Impervious Appeal: How to Design Jaw-Dropping IOS Apps

iOS Development, , , ,

Renowned as the first major update to both the visual outlook and the feel of Apple products in the post-Steve Jobs era, IOS 7 broke down the door for elite, sleek app design. In designing apps for the IOS 7, you have a lot of aesthetic options. iPhones are gourmet smartphones; IOS users have high expectations with regard to UX design and if your app appears amateur, it will sink the perception of your business and you will lose both money and respect. The look and feel to your app is as important as its functionality. You must cater to UX trends to appear on the cutting edge. Here’s what’s popular today:

Although one would expect two dimensions when utilizing “flat” design, the trend is quite the contrary. One of the major futuristic visual flairs of IOS 7 apps is the use of depth. Depth can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, instead of dividing lines, soft blur is often used to create a sense of depth and emphasize the urgency of the element in use. When interacting with a different element, the focus shifts as necessary. The lack of dividing lines emphasizes functionality, reduces clutter, and feels freer. The sense of depth creates the illusion of seemingly endless functionality. Your business will look like a highly-capable enterprise.

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Making use of the swipe gesture is another major trend in IOS 7 apps. Swipe not only allows for easy navigation between functions, swiping to unlock another screen in the app, but also can be used to contribute to the depth. Swiping an element within a page can reveal either functions (such as deleting emails) or elements beneath. The ease of swiping requires only one thumb, making it an incredibly convenient gesture.

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The swipe is not only convenient, it’s more fun than simply pushing a button and gives the user a sense of space, making your customers happy.

Convenience being central to the goal of any app’s functionality, IOS 7 apps are often utilizing simple color schemes to simplify the equation. Rather than bombard the user with a rainbow, IOS 7 apps often utilize a white backdrop for negative space, along with simple, vibrant color scheme emphasizing functionality. Red means no. Green means yes. Icons in use often are filled with white while inactive icons are translucent. The simplification of fonts goes hand in hand with the coloring, focusing more on texture and weight than style.

While minimal seems to be the keyword with regard to IOS 7 app design, one trend breaks the mold with regard to mobile web design: Parallax Scrolling. Parallax Scrolling is a design technique in which as the user scrolls down the web page, the graphics move with the scroller, creating a story. Examples of Parallax Scrolling can be found here.

While there’s no given formula for success in IOS app design, by staying on top of the trends, you can assure your business is being reflected in the most positive light. With the speed of the playing field at an all-time high, it’s vital that you are in the know of current trends.

Android Payment Technologies – The Death of Physical Cash Seems Eminent

Android Development, , , , , , , , , , ,

One of the major points which consistently arises in evaluating the perks of the Android platform is its superiority as a mobile payment device. Mobile payment is the future. Of what use is a credit card or even cash when it’s purpose can just as easily be served on a smartphone with additional convenience? As mobile payment technologies continue to evolve, the death of physical cash seems eminent.

 Google Wallet, first released in 2011, is the major mobile payment technology used for Android. Google Wallet supports all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. By storing all of the user’s credit card information on the cloud, Google Wallet makes it easy to pay for anything whether in-store or online.

Most Android payment technologies utilize NFC, or Near Field Communications, a set of standards for smartphones which allows communications by touching or putting the devices in close proximity. NFC allows you to pay for purchases through your smartphone without the hassle of paper or signage, all one needs to do to make a purchase is either tap the smartphone against a NFC compatible device or have it in proximity.

The major critique of NFC technology is the lack of security and cost of implementing the technology. Recent advancements have brought upon the development of Host Card Emulation, which makes it cheaper for merchants to install NFC technology into their organization and allows for secure transactions wherever the user pleases.

While Android remains the leader in mobile payment technologies, Samsung is currently giving them a run for their money with the Galaxy S5. The S5 is the first smartphone to utilize fingerprint technology to authorize payments. Fingerprint technology eliminates the need for passwords or PINs, not only making payments more secure, but protecting the user’s other accounts which often utilize the same complex password or PIN.

The numerous competitors in the mobile payment technologies market only goes to show the demand for mobile payment solutions. If your business expects to compete in any given market, it’s vital to eliminate any and all stresses in the process of purchasing. More to come shortly… Stay Tuned!

iOS 8: Through the Grapevine

iOS Development, , , , , ,

Although IOS 7.1 was released earlier this year, in the fast moving world of mobile technology, it’s vital that you stay a step ahead of the present. IOS 8, codenamed “Okemo”, represents a major step forward in the potential of IOS functionality.

While a glut of rumors are currently swirling around the web concerning IOS 8, certain features seem to be locked-in. Much has made about the inferiority of Apple’s built-in Maps application compared to Google Maps, Apple is looking to upgrade their app to compete in the GPS game. The upgraded Maps will not only have public transit available, it will have a feature allowing the user to click on a street to see the restaurants, shops, and general points-of-interest on that street.

Siri will also receive a major upgrade in the IOS 8. The upgraded Siri will have the ability to interact with third-party applications. Application designers will be able to program their apps so that Siri can complete commands within them. Siri is also expected to have the popular music recognition app “Shazam” built-in, so it can identify songs when asked.

iPad owners are in luck, split-screen applications will allow users to multi-task with ease. Designed exclusively for tablet users, applications will have the ability to run side by side, an ability already featured on Microsoft’s Surface.

The major feature added in the new IOS design will be an application called Healthbook. Healthbook represents a major step toward drastically changing the way iPhones are integrated into users’ everyday lives. Users can input information about their lives into Healthbook, such as activity, weight, and nutrition, and Healthbook will have the ability to not only monitor progress, but also put statistics into a graph to visualize it. In addition, Healthbook will have the ability to monitor your glucose levels (which could represent a major improvement in the lives of diabetics), as well as your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. An emergency card will hold your name, birthdate, medical information, blood type and organ donor status should the user become injured in such a way that they are unable to speak.

For the most part, IOS 8 looks to fix some of the glitches in IOS 7, especially with regard to the Maps application. The addition of Healthbook represents a major step forward in the iPhone’s functionality. Healthbook has the potential to be a force against the obesity epidemic in the US. As the technology develops, there are seemingly endless applications in which Healthbook could expand. Healthbook could become an integrated life-alert system for the elderly, a comprehensive dietary advisory system, and a digital personal trainer rolled into one. The possibilities are vast. Apple is expected to debut IOS 8 in June at the World Wide Developer Conference, and release it to the public by November 2014.

Building an application? At Mystic Media, we are experts in the IOS Application Development field. Contact us today at https://www.mysticmediasoft.com/ or by phone at 801.994.6815

Why Android Rules the Mobile Application Market

Android Development, , , , , , , , , , ,

In the world of smartphones, two mobile devices reign supreme: Android and iPhone. The war between Android and iPhone is ongoing, and it’s safe to say as technology evolves, the leader of the pack will shift. Android, at the moment, is the more popular platform for a number of reasons.  At Mystic Media, as a forward-thinking mobile development company, we recommend developing for both iOS and Android to make the most of your dollar.

The basic difference between Android and iPhone application development is simple. Android uses an open-source platform.  The source code for Android is available to the public, making it the more developer-friendly platform.

Although Apple gets a greater percentage of the mobile smartphone revenue due to the iPhone’s larger price, Android holds a greater percentage of the market share.  Over 50 percent of the global smartphone market uses Android.  Applications for Android reach a larger user base, thus there’s a greater audience for your application.

iPhone is a gourmet smartphone. It has a smaller market, but a faster operating system. In this department, Android is playing catch-up; however, Android is currently working toward creating a smartphone titled “Android Silver” which will have a faster operating system to compete with the speed of the iPhone.  The greater variety of Android smartphones means a greater variety of consumers with eyes on your application.

The process of getting your application approved is much, MUCH easier for Android.  iTunes is notoriously slow in approving applications.  Apple has a strict set of rules evaluating what applications they are willing to approve and what they will deny. When Opera, a well-established internet browser, designed a browsing application for iPhones, they held a contest taking bets on the amount of time it would take Apple to approve their app.  In the end, it took nearly a month. With Android, one simply designs the app, writes a description, sets a price, and it’s done–pushed out into a the Google Play store to a massive global market.

Looking forward, Android continues to grow, in fact, Android is the fastest growing technology product in history. In 23 quarters, Apple’s IOS hit 700 million users–an amazing feat in its own right. Android, on the other hand, took 20 quarters to hit 1 BILLION users. Android’s current global market share of smartphone operating systems is set around 80%. Android also controls the first time buyer market, which means as more consumers grow with the device, it’s market share will only increase.

The numbers are simple and speak the truth. Android is the more popular platform. It’s easier for application development and it’s easier to monetize and market your applications. You will reach a greater audience developing for Android, and that audience will only continue to grow. At Mystic Media, we specialize in Android application development. Our expertise in creating and marketing mobile applications for both platforms is unrivaled in our field.

For more information, feel free to contact us at https://www.mysticmediasoft.com/ or by phone at 801.994.6815.

The Use of Color In Your IOS App

iOS Development, Web Design, , , , ,

As our interactions happen increasingly in the digital realm, color psychology has become entrenched in the way we experience the world.

Apple’s IOS 7 recognizes this and allows users to customize the colors of their apps. In designing your app or website, you want total control in how the user experiences your brand. The color scheme will subconsciously affect users. It’s no mistake Facebook and Twitter, two of the biggest social media websites in the world, utilize blue as their key color. Blue is calming. Blue makes you think of the sky or the ocean, those serene moments you have to appreciate the beauty of the world. The use of blue, in either case, makes you want to return, creating a soothing effect. In situations of boredom or social awkwardness, we want to return to the social tranquility of Twitter and Facebook, where the user has total control of to whom, what and when he/she responds.

Whether or not you are synesthetic, any given color triggers a specific response, on which a UX web/app designer must capitalize.

Synesthesia is the neurological phenomenon in which one sense triggers another. For example, when musicians like Kanye West explain how they are able to SEE sounds in colors, thus the way they experience creating music feels to them more like painting, a “sonic landscape”. Synesthesia is a philosophically mind-bending piece of evidence toward the interconnected manner in which we experience the world–our five senses interpreting different aspects of the same information in service of creating a physical truth. It’s also vital to your app design.

As with all aspects of UX app and web design, use of color serves two purposes: aesthetic, and functionality. Aesthetically, you want to use color create the proper emotional response to your brand. IOS 7 recognizes current color trends and capitalizes on the emotional landscape to benefit the user. With the recession and political landscape, U.S. consumers are gravitating toward brighter, more radiant colors for comfort. IOS 7 allows users to customize their color palate, leaning toward nuanced, joyous colors such as lighter blues and purples, as well as red-tinged oranges.

In creating your app, you must take into account the association users have with the colors you use to create the best possible user experience. Green, like blue, is associated with nature, as well as intelligence, and wealth. Purple is regal, lavish, as well as feminine. Pink is ultra-feminine, but also stylish. Red is an alarming and stimulating color. It’s attention-grabbing, stressful and threatening, but also confident. Stop signs and red lights are obvious uses red’s potential. Yellow is equally stimulating, though less obnoxious. Yellow is known to increase concentration. Also vital is the use of white, black, and grey to create negative space. A color overload seems unprofessional, it’s important to focus on two or three main colors in your scheme. The right color scheme for your brand depends entirely on your corporate identity.  At Mystic Media, we’re confident we can put our finger to the pulse of your company or application idea to create the best possible digital reflection.

With regard to functionality, color is vital to separating the various sections of your application or website to increase usability. Skeumorphism is officially old-fashioned. In the era of flat design, users will decipher the functions of buttons and links based on color. Users utilize color more than they do text in exploring the digital world, thus its important to color-code the different sections of your app or website based on theme. USA Today recently redesigned their website, color-coding each of the sections and drifting away from the idea of making the digital reading experience mimic the print. The IOS 7 separates apps based on colors customized by the user. Although you could allow users to customize your color scheme, at Mystic Media, we believe it’s more confident to establish your brand through a tactical color scheme.

Ultimately, the color scheme is a reflection of the personality of your company. It’s important to trust your instincts. Or trust ours at Mystic Media. We’re dedicated collaborators confident in both taking direction and creating aesthetics to maximize the potential of your app or website.

Contact us today at https://www.mysticmediasoft.com/ or by phone at 801.994.6815

Responsive Web Design Is The New Web Design

Web Design, , , , , ,

Ultimately, a website serves two functions. As an advertisement of the website’s brand, reflecting the values of the company through the color scheme and visual outlook, and as a functional website, requiring usability for users to navigate, understand, and utilize the information and tools provided. Combined, these two factors create the aesthetic through which online visitors judge a company. By staying up to date on the latest trends, the website owner can maximize the quality of its internet visibility, boosting the perception of the company.

The web design landscape is constantly changing as technology continuously upgrades. With the emergence of smartphones came expectations for companies and websites to set-up a mobile presence equally as functional as their desktop site. If your company expects to stay current, you must keep up with current trends. At Mystic Media , we specialize in Responsive Design and recommend it for all of our clients.

Companies utilize a number of tactics for their mobile presence. Some choose to design a mobile app link to website  which acts as a mobile website. Others design a whole other mobile site acclimated for easy browsing on mobile devices. Without adaptation, websites which perform slowly on mobile platforms are left in the past. The most common trend in web design confronting this problem is “Responsive Design”.

Responsive design entails a website which readjusts itself depending on what platform it’s being viewed on, be it desktop, mobile, or tablet. Responsive design has become the new norm in the web design field, about 8/10 websites on the internet are of responsive design. Whether or not a client specifies they are seeking a responsive site, they generally expect it.

Responsive design saves money on development with a one-size-fits-all model. Instead of developing a separate site or application for mobile users, the main website serves all screens, from desktop, tablet, and mobile, thus maximizing functionality. The consistency also solidifies your brand continuity.

Responsive design has been around for about five years. During that time, has emerged as the mainstream favorite visual aesthetic for web design. Flat design can actually work concurrently with responsive design, as flat design is primarily a visual aesthetic utilizing vibrant colors, simple shapes, and more white space with large typography, increasing the ease of usability in browsing layouts.

Gaining popularity when Microsoft  unveiled its “Metro” interface with Windows 8, flat design has the most modern, futuristic look, disregarding the notion of skeumorphism, a design term meaning digital graphics which reflect the physical object, (for instance a digital calculator which looks like a physical calculator). By abandoning traditional physical design, one can maximize the functionality of the digital tool. For example, it seems archaic to navigate between the buttons off the calculator with the mouse when one can just type them.

Combining the functionality of responsive design with the visual aesthetic of flat design generally yields the most futuristic, impressive web layout in the current online climate. A poorly constructed or outdated website gives off the same unprofessional impression as a dilapidated office. Don’t let an antiquated design scheme drag your brand down, stay up to date using responsive design with a flat aesthetic.

Mystic Media is a leader in responsive web design and can help your company save time and money. Contact us to learn more.

Calling All DJ’s! Tap Into The Power Of Online Radio Streaming Today

Radio Streaming, Web Design, , ,

Online radio streaming players can help you increase visibility, attract new listeners, and gain access to a much broader audience.

If online radio is a new concept, it is quickly becoming “the” medium to consume music and news.  Recent reports state that amongst 13-35 year olds, online radio streaming accounts for about half of their radio and music listening time.  As the market for online radio grows it is important to tap into its huge potential now and outpace your competition.

Sign up today and get your own custom Radio Streaming Player that comes with

FREE custom iPhone and Android apps for only $49/month.
Discounted from $99/month

We are offering this “Special Program” for a limited time so hurry and act now!

To learn more, contact: Gary Lee at 954-481-9402 ext. 243 or glee@securenetsystems.net.

Don’ forget to mention Promo Code: Mystic2014

Mystic Media understands the tremendous opportunity online radio streaming provides.  With over ten years of experience as an authorized partner with Securenet Systems, the fastest growing online Radio Streaming provider in the world, we are offering a new Radio Streaming Special Program called “Mystic Radio Stream”.  View sample player

Our designers can help craft custom players guaranteed to increase your audience.  A fully loaded player also comes with built-in advertising to help you generate additional revenue.  National sponsors love the reach online radio streaming provides and are spending more and more advertising dollars as a result.  Along with promoting a vast network of national sponsors, you can advertise and charge your venues and clubs where you perform.  Our players offer the ability to create custom video pre-rolls that are seen every time the player is opened. This provides maximum exposure and can bring in a substantial amount of revenue.

Click here to view a sample player…

We understand how to leverage the power of radio streaming to attract advertisers.  Our marketing strategists are some of the best in the industry and can put together effective marketing campaigns.  Contact us today! Don’ forget to mention Promo Code: MM1073

As stated above, radio streaming provides one of the best ways to help a DJ attract new listeners and get maximum exposure to your current fan base.  A custom player can be used to educate and entertain listeners.

Imagine having a tool box full of tools to help build a successful radio streaming business.

A fully loaded custom media player can run audio and video pre-rolls.  Educational programming can be uploaded to the On-Demand player and video programming can be displayed for your sponsors as well.  Other advantages to a custom player include making audio/video announcements of special events, having coupons available for listeners to download and much more.

Online radio is the radio of the future.  Don’t hesitate to leverage the power of a custom online media player to increase visibility and listening audience.

For a free consultation/brainstorming session to discuss individual needs, feel free to contact: Gary Lee at 954-481-9402 ext. 243 or glee@securenetsystems.net.  Don’ forget to mention Promo Code: MM1073

No Setup Fee ~ No Contracts ~ 100% Customer Satisfaction

How To Generate Revenue From Mobile Ad Networks

Android Development, iOS Development

You sit at home watching sports while you surf your iPad.  You drive, following the directions of a mobile application.  You work on your computer, but you check your Smartphone while you wait for a page to load. Technology dominates our lives to the point where we’re generally engaged in not only one, but two or more than electronic devices throughout our day.  The 21st century company must reach mobile customers wherever they are, at their desktop, on their iPhone, or on their iPad.  Marketing strategies require cross-platform advertising if they have any chance at success.  As mobile device usage and app development grow, it becomes more and more evident the most effective advertisements are designed to be compatible across different types of devices.
Soon after smartphones were introduced, the best mobile development companies began offering cross-platform marketing.  However, the idea lay dormant for years until sales of iPhones, iPads and other mobile devices reached a tipping point and created a huge shift in how people engage with technology and the World Wide Web.  Now, if someone looks at you on the street while you wait for the bus, chances are you will look to your smartphone, and within that smartphone, you’ll look at a mobile app, and within that mobile app, you’ll glance at an advertisement.  Consumers are starved for web and mobile content to fill up the empty moments in their day, intelligent companies know to take advantage of every opportunity they can to establish their brand.
Smartphone sales now surpass PC sales.  The growth of the mobile platform opened up opportunity for capitalization.  Innovations in geo-location, mobile ad serving/tracking have made it easier than ever to strategically develop and monetize mobile applications and advertisements to target consumers.  Tools such as Google Enhanced Campaign allow marketers to execute paid search programs across mobile platforms.  Generally speaking, cross-platform marketing campaigns require three things to be successful:

  1. Premium scale across all mobile platforms.
  2. Precise first and third party data to link parties together.
  3. An optimized engine designed to increase results.

Total iPad and tablet sales have consistently risen since their introduction into the market place.  The number of downloaded apps also continues to grow.  Meanwhile, PC sales have steadily leveled off and even dropped due to the proliferation of mobile devices.  The days of the desktop campaign are over.  Utah companies and companies throughout the United States are expected to invest in cross-platform marketing to create indispensable brand continuity, solidifying any given company’s presence in the marketplace.
Professional web developers reap the benefits as well.  Cross-platform marketing proves significantly less labor intensive due to the reduced development needs.  Without having to build ads for every platform, web development firms spend more time on graphics and functionality.  The payoff for both companies makes cross-platform marketing the best and most cost-effective design for online advertising.
Sales and sales projections of mobile devices have created an increase in the need for stunning and cost-effective mobile and web ads.  Now, with cross-platform marketing, developers have the perfect tool to make online ads pay off in a big way.  Don’t waste money on ineffective campaigns, maximize every dollar spent on online advertising through cross-platform mobile marketing to achieve a positive ROI.

Optimizing Your Mobile Application Portfolio

Android Development, ,

When Google introduced the Android operating system in 2008, companies across the United States rushed into developing IT projects based on the new OS.  Today, the development of Android applications remains one of the wisest investments a company can make.  The average American spends 2 hours and 38 minutes utilizing their smartphones every day, a number which continues to grow.  Mobile devices and connectivity have ingrained themselves in the everyday life of the average citizen.  The notion of a company not investing in the development of Android-based software in this day and age is not only foolish, it’s a potential death sentence.

With the proper strategy, web and application development will improve a company’s growth.  However, over-investment in apps and other software can work against a company’s long-term strategies and impose a myriad of problems, including decentralized IT functions, reduced performance of application software, competing operating systems, and redundant technologies, all of which contribute to increased operating costs.
The only comprehensive solution to over-investment in web and application development is Application Portfolio Optimization (APO).  Optimizing a company’s Android portfolio will increase its overall value.

The general procedure to APO is as follows:

  1. Take an inventory of the IT portfolio. Diagnose each piece of hardware and software, reviewing its operating costs.
  2. Recognize the role each piece of hardware and software plays in the company goals.
  3. Assess the actual needs of the company versus the value of what each piece of hardware and software contributes.
  4. Consolidate your portfolio to ensure the most efficient operating speed in relation to operating costs.

APO may appear intuitive on paper, but it is onerous in practice.  Many companies house IT assets off-site, further complicating the APO process.  Some companies even have IT assets scattered throughout the globe.  As a result, hiring the right web development firm to reduce your technical footprint is a crucial decision, integral to the success of your company.
APO can not only fix over-investment, it also acts as a precautionary measure to prevent over-investment from occurring in the first place.  Like any other business process, maintaining a lean application portfolio maximizes your company’s potential.  If your company grew too quickly or hopes to grow quickly, the implementation of APO will move your development strategy forward.

Attract Advertisers To Purchase Ad Space Within Your Mobile Application

Android Development, iOS Development

In a few earlier posts, we discussed app monetization in our article ‘How To Generate Revenue From Your Free App’  Also, in our article, ‘Survive The App Marketplace By Effectively Monetizing Your Free App’, we detailed the specifics of each app monetization strategy and provided several examples. Click here for a quick refresher.

One of the top four strategies for successful app monetization is integrating advertisements within the mobile application.  Selling ad space is an extremely effective way to generate revenue.  Banner advertising within mobile applications resembles classic banner advertisements on websites.  Due to this familiarity many developers and marketing strategists utilize the following advertising model:

  • Invest in marketing and advertising to create awareness
  • Stimulate discovery
  • Drive downloads
  • Let other companies place ads within your app to generate revenue

While the marketing strategy outlined above has proven effective, companies are now being pushed to think critically about the development of monetization strategies for their mobile applications.  Diligent planning while creating a sustainable and effective mobile marketing strategy is a must.  To begin with, the mobile application must be properly developed and serve the needs of its users. One of the most prominent features of a successful mobile application is that it fulfills the user’s needs. It is also important that these needs are not being  fulfilled by an already existing app or other type of technology.

Another important aspect to the overall mobile marketing strategy is diversifying the revenue stream.  One strategy cannot solve all revenue generation problems.  Along with selling ad space, companies need to consider in-app purchases, subscriptions and app sponsorships. 

Regardless of the secondary revenue generator chosen, the following list outlines mobile marketing strategies that can make an application successful:

  1. Try to achieve a critical mass with your app that keeps drawing people back time and time again. This will make the app more appealing to advertisers.
  2. Identify the app’s target audience in order to determine the type of advertisers you want to attract.
  3. Keep the cost of attracting downloads and advertisers below the amount of revenue the app is forecasted to generate.
  4. Develop and test the app’s marketing options and utilize the options that hold the best promise of helping the app “go viral” thus increasing its appeal to advertisers.

Once critical mass is achieved, quantify your audience via downloads, demographics, banner ad click-through rates and other user statistics to further increase the appeal of your company’s mobile app.  In order to continue to package your mobile application as a product that appeals to advertisers demonstrate the power and reach of mobile technology by highlighting mobile activity and sales.

Lastly, get linked up with a good ad network, like  Google Adwords, Millenial Media or Adfonic.  Ad networks help companies find advertisers.  Mobile ad networks get a cut of the application’s revenue, but they eliminate the hassle of pounding the pavement that is involved with looking for new advertisers.

Effective app monetization isn’t rocket science, although it does require thoughtful planning and calculated execution.  Ad-supported mobile apps can be very successful.  By growing your audience, tracking user statistics, employing at least two app monetization strategies, and joining a good ad network, your revenue stream is sure to grow.  All a company needs to do is keep development costs, and the cost of attracting users and advertisers below the forecasted app revenue stream.