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All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, “Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

App Transport Security

Keeping private data secure on today’s Internet is an ongoing challenge, and with the release of iOS9, Apple is taking even more steps to protect user data. The most important change for developers in iOS9 is the addition of App Transport Security, which attempts to use secure HTTPS communications by default for all Internet connections, instead of standard HTTP. Ideally, all your apps and services should be upgraded to use HTTPS, but, for many iOS9 apps, that is simply not possible. Certain services, such as ad networks, still rely on unsecured HTTP and without modification, if your app tries to connect to an insecure address, it will result in an error. Not only is this possibly inconvenient for your users, it also looks unprofessional for error messages to be displayed inside your apps.

If standard HTTP connections are absolutely necessary for your app to function, you can avoid problems by adding a few lines to the app’s Info.plist file to whitelist the affected domains, or you can deactivate App Transport Security completely using the NSAllowsArbitraryLoads key.

IPv6 Support

As the finite supply of IPv4 addresses dwindles, it is becoming increasingly important to add support for the IPv6 protocol to all your iOS9 apps. Beginning in 2016, it will be mandatory for all new apps in the App Store to support IPv6, and those that do not support the protocol will be rejected. To make sure your apps are ready for IPv6, be sure that you use the correct OS networking frameworks, such as NSURLSession, avoid APIs that use IPv4 exclusively, and do not hard-code any IPv4 addresses into any of the URLs in your apps.

App Thinning

With iOS9, you now have the ability to reduce the installed footprint of your iOS9 apps by using to deliver a customized version of your app for a particular device, without including all the extra resources that are required for other devices. Using Xcode and slicing you can export a different version of the app bundle for each type of device, and using bitcode, you can export an intermediate version of your app that can be compiled for a specific device when it is downloaded. With on-demand resources, items like images and sounds can be downloaded as needed, and deleted when they are no longer required or when storage space needs to be freed for more important items.

iPad Multitasking

With iOS9, Apple introduced several new multitasking options for iPads, including Slide Over, Split View and Picture in Picture. Slide Over allows a second app to be briefly opened over the top of another. Split View allows two apps to be opened side by side and used simultaneously, and Picture in Picture overlays a video window onto your current app.

For your apps to work properly in iOS9, they must be targeted to the OS specifically and they must support the new window sizes, using the appropriate Auto Layout and size classes. They must also respond to trait collection and size changes correctly. It is a good idea to test your iOS9 apps in each state and make sure all the elements are displayed correctly. Applications developed in Xcode 7 should already be optimized for the new multitasking modes.

These are just a few of the things you can do to prepare your apps for iOS9. There are many other options available, depending on they type of application. Games can take advantage of the GameplayKit, MetalKit and other optional frameworks to improve game performance, and other apps can use improvements like 3D Touch to enhance app interactions. Implemented properly, the new additions to iOS9 can translate into improved performance and new features that will add significant value to all of your iOS9 apps.

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All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, “Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

Link: St. Louis Blues

Audio shortcode:

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”

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All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, “Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

It’s no secret that top apps on each platform have strong mobile user experiences and enjoy a kind of prestige and envy from all types of developers. But do the most popular apps secretly reveal a little more insight into the habits and personalities of their customers? Let’s take a closer look.

Top 5 Apps for iOS

The top five most popular free apps for iOS are:

– Facebook Messenger
– Facebook
– Instagram
– YouTube
– Snapchat

The top five most popular paid apps are:

– Minecraft Pocket
– Dark Sky Weather
– Heads Up (a party game made popular by Ellen DeGeneres)
– Lifeline (A text-based astronaut guidance game)
– Plague, Inc.

What They Reveal About iOS Users

The free apps show that iOS users are into sharing – especially social sharing. From filter effects through Instagram to “private” conversations on Snapchat, iOS users are connected to their friends, family and colleagues through a variety of applications.

The paid apps demonstrate that iOS users aren’t afraid to have a little fun either! But notice how many of the games are also social in nature. Games like Minecraft thrive on sharing, and even Lifeline, which involves you directing and texting messages to a stranded astronaut, encourages social-type bonds with the character.

In short, iOS users enjoy documenting and watching the world around them. Friends, family and good times are always on the agenda, but virtual worlds are just as attractive, whether you’re building something amazing with your pals, or spreading the flu!

Top 5 Apps for Android

The top five most popular free apps for Android are:

– Gmail
– Google Chrome
– Facebook
– WhatsApp
– Angry Birds

The top five most popular paid apps are:

– Minecraft Pocket
– Where’s My Water? (A puzzle-based game by Disney)
– Asphalt 7: Heat (A Racing Game)
– Poweramp Full Version Unlocker (A full-featured music player)
– Beautiful Widgets Pro (Personalization for your home screen via widgets – such as weather, world clocks, etc.)

What They Reveal About Android Users

Android users are all about getting things done, and they do that via the already familiar Google apps like Chrome and Gmail. Social sharing isn’t as high of a priority for them, but there’s a definite trend with regard to games.

Their app habits show that they’re into a good deal more personalization and freedom. They want to make their devices their own and make them unique. They’re also into building and sharing as well as working out the brain via some challenging puzzles. But Android users are also not afraid to put the pedal to the metal and let off some steam with games that don’t require much thought, but do require fast reflexes.

Here, there’s less of a trend toward sociability and more of a focus on freedom and customization. Android users like having choices and tend to want to be in more control over their apps as a whole.

The Bottom Line on App Choices

While it may be unfair to pigeon-hole all users into these categories based on their app choices, there’s no doubt that the mobile app world is continuing to grow and evolve as it stretches its wings in an attempt to find and be something for everyone.

From email to social chat, photo filters to catapulting birds, it’s easy to think that there’s nothing a device can’t do. Still, the best part about downloading and owning these apps are in how they impact and improve your life on a day to day basis. Whether you want to be more productive, organize or coordinate an event or just have fun, both app platforms give you the ability to do all these things and more.

What are your thoughts? Do app choices dictate the behaviors and personalities of an entire group of users? Or is it possible to segment users too far based on their apps? Tell us what you think by contacting us and share your own perspective!

 

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All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, “Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

Let’s get into its Design. Apple Watch offers a 38mm and 42mm face height, depending on whether you’re used to wearing a smaller or larger face traditional watch. They’ve designed 6 different metal finishes, including 18-Karat rose or yellow gold, to create a higher end timepiece. Three different main designs suit virtually any style including the “Watch” version, “Watch Sport,” and “Watch Edition.”

Now this is where things get even more interesting. The face is completely customizable, “What!” You can select a look that is a traditional chronograph or digital numbers. Or do something offbeat like Mickey Mouse that taps his toe with each second that ticks by. Choose a flower that blooms, a jellyfish that swims, or a butterfly that flutters its wings. You can follow the sun’s position in the sky, or the exact position of the planets. The possibilities are endless.

The user experience and plenty of the Watch’s features are exactly pretty seamless and meet expectations. It syncs with our messages, calls, and mail. You can easily start a task on your Watch and finish it on your iPhone However, a few of the standards are kicked up a notch. Emoji’s are animated and customizable. You can easily send audio messages as you would a text. Or send friends your current location on a map.

The built-in apps are quite impressive with some bells and whistles we haven’t seen before. The Digital Touch feature lets you communicate in so many creative and fun ways. Three of our favorites are:

  • Sketch – Use your finger to draw something quickly. Your friend on the other end can watch your drawing animate, then respond with a custom creation for you.
  • Tap – Let friends or loved ones know you’re thinking of them with silent, gentle tap patterns they’ll feel on the wrist. You can even customize taps for different people.
  • Heartbeat – When you press two fingers on the screen, the built-in heart rate sensor records and sends your heartbeat. It’s a simple and intimate way to tell someone how you feel.

The health and fitness app monitors calories and activity pretty well and as expected. We also love the Apple Pay feature that can be used at compatible retailers all with a simple swipe of your wrist. Those are some initial thoughts we had. We looking forward to sharing more UX Design and Mobile App Development tips as we learn more about the Apple Watch in the coming months.

But, please contact us if you need our help in building an app for the Apple Watch.

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All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, “Oh, why can’t you remain like this for ever!” This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

Worry Free Labs’ CEO Paul Choi recently had the opportunity to talk about what makes a successful app business as a guest professor on the The App Academy Podcast. Paul discusses some key elements that play important roles in the success of an app business in today’s world and dives into these three in particular:

  • Innovation: Having a truly innovative idea with a sound business model to back it
  • Strategy: Having a focused plan for executing design, development, testing and marketing
  • Team: Having a strong, experienced team that works well together

Paul stresses how critical these three components are and discusses how these key components helped pave the road to success for , an innovative iOS mobile app that Worry Free Labs helped design and build.

Listen to the full episode and contact us to learn more.

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