Tag: Android App

14 Tips On How To Improve Android App Performance

Posted on by Jay

Users expect apps that respond quickly and consume minimal system resources. Slow, resource-intensive apps can lead to poor user experiences and high uninstall rates. To keep your users engaged and satisfied, it’s crucial to optimize your Android app performance.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top tips and techniques to help you achieve just that.

  1. Profile Your App

Profile Your App

Before you dive into optimization, it’s essential to understand your app’s performance bottlenecks.

Use profiling tools like Android Profiler and third-party tools like Firebase Performance Monitoring to identify areas of concern.

Profiling can reveal CPU and memory usage, network latency, and more, helping you pinpoint performance issues.

  1. Minimize Network Requests

Minimize Network Requests

Excessive network requests can slow down your app and drain the user’s data plan.

Reduce API calls by implementing effective caching strategies, combining multiple requests into one, and optimizing the payload size by removing redundant data.

  1. Optimize Image Loading

Optimize Image Loading

Images are often the heaviest assets in an app. To optimize image loading, use tools like Picasso, Glide, or Fresco, which handle image caching, scaling, and decoding efficiently.

Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

  1. Lazy Loading and Pagination

For content-heavy apps, implement lazy loading and pagination.

Load data only when it’s needed, and load it in smaller chunks to reduce the initial load time.

This technique can significantly improve the perceived app performance.

  1. Background Tasks and Threading

Offload resource-intensive tasks to background threads or worker queues to prevent the main UI thread from becoming unresponsive.

Use AsyncTask, Threads, or Kotlin Coroutines to handle background operations efficiently.

  1. Reduce Overdraw

Overdraw occurs when the Android system has to redraw the same pixel multiple times in a single frame.

Minimize overdraw by using the Hierarchy Viewer tool to inspect your app’s view hierarchy and reduce unnecessary layers.

  1. Optimize Memory Usage

Memory leaks can lead to app crashes and degraded performance. Use tools like Leak Canary to detect and fix memory leaks.

Additionally, release resources (e.g., bitmaps, cursors) when they are no longer needed and implement a smart caching strategy.

  1. Proguard and Code Shrinking

Use Proguard to obfuscate and shrink your app’s code. This reduces the APK size and improves startup performance.

Code shrinking tools like R8 further optimize your app’s bytecode.

  1. Enable Hardware Acceleration

Leverage hardware acceleration for graphics-intensive tasks by setting the android:hardwareAccelerated attribute to “true” in your app’s manifest.

This offloads rendering tasks to the GPU, improving performance.

  1. Keep Up with Android Updates

Stay up-to-date with the latest Android SDK versions and platform updates.

Google continuously optimizes the OS, and using the latest tools and features can improve your app’s performance and compatibility.

  1. Test on Real Devices

Don’t rely solely on emulators for testing. Real devices can behave differently due to variations in hardware and software.

Regularly test your app on a range of devices to ensure optimal performance across the board.

  1. Optimize UI Rendering

Minimize the number of views and layouts in your UI hierarchy. Use Constraint Layout to create efficient and flexible layouts.

Avoid nested layouts whenever possible, as they can lead to slower rendering times.

  1. Implement App Bundles

Migrate to the App Bundle format for publishing your app.

This format allows Google Play to deliver optimized APKs tailored to each user’s device configuration, reducing unnecessary bloat.

  1. Monitor and Iterate

After implementing these performance optimizations, continue monitoring your app’s performance using profiling tools and user feedback.

Be ready to iterate and make further improvements as necessary to keep your app running smoothly.

Top 10 Technologies For Android App Development

Android app development has evolved significantly over the years, and developers now have access to a wide range of technologies and tools to create powerful and feature-rich apps.

Here are the top 10 technologies for Android app development:

Java:

Java has been a traditional and widely used programming language for app development.

It provides a robust, versatile, and mature platform for building Android apps.

Kotlin:

Kotlin is the official programming language for app development recommended by Google.

It offers concise syntax, enhanced safety features, and excellent interoperability with Java.

Android Studio:

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development.

It provides a comprehensive set of tools, including code editors, debugging, testing, and performance profiling.

XML:

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is used extensively for defining layouts and UI elements in Android app development.

It allows developers to create user interfaces that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

Gradle:

Gradle is the build automation tool used in Android Studio. It simplifies the build process, manages dependencies, and allows for customizations through build.gradle files.

Android Jetpack:

Android Jetpack is a collection of libraries, tools, and architectural guidance provided by Google to simplify app development.

Are you looking for a Android developer

Contact Us

It includes components for navigation, UI, database management, and more.

Retrofit:

Retrofit is a popular HTTP client library for Android that simplifies network requests.

It supports various data formats, such as JSON and XML, and provides an easy-to-use API for making RESTful API calls.

Room Database:

Room is an Android architecture component that provides an abstraction layer over SQLite databases.

It simplifies database operations and ensures data consistency and security.

Firebase:

Firebase is a comprehensive mobile and web application development platform by Google.

It offers various services, including real-time database, authentication, cloud storage, and analytics, which can be integrated into Android apps.

Flutter:

While primarily associated with iOS app development, Flutter is gaining popularity in the Android app development world.

It’s a UI toolkit from Google for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

Conclusion

Optimizing Android app performance is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and dedication.

By following these tips and techniques, you can create a snappy and responsive app that delights users and keeps them engaged for the long term.

Remember that a fast and efficient app is more likely to garner positive reviews and high user retention rates.

FAQs

What is Material Design in Android app development?

Material Design is a design language developed by Google that emphasizes visual and motion design principles. It provides a consistent and visually pleasing user experience across Android apps, focusing on responsive layouts, smooth animations, and intuitive navigation.

What is the Android API level, and why is it important?

The Android API level represents the version of the Android operating system that an app is compatible with. It’s essential to set the minimum API level in your app’s manifest file to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices.

How can I publish my Android app on the Google Play Store?

To publish your Android app on the Google Play Store, you need to create a Google Play Developer account, prepare your app for release, generate a signed APK, and complete the submission process by providing app details, screenshots, and pricing information.

What is the difference between Android Studio and Eclipse for app development?

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) recommended by Google for Android app development. Eclipse was previously used but is no longer officially supported.

Android Studio offers a more robust and feature-rich development environment.

What is the Android SDK?

The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of software tools and libraries provided by Google to facilitate Android app development. It includes APIs, debugging tools, and emulator images for various Android versions.

Best Android Frameworks To Succeed In Mobile App Development

Posted on by Gary B

Mobile application development using web technologies has revolutionized the mobile development market. This is because this type of technology allows you to take advantage of the best features of native development, in addition to all the power and facilities that web technology offers.

Choosing the right IDE to develop an Android application can not only make the difference between obtaining a quality product or an inferior one but also a developer may find that his life is made easier depending on the choice he makes, having a frustrating or fluid and agile experience according to the option he opts for.

Without much ado, let’s take a rundown at some of the recommended Android Frameworks to build enterprise-grade mobile applications.

Best Android Frameworks Succeeding In Developing Robust Mobile Apps

1. PHONEGAP

PhoneGap belongs to Adobe Systems and is an open-source distribution of Cordova and as its entirely open-source, its one of the most trending Android all development frameworks feasible to build hybrid applications.

Never miss an update from us. Join 10,000+ marketers and leaders.

The platform facilitates multi-platform applications to be developed using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript web technology and makes use of an API that allows access to system hardware elements such as the camera, storage, accelerometer, etc.

It allows integration with other frameworks such as jQuery Mobile, etc. one of the best parts is that it provides ease to developers while programming as it offers no more complex and tough text commands to understand and interpret.

Unlike other frameworks mentioned below that deal with the interface part, PhoneGap / Apache Cordova is in charge of integrating into the mobile operating system and giving access to its services.

So you’ll probably use it alongside one of these frameworks, which in many cases only offers the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript part of the user interface.

Next, when it comes to alignment and working in sync, the desktop apps built run smooth and parallel likewise PhoneGap’s mobile apps. Undoubtedly, it’s a ‘wrapper and packer’ framework as it incorporates a multiplicity of other distinct frameworks.

[Cordova vs PhoneGap:

The primary difference between these two frameworks is that PhoneGap has access to the Adobe Creative Cloud compilation service allowing the application to be compiled for the desired operating system and independent of the operating system where it is developed.]

2. IONIC

Licensed under MIT, Ionic is one of the most famous frameworks for developing cross-platform applications. In the beginning, Ionic used the AngularJS framework and PhoneGap for the integration part with mobile platforms.

However, in its latest versions, it has been incorporating new Front-End frameworks to develop enterprise-grade mobile applications. Currently, it allows its development with the most famous platforms of Angular, React, Vue.JS.

Ionic integrates a design layer with CSS styles and resources such as icons, etc. These styles can be adapted to the design standards of the Android and iOS platforms. Another of its many advantages is that Ionic has its own development IDE that will facilitate the design and programming of applications.

Using a single codebase, it offers high performance and optimization and is well-liked for its diversity in providing distinct features and functionalities while building Android mobile apps.

[Prefer Reading: “How Business Android Apps are beneficial for Entrepreneurs?”]

3. CORONA SDK

Corona SDK was created at Corona Labs Inc., by Walter Luh. The software helps create applications for devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android, etc.

It is said to be very easy to use software where it consumes comparatively less time and effort. Corona SDK integrates Lua layered over C ++ / OpenGL. The software runs on major operating systems like; Mac OS, Windows, Nook, Kindle Fire and Android.

It empowers quick mobile app development with its dynamic APIs and real-time quality checks/testing and makes it a perfect fit for all-purpose development and gaming.

Let’s check out some of the main features of Corona SDK which make it capable to be added in this list of top frameworks for mobile app development.

  • The patented OpenGL-ES rendering engine enables full acceleration of graphics hardware, including sprites that animate at full GPU speed.
  • The transition library allows the interpolation of the position, rotation, alpha, or any other property of Corona sprites.
  • Compatible with native iPhone and Android user interface. Developers can access iPhone native text features, including all fonts, multi-line fields, and keyboard input.
  • Corona-built applications start smaller than 400 KB.
  • The subscription-based purchase model allows users to have new updates as soon as they are rolled out.

Corona SDK is 100% free to use, simple to set up, and actionable to perform, offering recreation to your customized Android mobile apps.

4. REACT NATIVE

React Native is a framework for creating hybrid applications that are based on JavaScript and a set of components of the ReactJS framework.

Currently, it is also one of the most famous mobile app development frameworks and has a large development community. It is part of very powerful and well-known applications, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Skype, or Instagram.

With the power of code re-usability, React Native enhances the swiftness of app development and saves resource costs where only a team of adept developers can handle a React Native project saving many times efforts of development and maintenance.

Your Android app ventures to develop successful mobile applications seem effortless when done with ReactNative. With rendering to local stage UI, the platform aids your app to use similar local stage APIs without much preparation.

Ignoring a few of its drawbacks, it is one of the robust frameworks adopted by maximum developers as a feasible choice in mobile app development. Its server-side rendering makes it a good fit to be well integrated with other platforms with its view in layers feature.

Indeed, it’s a perfect choice to build a secure, scalable, and performant app that derives customer and user satisfaction both with the virtual DOM that offers great user-experience and productivity along.

[Prefer Reading: “Top 6 Reasons for Native Mobile App for your Business”]

5. XAMARIN

Xamarin as a product is a set of multiplatform development tools that allow the development of native applications with the same language.

It is a tool that allows cross-platform app development to go seamlessly. This is how it solves problems that many developers encounter when developing applications, such as different forms of language depending on the platform to which the application is directed.

With Xamarin this is resolved since it allows you to design for all 3 platforms (iOS, Android, and Universal Windows) using the shared code commonly known as C #. Xamarin allows application logic to be shared between different operating systems, duplicating only the user interface.

Xamarin gives us the possibility to have a shared codebase that contains business entities, business logic, access to services, etc., and simply have different code for the user interface details for the client layer on each platform. Basically, it’s like developing at the same time for all platforms, so we minimize development times.

“Xamarin we can reuse the code by 75-85% according to official sources.”

A notable advantage of Xamarin is that the applications we develop with this tool will be 100% native, which means that we will have all the libraries and features that characterize each of the platforms individually.

One can learn more about Xamarin from XamarinUniversity via updated information and videos that allow you to always be up-to-date, as well as share experiences and learn from colleagues and experts.

6. NATIVESCRIPT

NativeScript enables the development of native applications using JavaScript and TypeScript.

It also allows development through the Angular Framework, and in its latest version the possibility of developing through the Vue.js Framework has also been incorporated.

NativeScript generates truly native applications, using the same APIS that you would have available from Android Studio (native development environment for Android) and XCode (Apple IDE for native development in iOS).

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

LEARN MORE

It even allows access to third-party native libraries, thus providing greater capabilities regarding the performance and capabilities of applications. Its biggest drawback is that the development of user interfaces is more complex (it is XML, not HTML), as well as the necessary abstractions to access the native code independently of the system.

7. JQUERY MOBILE

JQuery mobile has a long experience in the world of creating hybrid applications. It only integrates the jQuery framework based on JavaScript; however, it enables you to concrete and structure a highly responsive and intuitive site or application to take a shot at a tablet or a cellphone.

Your learning curve is very low, especially if you already have knowledge of jQuery and JavaScript. It has been left a little behind in terms of power and design when compared to the rest of the new frameworks introduced in the market, but also jQuery Mobile can be used in parallel with other design frameworks such as Bootstrap, Materialize, etc.

It is always a good option for a hybrid application interface development, but it will surely be necessary to use another series of libraries or plugins to improve its design or functionalities since it does not contain a design thought in the design standards of current mobile platforms.

Tips To Increase Your App Download Through App Store Optimization

Posted on by Jay

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving the visibility of a mobile app (such as an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows Phone app) in an app store (such as iTunes or Google Play or windows marketplace).

App store optimization is just like search engine optimization to improve the app findings by users in an app store.

App store optimization includes the process of ranking highly in an app store’s search results and top charts rankings.

Ranking higher in search results and top charts will help in more downloads for an app

On-Page optimization:

  • App Title:

    It plays a vital role in ASO. The app title should clearly describes the app and what it does, but it should be short.

    Too long app titles are get truncated, this kills user experience.

  • App Description:

    This is the second most important part of ASO. This is the place where you sell your app based on the great features!Make sure to keep this section short and concise.

    As it is going to use in user’s cell phones and not on their desktop monitors.

  • App Logo:

    This is the way you can express what your app is all about.

    So the app logo should be designed by a professional designer to create a stunning app logo. This part should not be overlooked.

  • App Screenshot:

    Screenshots should be clear and with high resolution. You should highlight the best parts of your app with multiple screenshots.

    If possible add short text/explanation to the screenshots.

  • Category:

    Make sure to categorize your app appropriately. As a lot of searchers jump straight into specific categories if they are looking for something.

    There is also a  secondary category option in which your app fits into two categories, but the primary category does act as the most important.

  • Keywords:

    You need to know which keywords are relevant and used very often by your targeted users,  to improve your search rankings. It is very useful to monitor the other competitors.

Off-Page Optimization:

  • Overall App Ratings:

    This is an important factor for ASO. If most of the people who downloaded the app gave 5 out of 5 stars, then it must be a great app.

    Ratings are also a direct reflection of your app’s performance measurement – a great app will get great ratings. The front page placement likely to rely on a combination of downloads, ratings, reviews and Google pluses.

  • App Reviews:

    Like ratings, reviews play an important role in ASO. You want as many app users to leave out genuine reviews of your app.

    The conversion rate will grow depending upon the number of the favorable reviews your app receives.

    Always keep track of the users’ reviews and try to improve your app based on the feedbacks.

  • Total App Downloads:

    This certainly affects searcher physcology. If the app has good download number, it creates the impression of being popular, then the chances download of the particular app will be higher.

Verdict

Around 63% of apps are discovered via app store searches. ASO is the most used method for discovering and downloading new apps from the app stores.

So to boost your app’s search ranking and downloading make sure to follow these quick tips of ASO. ASO is just like a secret weapon to increase your app’s visibility, ranking and overall success.

Also See: How to monetize your Android application through In-App Billing?

You can also check out some of our free apps.

How did you like this blog? Please send me your comments, if any.

What’s new in Android 4.4 ‘KitKat’ for Developers

Posted on by Jay

Google released the latest version of Android (version 4.4), known as KitKat on 31st Oct 2013. It is designed to work on a wide variety of devices. The new version of Android has got a lot of exciting features for both users and developers.

 

KitKat

Some of the new features in the latest version of Android for developers to learn and explore are:

Screen Recording

The screen recording feature of Android 4.4 lets you capture video of your app and save it as an MP4 file. The recording can done at any device-supported resolution and then shared directly from the device to a computer for post-production.

Full Screen Immersive Mode

Full-screen immersive mode in KitKat allows any app to go truly full-screen, hiding both the navigation and status bars and takes advantage of every last pixel on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. You simply need to do a swipe from the top or bottom of the screen, in order to display the system bars again. Basically, developers can hide the entire system’s interface while the user is engaged in their apps(like e-reader and other media apps and games).

Scene Transitions

Android 4.4’s new transitions framework allows app developers to define how one screen animate to another scene. Developers can use predefined transition types called TransitionManager that animate the properties that matters the most to your app.

Storage Access Framework

With the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, users now have a smoother way of accessing and creating documents in an app from a variety of cloud storage providers. Developers can add their own storage devices to Android without having to do it on a specific vendor by vendor basis.

New WebView & Chromium Features

KitKat includes new implementation of WebView based on Chrome for Android 3.0. It allows developers to use the latest compatibility features, performance standards and support in WebView to access their Web-based content. Chromium WebView supports many aspects of HTML5 as well as CSS3 and JavaScript.

New Near Field Communications Platform Support

One of the new features in Android 4.4 is Host Card Emulation (HCE) to support Near Field Communications (NFC) transactions. Apps can also act in a new “Reader Mode” to receive NFC functionality (like payment processing, building access, tickets etc.) as it uses an Application Identifier (AID) to route the different NFC function from the hardware in a device to the app.

Low-Power Sensors

Android 4.4 support for hardware sensor batching, a new optimization that can dramatically reduce power consumed by ongoing sensor activities. It can makes your app more efficient and it lets you track sensor events continuously.

RenderScript Takes Advantage of Device Hardware

RenderScript can now be accessed in kitkat 4.4 by a new C++ api in the android native developer kit. High hardware consuming tasks can now be integrated into an apps native code and it allow for support from multiple smartphone CPU and GPU cores.

Andolasoft has a team of experienced android developers who are skilled to develop innovative apps for all versions of android devices. We have developed Android Apps like KurrentJobs, EstateMobz and many more.

Auditnet® Is Now Available On Mobile (iPhone/iPad/Android)

Posted on by Jay

We are delighted to announce that AuditNet® is now available on Mobile both iPhone/iPad and Android. With this app, now the existing users can enjoy browsing and downloading the same rich content what they see on web app, also a new user will be able to register to the site. Now advertisers will get traffic from both web and mobile application.  For last 12 weeks a dedicated team from Andolasoft (Mobile App Developers, UI Developers, Ruby On Rails developers and QA team) worked diligently to make it available on the app stores right on time. AndolaSoft team worked on UX/UI design, app development, testing, and deployment of app to the respective apps store.

Looking into current surge of iPhone, iPad and Android devices worldwide, AuditNet® started looking for a way to provide access to the audit templates to its mobile users to target rise in subscriptions. Hence, Andolasoft proposed a cost effective solution by developing a mobile app using Cross Platform technology – PhoneGap, on top of Ruby on Rails framework, enabling to run on both iOS and Android platform. The back-end uses RESTful API hosted on AWS for smoother performance.

 

Auditnet_mobile_image

Auditnet_appstore1Auditnet_googleplay

 

 

About Auditnet:

AuditNet® serves the global audit community as the primary communication resource with an online digital network where auditors share resources, tools, and experience including audit work programs and other audit documentation. In 2009 AuditNet® launched Web-based training for fraud detection and prevention, IT audit, data analysis, audit software tools and techniques, enabling auditors to learn essential skills anywhere at any time. As a NASBA approved CPE sponsor AuditNet® now offers low-cost high-quality training for auditors and financial professionals, providing convenience while eliminating the need for travel.

Visit www.auditnet.org to know more.

About AndolaSoft:

Based in Silicon Valley, Andolasoft is a Web and Mobile app Development Company. Here, we do web applications using Ruby on Rails, PHP and CakePHP. We’ve expertize on Mobile App Development involving as iPhone, iPad, Android, PhoneGap andSencha.
With a team of 200+ expert developers, we deliver cutting-edge solutions within budget and on schedule. We have happy customers from across the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and Brazil.

Visit andolasoft.com to know more

Things you must do after Apps development

Posted on by Jay

mobile_marketing-large

Android and iOS both are the most lucrative mobile app development platform. Although Apple is the dominant player in US, Android has the widest customers around the world. Hence for business requirements, both iOS and Android is the most viable option. With over 850,000 applications in the Google Play and still counting Android has become the most versatile platform for the businesses as well as individuals to release any sort of apps in the market. Whereas App Store accounts for over 40 billion apps purchases and possesses around 775,000 apps ‘and still counting’.

After publishing the application to the App Store and Google Play, it is essential to promote those apps for generating revenue. Developers should popularize their apps over web to attract the attention of customers. Here are few ways to market and promote your applications on application stores.

Simultaneous App marketing and Development

Don’t wait till you finish developing your app; instead start marketing when the development process is ongoing. You could setup a website or a blog about the application you would be releasing in future. You could also promote the concept of your application through blog or social media websites. Developers should also write articles and reviews on topics and products related to the type of application they are willing to develop. This would help to gain visibility on the web as well as making people familiar about the idea of the applications. All the articles and app promotion through social media and blog posting has to be relevant.

Search optimize your Google Play and App Store Page

Every application released on the Google Play and App Store has its own page. Customers and users would come to this page through links in articles, blogs and social media updates. Developers will have just few seconds to persuade their possible customers through their page hence, the contents and information on the page has to be compelling. It would help if the app is named smartly i.e. the name should reflect the purpose of the application. Developers should also take utmost care while designing the app icons. It would be helpful if high resolution screenshots are also included in the Google Play and App Store page.

Involve your Friends, Family any one you can

The first few days of the release of the application to the application stores are the most crucial time which would decide the future of your apps promotion. Most users rely on the ratings given to the application before actually downloading it to their mobile device. Along with the rating, comments and reviews also matters. If the app gets a good number of downloads and has good ratings, there is a chance that it will be placed in the top list of best selling app or staff picks section.  Hence, ask your friends and family to give 5-star ratings to the applications, in fact ask as many people you know to give your application a 5-star rating and write impressive comments and reviews about the applications. Ensure a higher number of downloads by requesting trusted friends to download the app.

Support:

Offer continuous support to the users by addressing their queries and comments. If a user has raised an issue regarding app’s performance or functionality, address them by fixing the issue and then reply their comments by intimating them about the bug fixes. It facilitates developers to build a trust with their customers. Also watch out for negative feedback and bad reviews and remove any prevalent bugs that might be hampering your app’s reputation.

Android Application Development and iPhone application development are considered to be the best mobile app development platform for businesses. Because of its wider reach, it facilitates them to promote and market their application to a wider group of people.