A Preview to Newly Launched Kotlin 1.3.60 Updates

Kotlin 1.3.60

Since the emergence of Kotlin, in the current scenario, both Java and Kotlin go hand in hand when it comes to android app development. We are happy to announce that Kotlin version 1.3.60 just released. It contains several new updates and a few developments that include tooling improvements to debug. Also, this release adds support for more Kotlin/Native platforms and compilation targets along with the Kotlin/Multi-Platform Project IDE experience.

Ever since Android declared Kotlin as its first-class language, it has been witnessed an enormous amount of growth and adoption rates by the android app developers. As per the reports from the State of Kotlin 2019 survey, 62% of developers build android apps on Kotlin, and 41% of developers employ Kotlin to work on web back-end projects.

A glimpse at what the new update includes

Enhanced scratch files and worksheets

Scratch files for IntelliJ IDEA are redesigned and upgraded to allow you to see the results, which are shown in a different window.

Experiment with your code and see the outcomes in a little scratch document. The scratch file exists as a temporary code outside of the task. However, the bit exists as a wholly functional code that you can run and debug.

On the other hand, for situations where you need to test inside the task, use worksheets. Worksheets are new and work just like scratch sheets. The principle distinction is that it is a piece of the project, so you can play with code and perceive how it functions within your project.

A while later, select run and execute your code. Study about scratch files and worksheets more in the documentation.

Java-to-Kotlin Converter

In particular, Java developers have opted for Kotlin for both work and individual/side projects, either as a substitution or an additional language. JetBrains revealed: “Almost 92% of Kotlin developers were making use of Java before they started using Kotlin.”

java to kotlin converter

Presently, the new default converter starts converting to Kotlin considerably simpler. 1.3.60 fixes some of the earlier conversion issues, with corner-case issues.

Function breakpoints

When utilizing the debugger, users can insert function breakpoints within their code. At the time of setting a function breakpoint, the debugger will stop the execution of entering or exiting the corresponding function.

Kotlin/JS updates

  • With Kotlin Gradle build scripts, the Kotlin team is striving to enhance the user experience.
  • Now, the experimentally incremental compilation for individual modules will be backed by the Kotlin-eclipse plugin.
  • The Kotlin/Native compiler has now got the compatibility with the most advanced tooling bits, such as XCode 11 and LLVM 8.0. Additionally, it joins new platforms/targets like watchOS, tvOS, and Android (native).
  • It will provide support for suspending callable references.
  • The kotlinx.cli project is rewritten, and it is covered in this release of the Kotlin/Native compiler.
  • With this release, the runtime performance of Kotlin/Native compiler has also got improved.
  • Interface calls are up to 5x faster, and type checks up to 50x quicker in Kotlin 1.3.60.

Plans for future

1.3.60 is only a minor release and has not caused significant changes to the language. Kotlin version 1.4 will is awaited and is expected to be launched in 2020.

Kotlin 1.4 is available in the experimental state, so the users can test out the upcoming features by specifying the corresponding language version and set it to 1.4.

Conclusion

The most awaited Kotlin 1.4 will be launched in 2020. Kotlin developers and android app developers are much curious to know about the new updates they will get with the new launch. Kotlin is a broadly used language today, and the new language will immensely impact the android app development.

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Google begins app defense alliance to subdue malicious mobile apps from play store

Mobile Apps

On the 7th of November 2019, Wednesday google announced the mobile apps defense alliance on the play store. It reinforces the security rules and regulations to prevent any bad app from entering the play store. And it is all about the security of the users because there are more than 2.5 billion android users, and the number of mobile apps on the play store crossed the 2.9 million by March 2020. The probability of bad activities has increased. But now the App Defense Alliance has raised the scanning of every app before they are listed on the play store.

Because maybe you accidentally download them, now the developers and mobile app development company will have to take more care about the security of data entered by users. The app defense alliance is a collaboration of three companies on the board right now. with the new features bug identification, smoothness check, and security breaches are integrated.

Tackling malicious mobile apps and activities

In the reports by Google about removing the malicious application, millions of downloads are expected in threat. Google found 172 malicious mobile apps and 335 million downloads were found in September 2019. Along with this 42 malicious with a collective download of 8 million downloads were removed. With these assistances, app defense alliance is a welcome addition to the security. Android app development companies that are very reputed and leading in the technological field need to take care of the integrations and accessibilities of the files they develop. Play store is enough strong now to identify the malignant application. This was very important to save other apps and users from the drastic loss of security and trust.

Welcoming three organizations on-board for enhanced security

The major companies in technological niche ESET, lookout, and Zimperium to result in this activity. The app defense alliance is a function to stop the malignant app before they reach users. Filtration and scanning before they go publicly active in the part of the alliance. A malignant app is an app that contains useless activity that can harm the data present in the device, or does nasty promotions. All three boards in the alliance coordinate the work function of google play protect.

The above process will make the checking more streamlined to avoid any suspicious app from stealing user data or affecting the device with malware. “The Android biological system is flourishing with over 2.5 billion smartphones and tablets; however, this prevalence additionally makes it an appealing objective for misuse. This is valid for every single worldwide stage: where there is programming with overall expansion, terrible entertainers are attempting to assault it for their increase. Working intimately with our industry, accomplices offers us a chance to team up with some genuinely capable specialists in our field and the location motors they’ve manufactured. This is all with the objective of, together, decreasing the danger of application-based malware, distinguishing new dangers, and ensuring our clients,” the above was directly quotes by Google in a blog entry about the App Defense Alliance.

Conclusion

The reports released by google are reported about the harmful apps from the PlayStore that removed about 700000 apps in 2017 and numerous downloads too. Along with these 42 toxic apps with 8 million downloads removed in October. The google play store has seen the many cases of terrible apps that are being transferred and making a threat. This is the reason google propose the App Defense alliance the program highly integrated with the latest tools and techniques enhancing the security and protection. The company has updated it also one play store as play protect has seen in new updates of play store.

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Most Recommended Android App Development Frameworks for App Development

app development

Over the past couple of years, the trend of mobile app development has accelerated rapidly. Moreover, this happened as the people, especially businesses and entrepreneurs have discerned that mobile applications are an excellent idea to connect with a large customer base worldwide in the real-time. A mobile application enables you to acquire many things. Some of them are listed here:

  • Strengthen your brand
  • Stay connected to your existing and potential customers
  • Generates a loyal customer base efficiently
  • Offer more reliable customer support when it comes to availability and readiness of performance

The most outspoken form for android app development is by downloading Android Studio, which is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) having the necessary packages to assist you in android application development. Also, Android Studio is only an environment that supports mobile app development, and you must have the programming know-how for writing the required codes for developing the app.

The standard Android application language is Java, which is backed by Google. Java is employed to build the backend, whereas XML is applied for outlining the layouts of Android app. So ideally, android app developers should be well-versed with Java and XML if they are looking forward to android app development using Android Studio. You can use various SDKs, for example, the Android Native Development Kit in incorporation with Android Studio, if you are competent with C#, C++, C, or BASIC.

Written below are the most recommended Android app development frameworks:

Xamarin

Xamarin is a blessing for C# app developers for the development of android apps without diving into Java. Since it is one of the best Android app development frameworks, it is practiced by 1.5+ million users as of now. It presents a comprehensive set of C# codebase for native app development not only for Android but also for other mobile operating systems. Applying .NET codebase, Xamarin as Visual Studio is practiced by Android mobile app developers widely for native application development.

React Native

The open-source version of Facebook’s JavaScript framework to develop native mobile apps has been used by numerous Fortune 500 companies such as Instagram, Tesla, and Walmart, for mobile application development. Users cannot differentiate amid apps built on Java & React Native, and this is because React Native’s fundamental building blocks are the same as native apps. By attaching codes in other languages such as Java, Swift, or Objective C, you can optimize your React native app manually.

Ionic

Ionic is licensed under the MIT License, which is a free and open-source app development framework and will remain open always. Using Ionic framework, you can build progressive web and native mobile apps. The framework is cross-platform; enabling quick development of mobile apps for Android, and then you can convert it to other platforms as and when required. But one problem with Ionic is its poor documentation. Ionic demonstrates to be an exception here by conceiving documentation with real-life examples.

Cordova

Mobile applications are the native extension to web applications. Considering this as the base, people behind Apache developed a free and open-source development framework using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Cordova as a mobile app development framework lets developers build multi-platform mobile apps applying a single code base. The app can access native device APIs, which makes it tough to locate if the app has been developed using native languages or not. Despite the fact, it was initially invented for developing online apps; Apache Cordova presents assistance for offline situations also, addressing it an excellent platform for desktop app development too.

PhoneGap

After Apache Cordova, the same team built another mobile app development platform, Adobe PhoneGap. Using Adobe PhoneGap framework, web app developers can speedily transfer their skills to mobile app development. PhoneGap is nothing but Cordova distribution with various tools and plugins launched. With PhoneGap, you can build cross-platform apps with a single base code as it provides an intuitive desktop app. The popularity and ease of usage ensure its ever-growing maintenance community and vice versa.

Titanium

Titanium, an open-source mobile app development framework has a mobile-first approach at its essence. It enables developers to create clean and visually attractive apps that have not only native looks but also has native-like functioning. Titanium incorporates API Builder with Hyperloop, all available for the Titanium developers.

Unity

It’s a Microsoft game engine used by programmers widely for developing 2D and 3D games. Other than this, it can be employed in cross-platform app development. It is ideal to start with mobile app development when incorporated with C# as it has an IDE just like Android Studio.

The App Builder

It is an online application development framework that possesses stimulating clients in building brilliant looking apps without any knowledge of the design. So, if you cannot distinguish or determine where elements of the app should lie for better designing, this framework is for you. The applications built on app builder are very interactive and synced instantly with all the devices the user is logged on. In-depth analytics open to the app developers empowers them in making strategic decisions like retaining features that are embraced by the users while discarding the features which slow down the app.

Conclusion

There are many android app development frameworks available today, and the big decision is to pick the best amongst them for your application development project. Whatever framework you adopt, you have to first create a layout of your app with details such as sections, features, and design elements. These details in turn will decrease the development time whatever the scale is. All the Android app development frameworks explained above are free and have burgeoning community support to assist the users when they stuck. You can also grab the opportunity of android app development by hiring an android application development company which can do wonders for your business.

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Android Q All You Need to Know About Google’s Next Mobile OS

Android Q

The launch of Android Q Beta Operating system by Google was an overwhelming revelation for the Android users. In this advanced update, there are various more useful features you can suspect from ease-of-use to the security. We have incorporated all the fundamental features/elements and aspects of Android Q here.

Android Q release date

On July 10, 2019, the Android Q Beta 5 update was launched still; the date for the release of the final version is yet to be announced by Google. It is contemplated that the complete version will release in August this year. This latest version update is available for Google Pixel devices at present.

Android Q features

As of now, that we have studied the date of release and the compatible devices now let’s have a sight at the vital feature of Android Q this update carries:

Smart reply for messaging apps

Maybe you have used this characteristic already in the apps launched by Google. The current update ensures all the messaging apps on your smartphone gets loaded with Smart Reply- suggested response feature. It means while you are on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other similar messaging apps, you will get suggested responses. Smart reply ensures that better responses can be sent to the receiver apart from saving your time.

Live caption

Google worked with the deaf community to create a feature that adds captions to video or audio played on your device. Live Caption feature will work on applications such as YouTube, Pocket Casts, Instagram, along with the video chat applications, namely Google Duo, and Skype. The best part of this feature is, you do not need the internet to leverage the support of this feature. Even in the offline mode, it relies on machine learning to operate flawlessly.

In order to enable this functionality, users have to turn this functionality on from accessibility settings of their smartphones.

Dark theme

For all those who are tech lovers, Dark Mode is the most impressive feature of this OS update that enables you to use the device in a low-light environment efficiently. The energy usage of smartphones is decreased significantly, though it differs by the screen technology of the phones. Due to this feature, users with weak vision or those with bright-light susceptibility will be benefitted the most. Furthermore, the theme can be applied to the apps working on the smartphone and the Android System User Interface.

Parental control

There is good news for all the parents who are always concerned regarding mobile usage by their kids as with this update; a built-in parental control feature is also there. Parents can examine everything their kids are using, and that too, with the duration of the usage. Through the Family Link feature, this functionality is made possible that lets parents to set the everyday screen time limits and allow app installs. Through this feature, additional time request can be demanded by children for using the apps, and the parents have the authority to accept or deny the same.

Gesture navigation

Locating the navigation drawer inside applications is enhanced with adding on more beneficial controls for the back gesture. There were glitches in this feature in the starting, and most of them are now fixed in Beta 5 release. It is challenging to swipe in diagonally from the lower right or left-hand corner for accessing Assistant.

Better support for foldable phones

Google has taken foldable phones as a serious matter of concern. It may be possible to pause/ stop the app by folding the app and resume the same when the phone is opened again. The strength of the app to be resized will also be viewed, something the potential users of Huawei X and Galaxy Fold will admire a lot.

What will Android Q not possess?

The NFC (Near-field Communication) peer-to-peer sharing method, which was the section of the previous version, will not be covered within this latest update. Google-authenticated that putting smartphones back-to-back will not result in data transfer in beta and final software both.

Android Q compatible devices

Various smartphones have compatibility with the developer preview of this update, and some of the same include:

  • Asus ZenFone 5Z
  • Nokia 8.1
  • Xiaomi Mi 9
  • Essential Phone
  • LG G8
  • Oppo Reno
  • Vivo X27
  • One Plus 6T

Final words

The technological world keeps on altering itself for better and bringing something new for the world. Android Q is the one which will bring a change for the better. The features of this Google’s Android Q update testify that it is a revolutionary change from the realm of smartphones, not just a regular update. The features of the latest version will benefit many not only the users but also android application developers along with android app development company as well. It is suspected that other smartphone models have compatibility too with this update, and we wish the same happens.

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Why Android Application Development is the Best Option for Businesses?

Android Application

The popularity of Mobile applications is indisputable as the entire world is now running places by swiping fingers over the screen of smartphones, especially when talking about Android applications. There is a vast scope for mobile apps as there is an increased penetration of smartphones in the market. In recent years, Businesses are shifting to mobile apps to expand their strategies to tap a higher customer base due to an unfathomable growth of mobile users across the world. Mobile apps have become a vital portion of the lives of people. They now use mobile apps for an abundance of purposes such as entertainment, shopping, daily planning, booking movie tickets, etc. Not only for these purposes, but also these apps modernize the work process of industries too.

For a business, it’s essential to have an app, and Android applications remain at the top option among businesses as Android apps serve a variety of purposes. Also, Android app development offers enormous strategic and operational benefits to the enterprises and expected to surge even further in the coming years. Undoubtedly, the biggest community of people is using android apps. As mentioned above, mobile applications have completely transformed the scenario of the business processes. This blog aims to highlight why android app development is best for your business and how these apps help in accelerating your business growth.

Why should you look for android application development?

Android Operating System dominates the mobile app development market with over a share of 86.8%. Now in the epoch of intelligent work, as per the latest estimates, there are 3 million plus apps on Google Play Store, about 1 billion people use Google Play & download android applications at lightning speed. Also, these applications are generating revenue of $77 billion for their brands altogether. Due to the increased use of Android apps, there emerge vast opportunities for any Android Developers.

A business can merely hire android app developers to create an Android app with great features and functionalities, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to build up an app. Therefore despite the size of the business, businesses are leveraging android app development to foster their business and surge their revenues. Also, Android apps make it more comfortable for businesses to interact with the customers and reach out to a broader audience.

Let us start to make the query solved, explaining why Android applications are the best options for an enterprise/business:

More users

Due to an increased user base of Android apps, you get a great opportunity in the cutthroat competitive environment. You can easily create more visitors to your application and these visitors, in turn, will convert into your potential customers. If you want a successful business app, it should be apt as per the requirements of your target audience.

Target multiple platform

Android app development isn’t really, only restricted to Android, and businesses can target multiple platforms with Android app development. Using Java as a programming language for android business app development makes it easy to port an app to other operating systems like Blackberry, Ubuntu, and Symbian, etc.  This is one of the reasons why businesses choose Android development as you don’t only target the Android audience, but your app can operate on multiple platforms.

Open source platform

With no surprise, most businesses and developers are opting to build Android apps. When you have nothing to lose, you have a lot to win. The best thing about using android app development is that Google doesn’t charge a fee on the same. Not only it is free of cost, but it comprises a rich repository of SDK libraries that can be used in your app, without paying big licensing fees. And the icing on the cake is that it lowers barriers to entry into the mobile app development market.

Customization options

Android, being an open-source platform, offers potentialities for different customizations. If we compare, Android apps and its features can be more diverse than iOS and different operating systems. Customizations let your business be on the corresponding side that of the prevailing market trends which are remarkably beneficial for the growth of your marketing.

Powerful marketing tool

Mobile users are spending nearly 77% of their day and 90% of their free time on their favorite Android apps, so there is no better place to publicize your app. People depend on apps for reasons varying from research to reading reviews about brands, comparing prices, finding directions, making purchases, and varied other purposes. So having an android app makes sense.

High ROI with lower costs

The principal advantage of Android app development is the easy availability of the Android SDK as android app developers use the material design from these SDKs to build interactive apps. The developers are only required to pay a one-time registration fee for application administration, ensuring low investment and the enterprise gains a higher return on investment.

Faster deployment & scalability

Business apps have an agile development cycle that lasts for about a few hours. When talking about Scalability and Versatility, Android apps integrate with the entire Android ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and Android TV. One of the significant Android app benefits is that it makes Android Apps compatible with emerging technologies like IoT, and AR/ VR. Moreover, the versatility of the Android app platform allows mobile app development companies to build dynamic mobile applications that serve multiple purposes.

Final words:

To conclude, all you need is an android application for your business that has clean coding, excellent interface, and actionable analytics to highlight among the top. We already studied numerous advantages of android app development, also it helps businesses to address a higher range of audiences, and gain immense popularity. If you want a result-oriented android application that matches your business processes, hire us. We are a prominent Android application development company that has already built more than 350+ Android applications. Our mobile app developers understand the trends of the market, along with the requisites of the users. Android applications cost you nothing much but could give stupendous returns. Avail the business-friendly android app development services from an experienced IT firm like us. Know your audience, grab their attention, and flourish your business and sales. HURRY UP!

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Android Q Vs. iOS 13- Which Makes a Difference?

Android Q vs. iOS 13

The two most popular platforms, iOS, and Android are contesting ever since their genesis. Both the platforms are always in constant debate as and when new iOS and Android operating systems are launched every year by Apple and Google. None of them is in the shade due to the launch of a new feature in an opponent’s platform.

The consistent strife among the two platforms leads to the development of new features without fail, and their launch in the market makes it challenging for iOS and Android app development companies to figure out which is better. As per the latest trends and features prevalent in the market, there is similarity in the list of features found in both the apps developed by the iOS and Android app developers. The latest software updates of both, i.e., Android Q and iOS 13, which are in beta stage as of now launched by Google and Apple respectively, are currently in the market. The mobile phones are a slab of metal and glass without the operating systems that powers them.

The iOS 13 in its beta version is only available to developers yet with a dark mode for the whole system, better control on the privacy settings and scads of improvements made to make iPhone secure and convenient to use. In comparison, the Android Q also offers the dark mode along with an emphasis on the privacy issues with artificial intelligence enhancements. So the comparison is on the features that were revealed by Apple at the WWDC 2019 along with the features released by Google so far. A few of the most important features of both platforms are discussed below.

Privacy assurance

So far, the privacy is concerned; this has been the selling point of Apple for so many years. Apple declared at WWDC that since its business is not like that of Google that depends on the user data and targeted ads, it will provide its customers with better location permission services while using apps, that will allow the user to choose to share the location once and again ask the user next time whenever the location is required. Likewise, Apple’s new method to sign in will let the user sign in incognito to websites and apps without being trailed.

Whereas with Google, as its significant way to generate revenue is through ads that take into account the user search, for instance, what website they look for, etc. So in the Android Q, it has taken a significant step to enhance the privacy of the users by letting the users control what information they want to share via apps and various services.

Overall dark mode

The dark mode is favourable; the reason being it saves the battery life as it needs to light up fewer pixels along with reducing the strain on the eyes. The Android Q, unlike the previous update of Android Pie, has the dark mode evenly distributed on the mobile operating system and allows the user to switch between the bright white screen and the dark mode.

Apple, on the other hand, has a dark mode for its mobile operating system in iOS 13. The dark theme mode, as declared at the WWDC is available in wallpapers, notifications to widgets, calendar to messages offering a consistent dark experience for its users.

Photos- Editing and sharing

In Google’s photo service, there is everything that is required. With 15 GB of free online storage, the powerful editing tools along with effortless backup and photo sharing, Google offers a perfect photo editing tool. The night site also uplifts the scale to Android. Being a Google tool, it is easy to look for people and places on assigning the tags to the photo.

Apple, on the other hand, comes with a productive photo editing tool, and in iOS 13, the tool can adjust the portrait lighting with the help of the slider. With the ability to recognize faces, objects, and scenes, it helps the user to sort all the images along with the 5 GB of free iCloud storage space.

iMessages and Facetime or Google’s Duo and Hangouts

Apple offers its users end to end encrypted communication facilities via FaceTime and iMessage. The quality of video and text chat and seamless messaging among the iOS and macOS devices cannot be surpassed by any other platform so far.

Google provides messaging apps on Android like Duo, Hangouts for voice and video calling, Google Voice for voice calls again, Messages for chat or text message. Hangouts website offers to message on Mac or Windows devices along with the web version of the app.

Conclusion:

The comparison between the leading platforms has displayed a picture of equal parts of positive points. Besides competing with each other on many features, they individually have many features that so far have not been surpassed by the other. Our Android and iOS app development company have skilled iOS and Android app developers to indulge in app development to extract the best out of the platform for the clients. Contact our android development company for your business app now.

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