Top 14 Android Frameworks to Create Your Mobile App

Mobile applications are one of the binding forces that connect businesses with their customers on a more personal level. Thus, allowing the customer to feel as though they are appreciated and looked after. As such, the business builds a stronger brand and reputation. 

With constant advances occurring in today’s digital world, companies of all sizes are taking part in the development of apps, incorporating them into their marketing strategies, and engagement purposes. 

Most businesses prefer to customize their apps, and make them unique to their own products. Which is why many resort to building their apps on an Android operating system. Android has many varying features that give developers more options to customize, along with a large community that offers assistance and guidance. 

However, it’s not as simple as deciding you’re going to use an Android framework to customize your mobile application. App development is no easy task and there are so many options to choose from. But do not stress! We’re here to give you a list of the best 14 Android frameworks to work with: 

Game Development

1. Unity 

This is the best Android development framework when it comes to multi-platform 2D, 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality-based games or experiences. There are both cost-free and premium varieties available to choose from. Developers are either able to develop with C# or UnityScript language (similar to JavaScript). 

Unity allows developers to export their games onto varying platforms such as iOS and Windows. As it is a physics engine, developers are able to control a range of features like momentum, light rendering, and graphic aspects. It also has a built-in editor which enables you to manage animations and edit any images. 

One of the biggest advantages of Unity is that it is fairly easy to use and allows developers to establish an outstanding platform that can form a great connection with your company’s consumers. 

High Performance Development 

2. Kotlin 

Kotlin is a modern programming language for Android, which incorporates resources from both functional and object-orientated programming. It runs on a Java Virtual Machine and as such, uses the same idea as Java coding language. 

Developing apps with Kotlin, you have the guarantee that they will be just as quick and efficient as ones that are created with Java. As of 2020, Kotlin is regarded as the 4th most preferred programming language. Platforms like Pinterest, Uber, and Twitter are migrating to Kotlin for their Android application development process. 

3. Corona SDK 

If you’re looking to create fast apps and games, this could be the platform for you! Corona SDK enables 10x faster development speeds than any other framework. This framework is completely free and available for both Windows and Mac OS X! 

It also integrates native UI support with a well-versed advertising platform and over 500 APIs. The API features are great for networking, design graphics, particle effects, widgets, and so much more! Corona SDK is easy to learn and gives you the ability to integrate into Android for the developers. 

4. Sencha Touch 

This is an enterprise-first platform that’s created for native mobile app development and is based on HTML5 and JavaScript, allowing for the creation of various Android apps. It comes ready with almost 50 built-in UI fundamentals and native themes, which helps developers to develop attentive and audience-grasping applications. 

Sencha Touch uses hardware acceleration tools in order for the apps to function with high performance. Some of the main pros include: compatibility, fast execution, and responsive touch features. When building an app with this framework, you’ll be creating an immersive platform for your users with smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and greatly adaptive features.

5. TheAppBuilder 

This framework uses HTML5 to support a code-less user interface. What does that mean? You don’t need to know how to code in order to create an app! It has an effective drag-and-drop framework that allows developers to create apps quickly and efficiently. 

It comes ready with content updates, push notifications, feedback and polls. Once your app is created, you’re able to submit it directly to the Google Play store to increase your businesses reach with a diverse group of consumers. One of the greatest features of TheAppBuilder is the generation of analytical reports, so you’re easily able to find any complications and solve them!

6. SproutCore

This is an open-source JavaScript framework that is fantastic for developing REALLY FAST apps with all sorts of features! SproutCore is an HTML5 platform (designed by Apple), which utilizes a MVC design. This enables for high performance and comparability for your application. 

It comes equipped with a complete set of tools that are needed to develop a desktop application, this includes: UI components, routing, testing and deployment resources. With over 50,000 tools, this framework has worked its way up to the top for Android app development. 

Native App Development 

7. React Native 

This is a strong open-source framework that gives support for various development tools and their IDEs. Many well-known companies use React Native to develop their apps, such as: Walmart, Instagram, and Tesla. 

A great feature is that most of their APIs are cross-platform, meaning developers can program their code just once and run it wherever. This ultimately improves the speed and saves the company money! 

As with most frameworks, React Native has building blocks for its development process. Developers are able to integrate updated files whilst keeping the current state of the app. 

8. Xamarin 

This framework (owned by Microsoft), is equipped with a state-of-the-art toolset, which allows developers to create native apps for various mobile platforms on a C# coding language. As it is owned by Microsoft, it uses their cloud testing abilities to test the apps built on multiple devices. 

The code-sharing features of Xamarin is one of the leading factors, as it reduces time and the amount of issues run into during the development process. 

9. Appcelerator Titanium 

Similarly to others, this is an open-source platform for developing native apps with (and there’s no catch here): a single JavaScript code! It’s quite liked as it allows for the development of multi-platform apps which use approximately 60%-90% of the already written code. 

Appcelerator Titanium makes use of hardware features such as OS-centric controls, Android menu options, and platform notifications. Some other great features incorporated into this framework are: application monitoring, automated testing, and performance regulation. 

Hybrid App Development 

10. Ionic 

This is a completely free framework that is approved by MIT and enables developers to create advanced hybrid apps with the use of CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript. It is popular due to its cross-platform abilities and the capability to incorporate AngularJS. 

Ionic hosts a command-line interface which integrates features such as logging, emulators, and live reload. Also, it has the ability to migrate to various services like Instagram and Google Play! 

11. Flutter 

This framework is created by Google and is a multi-platform mobile SDK which can be used to develop your very own mobile applications. However, it works slightly different from most Android frameworks. 

Flutter utilizes a cross-platform process and uses the Dart coding language. Flutter though, is definitely one of the best choices for hybrid app development. 

The greatest advantages: 

• Quick rendering 

• Screen reader 

• Cross-platform 

• Hot reload 

• Fast development 

• Open-source and free 

• Themes for both iOS and Android 

12. Cordova 

Cordova, like other frameworks, is an open source platform that developers can use to create multi-platform accessible applications with a single code base such as Appcelerator Titanium. It operates based on standard web technologies; CSS3, JavaScript, and HTML5. It is a medium between mobile and web applications. 

Although Cordova is mainly designed to develop online apps, it is able to offer support for offline situations, which makes it ideal for the development of desktop applications.

13. PhoneGap 

This is an open-source framework which is supported by both Adobe and Apache. It enables developers to create apps using CSS3, HTML5, and JavaScript. It allows developers to simultaneously view the changes during the development process. 

It is most often used for developing hybrid apps, and is able to perform highly along with the freedom aspect, which means developers can work without hardware restrictions. 

14. NativeScript 

Another top framework for hybrid application development is a free open-source platform, which allows developers to build apps using TypeScript, Vue, or Angular. The great thing about this framework is the ability to reuse plugins from those directly in the projects, which is a huge plus for developers. 

NativeScript is especially great for experienced developers in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to create highly advanced apps. One of the greatest advantages being: UIs with the platform’s engine in order to receive results in native-like UIs and performance capabilities. As such, guaranteed success! 

14 Frameworks and Still Unclear on Which to Choose?  

Choosing the right Android framework is no easy task, especially if you’re not an experienced developer. Each business has different needs which would correspond differently to each framework. At ISU Corp we’re able to assess everything together and help you make the right choice. 

Interested? Contact us today! 

 

 

 

8 App Ideas to Build Your Brand

Since the start of the mobile app invention, the way they operate and the way in which you and I use online services have changed immensely. Apps being one of the largest contributors to growing profits, more and more businesses are inclined to join the playing field. 

Not only are mobile apps a great way to promote your brand and increase your earnings, you can also establish better customer relations, by gaining their trust with a strong technical development environment. 

When trying to think of an idea for an app, it can be difficult to find the right one. Here’s a list to help you out: 

1. Education 

If students are already spending so much time on their phones, why not make use of it in an educational sense? An app that would surely do well is an editing mobile app! Teachers are always telling students to proofread their work before submitting it and what better way to do so?

A developer could create such an app to highlight grammatical errors and potentially suggest different style-choice words. Along with this, when it comes to researching, some valuable information isn’t online because it’s stored away in libraries. Why not create an app that has access to older books with informative content that can’t otherwise be found with a simple Google search? 

Maybe even your business could benefit from the creation of a sort of LinkedIn app, but one that serves solely for students looking for internships or entry-level jobs. This could be a space for students to post their resumes and get easily connected with professionals. 

2. Travel App Ideas 

Obviously we are living through a pandemic right now, but it won’t last forever (here’s hoping)! As soon as it’s over, the first thing people will want to do is travel and leave their homes after being cooped up inside for so long. The travel industry is a booming market and will only continue to be as soon as travel restrictions are lifted. 

With that said, there are so many apps that can be developed to help out fellow travelers. 

Think of an app like a luxurious uber, for wealthy clients looking to book private transportation or rent specific vehicles while traveling. Maybe even recommendations for booking private jets, boats, and trailer trucks. 

Expanding off the idea of airbnb wouldn’t be too bad, it’s a large market and there’s much innovation to be done! 

3. Augmented Reality 

As technological advancements like augmented reality (AR) are on the rise, this is the time to invest! Why not consider an AR-based application to help build brand awareness for your business? 

If you’re in the furniture business for example, you can create an app where people can virtually combine different furniture sets together and create a type of augmented reality virtual store. Bring your brand into life with an app like this! 

4. University Students 

With all the rustle and bustle of university life, it can be hard to manage time between assignments, exams, and so forth. Create an app where students can have easy access to their syllabus to view due dates, a schedule manager for assignments, maybe even a click through action for student support. 

By creating an app that would include a feature for class or homework reminders, or even potential scholarships for financial assistance, this idea would more than likely take off towards success! 

5. Healthcare 

Although there are plenty of technological advancements helping everyday modern healthcare, the sector is still lacking in proper mobile apps. Creating an app side-by-side with healthcare professionals can help stimulate medical talks, procedures, patient symptoms, cures, and such. 

You could also combine this idea with an AR-based app, allowing doctors to visualize the human body to better explore and discover causes of certain illnesses. If you’re in the supplier business, create an app that serves as a medium between hospitals and suppliers, connecting each other to surgical equipment, various appointments, etc. 

Quick and efficient communication is heavily emphasized within this sector. 

6. Fitness 

With quarantine and all, people are looking to get back into shape! Although this is a more competitive landscape, there’s still lots of room for improvement. Incorporate features from various successful apps like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit and create something unique. 

If you’re a business selling workout equipment, why not create an app to give free trials, virtual workout sessions, and of course, an app to sell your equipment. You could even offer advice from fitness experts like diet plans or workout routines. 

7. Music 

The love for music lives on in everyone! Streaming music services are growing more and more in today’s climate. It may be hard to create an entirely new app in relation to this, but you could collaborate and create playlists!

By doing so, it will increase brand awareness and evidently customer relations and sales. 

8. Virtual Reality 

Just like AR, virtual reality (VR) is enhancing our daily lives and is only becoming more and more popular. VR-based apps can be useful for a wide range of purposes, from education to entertainment, there’s much room to grow and invent something new. 

For instance, combine your music playlist with a VR world immersed in a calm environment for a meditation session. This can relate back to the healthcare industry as well, as meditation is proven time and time again to improve one’s mental health. 

In terms of education, integrating learning mechanisms with technological advancements as such can enhance one’s knowledge. For example, if you’re teaching students about history, why not give them a tour of the medieval times in virtual mode? This will highly interest the students, only making them want to learn more and expand their knowledge! 

Niche Markets That Haven’t Been Explored: 

Maybe consider some of the following ideas for your next app invention:

• Adventure guide for unknown and rarely traveled locations 

• Guide on how to spend less and save more 

• Quiz app offering monetary prizes 

Ultimately though, the greatest way to come up with an idea for a new app launch is to do the following:

• Identify the problems that exist around you, then come up with a solution 

• Review existing apps in that field, find their weaknesses and come up with a great example

• Explore current trends in the market 

• Make sure to do your research and write down all the ideas that are flowing! 

Launch Date Approaching 

Now, you’ve come up with an amazing and unique mobile app idea, but don’t know where to start. Developing an app can be quite complex and difficult if you don’t have any developers with skills to do so. 

We can make it easy for you and guide you through the process. Let us help you create the next big thing in this fast-paced world! Contact us today. 

 

 

 

6 Ways to Grow Your Business with Artificial Intelligence

Technology is continuously advancing and enhancing our daily lives. Technologies within the scope of deep learning and machine learnings have sculpted the new norm for the way in which machines are now able to analyze information. 

Artificial intelligence specifically, is a prominent factor in today’s digital realm. It is a powerful resource that completely alters the way business is done, and today we’ll be looking at the way in which AI achieves certain business objectives. 

Advance and Enhance your Business 

AI is made up of automation features for cognitive and physical work. With this technology, your business will assist your employees with the overall performance of day-to-day tasks. AI serves as an employee in itself, with the ability to make decisions without an actual human present! 

You’re able to enhance automation with AI, which reduces the labour-driven and time-consuming tasks for the rest of your employees; allowing them to focus on more complex and significant work needs. 

A significant example of AI assistance is: smart weather. AI is able to combine data and climate scientists, giving businesses a chance to fight against challenging algorithms. 

AI is Changing the Playing Field 

If you told someone 10 years ago that there would be a technology capable of making business decisions without human intervention, they would’ve called you crazy! Fast forward to 2020, and more and more businesses are integrating AI into their everyday needs. 

As big data becomes more prominent, especially with aspects like storage and computing power, AI is able to take this information and increase human intelligence to better the scope of decision-making. Not only this, but AI is able to save you a lot of money with the elimination of human error. As such, this reduces time spent on making decisions, and the faster you produce, the more profit you’re able to earn. 

Here are 6 ways that AI can make a difference for your business:

1. Marketing Decision-Making 

Decision-making is constantly on the rise in today’s complex market climate. It is necessary to understand your customer’s needs in order to best align products towards them. Thus, marketing decisions are crucial for best selling practices. 

AI is able to help with this as it pertains to various simulations and modeling formats to provide insights into your diverse customer range. With access to these insights, your business is able to predict customer behaviour better than ever! With real-time data accumulation, trend analysis, and predictions, AI technology uses this information to make efficient insights. 

2. CRM 

AI enables your business to properly identify a customer’s lifetime value with the technology’s persona modeling factor. AI is able to manage and control various aspects during a decision-making process simultaneously. You may be wondering how?

AI can process and source large amounts of data sets within the fragment of mere minutes, all while continuously providing valuable customer insights! Algorithms can do it faster and better than any human can. 

3. Recommender System 

This is an engine which permits through AI technology to recommend certain products to its users. AI technology is able to gain knowledge on various consumer preferences based on implicit and explicit feedback. Taking this information, your business can reduce the amount of bounce backs occurring, along with being able to formulate a perfect target audience. 

4. Problem Solving 

This is a system solving software mechanism which attempts to replicate reasoning and knowledge from various experts. This AI technology uses thinking processes to provide data sets, including: analyses and recommendations for the problem at hand. Ultimately, helping your business make the right decision and respond to various challenges that may come up. 

5. Opinion Mining 

AI is not only able to provide software solutions, but also insights that drive marketing decisions, as previously discussed. These insights tell you about your consumers, help drive communication with them, and predict product demand, allowing your business to run quickly and efficiently. 

Opinion mining provides knowledge so your business can understand why people feel certain ways. Such as, one customer’s concerns might lead to a trend of a common concern. These trends are analyzed and gathered through this system to help your organization excel and create better customer relationships. This is all done through AI’s automation abilities, providing quick answers to make decisions. 

6. Augmented Analytics 

The greatest decisions are formed when businesses have access to reliable recommendations and data sets. AI is able to increase the performance of the entire business and give you proper insight into your competition. 

Make the Right Decision, Switch to AI 

AI has various applications to help businesses grow. With access to technological advancements, deep learning, and machine learning, your business will never make a bad decision again - not to mention the reduction of human error! 

It may seem like a big step to take, but it is one that will provide you value and efficiency. Most of all: a rise in profits! 

Get in touch with our experts today to start your AI journey.