Category Archives: Android Development

Android Provides The Best Opportunities For Growth In Developing Countries

Android Development

In the United States, the smartphone and smartphone app market is almost completely saturated.  Nearly 224 million smartphones are in active use which places limits on future market share growth.  Currently, Google’s share of the U.S. market accounts for approximately 40%-50%.  Periodic fluctuations in Google Android’s operating system market share is expected based on the timing of new releases of iOS, iPhones and iPads.

Instead of aggressively fighting for more of the U.S. market, Google and Android app developers are looking towards developing countries for continued growth and global dominance.  So far, the sky has been the limit for overseas markets; something mobile marketing strategists are surely paying attention to.  One reason for Android’s success abroad is not entirely about what Android offers.  Some of the growth Google and Android app developers see overseas is due to Apple’s rigid operating system and high entrance price.  

Below are 7 more reasons why Android apps and smartphones are taking over the globe:

  1. Google Android Play App Store is available in more than 134 countries.
  2. Google can process a myriad of payment types in each of those countries (credit card, gift card and direct-carrier billing).
  3. Mobile phone growth in developing countries is exploding with direct links to growth in GDP.
  4. Companies are developing and selling $50 smartphones, which run Android OS, in emerging economies.
  5. Google understands, and is working hard, to provide tools and tips to app developers so their apps are ready to be offered on the international market.
  6. Fragmentation within the Android universe is decreasing.
  7. Samsung is leading the pack in internet use by mobile devices worldwide and runs the Android OS.

When considering how to increase profits, developing countries need to be a part of a company’s mobile marketing strategy.  Whether the application is for business or pleasure, many new users will be accessing the app with an Android mobile device.  Mystic Media has the knowledge and capability to develop Android applications for both international and domestic markets.  Click here to learn more about our Google Android Development services.

Using Location-Based Apps To Create Geo-Targeted Free Marketing Campaigns

Android Development, iOS Development

Small businesses require a lot of time and energy.  For some, initial start-up costs can be a huge burden.  As expenses mount up, asset allocation can cause a lot of stress.  Every dollar spent has to be well worth the cost.  Sometimes, key areas of a business can be under-funded.  Mobile marketing budgets should not be one of them.  Cost-effective mobile marketing strategies exist, and should be taken advantage of.  One such strategy is to invest in developing a location-based application.

Location-based applications, or geo-location apps, give businesses an easy and cost-effective way to market themselves in the mobile community.  By placing a geo-location app in the hands of customers, the power to assist in mobile marketing campaigns is just a click away.  iPhone and Android apps, specifically built for geo-location, can greatly expand a business’s audience. 

Some of the many benefits of location-based services are:

  1. Free word-of-mouth marketing via social networks.
  2. Build brand awareness and loyalty.
  3. Form a closer relationship with customers.
  4. Make it easy for prospects to pop in when nearby.

Here is an example of how geo-location apps work:

  1. A customer heads out to their favorite clothing store, restaurant, coffee shop, or retail establishment.
  2. When they arrive, they “check-in”.
  3. A notification gets sent out to the customer’s social network, such as Facebook or Twitter advocating the business.
  4. Friends in the area can join in on the fun and “check-in” when they arrive too, notifying more and more people.
  5. For every 10 “check-ins” and/or for every 5 recommendations, a business might offer a loyalty discount or coupon on the customer’s next purchase.

The overall goal of  a location-based app is to form a stronger bond with customers and learn more about consumer habits.  Fortunately, location-based apps can be utilized by any business.  From clubs, to clothing stores, to restaurants and coffee shops, geo-location apps can be an effective and affordable part of any mobile marketing strategy. 

To learn more about the possibilities iOS and Android app development can provide small businesses contact Mystic Media today.  

Smartphones Help Patients Take Charge of Their Own Health

Android Development, Healthcare Tech, iOS Development

One of the biggest problems in healthcare today is missed medications.  Patients who knowingly, or accidentally, forget to take their prescription medication account for approximately 45% of all medication-related hospitalizations.  This problem leads to billions of dollars in annual health care costs.  Fortunately, this is one area of healthcare that is easily managed.  Medical apps for patients help stem the tide of increasing healthcare costs by placing medication and other health-management needs in the palm of their hands.

Medical apps are being developed for both Android and iPhone operating systems that offer gentle reminders to take medications and/or provide helpful information regarding symptoms and other basic medical questions.  In 2013, smartphone apps usage is growing at a fast pace.  Estimates project that over 20 billion apps will be downloaded in 2013.  Included in this number are medical apps for patients and for doctors. 

Some of the best medical apps for Android and for iPhones are:

  1. Drugs.com Medication Guide (Free) – Store all of your medication info, set reminders to take pills, look up prescription pills and learn about possible side effects.
  2. Diabetes in Check (Free) – Monitor type 2 diabetes with healthy eating tips (i.e. recipes and nutritional info), exercise reminders, blood sugar monitors and medication reminders.
  3. ZocDoc (Free) – Type in your zip code and insurance type and locate a doctor in your area that best suits your needs.
  4. WebMD (Free) – Check symptoms, learn more about a specific condition, identify pills and locate local health facilities in case of an emergency.

Of course, with the demand for medical apps growing daily, you should take advantage of this new market and let Mystic Media design an innovative smartphone app for you.  Contact us to learn more.

The Smartphone Is In: Are Mobile Medical Apps Replacing Doctors?

Android Development, Healthcare Tech, iOS Development

What does FDA regulation have to do with mobile phone applications?  It’s called mHealth and it is taking mobile health to a higher level.  With the ability to access information anywhere, smartphones and tablets are changing the way doctors provide care to their patients.  Mobile medical applications are growing at a very fast pace.  And with increasing demand on doctors to be in more than one place at a time, these health apps make it easier for doctors to deliver care.

Many mobile medical apps pose minimal to no risk at all to patients.  Health apps that turn mobile devices into medical devices can pose a risk and need federal regulation.  Some of these apps are only accessible to doctors.  However, a growing number of mobile health apps are directly available to patients – raising concerns that patients will believe themselves to be experts and not seek medical advice because their medical smartphone apps said this or that.  Thus, the need for some regulation of mobile health apps, not total regulation, seems appropriate.  In order to find out what medical apps are currently under FDA regulation, check out: http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/deviceregulationandguidance/ 

Mobile health apps increasing in popularity among doctors and patients are:

  1. iHealth Blood Pressure Monitor – Connect a cuff to your smartphone or tablet and monitor your blood pressure.
  2. SmartHeart – Uses wireless transmission to send information from your heart monitor to your mobile device.
  3. OnTrack Diabetes – Free application that allows diabetics to track crucial information connected to diabetic health: blood glucose, food, blood pressure, exercise, pulse, medication and weight.

One thing is for sure, mobile health apps are a trend that is continuing to grow.  mHealth is increasing in importance and mobile health apps are making things easier for doctors and patients alike.  If you are interested in tapping into the growing, lucrative market of medical-oriented apps, Mystic Media can create the mobile app you’re looking for.  Contact us to learn more.

Mac Isn’t So Big Anymore: Android Tops 2013 Tablet Purchases

Android Development

During the 2nd Quarter of 2012, Apple and Android tablets shared equally in leading total global shipments.  That was 2012.  In the 2nd Quarter of 2013, Apple tablet sales slipped from 17% to 14.6%.  Meanwhile, Android tablet sales rose from 18.5% to 34.6%.  Does this spell the end for Apple’s ability to compete in the tablet marketplace?  No, not really.  However, this does mean that Apple’s marketing team needs a new strategy.

Android’s steady progress is a result of building partnerships with the likes of Samsung, Amazon, Google and other tablet manufacturers.  This allows for new Android tablets to be released into the market every quarter.  Unfortunately for Apple, keeping pace with this type of productivity might not be possible.  Thus, with the release of Android Studio 0.2.0, Android tablets are definitely a device to focus on for your business’s marketing strategy.  

Here is a list of the top Android tablets in 2013 where your audience could find you:

  1. Nexus 7.2
  2. Sony Xperia Tablet Z
  3. ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime
  4. Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
  5. Amazon Kindle HD

Mystic Media can develop great Android Apps and mobile sites that are Android compatible to help you tap into this growing market.  Click here to learn more about our Android Development Services.

The Android App Honey-Do (and Don’t) List

Android Development

Android development for use in enterprise is still considered a new phenomenon.  For businesses interested in using Android Studio for app development, here is a list of do’s and don’ts for using Android apps to market your business:

Do:

  1. Develop a solid plan for implementation of the new Android product so that everyone understands functionality and how to fix problems should they arise.
  2. Find effective ways to manage mobile devices, especially if your company allows for BYOD.  Use partitions that keep personal and business sections separate.

Don’t:

  1. Security can’t fall by the wayside.  VPN support, partitioning and remote wiping/tracking will help you sleep easier at night.
  2. Individual customizations to Android software shouldn’t prevent you from using the software.  Broad compatibility is available to help your business operate across multiple devices and Android platform types.

Of course, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with managing or developing Android apps…you know who to turn to.  Click here to learn more about Mystic Media.

State of the Art Android Apps for Tomorrow’s Marketplace

Android Development

The new Android Studio 0.2.0 utilizes the latest IntelliJ IDEA interface for expert Android app development. Now your company to target multiple device types at once. Android Studio allows for a more nuanced development, with increased functionality, when you’re performing basic development tasks. Now all tasks are just a click away, instead of clicks away. Below is a list of capabilities enhanced in the new Android Studio:

  1. Creating Virtual Devices – all capabilities are accessible directly from the Android Studio interface.
  2. Installing SDK Updates – placed in the toolbar. Simply click on SDK Manager and download new tools, platforms and libraries for your app.
  3. Creating New Files – quickly add new resource files and code by clicking the appropriate directory in the Project pane.
  4. Creating Layouts – enhanced layout editor allows you to edit the XML while previewing the layout.
  5. Debugging – debug your app by launching the Android Debug Monitor, found by clicking ‘Monitor’ in the toolbar.

The new features of Android Studio make Android app development simpler, and helps to provide the end user with a fully functional, intuitive app. Contact Mystic Media today to consult with an expert Android app developer.