, you share your idea of app and discuss on the engagement model you want to go with. Rest all is taken care by the developers.

Apple still rules and is preferable choice among mobile app programmers. Apple iOS has maintained its dominance in mobile app development industry. According to recent study, mobile programmers still believe that iOS platform is more promising than Android besides the fact of high sales of Android phones. In last few months it was witnessed that many Android developers made a shift to iOS due to the tedious issue of hardware and software fragmentation of Android phones. Undoubtedly, still shipping of Android phones is higher it is because of the outstanding hardware features proffered by Samsung which are far better than its counterpart Apple. This clears the air for struggling popularity of Android phones users.

From developers point of view Apple iOS is still better choice from Android. There are many issues like software fragmentation, different screen resolutions for hardware devices, security issues, high percentage of malware and many more are associated with Android becoming obstruction in its widespread success. On the other hand, Apple may lack in some hardware features but its some unique characteristics have kept it ahead of others, for eg.

1. Consistency: Though Apple has launched many versions of iOS but they are very easy for iPhone programmers to work with. iOS various versions are consistent enough to ease out the job of developers. They don’t put developers in dilemma about what to expect in user experience from different screen resolution and hardware compatibility. In case of Android it is a big pain, developers often get themselves trapped in the web of various screen resolutions on various hardware and software compatibilities.

2. High commercial value of apps: Apple iPhone applications still posses more commercial value than Android apps. For. e.g. Instagram

3. User friendly app store: Though, there is news of security breaching in iPhone applications but they very less in comparison to that reported on Android platform. People still feel more comfortable and secure while downloading and implementing an iPhone app.

So, after stating these points we can say that Apple is ruling mobile app industry but when it comes to shipping devices Android (Samsung) is a winner. Moreover, the number of sales for Android may surge in coming time and posing threat to Apple iOS.

Nehing every application development, there is a need of a programming language. Like Objective C is used to make application for iOS (iPhone and iPad). Similarly, there are programming languages which can be used for programming of application for Windows mobile app development.

Some of the programming languages for mobile app development are:

1.Visual C++: Visual C++ is called as a native development programming language. It is because it will interact with hardware directly for Windows Mobile device with no intervening lines. Somehow, learning Visual C++ can be typical because it is not a trivial language. Advantages of using Visual C++ are its execution speed, application size and amazing flexibility. Applications programmed in Visual C++ are very fast to execute and utilize minimal resources. One can develop fast action games very easily via this programming language.

If you are new to Windows mobile app development then you can start with Visual C# and then switch to Visual C++.

2.Visual C# & Visual Basic: These are managed development languages. They provide “What you see is what you get” interface for the windows mobile developers and designers. The most luring feature of these peogramming languages is that you have drag and drop option in which you only have to pick the control or button onto application window or form and then double click to access the code. They are very fast and easy to execute.

3.Client Side Jscript: Windows Mobile supports Inter Explorer mobile web browser. Internet Explorer mobile browser is compatible with Jscript. It is a superset of language known as Java Script. Jscript is plain text files which are executed by the web browser. They can also be embedded with HTML.

4.ASP.Net: While Jscript is a client side solution, ASP.Net is a server side solution. It can perform complex processing, creation of UI controls and access to Database.

Window mobile platform is fresh and great scope in future. The one feature that may prove like a boon for it is its easy process of app development. But for now, it seems like mobile apps programmers for Windows platform are becoming lazy. Their laziness is reflected in their programming which is the main cause behind the frequent crash of applications on user’s phone. This is not a good sign for both for the brand and the developer. It hampers the user experience ad force him to regret his decision of relying on Windows platform.

Here are 5 tips for mobile app programmers which will boost the stabilization of applications:

1. Try to catch all possible exceptions: It is a must for every developer to frame their code between Try and Catch. Using this exception handling structure is a very good practice for many good reasons. Foremost, reason is that it will not let an exception to go to the top and crash your application. Rest is upto the developer how he would like to design the try catch statement.

2. Take help from background workers: Developers love to work with threads, background workers and other asynchronous goodies. They feel as if threads are some magic. It can handle all creepy work yet keeping the app powerful. There is one misconception associated with the threads that is they come and do their work and finally disappear itself. But it is not the case, they are not closed till the developer don’t tell them to close.

Mobile apps developer must make sure that its main thread (UI Thread) is aware of which threads are alive and what their status in navigation is.
Another problem that can be seen is that threads that ended abruptly may throw crazy exceptions that cannot be caught. It can leads to application crash also. In that case, developer may use Background worker, which is bit complex than thread and will catch the exception for you and sent it back to you through callback method.

3. Check for the senses: Before relying on any of the Phone’s sensors, make certain they are there as the feature of the phone.

4. Learn to work as solo: Most of the time developers neglect the fact that, users cant remain connected all the time. There are times when users are not connected and cannot access your application. So it is always beneficial to provide some features of the app in offline mode too. This will retain the trust of developer in your application for long.

5. When all fails, Try BlackBox: There can be chances when there was no problem from developers but still application crashed. It is because there are some bugs that are difficult to find and solve. To overcome this issue you may need a Black box. A black box can be anything from a file on isolated storage, or spool of text sent to logging service.

If windows mobile app developers follow these tips, they will certainly feel some change in the stability of their application. This will boost their morale and trust of the users in Windows platform.

Mobile apps development has become a thriving business. Many big names are facing sheer competition in meeting the market trends. Millions of handsets are now potent to install and run mobile apps which make it a flourishing business.

All most all brands related to every industry are in need of making their presence in the leading mobile app stores. On the average there are 25 applications built per brand. Thus, we can say that mobile applications have given new levels to the marketing strategy of the brands. This has also given a boost to mobile app developers and provides great momentum to mobile application industry. It is also seen that most of the time apps make no monetary gains to the brands but they only add to their equity.

The great rush in mobile app stores and increase the number of mobile platforms is also responsible for reshaping the future. These mobile applications seem to have notable impact on our economy and our personal lives.

Key points to be followed:
1. Special emphasis should be put on innovation of mobile apps.
2. Study effectively and learn from leading mobile operators, handset manufacturers, app developers in the global market.
3. Customer behavior must be considered as starting point of app strategy development.
4. Frame guidelines and favorable practices to make more usable and entertaining.
5. Formulate the opportunities for cloud based applications.
6. Monetization of mobile apps.
7. Future of mobile operating system and platforms.
8. Creating applications for multiple platforms.

Acting on these points will certainly show impressive results. Mobile app developers must work cautiously now. They must work to make mobile app store more resourceful than making it a menace for the users. The main aim must be on delivering the best suited to the user along with benefitting the brand.

Smartphones has given, mobile apps development a new shape and scope. Now, every giant website on World Wide Web like Google, Facebook, Twitter, yahoo, YouTube, Bing, etc wants to make its way into the user’s phone desktop as an instant shortcut. Somehow, they are successful also in reaching to phone screens of the users which gave a boost to other enterprises and businesses to go for the mobile version of their website.

What is so special about mobile oriented websites?

1. Mobile oriented websites are designed as per the size of the standard phone screen for easy navigation.
2. They are developed by keeping in the space and processor available in various mobile handsets.
3. Mobile websites focus on content rather than graphics.
4. Mobile websites are easy way to enhance business and provide 24*7 availability for the user.
5. They also make user’s web experience fast and smooth.

How the mobile developers can improve the usability of mobile websites:

1. Try to design as per user point of view: the mobile apps developer must try to develop a relation between designer and end users. If the mobile website is developed by keeping in mind the flow of interaction between user and its interface, then it will surely be a successful product.

2. Minimalism is a key to success: Try to develop design with minimalism as its mantra so that it becomes simple and effective. Also, simple and effective interactive designs are road to increasing usability of the mobile website. Mobile websites are not meant for displaying your creativity. They must be as simple a possible from design and content point of view. User will pissed off if your website will be heavy and will take time to load on the mobile device.

3. Manage accessibility with intelligence: Mobile website will be called effective if the user will be able to browse the website freely. For this, the designer must design the website in a way that rarely used widgets and features are hidden and more focus is on the content. Therefore, the content must be as accessible as it should be legible.

4. Smartphone is not a mini computer: Don’t consider that smartphone can be a mini PC. You need to adjust the font size and color according to the screen size and resolution.

The main feature that will give both Microsoft and Windows an edge over other manufacturers is that Microsoft has good share of audience using Window PC. Therefore, Window OS based smartphone will allow the Window PC users to move their file conveniently between the PC and Phone.

This idea is certainly very tempting, luring and competing in the smartphone industry but it is not only about having a best device with fast OS. Moreover, it is about offering your users incredible value added services and the application store which are responsible for blooming success of all other smartphone brands. Apple Inc has very successful application store with more than 5 billion apps but Windows app store only has about 80,000 apps which can be struggling point for the Windows phone. So, Microsoft has to lure mobile app developers to develop unique and innovative apps for Windows platform.

The feature that can be a turning game is that Nokia which is a hardware partner of Microsoft is in the industry from quite a long time and has manufactured handsets ranging from $25 to more than $550. It means that Windows has a greater chance to reach wide range of masses, which can bring a strong hold in the market. Nokia and Microsoft have big plans together to take over their lost reign from two leading names in the market Apple and Android (Samsung).

Advantages Windows have over Android and iOS
1. Microsoft Windows is the most popular PC operating system.
2. Users are very familiar with Microsoft softwares that are easily available on Windows phone.
3. Documents can be easily transferred from PC to Phone without any hassle.
4. Windows is a tested name among common PC users.

In the end we can say, if mobile app developers get convinced to work on Windows Platform and Microsoft has something new to offer for its users, Windows Phone will be the new in thing the mobile market.

Still, there are more than a few developers still don’t feel Windows Mobile application development as a main concern. According to recent reports, Microsoft is putting in all efforts in order to change those innovative minds. Among the list of tactics, Microsoft has offered to pay for process of bringing big names to Windows Phones, thus making sense.

For Microsoft it is not a new thing to try, in the past they have offered number of free Window phones to developers in order to spark some interest in the still growing platform. Microsoft is known to offer financial supports to mobile app developers since before the first Windows Phone were even launched.

There were many names of parties who have accepted Microsoft on its generous offer. Despite of the fact that Microsoft has ironically small presence in the smartphone industry they have got a decent sized checkbook settles things around. We cannot blame Microsoft for insisting to buy love from developers, they are just fighting back to keep their major release upbeat that have already made their way to other platforms. If they want to enter the market as an active participant they should give their customers an impression that they are not missing out anything by moving on with Windows Phone.

Recently, Microsoft Windows has seen a rapid increase in the number of apps of over 80,000 including region specific applications. But still Microsoft holds lot of crap stuff in its market place which it needs to swap as soon as possible. Moreover, Microsoft must restrict mobile app developers from 20 apps submission to only 10 apps submission per day otherwise it leads to hordes of spammy app uploads. This is a bad news for deserving and honest Windows app developers who mat not the limelight that they deserve. Microsoft ought to make its platform more conducive for its developers and users too.