Facebook’s Lifestage App Launched for Android

Facebook’s “teens-only” application “Lifestage” was made to compete with the Snapchat by giving younger users a place to connect out of Facebook’s vast social network. This application is now available for Android users. Earlier Lifestage was only available on iOS but as it has been launched for Android as well, it is going to have much bigger user base gradually.

Lifestage is considered one of the ways Facebook is trying to target user base of Snapchat. Facebook is well-aware of Snapchat’s camera-first design mechanism which makes it is one the social application’s main attraction.

In order to engage its users, Facebook is undertaking similar ways, the company bought photo and video filtering application MSQRD, then experimented with selfie filters on Facebook using that technology, along with “camera opening” right on top of the News Feed.

The company also internally tested a Snapchat replica named as “Facebook Stories.” And recently, Facebook is seen testing another Snapchat replica as a standalone application named as Messenger Day. Moreover, it released a Snapchat-type feature in Instagram by the name “Stories,” which has become a hit among users.

Now Facebook has a new weapon in its app arsenal called Lifestage to compete with Snapchat. However, the latest app is made limited to the high school folks only. In technical terms, this app is for 21 and below, but Facebook is expecting for it to get viral spread gradually.

 In Lifestage app, users will answer bio questions through videos, which will then unlock further questions. When a user will update the profile, he/she will see tiny sunglasses-smile emojis next to his/her name. If not updated, the smile will turn to a frown or even the emoji of poop. This is intended to encourage the user to be in regular touch with the app. Also, with Lifestage, users can swank what they like/dislike by sharing it to their profile.

Lifestage was launched this summer but has not been a great success. This is evident from a recent report which shows that the app ranking has dropped in the Social Networking category on iTunes. However, as this application is made available for Android users also, it should improve the ranking of this application but still age is one factor which will affect the potential of this app among users.

Apple iPod Turns 15

Fifteen years ago on October 23rd, 2001, Apple announced the birth of iPod which revolutionized the world of music and has transformed the people’s perception to music. Apple sold millions of devices and extended its reach to millions of people worldwide.

On the occasion of iPod turning 15, here is a look back at all the iPods starting from the physically scrolling wheel of the first iPod to the smooth finish and sturdy built of today’s iPod Touch.

1.) First Generation iPod (2001)

It’s been exactly 15 years since the launch of first generation iPod. Priced for $399 it had a 5GB hard drive space, a physically rotating scrolling wheel and a FireWire port for syncing.

2.) Third Generation iPod (2003)

The first major transformation for the iPod was made in 2003. In the 3rd generation, iPod media controls were designed as separate touch-sensitive buttons on top of the scroll wheel. It also introduced the 30-pin iPod connector.

3.) iPod Mini (2004)

The iPod mini was a thinner, smaller, iPod having less storage (4GB or 6GB). The plus point with this iPod was it different colorful bodies. Moreover, Apple introduced the click wheel with this iPod.

4.) Fourth Generation iPod (2004)

The 4th generation iPod is most likely the image that most people get in mind when someone talks about iPod. It featured a white plastic face with a gray click wheel.

5.) U2 Edition iPod (2004)

In 2004 only, Apple introduced U2 editions of the fourth-generation iPod and then a fifth-generation iPod in an exclusive red and black color combination.

6.) First Generation iPod Shuffle (2005)

iPod Shuffle was the first iPod to feature flash memory. It seems like a flash drive, fitted with removable USB cap. This one had no screen.

7.) First Generation iPod Nano (2005)

This iPod was small as its name suggested. It was absolutely thin measuring just 0.3 inches thick. The first gen Nano was available only in black or white, but its 2^nd gen version featured colorful aluminum casing.

8.) Fifth Generation iPod (2005)

The 5th generation iPod came with a wider body and screen as Apple made its focus to video, adding features such as TV shows, music videos, and later offered full movies to the iTunes Store. The 5th generation model also was the first full-size iPod model to be launched in black, along with the original white.

9.) First Generation iPod Touch (2007)

First gen iPod Touch was launched a few months after the original iPhone. It looked and felt like a phone.

10.) iPod Classic (2007)

iPod Classic was the last model of the original iPod. This iPod was a refreshed with software and got a replacement from the plastic front casing to aluminum. The highest capacity version came with 160GB of storage, which also remains the biggest capacity iPod ever sold. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in September 2014.

11.) 5^th Gen iPod Nano (2009)

2009 was the year for the launch of 5th Generation iPod Nano. A 5th Generation featured a video camera and a speaker.

12.) Fourth Generation iPod Touch (2010)

The 4th Gen iPod Touch was made more slimmer and featured front and rear facing cameras for FaceTime support and a Retina display.

13.) Fourth Generation iPod Shuffle (2010)

After the third-generation Shuffle, which was made button-less and had controls on headphone controls, the fourth-gen iPod Shuffle was launched with a clip-on device with hardware controls.

14.) Seventh Generation iPod Nano (2012)

This iPod Nano resembled the iPod Touch as it has a touch screen and home button, but didn’t provide much functionality.

15.) Sixth Generation iPod Touch (2015)

The latest sixth-generation iPod Touch model was launched last year which had a similar design but came with iPhone 6’s A8 chip processor.

It will be interesting to see what Apple will be offering in its next launch of iPod family.

Android Nougat 7.1 Developer Preview Now Available

Google announced earlier this month that the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview and its SDK tools would be made available to developers sometime later this October. And as it’s already the middle of the month, the preview is certainly coming out to those who have enrolled up for the Android Beta Program.

Although the Android Beta Program is usually geared toward developers, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have a hold of Android 7.1. If you are curious and don’t want to wait for what this newest update has to offer you, give it a try now.

However, remember that it’s a beta version so it may still have a lot of bugs. And, if you remember this is the same Android 7.1 which is already running on the Google Pixel. So, we can assume that it may be a quite stable release. Unfortunately, Google is not introducing all the Pixel’s top features to other devices. So, don’t get over-excited that your Nexus 6P will have the same features like Pixel. For example, you will not be able to get hands on the system-wide Google Assistant feature.

In addition to this, Google is planning to release next preview sometime around in November month and after that, you can expect a final version of Android 7.1 in December. If you are having a Nexus 5X, 6P or Pixel C and are registered for the beta program, very soon you would see the over-the-air update for your device. The final release will be available for Nexus 9, Nexus Player and Android One devices, and as well as the Pixel phones.

Well those who prefer stable version over the Beta ones, they will have to wait till December.

Snap Glasses for Snapchat

Snapchat, which is now known as Snap has introduced sunglasses which take videos through a built-in camera placed in the frame – reminding the Google's Glass device.

The new Snap's glass allows users to record 10-second videos by tapping a button located on the top left-hand corner of the glass frame. Such videos can be transferred over Bluetooth or WiFi to iOS and Android.

As per the company, the glasses can work for one day on a full charge, and are recharged by keeping them in their case. The company is going to price the product for about US$130. The glasses will be available in teal, black, and coral.

Snap Glass connects directly to the Smartphones having Snapchat Application, and videos automatically get stored in the service's Memories feature. The camera offers circular videos with a wide view of 115-degree. Lights on the inside and outside of the frame indicate users that a video is being captured.

The snap glasses remind of Google Glass, but let’s hope these glasses doesn’t face opposition from privacy groups as many restaurants, bars and other similar joints banned Google glasses on their property.

Moreover, it will be interesting to see whether the Snap glasses appeal to the public or it’s going to have a fate like Google glasses.

Developers Have a Deficiency of Vitamin “A”

According to a recent study, it has been found that most of the mobile app developers all around the world are facing the deficiency of Vitamin “A”.

You might have been expecting similar lines in this topic and why one wouldn’t as such titles generally begins with such lines only. However, I am not here to discuss the developer’s health, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care about it; being a developer myself, I wish a great health, body, and mind for developers all around the world. Not only for developers but for every living being.

Well, coming to back to my title, some of you might be confused and wondering as if it is not about the health then how developers lacking Vitamin “A”.

Well, to clear the smoke of confusion here by Vitamin “A”, I am referring to Vitamin “A” where A stands for “AppFirms”.

AppFirms is really an essential nutrient for mobile app developers as this platform has the potential to give their future a much-needed head start in today’s competitive mobile app world. With AppFirms on their side, mobile app developers can make themselves “IMMUNED” with the ongoing mobile “Appdemic” around the world. (By “AppDemic”, I mean the huge demand for mobile application which has forced the developers on focusing quantity more as compare to the quality. This has suppressed the innovation and skill of developers adversely, thus AppDemic.)

Why Am I Praising AppFirms?

Well, I may not be the first but surely the satisfied and a “Busy” mobile app developer registered in the AppFirms. Sorry, I forgot to mention the world “Proud” in the above line.

I would like to finish my words by writing that –

“Developers may not believe my words about AppFirms today,

But surely, sooner or later the AppFirms is going to cast its shadow over the world!

Register today and get yourself an antidote of Success”

Google’s Pixel Smartphones Announced

All the rumors, gossips, and speculation surrounding Google’s Pixel Smartphones are now entirely cleared. Google's latest Pixel and Pixel XL Smartphones are now launched finally. Both are distinguished mainly by the resolution and dimension of their screens. The users will get 5-inch 1080p display on the Pixel and 5.5-inch Quad HD panel on the Pixel XL. Though both devices are manufactured by HTC, but Google takes complete credit for the design.

Processor

Both models are loaded with the latest Snapdragon 821 processor and boast a specialized version of Android software, which embraces support for the Daydream virtual reality (VR) platform which was announced at Google I/O earlier.

Google Assistant Introduced

At present, Pixel is the only phone having Google Assistant feature. You just need to touch and hold the home button or say whatever you wish to look for, the Assistant perform the said action. It also combines the Google Now on Tap functionality, enabling the user to get the information on the screen, such as a name of a place, and provides extra information, like routes and different shops in that place.

Camera

When DxMark has given both Pixel and Pixel XL rear camera a score of 89 (the highest ever), there is nothing much to comment about it. Although this benchmark may not be the most consistent measure of great performance but it’s surely a signal of the sensor's potential in the Google phones. It offers a 12.3MP resolution with f/2.0 aperture and large 1.55-micron pixels. Google further stated that its new camera comprises "the shortest capture time on any Smartphone camera ever." The users will also find a very intricate, gyroscope-based video stabilization; however, it doesn’t come with optical image stabilization for stills.

Unlimited Cloud Storage

Google will offer free endless cloud storage for full-resolution videos and images shot with the Pixel. So, no worries about the storage issue click and shoot as much you want.

Connectivity and Communications

The advantage of buying Pixel is that the users will get the latest Android updates straight from Google as soon as they are available.

Extra Features

The company has also worked on the Pixel's stamina by including fast charging which gives you about 7 hours of power with just 15 minutes of charging. Also, Google has included 24-hour live support, which allows a tech support executive to see exactly what's on your screen and thus help you resolve the issue better. Moreover, the Pixel has pre-installed Google Duo.

Mobile Virtual Reality

Apart from the Pixel Smartphone, Google also presented Daydream View headset to accommodate the Pixel for Virtual Reality use. The Daydream View comes loaded with a small motion controller which is so accurate (as per Google) that one can even draw with it.

Hardware

Both Pixel phones are made from aluminum having a glass at the back. This glass is surrounding the flash, camera, and the fingerprint sensor. The Pixel XL is powered by a 3,450mAh battery and the other on has a 2,770mAh battery. Display of both phones is AMOLED, have 4GB of RAM, USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2, an option of 32GB or 128GB of inbuilt storage, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pricing

For the smaller 5inch Pixel, the price is $649 with 32GB of storage and $749 with 128GB of storage. While the Pixel XL 32GB version is for $769 and $869 for the 128GB version.

Color

Google is offering its latest Smartphones with a color option named officially as Quite Black, Really Blue, and Very Silver. Yes, you read it right these are the official name of the color available for Google’s Smartphones.

Be Your Own Boss Developers!

Get rid of the shackles of “employee” by working with AppFirms - A place where mobile app developers are free from the tangling web of app development employment. Now, no more boss hovering over you like a bee; stinging and biting, making you feel wretched. Be a freelance mobile app developer and work for the esteemed clients, companies, brands all across the globe.

At AppFirms everything starts with you and end will always continue with you. Here, you have:

• Right to choose the project
• Right to fix your charges
• Right to set your deadline

So, register yourself with AppFirms and work on your terms for the clients all across the globe. At AppFirms you have the right to – “Be Your Own Boss!” 

No Interviews Only Reviews

When everything is changing in this world, then why should the recruitment process of app developers be the same?

We have seen a drastic change in the mobile technology over the last few years. With the drastic advancement and growth in the usage of Smartphones, there has been a huge demand for mobile applications. This immense demand of mobile application has given birth to mobile application developers.

Every company’s success mainly depends on its employees and this is the same in the case of the app development companies. If an app development company will not have an efficient group of designer and developer, it cannot think of a prospering future. To make their fortune bright and assured, companies practices a strict procedure of hiring developers. Such procedures require a developer to go through multiple rounds and most of them are even useless. Such recruitment process and methods make a developer feel like a convict as if he/she haven’t come for the job but is on court’s trial.

There are many advantages of following a strict selection process, but as we all know – advantages and disadvantages go hand in hand like an old couple. Don’t need to think of a name out of our mobile world and take an example of Steve Jobs, the father of Apple Inc. Being a dropout, Steve Job has made a significant mark in the techno world.

If qualification would have been everything, maybe we would have known Apple as a fruit only.

By this, we meant to say that qualification is not everything. One should also have the skill and more importantly - zeal to do something exceptional and innovative. And, this is what we aim to do at AppFirms.

AppFirms believes in encouraging each and every app developer (whether individual or a company) to contribute and innovate something unusual for the client and for themselves. And, that’s why AppFirms states – “No Interviews and Only Reviews”.

By this, we mean that an app development company (or individual) doesn’t need to go through all that interview web cycle at AppFirms. One just needs to enlist themselves at AppFirms and include some reviews from their existing or past clients. Moreover, AppFirms’ gates are not closed for beginners and startup app development companies.

AppFirms is like a family where everyone has a SAY!

Dilemma Between Hiring an Agency or Freelance App Developers

When looking to develop an app for your business, there are certain questions that come to mind.

Whether to develop it or not?

Will it be profitable for me?

Which operating system to target for? And so on.

While there can be a lot more questions that can give you a headache, the answer to all these questions can be given better by a developer only. Although we may not clear all your doubts related to above and other questions, but surely we can help you decide whether to hire an agency or freelancers for developing a mobile app for your business. So let’s get straight to the point.

Hiring Freelancers

If you think of going freelance way, then you will need to assemble a team by your own as you probably might be aware that building an app requires more than just someone to write the codes. Then, you’ll also need a UI (user interface) designer with distinct expertise in designing mobile applications (Apple is known to decline apps with a user interface which is not up to their marks). Also, you will need to find someone who can test the application, and preferably, review the codes. Moreover, you will also need to hire a project manager to manage the vision and plan of your app.

Hiring an Agency

In case you plan to hire an agency specializing in mobile app development, you can easily get the team without much fuzz.

Usually, a small agency team may comprise of a user interface designer, developers, project manager, and a quality analyst. On the other hand, large agency teams will consist of multiple levels and an extensive variety of specialists.

So, it’s up to you as for whether to hire an agency or freelancers for your required project. Both have their merits and demerits. Hiring freelancers may be a tedious task but this way you can hire the best candidate for each profile while in an agency, you don’t have that option. Conversely, the coordination of team in an agency will be better as compared to freelancers.

Factors that Can Help Make your Decision

1.) Budget

In case you only have a budget of under $10K, it’s going to be difficult to hire a “GOOD” mobile app development agency. In such cases, you should go for a freelance app developer. However, if you have a $15K plus budget, you will be able to hire a “GOOD” agency.

2.) Timeline

Once the deal is signed and the payment is made, your agency team will begin your project with full speed. They generally have everything in place to ensure that development process moves swiftly and  

On the other hand, if you try to put together a team of freelancers. You will need to spend a lot of time just to find someone with excellent skills and experience. You may also need to test their skills before entrusting them with your project. They may also have their own pending work which could delay your project. If lucky, you might even expect an exceptional work from freelancers as each individual would be best in what they do.

3.) Vision

As technology is changing and evolving every now and then, mobile apps is not a thing that is developed once. You will always need to keep your updated with the current trends. Your app will be useless over a period of time if not kept updated.

Now, imagine the issue involved in maintaining your app with a new group of freelancers every time as there can be chances that your original team may not be available always.

But, in the case of an agency team, you can be assured of everything. No matter the changes are external or internal, you will always have the agency at your disposal. With an agency, you don’t need to run here and there to make changes in your apps.

In a Nut Shell

Whether you go for hiring a freelancer or an agency, it all depends on your budget. To ease and make things simple for your business, AppFirms has introduced a platform where 90% of your worries and queries regarding your app will be on them. Here, no matter what your budget, business or requirement is and no matter whom you are looking to hire – you will have the options of hiring “GOOD“ agency and freelancers as per your budget.   

Google’s Allo Says “Hello”

Those who've opted from iOS to Android are well aware of the nuisance that comes with FaceTime and iMessage. Fortunately, Google has brought an answer in the form of its own indigenous messaging apps named as “Allo”.

After a recent launched of Duo video messaging app in August, Google has now announced that its smart messaging app, Allo, will be released globally in coming days.

Allo enables users to send messages, images stickers, doodles and much more to each other, despite the fact whether they use it on an iPhone or on an Android device.

Along with the above-mentioned features, Allo also features Smart Reply, a function which enables users to reply to messages without typing a word. It does this by learning the way you chat, so it will prompt templates for common messages and save your time.

Those concerned with security feature will appreciate Allo's Incognito feature. Incognito mode will allow users receive personal notifications and send messages with end-to-end encryption just like WhatsApp.

Download it right away and decide whether you want to switch from WhatsApp and iMessenger or not. Coming days are going to be interesting when more and more people try their hand on ALLO. 

Samsung’s Loss, Apple’s Gain!

Samsung Galaxy Note 7, one of the most anticipated phones of 2016 is under the cloud these days. As Samsung recalled the Note 7 last week after reports emerged of the phone exploding during or after charging.

Note 7 was unveiled in August 2016 as the successor to the Galaxy Note 5, and competitor for Apple’s iPhone 7 which launched last week only. The Note 7 has all the top-end specifications and an enhanced stylus which is the USP of this device. However, soon after the shipping of phone started, there were reports that some phones were catching fire or exploding during or just after charging. The Note 7 has a lithium-ion battery of 3,500 mAh with fast charging.

Samsung confirmed that battery issues were the reasons behind the phones catching fire, but as it was difficult to determine that which phones were affected among those sold, the South Korean company said it would replace all Galaxy Note 7 devices.

This embarrassment even affected the shares of Samsung Electronics Co. which dropped the most in last four-five years after regulators and airlines from the U.S. to Europe warned the passenger against the use of this Smartphone.

The troubles come at a crucial time for Samsung. The company launched the Note 7 last month to give it a head start against Apple’s new iPhone 7, which got unveiled last week. But that advantage has now fallen in the Apple’s court after Samsung has shed about $19 billion in market value.

And, now the questions remain on whether consumers will be really keen to buy this Android fueled Note 7 or they will turn their back on it and go for the latest iOS 10 powered iPhone 7 and 7Plus.

With the recall of all 2.5 million of the Note 7 which Samsung has already shipped, bearing a cost to the company estimated about $1 billion, it is really going to be a must and tough ask for Samsung to keep its consumer engaged.

Below are the features and specification of Galaxy Note 7 and iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Smartphone	Samsung Galaxy Note 7	Apple iPhone 7	Apple iPhone 7 Plus
Display	5.7 inch SUPER AMOLED, 2560 X 1440 pixels	4.7 inch IPS LCD, 750 X 1334 pixels	5.5 inches 1080 x 1920 pixels (401 ppi pixel density)
Dimensions	153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm, 169 grams	138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm, 138 grams	158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm, 188 grams
OS	Android v6.0 Marshmallow	iOS 10	iOS 10
Processor	Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890	Apple A10 Fusion	Apple A10 Fusion
RAM	4GB RAM	2GB RAM	3GB Ram
Storage	64 GB, 256 GB micro SD support	32 / 128 / 256 GB	32 / 128/ 256 GB
Camera	12 MP f/1.7 aperture primary, 5MP front camera	12 MP f/1.8 aperture primary, 7MP f/2.2 front camera	Dual 12 MP, (f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.8, 56mm), 7 MP, f/2.2
Features	1/2.6″ sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, simultaneous 4K video and 9MP image recording, Auto HDR, panorama	1/3″ sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording, HDR (photo/panorama)	Phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, OIS, quad-LED (dual tone) flash 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, face detection, HDR, panorama
Networks	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / EVDO	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Others	Iris scanner, fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2	Fingerprint, accelerometer, USB v2.0, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Geo-tagging, simultaneous 4K video and 8MP image recording, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR (photo/panorama)
Battery	3500 mAh non-removable	Non-removable Up to 2 hours longer battery life than iPhone 6s	Non-removable Up to 1 hour longer battery life than iPhone 6s Plus

The Power Of Custom Mobile App Development

Nowadays, businesses of all kinds, whether small, medium or large are taking benefits from the customized business mobile applications, as it helps them stay gung ho and enhance productivity. In this post, we have tried to arrange some of the most popular rewards of custom mobile app development for businesses.

Enhances Efficiency

As the business mobile applications are custom-built keeping your business needs in mind, it works like All-In-One app executing diverse functions and countering the multiple apps’ requirement. In addition, since these apps are customized to match your working style, it augments the productivity of the employee and in turn, ROI of business.

Easy to Maintain

By using normal apps for your daily business operations, you are risking your business at the helm of an unknown mobile app developer. In case the developer chooses to discontinue the app, then you will need to find a new app and suspend your on-going operations. However, by crafting your own custom business app, you have a complete control and will need not to depend on others for anything.

Provide High Scalability

Regular mobile apps are developed to handle a confined number of processes and resources. In the case of your growing business, these regular apps may not be able to hold the load. Whereas custom made apps are tailored keeping in mind all these factors, and thus, are scalable easily when the need arises.

Encrypts Your App Data

Regular business mobile apps may or may not have a dedicated security feature, which can make your business data at risk. Having a customized mobile app made exclusively for your business can strengthen your data security system, as pertinent security measures will be engaged according to your business requirements during app development.

Integrates Well With Existing Software

Custom made mobile apps are tailored taking into consideration your present business software and hence are assured to integrate well and function flawlessly.

Enhances Customer Relationship

Customized business apps enable you to send latest updates associated with your products and services to your current customers instantly. Moreover, it enables you to access client details and receive feedback, which can be useful to enhance your long-term customer relationships.

Facilitates New Client Data Retrieval

Including simple forms and surveys in your custom app can help you have the required information about clients. Apart from being an ideal way of gathering information, it also saves the time of employees and clients, since they need not have to physically provide the documents.

Provides Real-time Project Access

Having a customized mobile app for your business, you can synchronize your phone with your desktop easily. So, while you are traveling, you can have easy access to all your work.

Ease in Project Management

Custom-made mobile apps can be useful in keeping a real-time check on the progress of your projects. Updates can be easily sent after completion of every phase, giving a clear picture of everything.