Benefits of Android App Development for businesses and individuals

Android is an open source development platform and is one of the leading mobile device operating system. Recently, there has been a massive increase in the number of Android app developers. Some of the obvious reasons behind this prolific increase are because of the fact that, it enables developers to explore its potential without the need of availing copyrights and permissions. Android development is backed by a massive and enthusiast team of developer’s community. They are constantly working on various technologies and are helping in developing latest technology and sophisticated advancements.

 

Cost effective as well as productive mobile platform :-

Building Android based applications requires comparatively less investment than other mobile app development platforms. Creating and setting-up Android based system or Android development environment requires a minimal or almost no investment. The development tools are all available for free to the developers. Being a free and open source development platform it facilitates programmers and designers to build advanced and cutting edge application with a very minimum expenditure.

Today, Android operating system is used in most cell phones and mobile devices. Android is also expected to be used in other wearable smart devices as well. Android doesn’t impose any strict restrictions when it comes to developing applications; Developers are facilitated to create numerous applications, without acquiring any license expenses. Setting-up Android SDK doesn’t demands for any resources and investment.

Modification apps can be freely availed which in turn reduces the development cost and effort. Business organizations would require minimal expenditure and are capable of gaining a staggering amount of profits from the Android based programs.

Advanced integration option for Android app development:

Android app development is probably the best option for inter app integration. If businesses are willing to cross promote several programs then Android is the way to go. It offers features and functionalities to connect and communicate between different apps and platforms.

Superior marketing and commercialization options:

Android’s wide presence has offered businesses and programmers with the best platform to commercialize and promote their products and services to a wider group of audience with must investment and effort. Because of the fact that it holds the largest market share in terms of Operating System presence; it would facilitate organizations to reach a wider group of their targeted customers within a very short time and without much effort.

Businesses should hire an experienced and expertise Android developer team to create innovative apps that could successfully market and promote their businesses products and services.

Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 found running Android 5.X ‘Key Lime Pie’

Google might have unveiled the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean a few weeks back yet they haven’t stopped testing the next gen Android version ‘Key Lime Pie’. The Nexus-7 and the Nexus-4 device have been spotted with a build number KRS36B, which is suggesting that Google is testing the next Android version. They were spotted at the chromium Bug tracker and were first picked by Android Headline who also noted that it’s time to start looking for the next version of Android which is expected to come in October along with the Google Nexus 4 and 10.

The successor to Android Jelly Bean is widely dubbed as Key Lime Pie although it hasn’t been confirmed yet. From the build number, publications notes and build number it can be suggested that the next version would be names Key Lime Pie or something starting with ‘K’ just like the build number for Jelly Bean was JWR66V.

Android Headline predicts that the nest gen Android version might bring some refined user interface with more convenient user experience. There is also a hint for the improved NFC capabilities. It looks like the Android 4.3 would be the final release for the Jelly Bean version and Android 5.X or the Key Lime Pie would be the next big release from tech giant Google. Nothing has yet been confirmed by Google but we guess it would definitely bring-in some new changes and features that would make Android more enjoyable.

Android developers around the world are eagerly waiting to get their hands on the Key Lime Pie version. With new features and functionalities would bring new challenges and opportunities to the programmers and developers.

Google’s Schmidt says Chrome and Android will remain separate

Executive Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt said that they will keep its OSes, Android and Chrome separate. In India, he attended an IT event called Big Tent Activate Summit and said the two operating systems will remain separate and independent products, but there will be more “commonality” among them.

But Schmidt’s current statements seem to contradict his previous comments. Back in February 2011, he told delegates at the Mobile World Congress trades how that Chrome and Android would unite. He had said “We’re working overtime to get those technologies merged in the right way,” and added: “I learned a long time ago, don’t force technology to merge when it’s not ready, wait for the technology to mature to the point when it can be merged.” So basically Chrome and Android will be merged, but also won’t be rushed.

Google’s quasi-desktop OS Chrome and its mobile OS Android would be merged were rumored earlier when head of Android, Andy Rubin, was assigned with other role with Sundar Pichai, head of Chrome and apps. Pichai did not leave his existing duties rather added Android division to his Chrome and apps portfolio, implying merge of both OS.

Chrome and Android remaining independent has much the same emphasis as Schmidt’s comments from two years ago — when he said they would merge, ultimately. It’s likely Google needs to wait for the market to mesh with its mobile centric vision — so growing the Android platform and expanding its reach is one way Mountain View may have been “working overtime”.

The ultimate unification of Chrome and Android is inevitably since the differences between hardware categories are being eroded. Chrome OS was announced in mid 2009, at a time when netbooks were at its pinacle. The launch of the iPad in 2010 created the tablet category for which quickly became widely demanded and started replacing mini laptops, putting the emphasis on touch and mobile computing. And from that wearable smart devices are also on its way. So the ultimate question is not if Chrome and Android will merge rather how soon it will happen.

Apparently Android Application Development will always be a top priority and merger of both OS will bring new opportunities to the developers to build application for future OS fused devices.

Google has released Gmail 4.3 update for the Android users

On March 19^th Google released an update for the Android devices. These improvements are made to specifically address the speed of email handling. The changes were made so that the users can save time with the most frequently used actions like replying, archiving and searching. Google have also mentioned that the users might have to get used to the new features whereas the updates should eventually be able to improve user’s experience and make it easier for the consumers.

In this latest release, Google has added direct actions in the notifications. Users are now enabled to reply messages, archive it, or can delete emails straight from the notifications. Users are also facilitated to search messages directly from the notification. The company suggested changing the mail setting to limit the amount of push notifications being received.

Google stated “You can combine this with existing notification features like the ability to customize which messages you receive notifications for and set up different sounds for individual labels. So if you filter and label all the messages from your mom, you could set a ringtone to let you know you received a new mail from her and then quickly reply (because we know what can happen when you ignore your mother!)”

The update requires Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) which can be downloaded from Google Play.

Users who are not on the latest version of Android have also received some minor updates. The Gmail app has received search improvements in Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) and above. Furthermore, Google says the app also includes “better search suggestions,” although it wouldn’t specify exactly what it has changed or added. Users using Froyo or Gingerbread which more than 50 percent of Android users still are; have received performance improvements. As for other new features, the user won’t be able to take advantage until third-party app developers decide to leverage the newly added Labels API.

Here are the Gmail version 4.3 features for numerous Android versions:

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and above: Reply, archive or delete emails directly from notifications, doesn’t require to open the application.

Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above: Faster search, even when offline. It also includes numerous bug fixes and performance improvements.

Android 2.2 and above: New Labels API for 3rd-party app developers as well as performance improvements.

Google’s Gmail update will bring numerous possibilities to Android Mobile Application Development. For Android 2.2 developers will be creating third party apps to avail features to older Android versions.