April 2022

Top 7 reasons why startups and SMEs should invest in Mobile App Development

Let’s talk stats, currently, there are over 6.3 billion smartphone users across the world, over 1.14 tablet users, over 3.48 million Android apps in the offing and roughly 2.22 million available apps on iOS. These stats speak volumes of how this sector not only provides an opportunity to the app developers but also gives a chance to the users to choose the best from the rest, and not to forget the way it uplifts any given business. With mobiles, what comes into the picture are the applications. Over years, the use of the mobile application from leisure to currently being used to brand a company’s product has increased exceptionally. And in all this, app developers have risen to be known as artists who make impeccable apps.

More importantly, it allows startups and SMEs to broaden their horizons. This makes all the companies more inclined toward mobile application development, as it allows them to dig deeper into the market, grow their brand and business, and create a greater impact. It is very easy for a startup to tumble. Unless they embrace the change and incorporate mobile application development in their business, it will become quite difficult for them to survive. So, let’s understand what mobile application development offers to startups and SMEs.

1. Boosts User Engagement

For a product to live in the customers’ lives for eternity, the product must be flawless. And to provide a picture-perfect application, you should seamlessly understand what the users are looking for and accordingly devise a path to develop the same. On the contrary, if you don’t satisfy the consumers’ request, it wouldn’t take them any time to move to a different app.

Nonetheless, mobile apps are fasters when it comes to reciprocating the users’ demands. Therefore, as per studies, 80 per cent of the consumers who have downloaded the mobile app are happy with the service.

Now, what mobile application does is, it provides a platform for the business to connect with their users and eases the means of communication. Users can easily connect with the support team to get their problems solved. With that, to grow leaps and bounds, companies can build on the user’s feedback provided on the app. This allows them to understand the users’ pain points and provide them with just what they are looking for. One of the best examples of great user engagement is the way the Amazon app deals with the users’ queries and satisfies them. No wonder they have over 100 million downloads on Play Store. In short, mobile apps streamlines user engagement and make the process of boarding a cakewalk.

2. Increases Brand Identity

For any organisation, its brand value is of the utmost importance. And to achieve that some even spend millions. To make their brand known, their product should be appealing and instantly grab the user’s attention. The mobile application does the needful in this case. They provide the business with the market reach they are looking for. Meanwhile, it engages the user and also offers online engagement. To keep the influx of the conversation, mobile apps even engage the consumer with ads, notifications, etc. Mobile applications make sure that people are aware of your brand in many ways. What signs the deal of the companies to create awareness is the offing of an interactive feature, which the mobile applications are actually known for.

3. Amplifies Revenue Generation

Be the users or the companies, what matters the most is effective communication. The more the conversation rate, the better it is, both for users and companies. As the mobile application allows the companies to understand the users’ problems, it helps them hit the target by offering them what they are looking for as well. This certainly boosts the revenue of the business. Studies suggest that over 70 per cent of the users continue with the app depending on the kind of interaction and experience the product offers.

4. Delivers competitive edge

Be it creating brand awareness, adding loyal customers into the kitty, generating revenue, or helping the company and its product stand out from the crowd, mobile applications give them the competitive edge. The market, in today’s world, is quite ruthless. To make your mark, your product needs to be designed as per the users’ convenience. The mobile application offers several services that give the company an advantage over others. For instance, hybrid applications can be released on several platforms, this advantage must be taken into consideration if the company wants to stand out.

5. Customer Feedback

What customers’ feedback essentially does is, it provides you with an opportunity to grow your business by connecting with the users. Mobile applications can be customized in such a way that customers’ feedback is handed to you in a jiffy the moment they post it. Here, the key is to ensure that you carefully analyse their feedback and work on it wholeheartedly. In this process to maintain goodwill, don’t forget to thank the users for providing their valuable suggestions.

6. Generates Loyal Customers

The kind of actions that mobile applications take, for instance, improves brand identity, user engagement, making sure that customers’ feedback is taken seriously, provides a competitive edge, etc. This further creates an ecosystem of loyal customers. With that, the hard-hitting ads it creates sure keep the brand alive in the hearts of the users.

7. Offers valuable Data

The importance of market research is immense. To run a successful business, one must understand the market and customers. In turn, market research creates opportunities, improves communication, lowers risk, and gives a clear picture of what your consumers are looking for. Only when you have clear picture of this, your developed product will surely be a hit. Mobile apps not only help you with the market research, but it also helps you answer your questions like customers’ likes, dislikes, and more information about how to create engagement. This valuable data can be used to grow your brand.

Summing up

It is fairly easy to start an SME or a startup. A good idea, and boom you are off to a good start. However, as time progresses, they must embrace the latest trends and keep adding to their knowledge. Most startups fail simply because they refuse to change. Market research and understanding the pain point of the users play a vital role in growing your business. To achieve this, mobile application development does the needful. Startups and SMEs can make the most once they invest in mobile apps. Understanding the pros and cons of iOS, Android, and cross-platform apps can do wonders. To make this process easy, you can simply partner with App-Scoop. We will devise a full proof plan to achieve your business goals. To talk to our experts, kindly contact: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.

By App-Scoop, ago

NFT Gaming Business Model

It is not even funny; the way Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have become a part of lives, just like the saying – start the day with coffee and end the day with NFTs. There was a point in time when most of us thought it was a scam, but now, NFTs have become a household name. Not deviating from the topic, but just take a moment to remise those days when we spent playing video games on play stations, computers, mobiles, etc. Overtaking these is the NFT Games. A report generated by Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) stated that this industry generated $2.32 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2021. NFT games like Splinterlands, Sorare, Alien Worlds etc., have taken the world by storm. There are various types of business models, which were introduced just to lure in the gamers. One of the most popular models is NFT play-to-earn. In this article, let’s understand the various aspects of NFT Gaming.

What is NFT?

Before we dive into the business models, let us focus on the concept of NFT. They are digital assets that are unique and cannot be directly interchanged with other assets. Every NFT, which is sort of like an autographed item, is made of metadata. This is what gives them their individuality. Its digital content is linked to the blockchain. NFTs are a form of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, where instead of money, they host assets like tweets, text, images, MP3, artwork, domain names, trading cards, game items, etc. Allegedly, it all began in 2017, when CryptoPunks, developed by Larva Labs, released one of the first NFTs. It consisted of around 10,000 collectables that were unique and based on the Ethereum blockchain.

Why NFTs are so popular?

Although this concept is just in its nascent stages, in 2018 the market cap for global transactions of NFTs was $40.96, and in 2020 it grew manifold from $141.56 million (2019) to $338.04 million in 2020. Token-based sales have reached a new height of success in the recent past. And the launch of the NFT marketplace is making dreams come true for many. So, what makes NFT special?

Unique and authentic

As information about the NFT and the owner can be easily verified, it makes them unique. This is by far the most crucial feature of NFT where information is secure and legitimate.

Unified 

Most tokens cannot be divided into smaller units. It is like a mark on the stone. However, if you can buy the complete cost of the item from the owner, maybe then.

Easy to work with 

Marketplaces are a hub where you can buy and sell NFTs. Within a matter of minutes, you can create a profile. Buying and biding operations are pretty simple. Not just that, due to their versatile nature, NFTs can be traded on different crypto markets. The trading opportunities are truly beneficial.

Open to all 

Owing to this instant tradability nature, it can act as a host to a variety of audiences, enhancing its liquidity.

Transparency 

All the records pertaining to the trade – transfer, token issuance, and other activities can be authenticated before getting into it.

Sneak peak into the NFT Gaming industry

Word around the town is the NFT gaming scene began with Etheria. Created in October 2015, Etheria is a ‘civilization’ based NFT game where anyone can become a real estate agent and earn real money. Etheria.world states – Etheria is a virtual world in which players can own tiles, farm them for blocks, and build things. The entire state of the world is held in, and all player actions are made through the decentralized, trustless Ethereum blockchain.

 Later, in October 2017, the market welcomed the CryptoKitties game which wooed the gamers instantly. This game allowed them to adopt and trade virtual cats. Created by Dapper Labs, CryptoKitties is developed on the Ethereum blockchain using the ERC-721 token standard. In March 2018, based on the same theme, Axie Infinity was developed by Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis. Axolotl-inspired digital pets as known as Axies are to be collected and minted by the players.

Now, let’s talk stats! The BGA, which is an advocate for NFTs games, came up with a report that suggests that the number of wallets in the gaming industry increasing exponentially. From 29,563 wallets during the first week of 2021 to 754,000 in Q3 2021, the market is surely booming. During which Axie Infinity made its place on the top overcoming CryptoPunks, as it reached a record-high trading volume of $2.5 billion in September of 2021. Although this industry is fairly new, it had gained a lot of popularity owing to its glamour quotient and the way it presents the ‘escaping the reality’ aspect.

What are play-to-earn NFT games?

Essentially, play to earn means, when you get to play games and in return earn some money. However, with a slight twist, in NFT language, you earn cryptocurrency and real-life value by playing the games. You can either play – free-to-play or pay-to-play. With the latter, you can pay money to play the game and earn a handsome amount of currency as well. Interesting, right? Wait till you know more. What keeps these transactions safe and authentic are the smart contracts. It is sort of an agreement in the form of a code, that has to be signed to make the smooth process. 

• Playing and winning the game offers you digital assets. This tokenomic framework converts the playing time into financial incentives.

• The concept of in-game economics and different business models help the players to earn income.

• Each game is different. Players can earn money via staking or generating a tradable or rare NFT item. The rarer the item, the more value it has.

• Once the NFTs are acquired, you can sell them for real money or public blockchain exchange.

• The cheapest Axie on the marketplace is for $93.

• Income can be generated via in-game cryptocurrency and trading in-game NFTs.

• Players can earn millions through pay-to-play. They can also make use of freemium models to make the most of gaming and earning.

How to earn the big bucks?

To attain success and fame in anything, one needs to add passion and value. The same goes for earning money with NFT games. Let’s find out some of the ways through which one can do so.

1. In-game tokens

Most NFT games offer a whopping number of tokens. But the thing is, you’ll have to earn it. Staking tokens is one of the ways you can encash on these games. Staking is means of gathering money for holding certain cryptos.

Take, for instance, Axie Infinity. A gamer can make money through two types of tokens – Smooth Love Potions and Axie Infinity Shards. These tokens can be sold in return for monetary yields.

2. Assessing the value

In NFT, items like characters, avatars, real estate, weapons, and other items, hold immense value. One can make enough money by speculating the value of these items.

3. In-game NFTs

This is another way through which players can earn money. This play-to-earn format allows players to gain ownership while permitting them to earn money through swapping items, selling, or purchasing. The value of the items depends on their rarity or utility.

Summoners Arena has refined the play-to-earn concept. As for the ‘earn’ aspect, they have made sure all the grounds are covered. In this game, each Hero has an assigned value that depends on its rarity. Players can add different parts to their Hero ranging from 1 to 10 rarity. The more you upgrade, the more valuable it is.

4. Become an NFT game influencer

Once you broaden your horizons, the means of earning money through NFT games are limitless. And for that you ought to become a professional NFT gamer, gather enough technical know-how and become an influencer on social media. Soon, when you set up a great foundation and acquire a considerable number of followers and views, money will start flowing. Collaborating with other influencers and brands, and brand promotions will add value to your work and success. Coin Bureau, a YouTube channel is run by a person named Guy. He makes informative videos about cyrtos and NFT games. Guy, has over 2 million followers on YouTube.

5. Create a brand

To start your brand takes enough courage and determination. That comes only when you’ve known the industry in and out. Once you feel comfortable, you can soon launch your brand. Develop creative merchandise and connect with the fans. The merch can be digital or physical.

6. Game Testing

There are many reasons why companies would pay you to test NFT games. The market has seen the influx of several games, and only those that are picture-perfect stand the test of time. To do so companies hire gaming enthusiasts to find the bugs in the games. As the gamer’s time and effort are at stake, they are offered a good amount of money.

Be a part of the future

The above article very well articulates the importance of the NFT and the way NFT gaming is booming. If the present is so promising, imagine the future. The gaming sector is flourishing, courtesy of the integration with NFT. In this process, the sector has become glamorous and exciting. App-Scoop understands this technology better but when we collaborate with companies, their business sure skyrockets. Do drop in a message on https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html to know more.

By App-Scoop, ago

Creating Mobile App Wireframes: A Step by step guide

Imagine your organization is working on a high-end application project. You are tolling day and night to bring the client’s ideas true. Finally, the day comes when you are about to hand over the project. And the client bursts your happiness bubble as the application created was something that they were not looking for. Guess what, now your months of hard work have gone down the drain. Only if you had made use of wireframing. The term may sound fancy, but it is pretty simple to use and the outcome it gives, makes work more presentable and saves you from last-minute heartaches. In this blog, we will walk you through the wireframing basics and a step-by-step guide for creating mobile app wireframes.

What is wireframing for mobile apps?

It is a static low to high fidelity simulation of a product. Wireframing is a two-dimensional sketch that is one of the most crucial steps in app development. It gives a visual representation of the prototype, that converts an idea into a finished product. It displays all the important features, functionalities, and vital steps of the application. To be precise, a wireframe is not the end product, rather it is a blueprint or a schematic diagram that contains the essential elements. Owing to its features, the wireframe will bring clarity, and surely provides a direction and scope which is beneficial for the success of the mobile application.

Top 4 benefits of wireframe in mobile app development

Benefit #1: Gives clarity

Developing any product is a herculean task. And to reach the expected result, one needs precision. Using a wireframe gives a purpose to your product. It provides a full-proof plan that defines the vision and outcome that is intended. The visual representation it provides helps one succeed by understanding the flow of the project, resolving, and identifying errors, etc.

Benefit #2: Makes efficient use of resources 

The ideal situation is when a business can thrive on low investment and in return gives a higher profit. Using a wireframe for mobile app development saves time and money. This further boosts the programming stage sinching in the time required to finish the project. As it helps in minimizing the errors at an early stage, it puts an end to the cost that comes in the later stage of the development.

Benefit #3: Provides a target driven approach 

For a developer to hand over a product that is loved by all, they need to first step into the shoes of the users and understand their demands. Wireframing provides them with an opportunity to do so.

Benefit #4: Minimizes errors 

While it brings clarity to your project, it also helps in minimizing the errors at an early stage. As the wireframing is divided into parts and after the completion of each segment, you have can have a meeting with your client to see if you have met their needs. This whole process essentially makes sure that they are no errors at the end of the project.

Here’s how you can create mobile app wireframes

We have streamlined this process, and in eight simple steps, one can easily create mobile app wireframes.

1. Define the purpose and map out your target flow

The foundation of the project becomes stronger once you narrow down on the purpose. It gives meaning to your project, pushes you to be creative, and serves as a means to explore the unexplored. Every project is different! Depending on that put together the best team who will make sure that the project turns out to be a success. Now, the next step is to chalk out the user flow. You can draw it using a simple pen and paper. Begin by finding the answers: 

• The total number of screens?

• The product’s target audience?

• How should the users interact with the screens?

• What is the expectation from the app?

Convert the above answers into a basic diagram using boxes, arrows, and other basic shapes. Not all users will follow the same path. The flow may not be always linear. Hence, it is always better to get into the shoes of the user to analyse the flowchart.

2. Sketch out the core elements

The second step will define the flow of your project. Sure there are several prototyping tools available, but sticking to a pen and paper will provide you with the best results. As you have your product’s purpose and goals already penned down with you, half of the second stage’s work is done.

Now, you have to visualize that, wear your creative hat, and explore the design. Sketching at this stage gives a structure to your project. There should be a sketch for every screen. Brainstorm with your team members and get the best sketch done.

3. Get framing

Now is the time to convert the visuals into frames. This step will further strengthen the foundation. Try opting for low or mid-fidelity wireframes. Depending on the platform, set a mobile frame. Setting a mobile frame will give the visuals a better structure. Don’t put a lot of elements on the screen. Keeping it simple will help the project go a long way.

4. Layout using boxes and patterns

More than the content, the purpose of this stage is to devise the structure of the wireframe. This stage also gives the designer a visual hierarchy. Consider all the ifs and buts of how a user will approach the app. Depending on that make use of the boxes and arrows to get a clear idea of the page. The size of the pattern or the box should depend on the importance of the elements. The flow should be keeping in mind that it offers the best UX. Here using the familiar UI puts the user at ease. However, presenting it uniquely shows your originality. At this stage, using the Andriod and iOS native design patterns will be good for the designers. Using design patterns solves the problems of global navigation.

Before you begin stage 5, make sure that you replace all the dummy content for obvious reasons. Once that is done, see if the flow is as per your desired goal. Filling in the actual copy is the best way to communicate at this stage.

5. Ensure your content flares well High Standards

By now, we’d say 60 per cent of the work is done. At this stage, you’ll have to keep a keen eye on how the content flares on different platforms. Content designed for iPhone 12 Pro won’t do justice when viewed on iPhone SE. The key is to check how the content feels on different screen sizes too.  

6. Bring your project together

Although your project has come near fruition, it is still incomplete as the screen are not connected. Numbering each screen allows the UX flows to analyse if there are any missing links. This stage will allow the team to understand the overall flow of the app and its functions.

7. Regular meetings and testing

As per us, there should be group meetings at every stage. This helps in minimizing the errors, keeps the team connected, and gives you a clear idea if you are staying up to the client’s expectations. Testing your work at every stage adds to your credibility. And testing especially at this stage will bring the whole project together. Test all your designs and their functions. See if there are any missing loops, and analyse how the screen interacts. By now, most of the work is done. Before moving on to the last step make sure that the app is cohesive and refined.

8. Create the prototype

Well, the time has finally come when your design will come to life. Now, transform the wireframe into a prototype. Keep interacting with the screens to see if they are up to the mark. Let every person from the team go through the app, take their feedback, and work on perfecting the app. If you are 100 per cent sure, the project is ready for handover. However, your work just does not end there. You ought to provide the best customer service, as it defines your organization’s reputation. The app stays alive only if it woos the customers and users. And for that, don’t let a single stone unturned.

Final Thoughts

The process of wireframing is simple but the outcome of incorporating it in mobile application development ensures that the project is handed over to the client flawlessly or rather efficiently. Our blog by now must have answered all your doubts and likewise, it has shown how this process makes the app profitable. In essence, wireframing sets a great foundation for the application. If you wish to do so, contact our team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html for more details.
By App-Scoop, ago

The confluence of IoT and Web Development, and its impact

If you think that the internet has changed your life, think again.
The Internet of Things is about to change it all over again!
– Brendan O’Brien

The Internet of Things (IoT) – this concept is compelling and most of all, it has genuinely transformed the way we look at the world or, may we say, ‘things’ or ‘devices’. The internet sure has brought the world to our feet, but let’s face it, IoT and web development has single-handedly pushed us to make better use of the resources, given us better business opportunities, streamlined management, improved work safety, well, the list of its advantages is endless.

This concept has penetrated the industries to such an extent that 94 per cent of the retailers were stunned by the way how implementing IoT outweighed the risks. That said, this technology has improved the efficiency of 83 per cent of organisations. Whilst we are talking about technology, IoT sure has left its print on several entities. Especially web development. In this blog, we will address various aspects of IoT and web development. And the impact of IoT on the latter.

What is IoT?

• IoT describes the network of physical objects as ‘things’.
• These ‘things’ are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies.
• The purpose is to connect different things in pursuit of exchange and collection of data in real-time.
• Studies suggest by 2025, there will be 152,200 IoT devices connecting to the internet per minute.
• IoT-enabled devices connect a large network.
• On the flip side, security at times can be an issue.
• In essence, courtesy of innovation, IoT connects devices and humans!

What is web development?

As you are reading this blog, we take the liberty of assuming that you like the way our website looks and functions. It is the work of a web developer to make the website look alive and great, and function seamlessly. Devs, also known as web developers write codes in different languages to build the website. Web Development is divided into two parts: Frontend and Backend. When it comes to defining web development, let’s go word by word.

Web: A platform that works on the Internet such as a website or web pages.
Development: Developing and creating the website from the grassroots level and maintaining it.

What is an IoT web app?

In this concept, the IoT device makes use of the frontend and the backend of the web application to perform functions such as the collection of data, analysing it, and providing the results.

• The main aim is to connect devices and gather information.

• IoT web apps work seamlessly and provide users with great GUIs.

• It allows people to interact and collaborate.

Role of IoT in web development:

Let’s get answering the million-dollar question. What’s the connection between IoT and web development? In all fairness, these parallel lines meet if you have an eye for innovation. In fact, in today’s world, IoT and web development go hand in hand. Take, for instance, Amazon Alexa. It is a classic example of how technology connects humans and devices. One command ‘Hello, Alexa’ and the device is at your disposal. Alexa is connected to the internet and has an IP address. When you give it a command, it processes by connecting with the backend of the web application. Once analysed it performs any command. So, yes, IoT and development are connected. 

For beginners, we mentioned that IoT connects devices and humans. And we humans clearly understand the importance of websites, and not one day goes that we don’t make use of it. Web development sure has made our lives easy in many ways, but it does come with a set of challenges. The incorporation of IoT will streamline several web developments features such as its architecture, creative and free-flowing UI, and will take the communication with the website layouts and operational models to the next level.

How will IoT impact the web development industry?

Over the years, IoT has shown how it has the power to change the world. Its growing popularity has pushed several developers and designers to integrate this technology into web development. Let’s find out how IoT will impact the web development industry.

Impact 1: Making lives easier

The IoT-based web application can commutate with different smart devices. This will provide information to users on the go. With this, these apps perform a wide range of activities. Further provides a huge relief for the users when in need.

Impact 2: Charismatic UI Experience

The product becomes a heartthrob if it provides a dynamic user experience. All said and done, it becomes a tedious task to stay abreast with the latest trends and keep updating the UI. And in all fairness, developing a flawless UI is not a cakewalk. However, IoT gives the devs a chance to experiment and create UI that will woo the users. Incidentally, it also allows the developers to conduct AB testing in development and pick what works the best for them.

Impact 3: Chatbots and more chatbots

We have already seen the way chatbots have eased the pressure on organizations. Making use of machine learning, these chatbots converse with the user to solve their problems. By incorporating more such chatbots into web development, the future sure will be bright. And we see that happening soon.

Impact 4: Data Management

Let’s face it, managing data is a tedious task. Let alone analyzing it – it’s indeed a headache. Gathering user input on the live website, scouting it, and then investigating it is a mammoth task. At times, concluding on the search patterns may not go as intended. That’s when IoT comes into the picture. IoT devices are database-dependent. This whole process will help in enhancing the knowledge about user behaviour. This technology is known for collecting and processing a large volume of data. 

Read more: https://imaginovation.net/blog/iot-impact-web-app-design-development/

Impact 5: High Standards

IoT is complex yet target-orientated technology. Understanding and incorporating it into web development needs high-level knowledge of coding, database management, and programming. Web developers, who wish to integrate this technology, need to pull up their socks and extend their knowledge base. They ought to continuously upgrade their pool of knowledge. Taking online courses, and regularly staying up to date with the latest IoT trends will bring them back in this game.  

Impact 6: Strong Backend

The backend part of the website includes APIs, database, server-side, framework, and operating system. In short, the backend is the backbone of any system as it withholds tonnes of crucial data, facilitates information transfer, adds utility to frontend functionality, it helps in improving the user experience, etc. Hence, the backend has to be robust. When IoT come into the frame, it helps the backend carry out these processes efficiently. This further reduces the developer’s workload. 

Final Thoughts

To grow a business all one needs is an open mind as it allows one to integrate entities that are beneficial for your organization. Be it IoT or web development, both have shown their worth individually. And their integration is quite impactful too. This blog must have given you a clear idea of how the amalgamation of IoT and web development will enhance your business performance. If you wish to do so, contact our team: https://www.app-scoop.com/contact-us.html for more details.

By App-Scoop, ago