After shutting down the VPN Service, Facebook now launched a new Market Research App, Viewpoints

Viewpoints

In consonance with Facebook’s official blog, this all is going to take place:

  • Facebook is going to run ads for encouraging selected people to take part in the market research program.
  • On clicking the ad, the users can register in it. If they qualify, they will be requested to download the app.
  • As the user will sign up, they will notice a description of how the app operates. Apart from that, what information they have to share with Facebook if they are interested in participating.
  • All who contributed to the research employing the app will be rewarded. The company told all participants would be compensated monthly via PayPal. However, as of now, Facebook has not disclosed how much Americans and Indians would be paid. Despite the query, we cannot find out whether there is room for any bonuses, referrals, or other incentives for users or not.

What info will Facebook accumulate?

This time, Facebook has promised it will gather the least amount of data needed to help users in building better products. The goal apparently will be to locate which apps and features Facebook must copy, buy, and what is to be ignored. Periodically, the company will remind the participants to review the information they share with Facebook.

Here is the data Facebook will gather and interpret:

  1. Apps installed on the phone of the participants
  2. The time you spend using these apps in a day
  3. Participant’s nation, device & network type

Facebook’s Viewpoints, a new market research app launched by Facebook a couple of days ago, a couple of months after the organization introduced the Android data collection app named Study. The app is designed with a view for monitoring what and to which extent the users can access different software on the Google-owned operating system.

Both applications have a dubious history. Facebook had to shut down a market research app in January, the app which the company introduced as a virtual private network (VPN) provider in the market. It was advertised to teenagers, and it employed a special software certificate that Apple gives to businesses. It was chiefly structured to authorize the distribution of internal apps within the employees only (no general public to be involved).

Over the years, Facebook’s Market Research apps have violated Apple’s Privacy Guidelines

Facebook was using it for installing software on the phones of teens along with the survey partakers for collecting the information which the organization generally could not ask for, employing its basic iOS applications. The app would have overlooked Apple’s principles for the App Store. However, to distribute the software outside the standard iOS model, Facebook was using an Apple-provided enterprise certificate.

Apple drew the organization’s enterprise privileges of Facebook for violating the guidelines, and as a result of which Facebook has shut down the application, named Facebook Research VPN, for appeasing the makers of the iPhone. Even last year also, Facebook had to shut down a similar VPN app referred to as the ‘Onavo Protect.’ The app was shut down after Apple said the app is violating the standard App Store data collection rules.

Facebook’s examination endeavors presently live on in Viewpoints and Study. With Viewpoints, Facebook is not peering into how you utilize third-party applications. Instead, it is an app that will give you rewards for filling the surveys, testing new items, and much more. As per Facebook, the first survey is the “Well-Being Survey,” which will take around 15 minutes and acquire you 1000 “points,” which means $5 that will be paid to you through PayPal.

Facebook appears to have taken a few reactions of its past market research app to heart, as Viewpoints is open to individuals of 18 and above in the US with Facebook accounts. Still, when some of you try registering a Facebook account on the iOS version of the app, you may receive a pop-up message of ‘not available to you at this time,’ so it seems that some people probably won’t qualify all requirements for the current survey. Facebook says that it intends to give “extra ways for individuals to get you enrolled” and to extend the program to different nations next year. The company also stated it wouldn’t share information from the application to third parties. Along with that company also promised that it would not share your Facebook Viewpoints activity on Facebook.

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Experience iOS 13.3 and iPad OS 13.3 with all-new charming features and improvements

iOS 13.3

Apple has launched the third significant update to the iOS and iPad OS 13 operating systems, i.e., iOS 13.3 and iPad OS 13.3, just a month after Apple released iOS 13.2, which brought in different emojis. This time, Apple has brought not only numerous fixes but also new features to assist the users in a better way. So, let us find it out what random improvements and fixes has Apple got in its big list of fixes and improvements.

What is unique in iOS 13.3 and iPad OS 13.3 from the previous versions

Communication limits in screen time

iOS 13.3 consists of new features that were promised initially for ‌iOS 13‌ but continued to delay, which involves Communication limits for Screen Time. The new feature allows the parents to control with whom their kids can communicate in Apple apps like FaceTime, Phone, and Messages. Additionally, parents can handle contacts that appear on their kids’ phones, although emergency contacts are always enabled.

Physical security key support

In the current iOS 13.3 and ‌iPad OS‌ 13.3 update, Apple has added native support for NFC, USB, and Lightning FIDO2-compliant security keys like the YubiKey in Safari. The YubiKey 5Ci supports physical authentication by plugging the YubiKey into the Lightning, or USB-C port of iOS gadgets, be it iPhone or iPad, which is a significant security improvement.

Hide animoji and memoji stickers

You will find an option to stop the display of Animoji and Memoji stickers in the Emoji Keyboard under Keyboards in Settings (in General).

Apple news improvements

There is an innovative layout for ‌Apple News‌ and stories from The Wall Street Journal and different journals. Likewise, you can hit like or dislike on the stories by a tap now. Finally, the Stories from Apple News are available in Canadian, English, and French languages now.

Store edited video as a new clip

When you are editing a video, you can immediately save the revised version of the video as a new clip instead of saving it over the original one.

Additional bug fixes and changes

Here is a small list of further improvements that have been noted in the changelog by Apple:

Have a look into it-

  • It can now fix the issues in Mail that might prevent you from downloading new messages.
  • It will address the issue that blocked removing messages in Gmail accounts.
  • It will fix the issue whenever the cursor doesn’t move after long pressing on the space bar.
  • It manages the issue that causes screenshots to look blurry via Messages.
  • It resolves the issue related to cropping or making use of Markup on screenshots that could not save.
  • It deals with the issue of Voice Memos when it can’t be shared with another audio app.
  • It fixes the issue where the missed call badge on the Phone app could not clear.
  • It resolves the issue related to the Cellular Data setting when it is incorrectly shown off.
  • Fixes issues that restricted turning off Dark Mode at the time when Smart Invert is enabled.
  • It resolves a problem where wireless chargers charge extra slowly than expected.
  • It manages the issues that cause wrong letters to display in messages and duplication of sent messages in Exchange accounts.

How to get iOS 13.3 and iPad OS 13.3 on your iOS devices?

To download the new version on your iPhone and iPad, Go to Settings from there select General, then click on Software Update.

 Settings > General > Software Update

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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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Ways to overcome your Mobile App Development Cost by Hiring a Dedicated Developer

Mobile App Development

The process of mobile app development is done strictly according to the technological aspects of trending ideas. As smartphones are highly trending in the market all youngsters love to use apps that provide amazing startup follow-ups. No one can think of better technology and strategy for mobile app development than a professional developer. The benefits of hiring a mobile app developer personally are beyond your imagination. Behind the visible points, there is a hidden gamut of features that you get after hiring a dedicated mobile app developer.

Reasons why custom app development cost goes over budget:

  • As per the Harvard Business Review, app development projects go over budget over 27% of their proposed price.
  • Generally, one in every six projects encounters an over-budget of 200%. 
  • IT breakdown rates are assessed to be within 5–15%, accounting for damage of $50-$150 billion every year in the US only.
  • Organizations waste the budget due to poor project performance, even if 80% of the project is being completed on time.

Every point and beneficial trend you get is better for your business in some way directly money saving. When you think of getting an app there are two different ways of getting an app, maybe you can hire an app developer or contact a mobile app development company for better assistance. There is a different impact of contacting a company or hiring personally.

Firstly, you have to consider your purpose that what kind of app you need to develop, and how big your project is. What level of versatility your idea has, and according to your thought how many professionals are enough to accomplish your expectations? These things matter a lot.

Now have look what benefits you will get if hire a mobile app developer, mentioned below the further context:

Better for startups and big projects:

As already here mentioned whether you are going to get startup, where you are going to invest, and taking risks without knowing the results, you need to opt for a low-cost option where it is best. And on the other hand, if you have a successful business and now thinking of a big project, there also will be a person who will be better suited.

Availability of technical expertise and resources:

A person working for you only will be available for you all the time and provide better assistance in every perspective whether it is technical or about design and layout of the application.

Tuned workflow:

You always have eyes on your project and stay tuned about the status of the work process over your app development project. The developer hired by you will work for you only and will accomplish the project at a faster pace than other options.

Less legal issues:

When the mobile app developer is working for your project only, everything is clear and mirror-like clean in between your ad the person going to help you in the project. Then any kind of legal issue like late delivery, duration swings, payment issues, etc.

Long-term relationships:

When someone works with you for a long time then it is always aware of your thinking pattern, and your choices. Similarly, whenever you will get to develop a new project you can contact it again, this is cost-effective, time-saving as well as you can get a better help as compared to contacting new platform evetime. You have a surety all the time regarding the project and have to get fewer eyes overwork process than before.

Companies care about their products and they might not let you get your delivery on time but when you get your project it will perfectly be programmed and teste both manually and technically. As well as companies take responsibility for the modification and bug fixing for a limited period. On the other hand, hiring a dedicated mobile app developer is Budget-friendly in every aspect.

Conclusion

The mobile app development companies have professional teams and not even they provide the services only, but also the leading mobile app development companies like AppSquadz that are trusted globally or the incredible services. We have a team that is always ready for your assistance, you can also here the developers personally for your projects. Professionals here are highly experienced in working for huge projects and startups.

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Must-have features for Driver App Development that benefit drivers in Taxi Business

Driver App Development

As of now, with the advent of taxi riding apps like Ola and Uber, no driver discovers it challenging to find riders. Adopting a cab from their place has been a trend now rather than walking down in search of a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. Taxi drivers find the app more convenient in many ways with no time wasted in hunt of passengers, which in turn boosts their income. If you want to build a taxi riding or sharing application for drivers with driver-tailored experience, contact a ride-sharing app development company.

As we can see the people are opting for a taxi as a means of transport for their convenient commute. With growth and development, the countries and cities are developing at a fast pace. As the well-developed countries have everything perfect, beautiful views, high buildings, smooth roads, and streets, along with these uncountable people. Usually, well-developed cities have a high uber of people than rural areas.

People are highly literate and rich as well. People opt to commute from one place to another by cars to maintain standards. That is the reason taxis for the people of middle status. Taxi apps and cabs are very popular in well-developed countries and the cities that are under development also have great demand for cars to travel from one place to another. As well there is no doubt that cabs or taxis are more comfortable than any kind of transport, literate people of every age love to travel by themselves. The taxis are the same as the cab, just cab is a modern name of taxis.

Significance of taxi mobile app 

Similarly, as the craze of taxis increased, the craze of smartphones and mobile apps got a pace together. Startups in commute services, mostly get the people with all-time best services of online convenience. taxi mobile apps for the better introduction of the business to youth are very important as well and easy to reach the audience at an extensive level. Taxi mobile app development to book taxi or bike to commute is very common nowadays, the youth that is studying as well as working people find it very helpful. Companies like Ola and Uber have excelled in the field of travel with app facilities for the people. Uber is preceding very fast across the globe and providing services in countries we can see just dream of. Huge projects of uber-like air taxis are going to be true with such software technology and advanced strategic ideas.

Features benefits and trend the app designed for a taxi driver must have, are mentioned below. Go through the content you will find it helpful in further processing of your taxi app development:

GPS tracking, Maps, & Route 

Navigation, throughout the location, is very easy if the app designed for a taxi driver have map integration. A taxi driver would find it easy to locate its passenger, as well as find the directions for the destination. If the driver is newly hired or it does not know any particular place in the case. That time you have to map is helpful to get the route.

Application for Passengers

The taxi driver app should be very synchronized with the application for the passenger. This is how the passenger gets easily synchronized with the app design and find it user friendly. The app for passenger and taxi driver is the same sometimes just have the difference of id and login. Whenever the diver puts in the slot of employment designation changes itself.

Communication

The communicative integration in the app, is very helpful. If the area is a bit congested or new for the driver or passenger that time the driver or passenger can contact and know about the duration of reach. Communication whether text or call is very important so that the passenger would wait for calm fully and will not go frustrated.

Real-time location track

This is not a big deal anyway, because the usual social media and chatting apps also have location access features. Similarly, the taxi mobile app must have this feature so that the taxi driver will know the location of its passenger as well the passenger will be satisfied and find the time take by the driver reasonable.

Ease of Booking

The passenger feels very easy to book the ride with an app it is fast and comfortable. It is out of the useless conversation and very authorized. Also, the taxi driver easily can decide whether it has to accept the booking or not then it passes on to some another drive in the radius. Fast booking and faster acceptance are all-time features of online software.

[Read More: How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Taxi Booking App Like Ola Or Uber]

Conclusion

The taxi app development process is one of the main points of the software development business. The majority of small and big companies thinking to invest in commute service and along with this the demand for taxi app development for passenger and river is increasing day by day. We are also a reputed mobile app development company; our testimonials are taxi for sure that was later acquired by Ola.

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A Short Preview to Google Assistant’s New Ambient Mode

Google Assistant's

Google announced its new features in google assistance, the feature called ambient mode. This mode turns your smartphone, tablet and phablet on automatic mode so that it shows information on screen, like notifications, photos from google photos, music controls, smart home controls, current whether of your location, etc. it turns your device that is smartphone or tablet into a digital photo frame. This mode saves your battery life that is the reason it only active when the device is on charging or docked.

Highlights

  • Google to roll out Ambient Mode to Google Assistant’s.
  • Ambient Mode will be accessible on phones operating on Android 8.0 and over.
  • Ambient Mode can convert the phone’s lock screen into a smart display.

The google first released this feature only in two tablets and two smartphones, that were Lenovo Smart Tab M8 HD and Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab, and two smartphones, the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2. later they told that it will get a broader release in market later. It will come under a sub setting and subsequent feature under android 10.

Let us help you out to manage this feature in your device as a reputed mobile app development company, if you want to enjoy this feature in your table or smartphone here is the tutorial step by step mentioned. Firstly, open up your google app on your smartphone it is usually pre-installed in all android device if not it would be strictly available on PlayStore.

  • Firstly, launch the app on device enable all the accessibility on the app then tab more and go to settings > google assistant, then tap on the tab with key word “assistant”, scroll down on screen. Again, scroll down to the section named personalization it is for customizability look for the ambient mode.
  • Once the ambient mode tuned on in settings you just have to plug your device with charging pin or cable. The ambient screen of the google app will automatically appear, on the lock screen you can access the various shortcuts easily, for example photo slideshows, and other functions without unlocking the phone.

Conclusion

The content is an analysis over the new feature of Google assistant’s. Android is powered by google and devices with android operating system in our country are most popular. People here can afford the android devices and android mobile app development most and as well as we introduce the amazing app development designs most.

Originally in September 2019, Google announced that a unique Ambient Mode is coming to Android devices. The feature would present more convenience for users to access features such as their schedules, reminders, and notification that too within their smart phone’s lock screen. Within a couple of months after the initial announcement, Google has now brought the Ambient Mode to its Google Assistant, which is quite impressive.

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