Category Archives: iOS Development

App Developers In Utah Have High Hopes For The iPad 5

Android Development, iOS Development

On October 22nd, Apple unveiled the iPad Air to an expectant crowd and it was warmly received.  The ‘Air’ is Apple’s 5th generation iPad and was in part based on design features from the iPad mini.  So, along with sporting greatly improved processing capabilities, the new iPad Air has a lighter and thinner body as well.  With all of these upgrades, many companies not only in Utah but throughout the 50 states are wanting to know how to find an expert app developer that can create an iOS application that maximizes the power of this device.

Before we begin, here are some of the new features of Apple’s iPad Air:

  1. 7.5 mm thick and weighs in at approximately 1 pound.
  2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is 72x faster.
  3. 64-bit A7 processor optimized to run iOS 7.
  4. M7 motion-sensing chip.
  5. Faster MIMO Wi-Fi.
  6. Capacity ranges from 16GB to 128 GB.
  7. 5 MP iSight camera and 1080p HD video.

In searching for an app developer in Utah, it is helpful to know a little bit about Apple, the history of the iPad and its place in the market.  The following information will help you understand a developer’s iOS programming capabilities.  Since its inception Apple has been the lead innovator in developing forward thinking computing technology.  When Apple unveiled the first iPad in 2010 it continued its stellar trend of trailblazing.  Soon thereafter, Apple unveiled the iPad 2 and so on.  Other companies have developed tablets but Apple still leads with approximately 81% of tablet market share.  Within its full complement of mobile devices (iPad, iPod, iPhone), Apple has avoided the fragmentation issues that plagued Android.  Without fragmentation issues, iOS developers have had an easier time developing apps.  Easier app development has led to superior functionality, better graphics and eye-catching advertisements.

So, with regards to how to find an app developer, the answer is pretty easy.  Top iPad app development companies have years of experience with iOS and app development and a portfolio to back it up.  In Salt Lake City, Mystic Media staffs the most experienced, professional and knowledgeable iOS programmers.  Mystic prides itself is offering the best iPad app development services around.  Call Mystic Media today for a free consultation and learn how mobile app development can help your Utah company.

How Much Should You Charge For Your iPhone App?

iOS Development

When trying to figure out how much to charge for your company’s iPhone app, there are a variety of factors to consider.  Typically, pricing schemes were based solely upon the cost of developing the app and the projected sales forecast to ensure a substantial return on the investment.  However, a new trend for pricing apps has emerged.  Utilizing new research, outlined below, companies in Salt Lake City as well as other states, are encouraged to charge absolutely nothing for their iPhone apps.

It is understood iOS app development is not free and company’s need to produce revenue to remain in business.  So why should iPhone apps be free?  The following list provides 5 compelling reasons why:

  1. Free iPhone apps provide opportunities for companies to generate ad revenue.
  2. Unlike television, app usage occurs consistently throughout the day.
  3. The percentage of free apps being downloaded has increased every year since 2011.
  4. Apps strengthen a users connection to a brand or company.
  5. Research predicts 56% of purchases will be made via apps in the next year.

So, if you want to develop an app for your company, don’t be surprised when an iOS development team suggests offering your app for free.  iOS app developers know even charging $.99 can significantly reduce demand.  In order to manage expenditures companies are tempted to select the cheapest iOS developer which is not a good idea.  iPhone users still demand great app content even though they will tolerate ads.  Ads in apps also need to be crafted in such a way to make them interesting and relevant for consumers and worthwhile for advertisers.  Selecting the best iOS app development service is key to making a free iPhone app generate revenue.

In Salt Lake City, Mystic Media provides the best iOS development services around.  Our developers know how to create iPhone apps to help your company exceed its goals.  Call Mystic Media today for a free consultation to learn why we are Utah’s premier iOS app development company.

Get Fit And Stay Fit With Mobile Health Apps

Android Development, Healthcare Tech, iOS Development

These days, many businesses are clamoring for ways to cut costs and still provide healthcare benefits.  One of the most effective ways to accomplish both is with Health and Wellness Programs.  Businesses who implement Health and Wellness Programs experience a decrease in yearly spending on health plans, by as much as 7%.  Along with saving money businesses also witness significant productivity gains.  By incorporating healthier lifestyles into the strategy and culture of their business, fewer employees miss work and morale is higher.

The most effective health and wellness programs address proper nutrition, exercise, and behavioral health.  Treating the whole person, and including everyone in the company, has been recognized as the most effective means for success.  Getting there can be a challenge:  gathering baseline info, setting schedules, understanding what to eat and tracking other metrics is time consuming.  However, it doesn’t have to be.  With mobile health (mHealth), information is easily gathered and the right incentives can be easy to provide.    

Everyday more and more consumers utilize apps on their iOS and Android mobile devices to track their health and fitness.  An effective healthcare app can make participating in Health and Wellness Programs fun and exciting.  A good healthcare app should combine proper nutrition and weight loss tips, with suggested activities, motivational texts and contests.  The power of social media can also be utilized to increase the fun.  Employees can post funny pictures of workout attire, unusual workout venues or exercises, and even show successes in weight loss.   

By promoting healthy lifestyle habits, businesses experience a decrease in healthcare costs and an increase in productivity.  Help your company incorporate healthier lifestyles into its strategy and culture with the best healthcare apps.  Mystic Media specializes in iOS and Android app development and can craft the perfect app for any company’s wellness program.  Contact us today for a free consultation, or click here to learn more about our capabilities.   

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.  

Keeping Healthy With Some Cool iPhone Apps

Healthcare Tech, iOS Development

With the explosion of mobile health, there are a lot of medical apps designed for the iPhone.   Nutrition apps monitor current lifestyle habits to help individuals stay healthy and avoid sickness.  There are also apps specifically designed for pregnant and nursing women to help new mothers monitor the health of the fetus and track feeding schedules.  A number of iPhone medical apps are designed specifically for doctors to assist with differential diagnosis and lab values.

Exciting new iPhone health apps for patients and doctors include:

  1. Sleep – Improves sleep by monitoring individual sleep cycles and heart rate, and helps individuals become more active.
  2. Baby Connect – Record feedings, naps, nursing, diapers, milestones and much more!  Also, share that information with babysitters, nannies and family.
  3. Pocket Pharmacist – Better understand prescription medications to ensure medication compatibility, and minimize side effects and unnecessary drug therapy.
  4. Instant ECG – Excellent learning tool and quick reference for physicians, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals.
  5. Pocket Lab Values – Provides on-the-go information necessary for the daily practice of medicine for practitioners and students.

With the 2013 release of the new iPhone this Fall, growing demand for lifestyle and medical apps will increase.  Patients and doctors enjoy the assistance medical apps provide.  Nobody is complaining about the way mobile healthcare apps increase the overall health of patients, as well as decreasing medical costs!

Enlist Mystic Media’s help to keep pace with this new trend.  We design wonderful, effective smartphone apps to meet the needs of today’s marketplace.  Click here to learn more about our app development services.

Juicy Rumors: What Is Apple Really Up To With the New iPhone?

iOS Development

Staying true to form, Apple has been cagey about the release of its newest iPhone. Speculation is running wild. Will the new phone debut in September or later in the Fall of 2013?  Will it be called iPhone 5s or iPhone 6?  One thing is for sure, since the release of its first iPhone in 2007, Apple has released a new iPhone each year, in the Fall.  To add to the speculation about the new iPhone,  the possible updates and innovations fuel endless rumors.

Here are some of the rumors about the new iPhone 5s/6:

  1. Near Field Communication (NFC) – Combined with fingerprint scans, this feature could make the new iPhone safer and easier to use to make payments and send data.
  2. Camera – Beefier camera (13 megapixels) and larger flash will keep pace with the trends of other smartphone makers.
  3. iOS 7 – The new iPhone will be the poster child for the new operating system to help increase sales of both iPhone and iOS 7.
  4. Display – Apple may offer two different-size screens to compete with Android.  The screen will have a 1080p full HD display.

If Apple has proven anything since its inception, the new iPhone 5s or iPhone 6 is sure to set another bar for others to reach.  The new phone will increase demand for the design and building of mobile applications specifically for Apple products.

Of course, Mystic Media is great at designing mobile sites and apps that will take advantage of the new iPhone and generate even more revenue for your business.  Click here to learn more about our mobile app development and iOS development.

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.

7th Heaven: How iOS 7 Can Boost Your Small Business

iOS Development

As we reported in our article iOS Secrets You Didn’t Know, there were plenty of updates to iOS 7 that Apple Executives did not have the time to cover during their WWDC keynote address.  To keep you fully informed, we’ve compiled a list of 7 more iOS 7 features that we think you’ll find interesting and very helpful.

  1. Application Program Interfaces (APIs) – iOS 7 has 1,500 new APIs further increasing its level of functionality and relevancy for small business and other enterprises.
  2. iOS & Automakers – 2014 will bring with it the integration of Siri into cars for eyes-free calling, directions, entertainment controls and much more.
  3. WiFi Calls – Consumers will be able to make free WiFi calls on Facetime.
  4. Better Deployment Tools – Apple promises increased deployment and management capabilities with iOS 7.
  5. Per-app Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – iOS 7 will allow apps to connect to different VPNs.
  6. iCloud Keychain – Safari will now be able to access saved passwords and credit card information via the cloud.
  7. Location-Aware App Store – The App Store will be able to notify you of apps that are popular in your current location.

Mystic Media can help you utilize all the nifty new features of iOS 7 to benefit your business.  Click here to learn more about us.

Flat Design Specialists for iOS 7

iOS Development

Before Columbus, everyone believed the world was flat.  It was a fundamentally minimalistic idea that was easy to understand.  With Apple’s new iOS 7, that same simple concept is resurfacing in the world of app development.  The new iOS 7 promotes a Flat Design that works with the end user to provide a pleasant experience. The design is fundamentally a tool for usability.  There are no bells and whistles.  iOS UI Transition places a premium on being clear-cut and user friendly.

If you’re developing apps for iOS 7, it will be helpful to keep three main themes in mind:

  1. Deference – iOS UI helps users interact with the content and never competes with it.
  2. Clarity – A focus on functionality allows for adaptability depending on the user’s equipment.
  3. Depth – Visual layers and realistic motion increase a user’s understanding and pleasure.

Mystic Media is at the forefront of developing iOS apps focused on the new UI transition.  Contact us today to learn how we can improve user experience with Flat Design.