App-Scoop

Flutter vs React Native: Which is More Suitable for Mobile App Development?

Companies want to develop apps as soon as there is a market demand. The tech world in the 21st century operates on lightening speed. It’s not the time to dwell over your app for months before you release it. Gone are the days where the developers needed to develop time-consuming codes for different platforms. Cross-platform development of apps does not only make it quicker and easier for the developer to build the app but also cheaper.
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Reference Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flutter_(software)

But the question remains which app development cross-platform to choose – Flutter or React Native? Let’s compare the lead market players to identify which framework would best choose the company’s app idea.

Introduction to Flutter 

Flutter is a portable UI toolkit that was built by Google to build natively-compiled apps across mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. The programming language used to build this platform is Dart. Some of the apps that are developed in Flutter include Xianyu app by Alibaba, Hamilton app for Hamilton Musical and Google Ads app.
Popularity: 68,000 Stars on Github (June 2019)
Reference Link: https://flutter.dev/

​Introduction to React Native 

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Image Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/React_Native

React Native is a framework developed by Facebook for building native applications using React. The programming language used to build this platform is Javascript. Some of the apps that are developed in React Native include Instagram, Facebook, Facebook Ads, Skype and Tesla.
Popularity: 78,400 stars on Github (June 2019)
Reference Link: https://facebook.github.io/react-native/

Flutter v/s React Native 
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User Interface
New and old version apps that are built using Flutter have the same up-to-date operating systems. Since, it has only one codebase, the apps look and behave identically in Android and iOS.
Flutter has two types of widgets which conform to specific design languages: Material Design widgets implement Google’s design language of the same name; and Cupertino widgets imitate Apple’s iOS design. Hence, the Flutter app looks and behaves naturally on both the platforms imitating their native components, for instance, a button will have the same look and feel on iOS, as well as Android.
Reference Links:
 https://flutter.dev/docs/development/ui/widgets/material
https://flutter.io/widgets/cupertino/

Flutter uses the Skia Graphics Library, which means that the view changes each time the UI is redrawn (be careful so as not to cause redrawing of those elements of the view whose data has not changed). Most of the work is done on GPU (graphics processing unit); that’s why Flutter UI is smooth and delivers 60fps (frames per second).
Reference Link: https://skia.org/

On the other hand, React Native uses native components. The app’s components will get instantly upgraded after any OS UI update. In order to give the same look to the app across platforms and older versions, the developer would need to consider using third party libraries which will enable you to use Material Design components, in place of native ones.

Sharing Codes

Currently, Flutter uses a single code base between iOS and Android on mobile. Although, the long-term vision is to allow developers to write one code for desktop, mobile and for the web. Flutter for web (only preview available) and desktop are currently in the nascent stages.

On the other hand, React Native have select libraries that allows the developers to use the same code to build iOS, Android, web, and Windows10 apps. They can also extract shared code in mobile, desktop, and web apps, to a separate repository; treat it as a separate project; then inject it in the same way as another dependency. Hence, the developer can just focus on writing code for a specific platform and be assured that it will be compatible with the other.

Time-Frame to Develop the App

When developers make changes to the codebase in Flutter or React Native, they are immediately reflected in the application. This is the so-called Hot reload feature, and it typically takes (milli-)seconds for changes to show. Hence, developers can add features, fix bugs, and experiment with new ideas in an instant. It is also is very handy when it comes to developing designer collaboration.
From the developer’s perspective, Flutter offers a more dynamic and faster app development. React Native uses bridge and native elements which may require separate optimization for each platform which makes it longer for the developer to make it market-ready.

Performance

Flutter employs the C/C++ library, which is much closer to machine language and delivers superior native performance. All the components, including the UI, are compiled using C/C++.
Whereas, React Native compiles UI components using their native equivalents, and the JavaScript acts as a bridge that connects to each native module and performs the required actions.
The performance of Flutter is more efficient than that of React Native.

Competitive Advantages

Flutter offers:

  • Rich widgets which enhance the look and feel of the app
  • Popularity and a growing community base
  • Easy to understand documentation with strong support from the Flutter team
  • Fastest development time

React Native offers:

  • Stability (it has been in the market for almost 5 years) and reliability
  • Successful and known market players such as Facebook and Instagram
  • Code can be reused for both, web app and desktop app development.
  • Mature and vast community
  • Plenty of tutorials and libraries makes it easy for the developer to understand

Drawbacks/Limitations

Both, Flutter and React Native apps have their own limitations when it comes to incorporating certain elements in the app.
Flutter doesn’t allow:

  • The use of 3D touch (although, it is in the pipeline for future development)
  • Design elements to be platform specific
  • The app to have multiple interactions with an OS or rare native libraries
  • Significant usage of phone hardware, in case the app needs a minimal UI
  • To create an instant (small-sized) app

Native React doesn’t allow:

  • Less common, or ultra-specific tasks (like calculations) in the background
  • Custom communication via Bluetooth
  • To create an Android app only

The Future – Flutter or React Native?

Both, Flutter and React Native are constantly trying to improve and refine the tool. Both these platforms have their own competitive advantages and drawbacks, so they are both here to stay!
Flutter is trying to make improvements – using a single codebase to create not only mobile applications but also web and desktop apps. They are also working on implementing the use of 3D touch.

React Native is currently focussing on a large-scale re-architecture of the technology. They have included Support for the community to create an open environment. The developers will be able to suggest changes to the framework’s core functionalities through an RFC process that uses a dedicated GitHub repo.

Reference Links:
https://github.com/react-native-community/discussions-and-proposals/issues/
https://facebook.github.io/react-native/blog/2018/11/01/oss-roadmap

If you have any further doubts or questions on Flutter or React Native frameworks, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers or the  Vancouver app development Team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

8 Steps You Should Take to Enhance Mobile App Security

In the year 2019, our phones have more personal data than ever! From banking apps to social media apps to official apps – we all have sensitive data on our smartphones. Our phones in the wrong hands could result in an apocalypse in our life. Did you know that the top 100 paid Android apps on Google Play Store have been hacked, and more than 56% of the top paid iOS apps have been hacked?
Reference Source: https://www.arxan.com/press-releases/arxan-discovers-top-100-android-apps-hacked-in-2013
Surveying the Mobile App for Security Issues

The most common mobile app that handles information insecurely are e-commerce apps. The major areas where a data breach occurs is:

  • Storage data in a location that other apps can access
  • Unintended data leakage
  • Poor authorization
  • Handling of sessions
  • Broken cryptography

With the right strategies, there is a possibility to safeguard this information. So, the question remains, how can we enhance mobile app security? Let’s take a look at 8 steps that will help us protect our sensitive information. 

1. Cautiousness While Dealing with API 

The secret language between mobile apps are called Application Programming Interface (API) – this interface needs to be secured because it is the most vulnerable to get attacked.
 
The ways to make APIs more secure are:

  1. To use authorized APIs in the application code which means that each API must have a key to modify or interact with another app
  2. Embedding an API gateway
  3. Adding a firewall for web apps or conducting code reviews
  4. Using API keys to monitor use and metrics – which also gives you a built-in analysis

 
2. Protect Network Connections 

Another factor that contributes to breach of environment are unstable or not secure. These kinds of network connections lead to unauthorized access by other (cloud) servers. Let’s take a look at the different ways that we can protect our phones from being hacked due to network connection issues.

  1. Employ penetration testers who would detect the vulnerabilities and offer solutions.
  2. Incorporate a process called containerization where the app is bundled with its libraries, dependencies and configuration files that run in several computing environments. This process is considered to be bug-free. This process ensures that every document’s data in a secure encrypted container.
  3. To ensure additional layers of security, encrypt database through SSL (secure sockets layer), TLS (transport layer security (TLS), or VPN (a virtual private network).
  4. Another method to secure the mobile app is to disperse resources across different servers and separate key resources from the users. This method is called federation.

 
3. Encrypt Local Data 

The data that is more vulnerable to attacks is the data stored by the user (local data) in the smart device. Encrypting a whole lot of data might affect user experience, hence, it is advisable to encrypt only sensitive information stored by the user, for instance, credit card details, passwords, etc. It is important for the developers to design the app in a way that this information doesn’t get stored in the device.
 
Mobile database can be encrypted using the following methods:

  1. Use of Ciphered Local Storage Plugin while working with OutSystems – this is used to encrypt local storage database
  2. SQLite module by the Appcelerator program
  3. Protect data on a file-by-file basis known as file-level encryption to encrypt at-rest data

 
4. Create Unique Source Codes 

Obfuscating codes meaning creating machine code or source code that is difficult for the hackers to read. There are strategies that can be used to ensure that the hackers cannot reverse engineer a software program. Sirius, DashO, and TotalCode are examples of obfuscation tools that are available in the market.
 
Some ways to create unique source codes are:

  1. By removing non-essential metadata and debugging information, manually
  2. To add meaningless labels to use variable and class names
  3. Use dummy codes in a way that they do not affect the working of the app
  4. To inject anti-tamper protection into the source code where in case of tampering the application shuts down automatically and notifies the concerned authorities

 
5. Checklist of Possible Weak Spots 

Before making a mobile application, it is good to make a checklist of threats and weak spots. Involving all team members is a wise option as it ensures security at each stage while creating the mobile app. Some common weak spots include:

  1. Server-side controls
  2. Data leakage
  3. Authentication
  4. Data transmission
  5. Point of entry
  6. Data storage

 
6.Test for Bugs and Vulnerabilities  

Examining data security issues is one of the most important process during the testing process before releasing the app in the market. The best way to do that is to perform a beta-testing on the app to find out if there are security ruptures present.
 
Here are some tips to help in testing the security of your app:

  1. Create a dummy DDMS file and provide a mock location. This helps in ensuring that drivers are unable to send mock GPS location from their smart device
  2. Ensure that all the app log files don’t store the authentication tokens
  3. Check whether the data specific to a driver is visible after login
  4. Check whether the drivers are able to view data as per their access rights
  5. For web service, check the encryption of login authentication token

Some of the security tools that can be used include Android Debug Bridge, iPad File Explorer, QARK, Clang Static Analyzer, Smart Phone Dumb Apps, and OWA SP Zed Attack Proxy Project.

7. Using an Updated Library 

One of the common elements that is likely to be compromised are libraries. While working on the mobile application, remember to use the latest version of the libraries to avoid any breach of security.
 
“All categories of applications tend to use third-party libraries to accelerate the development process. Based on analysis of the Central Repository (one of the largest open source code repositories), Sonatype estimates that 90 percent of all software development requires the downloading of components. While most critical vulnerabilities in third-party libraries are disclosed as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), it is disconcerting to note that the applications that use them are not updated in a timely manner. Also, CVEs do not represent all of the vulnerabilities found in third-party software, and other unidentified weaknesses may exist.”
 
ReferenceSource:https://techbeacon.com/security/third-party-libraries-are-one-most-insecure-parts-application
 
8. Impose Access Policies 

Mobile app development must be in sync with the corporate policies of the organization’s IT administrators. Also, it should comply with the Google Play Store and iStore (Apple). It is possible to reduce the attack surface of your application by using secure frameworks.
 
Reference Source: https://www.techaheadcorp.com/services/mobile-application-development/
 
Wrapping Up
 
If all the security measures stated are incorporated, it will be almost impossible for the hacker to phish data. It is important to stay updated with the latest security tools and techniques to further secure the mobile app making it a seamless experience for the user. Also, it is important to keep a tab on the different techniques that are used by hackers to compromise the security of apps.
 
If you wish to know mobile app security tools and techniques, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers and Vancouver app development team on: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

5 High-Priority Mobile App Development Trends For 2020

 
The tech world has been evolving rapidly since over a decade now. People want information and services at their fingertips, and mobile app technology is constantly catering to their demands. Mobile app development has witnessed just over 28 billion downloads, which is a year-over-year increase of 11.5 percent in 2019.
Reference Source: https://demo.sensortower.com/sensor-tower-q2-2019-data-digest?src=blo
As per Statista, mobile app revenue is predicted to grow from 69.7 US Billion Dollars in 2015 to 188.9 Billion US Dollars in 2020.
Reference Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/269025/worldwide-mobile-app-revenue-forecast/

Trends in 2018 till mid-2019

Experts in this field believe that mobile app industry will rapidly grow because the end user is always demanding more “convenient services”. Let’s take a look at the top mobile app trends that have rocked the market in 2018-2019. 
Some exciting developments in the mobile application development industry in 2018 till the mid 2019 have been:

  • Augmented Reality
  • Virtual Reality
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud-Oriented Mobile Apps
  • Blockchain
  • Personalization
  • Android Instant App
  • On-Demand Apps
  • Accelerated Apps
  • Mobile Payments
  • Application Security
  • Internet of Things

​Although the above trends have dominated the market, there are a lot of improvements and added features and functionalities that can be enhanced. Let’s take a look at the predicted 5-top priority mobile app development trends for the year 2020.

5-Top Priority Mobile App Development Trends

​1. 5G Networks  
4G network is soon going to be replaced with 5G which means that the user can download content faster – if it takes them 5-10 minutes to download data on 4G, 5G will allow them to download the same data in seconds, even if the app is bulky. Motorola Product Vice President, Dan Dery, says in an interview with Digital Trends that “5G will deliver lower latency, higher bandwidth, faster data sharing, and speeds up to 10 times faster than existing wireless technology.”
 
Reference Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/2025-how-5g-changed-our-lives/
 
A group of the business pioneers are excited to introduce 5G in their smartphones. For instance, Samsung and Verizon plan to dispatch gadgets with 5G-skilled chips in 2019. LG wants to join the pattern as well and even beat the contenders toward the start of 2019. Once the technology is fully released, smartphone users will have access to noticeably increased connectivity speeds of roughly 10 gigabits per second.

The benefits of 5G will also include:

  • Shortened transmission latency for private companies (i.e. it can create immediate connectivity between devices on a network)
  • Prioritize specific data transmissions over others
  • Provide multiple opportunities for innovation
  • Automate core processes and deliver improved mobility tools for presenting, capturing, and sharing essential data
  • Create business processes where the physical and digital are efficiently interconnected, in real-time

 
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Chatbots 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is definitely the next big thing in the tech market. It already has its jaws firmly placed in the industry but there is a huge scope to innovate. Developing machines to human tasks is not new – we all know about Siri, Google Assistant and Cortana. AI helps us in almost everything like listening to playlists, managing schedules, ordering food, etc. If you get lost on a road, Google Maps will help you steer in the right direction giving you the best route option.
 
Machine Learning (ML), a hand-in-hand technology with AI, makes mobile apps smarter than humans by allowing the app to make a decision on behalf of the user as per their preferences. ML is being used almost everywhere like to predict the traffic, online product recommendations, fraud detection, etc.
 
Chatbots, which is a mix of AI and ML, is the perfect example of the magic capable in the tech world. Chatbots are being highly used in the banking sector, online stores, travel portals, Government institutes for providing seamless customer service. For instance, most travel companies can help you with your booking with the help of chatbots. Let’s take a look at the acceptance of AI-powered Chatbots by customers worldwide in 2017.

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Image Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/717098/worldwide-customer-chatbot-acceptance-by-industry/

3. Deep Linking 

Mobile deep linking is not a new trend in the market – personalized site-to-app, app-to-app, and even things-to-app experience is going to be upcoming mobile app trend in 2020. Ambient interfaces, sometimes referred to as “zero-UIs” are allowing people to interact with technology more freely and with fewer direct actions. For instance, digital assistants and voice technology delivers information in real-time.
 
Digital assistants connected to the user’s home appliances, smartphones, smart cars, wearable devices, etc. will listen and observe in the backgrounds of their lives and collect information. Hence, when the user needs assistance they will use this information in their ‘search’. These technological advancements will require more personalized and relevant deep linking practices.
 
For example, if the user has been looking at Maldives as a vacation destination since a past few days, he/she will be intimidated of flight offers, hotel offers, news about Maldives, pop-ups in case of a bad weather forecast, etc. The search engine will also advertise options of other beach destinations which are cheaper or luxurious depending on the data gathered from the user and from the other apps on the appliance.
 
By using user’s information, it will be easier for a business to understand the situations users want information from you and how and take users from site-to-app, app-to-site, or app-to-app will entirely depend on the user’s search behaviour and context.
 
4. Moment Marketing 

In 2015, Google coined a movement called ‘micro-moments’ and right-time marketing, which focusses on harnessing a real-world consumer intent, with mobile as a natural gateway; for example, choosing the right context to interact with users, sending place-based coupon redemptions and dynamic offers to increase engagement, reduce UX friction and jump sales uplift.
 
Personalizing a mobile app has been the key experience for app companies. But in 2020, there will be an increase in its level of depth and one-to-one precision when it comes to understanding and mirroring app users.
 
According to Plot Projects, building user-profiles and surfacing content just based on online or in-app behaviour is no longer enough to engage users and keep them around. In fact, in the year 2018, the open-rate of messages which are sent based on where someone is (and what they’re doing) generated twice the engagement of personalized messages.
 
Reference source: https://www.plotprojects.com/
 
For example, many companies spend money to boost their app downloads, not realising that about three fourth users never return to the app after their first visit. Moment marketing helps businesses by generating marketing campaigns to remind the users about the app or offer them discounts or new services. “Engagement platforms help brands increase their share of highly engaged customers by 37 percent and the number of users who make in-app purchases in the first 30 days alone by five times.”
 
Reference Source: https://www.leanplum.com/
 
5. Wearables 

As per Statista, the Wearables devices sales revenue is expected to reach around $33 Billion by the beginning of 2020.
 
Reference Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/610447/wearable-device-revenue-worldwide/

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Image Reference: https://www.statista.com/statistics/610447/wearable-device-revenue-worldwide/

Wearables are definitely the next trend in the market. They are the most convenient form of technology innovated – receive phone calls, emails, messages, access to social media, listen to music, use AI technology just by wearing a watch – it is surely as convenient as it could get. Mobile applications these days are programmed to comply with wearable devices.
 
For example, Apple Watch connected with an iPhone can monitor your health-related issues, manage business transactions, help in communicating, listening to music, sending notification on Smartphones about your BP level, paying for a transaction through Apple Pay, or sending an important voice message. Further, companies like Zomato and Uber are also investing in wearable app development so that they don’t miss out in targeting the increasing wearable users these days.
 
Summarizing Possibilities of Mobile App Trends in 2020
 
Mobile users are looking for speed, features and high-end security for their data. They are demanding apps that make it easier for the user to shop, book tickets, taxi, and saving money. Although the patterns never stay steady and keep changing as per the user’s demands and other variants there are a few trends that can be predicted to cause a stir in the tech marketing in 2020.
 
Users want access to hyper-personalized, real-time, contextual content seamlessly connected across each of their device and new and creative ways to create and share experiences with their mobile devices.
 
If you wish to know more about mobile app development trends in 2020, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers or the Vancouver app development team on: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html
 

How Will Mobile Artificial Intelligence Impact Businesses?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made quite a buzz in the technological field. It is a system that has the ability to mimic intelligent behaviour and make independent decisions based on the data gathered. The tasks that AI performs ideally should require human intelligence, such as situational or environmental analysis, problem-solving, reasoning, learning, and comprehending languages. Personal assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri are examples of AI mobile applications. As per the International Data Corporation, the global spending on AI systems will grow from $35.8 billion in 2019 to $79.2 billion in 2022.

Reference Source: https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44911419
Further, AI technology when merged with mobile applications could create a world of new possibilities. AI allows applications to procure more revenue for many businesses. A more intuitive and responsive a mobile application is, the personal user experience is more seamless and profound. AI when used as a strategy becomes a business advantage – as per studies 72% of the leaders cite it as advantage.
Reference Source: https://cmo.adobe.com/articles/2017/5/15-mind-blowing-stats-about-emerging-technology-tlp-ptr.html#gs.ymtlsv

Impact on Business – Artificial Intelligence on Mobile Application Development

AI-powered solutions create an impact on mobile app development. 
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Image Reference: https://www.livemint.com/Technology/UMktOLeWsfedMfrMOlVrnI/Heralding-the-future-of-mobile-computing-as-phone-makers-bet.html
Delivering User-Centric Expectations

AI gathers data which is user specific which in turn helps the user. It becomes convenient for the user because it shows products that the user has searched. For instance, if the AI gathers that the learner has watched Narcos on Netflix, then the user will get Narcos-based merchandise adverts. AI remembers!

Time-Saving

AI in mobile applications makes it easier for the developers to perform and finish the development part easily in the organisations.

Predictable Content

Mobile applications like Amazon and eBay are able to predict the customer’s needs. AI helps the user’s needs by recording their data and driving user behavior to alter the mobile features.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

Major tech companies are integrating AI algorithms into various products. This helps businesses to deeply engage with the users, provide an incentive-based approach to their services, for example, Amazon’s Prime delivery service that pairs well when using the Echo. By incorporating AI in mobile applications, businesses can leverage the data apps are collecting via point-of-sale machines, online traffic, mobile devices, and more to strategically improve the user experience.

Using Hardware Technology for AI Applications

As we know, smartphones are equipped with certain features such as GPS tracking, location finder, microphone, camera, voice notes, etc. With the user’s permission, combining the data collected from all these features with AI technology makes apps more relevant and personalized. For instance, Apple revealed that the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR will include an A12 Bionic chip featuring a neural engine built to utilize AI hardware in previously impossible ways.

Creating Seamless User Experience

Another way in which AI is used is when the user himself/herself commands the device to store or find data which results in the app engagement and the increase in ROI. There are three easy ways in which the user experience can be enhanced with mobile AI.

The first one is personalization of data – the user has their own personal assistant. Based on the user’s past choices, options and preferences, the apps forecast a suggestion which helps the user to make a decision faster.
For example, Starbucks has come up with an AI mobile app called “My Starbucks Barista”. The user just needs to place their order via a voice message, and all he/she needs to do is collect their choice of beverage as soon as they enter Starbucks.

The second is a voice-based search – all the user needs to do is speak out. The AI stores their current data and helps to predict the outcome in the future.
For example, Amazon’s Alexa is more than just a voice recognition device – it has various utility factors such as predictive messaging and context-aware computing. Google Home also excels in predictive and contextual computing and is capable of answering more questions than Alexa-enabled products.

The third is the blend of machine learning and AI. It helps the companies to monitor the markets and measure the growth of a particular company. Machine learning can be enhanced with chat-bot interaction which leaves a lasting impression on the user’s experience. It is enhanced in such a way it knows what customer action will be while interaction at any platform.

For example, Tommy Hilfiger’s chatbot allows users to browse their latest collections or get a behind-the-scenes look at the most recent fashion show. It uses interactive and simple language to reply customer queries and also offers style advise and product recommendations to its users. The bot provides the user with a questionnaire that helps it gather the user’s style and make an outfit suggestion based on the data gathered.

Wrapping It Up

The benefits of building a mobile app with AI technology is undisputed. The growth of AI is opening a whole new side of mobile app possibilities. The combination of machine learning and AI is stirring the market with revolutionary ideas. Developers, businesses, and users are constantly evolving and thinking of ways to have intelligent interactions within mobile applications.
If you wish to develop an AI mobile app to give a boost to your business, you can contact the App Scoop app developers Vancouver Team – https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

Application Preview Guide – How to make users download your app

​In this competitive market for apps, how do you attract a user’s attention to your app? What does it take to make the user download your application from the plethora of apps that are on the app store? – the answer is through a powerful App Preview. Your next question might be, ‘how do you attract the customer in 30 seconds?’ Well, let’s find out! 
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Image Reference: https://playstore.online/
​The creation of an app preview can be the most daunting stage post the app creation process. Let’s take a look at the few points to keep in mind while creating an app preview:

  • Constructing a strong storyline (in 30 seconds)
  • Creating a Storyboard with an audio-visual script
  • Finalizing the production process
  • Ensuring that the video has your app’s brand and design
  • Giving your app the WOW factor


What is an App Preview?

An App Preview is a 30-second video that gives the users an idea of what the app is all about. The core functionality of the app needs to be highlighted in this video. It should:

  • Introduce the app’s brand to the user
  • Demonstrate how the app’s user interface works
  • Skimming through the app’s core feature

​For example, Uber’s App Preview would:

  • Firstly, introduce the brand logo
  • Then skim through the process of how to book a cab
  • Lastly, state that the cab is now at your doorstep
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Image Reference: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/300896818838370791/?nic=1
As we know how the famous saying goes, “First impression is the last impression” – in this case your app’s preview is the first impression that you create of your app in the user’s mind. Ultimately the aim is to make sure that the first impression becomes a conversion from a customer to a user.

​Creating a Storyline in an App Preview

Let’s take a look at the steps that you can follow to tell your app’s story:

Step 1: Highlighting the Core Functionality

The uniqueness of your app should be showcased while making your app preview. Then, we need to make value props based on their critical importance, their level of engagement and how easy they are to understand visually. For instance, Uber app features which should be included in the app preview are:

  • Setting your location
  • Map
  • Duration for the cab to reach the destination
  • Price for the journey
  • Book function

Remember, you do not need to over complicate or try and show all the features in the app preview – you can definitely leave out the non-pleasing visual aspects.

Step 2: Create a Story

You can use screenshots to convey the story to the user but ensure that is placed in a cohesive manner so that the storyline shown is tight. When mapping out the concepts, keep it simple – use post its, charts, etc. to pan out the entire plan before creating the story. A storyboard that consists of different columns for audio, images, text, etc. should be created. If you think that you don’t have time to show the entire story, then you can always go back to it and try to shorten a few parts, see if you can combine them or omit them entirely.
“You can create a second or third preview to highlight additional features or specific content that users might not know about. When you have multiple previews, make sure that each video shows users something new about your app.”
Reference Link: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/app-previews/

Step 3: Work on the Preview Visual

In this step, you need to bring out the design, animation and graphics to visualize the story that you have written. It is recommended that you use the visuals in the app while making the preview, so that the customers are not misled or disappointed when they download your app for use. The visuals should be stunning, clean and easy to understand for the users. For example, instead of just showing a man/woman sitting in a cab, show how he/she needs to actually book it. 
Use text to reinforce the point. Show easy touch buttons and visuals of someone easily navigating from one section or another. Show how easily menus open when summoned and swiftly move out of the way when done.
Another way to convey the essence of the app is choosing the correct poster frame, also known as a thumbnail. So, if the default frame from your footage doesn’t convey the right message, then you can select a different poster frame.
Also, consider overlying the musical score of your app as the soundtrack of your app preview to establish continuity even when one scene cuts to the next. In this manner, you will be able to capture the sound effect of your UI  in the app preview footage to reinforce functionality in your app.

Step 4: Take Tips from the Connoisseurs in the Market

As the saying goes, “Imitation is the best form of flattery” – similarly, check app previews that have taken the market by storm is a good way to understand if your app preview is well aligned and crafted.
We recommend that you make your notes and a sample AV script before you take a look at these app previews. Don’t try and look at many apps, just check the top 10 and note down pointers that you like in each app preview. Incorporate these points while finalizing and summarizing your app preview script. Spend some time viewing best app previews such as Calm and Waze to see how you can make your script and visuals even more precise, edit them better, craft your story better and overall, learn and adapt.
Reference Links: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calm-com/id571800810
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id323229106

Step 5: Set Realistic Expectations

Being honest about what your app offers is the most important factor while creating an app preview. It is just like a trailer to the movie. Don’t over promise and under deliver – this will lead to disappointments, the users installing your app but deleting it in 30 seconds, and bad reviews online.

Wrapping It Up

Creating an app preview is pressurizing for most, but if done right it can be a lottery that drives you to the bank. With hundreds of apps being developed every week, it is challenging for your app to outshine and convince users to download it. Show off the attractive features of your app and highlight the ones that are unique and exciting. If you have got the user’s attention with the app preview in 30 seconds, then there is a high likelihood that the user might install it.
If you wish to build an app preview and don’t know where to start, you can contact the App Scoop Vancouver Mobile App Development Team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html