What’s new with macOS Catalina?
Apple truly revolutionised the personal desktop industry with its mac line of computers. Central to its success was the refined and efficient operating system – macOS. Since its inception, Apple has periodically released new versions of the operating system with the latest being macOS Catalina. The company has constantly strived to up the ante with regard to both its software and hardware, setting new benchmarks every time. In this blogpost, we will take a look at the new macOS Catalina and what it brings to the table. We will also see what’s in store for mobile app developers.
New Changes
The support for 32-bit has officially ended with the new OS. That means some older and native applications running on 32-bit would stop working on Catalina. In other words, developers would need to revamp or update their applications to 64-bit or remain content with Mojave – the previous version. The only consolation, if it is, is that during the installation process Apple throws up a list of applications that won’t work after the update.
In good news to developers, Catalina opens up new avenues of web development under the name of Catalyst. It is an initiative by Apple that allows for infusing productivity into workflow applications as part of its revamp of the third party mobile application development services.
In further improvements to accessibility, Catalina expands the scope for the same with enhanced voice control. Developers need to take stock of this and work on developing a new class of applications or expand the boundaries of existing applications to permit voice control. This goes a long way in helping the differently abled. Many game-changing apps can be developed if the mind is put to the test.
A feature that has been present on iOS is now ported to Catalina and that is the ScreenTime app. For those of us who easily get caught up in the virtual world or have trouble in shutting off work, this feature will come in handy. Why? It provides a dashboard of sorts to the user on their desktop usage. How much time they are spending and on which app. It doesn’t stop there. Screen Time also allows to set timers for different applications, thereby helping users to close them at the appropriate time. It will improve our productivity in the long term.
The Best Feature
Finally, there is the Sidecar. It is touted to be the most impressive update with macOS Catalina. Sidecar, as the name might suggest, turns the user’s iPad into a secondary display of the desktop. All that is required on the part of the user is that they need to sign in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. Once connected, users can transfer the content on the mac to their iPad by using the trackpad navigations. With the Apple pencil, users can further edit or implement modifications easily, that is otherwise not possible on the mac.
As you might have noticed, the latest Catalina update from Apple is all about enhancing productivity of users in all means possible. Having gone through the blogpost, what do you think about Catalina? Do feel free to share your thoughts below.
For further queries to hire an iOS developer, contact our developer team here.
React Native powers more mobile apps than you think
Few years back, Facebook launched an open source mobile application framework by the name of React Native. As soon as it launched, mobile app developers soon began adopting it for developing high end mobile applications on several platforms like Android, iOS, Web etc. Many new generation clients wanting to develop their business online have been on the lookout to hire an Android developer. Sometimes, the same clients are also looking to hire an iOS developer to cater to a larger market. In this context, there is scope for mobile app developers to develop innovative applications to solve critical problem statements, given that people are transacting online more on their handheld devices. Released in 2015, React Native quickly became popular amongst mobile app developers and is used widely to develop various applications. In this blogpost, we will take a look at some of the prominent mobile applications both in Android and iOS.
Instagram is the most popular photo sharing social media network out there. It was popular even before Facebook acquired it in 2012. Prior to acquisition, Instagram was essentially a native app which meant that there were multiple versions catering to different smartphones. With the coming of React Native, Instagram was able to transform itself rapidly to the extent it was deployed even on the web. The framework has helped the photo sharing network to add more features that hinge on customer satisfaction. All these resulted in the milking of one key metric – engagement.
Bloomberg
Most of us would be familiar with Bloomberg. For the uninitiated, Bloomberg is an online platform for all news across the world delivered in a highly unique personalised fashion. In fact, the current form of the app is attributed to React Native’s influence – enhancing interactions and engagement.
Skype
Skype is one of the most popular video calling applications that was launched even before smartphones emerged on the scene. It quickly asserted its presence in the mobile app store to leverage on the new front camera and convenient portability feature of the smartphone. But there was a problem. Originally developed by Microsoft using the UWP framework, it was initially only restricted to Windows 10 phones that weren’t that popular. However, with React Native, it was possible to design Skype for other mobile platforms.
UberEats
With increasing prevalence of food delivery applications, it only made sense for UberEats to utilise React Native’s powerful features to be the snappy, vibrant mobile application it is today. Prior to that, UberEats experienced problems of incomplete information. Nothing can be more frustrating for customers than not being able to order food online, right? Fortunately, the open source framework eliminated all such performance issues resulting in massive jump in downloads.
Airbnb
This online accommodation booking platform sensed that customers were booking more on their mobile. Due to paucity of resources for developing native apps, it adopted React Native framework early to develop multi-platform applications. Now the company is able to deliver a much richer user experience and also able to release new versions quickly. After all, this is exactly what is needed to stay ahead of the competition.
Clients are always looking to enlist quality mobile app development services to build high quality applications. But it doesn’t stop there. The real challenge is to keep updating their apps with evolving customer preferences and outside competition. While you may have glimpsed at some of the framework’s advantages – Open Source, Rapid Development, Multi-Platform and so on, finding the right developer with expertise in the framework is a challenge, given that the framework was launched only a few years back.
What’s new on iOS 13?
Apple has always been at the forefront of change and innovation. However, many tech analysts are now of the view that this has been on the wane in recent years. Nevertheless, geeks, customers and even mobile app development companies get excited whenever the company comes up with a new product or software. In fact, the excitement is so contagious that it riles up the social media even before the official event. Couple of weeks back, the new iPhones were launched. Although touted to be just an incremental iteration, it is said to have support for some future technologies. The aim of this blogpost is to focus on the new version of the operating system – iOS 13 – and how it will elevate the overall user experience in the iPhone ecosystem.
With respect to iOS 13, a lot of changes have been brought in that are both cosmetic as well as functional. In other words, clients can hire an iOS developer to work on new ancillary apps. Before we talk about the new features, we must let you know that the new iOS 13 will be supported from iPhone 6S onwards. Those people who have models that were released before the 6S have to make do with iOS 12. The biggest change that is sort of transformational is hardware oriented but needs support of iOS 13 is the Apple tag. It is basically a Bluetooth tracker mechanism that can be used to track essential items like keys, accessory gadgets etc. These tags are slated for release along with the new iPhones.
The other big changes in iOS 13 have tried incorporate many long-time demands from customers. For instance, now there is support for the swipe keyboard that allows users to type by sliding our fingers across the keyboard. Termed QuickPath keyboard, this feature is sure to entice Apple users who want to send texts with ease. The keyboard can be interchanged whenever required. Next, there is support for a dark mode – cosmetic change. What is dark mode? The theme and background across the entire UI will turn from white to dark including applications that have support for it. Dark mode, users say, provides for a much immersive experience and operate for long hours with ease – lesser strain on the eyes. The dark mode can even be automatically turned on after sunset.
As with every update, the new iOS 13 will strive to make your phone faster, efficient and snappier. This reflects into real time usage – apps open faster, faster facial recognition, enhanced battery life with acquiring more intelligence about iPhone usage. Now users have a reason to stay put with their older phones and maybe wait out a year or two longer to get this year’s iPhone. Siri is now revamped with a more natural voice and greater responsiveness and intelligence – it can identify and distinguish different family member voices – which is always a good thing in terms of security. With an enhanced Siri, routine tasks like setting reminders have become more intuitive. To add to it, the reminders section is also revamped with a new look. Yet another new fun features are the memojis that will have more combinations and even supports users without TrueDepth camera to use them. iOS 13 has upgraded Apple maps on a par with Google maps hopefully, something that must be tested before coming to a verdict.
But perhaps, one of the most important change is the introduction of Apple sign-in. Touted to be more secure than Google or Facebook, this feature will allow users to sign in to apps using the Apple account with the guarantee of protection and privacy.
Designing the Search for Your Mobile App
The search bar has become an integral part of our lives. With a few clicks, people are able to look up on something they want to know. The advent of smartphones has transformed the search process even more. Most mobile applications too have Search integrated into it. As the scope for mobile-online business models widens, web developers will have to look for ways to design the Search functionality innovatively. Doing so will directly and indirectly result in more end sales. After all, when it comes to mobile applications, it is all about convenience. Hiring dedicated android developers or iOS developers will enable clients to develop rich applications aimed at bringing positive in-app experiences.
Our developer team, providing a variety of mobile app development services, delve into the process of designing Search. It is influenced by factors such as context, app functionality and depth of information.
The first thing that mobile app developers must know before attempting to designing Search is the difference between desktop visitors and mobile app visitors. The latter category of people wants a faster and convenient experience. But owing to the limited real estate in the case of mobiles, the significance of the Search bar becomes more realised.
We will look at two aspects in designing Search – the layout and physical design of the Search bar itself and the displaying of results as per the app.
With regard to physical designs and layouts, there are many kinds such as a top/ bottom layout, bar/ tab/ magnifying glass designs etc; Clients who want to hire mobile app developers would do well to provide information of their business and what they want to achieve with their mobile app. This information will be useful in formulating the design elements and layout of the Search.
A top layout is relevant for mobile apps driven by search, or in other words, visitors open your app primarily to search for information on products – eg: cab aggregator apps focussed on pickup and drop destinations. On the other hand, a bottom layout Search enhances the primary purpose of the app.
Depending on the screen space for your mobile app, you can appropriately design the Search – be it bar/ tab/ magnifying glass. For instance, if you have used the YouTube app, you might have noticed the magnifying glass for a Search. This is due to lack of space in the top navigation bar that is occupied by the logo and the upload video functionality. Therefore, adhere to intended purpose of app and implement it effectively.
The second aspect – presenting the results – is more related to the target segment of your business. There are different kinds of searches namely simple, filtered and predictive search. In Simple search, it is left to the visitor to type the relevant query. Mobile developers can display results according to the search keyword.
Filtered searches are appropriate for online businesses selling products, especially those that sell a vast inventory of products. Visitors will be able to customise and narrow their searches.Clients can communicate to their hired mobile app developers on how they want to display their results (products) in an appealing manner. Predictive search is useful for apps containing large amounts of content. It helps the visitors to come to know related search queries as they type. This search also greatly aids in smooth repeat purchases – case in point – cab aggregator apps that display recent ride destinations even before they type.
The team at HireIndianProgrammers has a mix of both android and iOSdevelopers. We have developed several mobile app development projects for our clients, both android and iOS. Our mobile app development services also cover support and maintenance with no messy contracts. If you are in the stage of developing an online business venture or expansion of the same or improve upon your mobile app, you can hire an iOS developer or an android developer, depending on your needs.