Introduction of Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing is a technology that provides an environment that enables

users to transmit data from one device to another device without the use of any
physical link or cables.

Mobile communication can be divided in the following four types:

Fixed and Wired

Fixed and Wireless

Mobile and Wired

Mobile and Wireless

Fixed and Wired: In Fixed and Wired configuration, the devices are fixed at a
position, and they are connected through a physical link to communicate with
other devices.

For Example, Desktop Computer.

Fixed and Wireless: In Fixed and Wireless configuration, the devices are fixed
at a position, and they are connected through a wireless link to make
communication with other devices.

For Example, Communication Towers, WiFi router

Mobile and Wired: In Mobile and Wired configuration, some devices are
wired, and some are mobile. They altogether make communication with other
devices.
For Example, Laptops.

Mobile and Wireless: In Mobile and Wireless configuration, the devices can
communicate with each other irrespective of their position. They can also
connect to any network without the use of any wired device.

For Example, WiFi Dongle.

Applications of Mobile Computing

Following is a list of some significant fields in which mobile computing is
generally applied:

Web or Internet access.

Global Position System (GPS).

Emergency services.

Entertainment services.

Educational services.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Computing

Advantages of Mobile Computing Technology

Enhanced Productivity

We can use mobile devices in various companies, which can reduce the time
and cost for clients and themselves and enhance the productivity of the
company.

Location Flexibility

This technology facilitates users to work efficiently and effectively from

whichever location they want to do their tasks. So, a user can work without
being in a fixed position. This facility makes them able to carry out numerous
tasks at the same time and also benefitted the company.

Saves Time

The location flexibility facility of mobile computing makes it time-saving. It

cuts down the time consumed or wasted while traveling from different locations
or to the office and back. It facilitates users to access all the essential documents
and files over a secure channel and work on their computers. It has also reduced
many unnecessary incurred expenses.

Support Cloud Computing

By using mobile Computing technology, you can save your documents on an

online server and access them anytime and anywhere when you have an internet
connection. You can access these files on several mobiles simultaneously.

Entertainment

Nowadays, mobile devices can be used as an entertainment source. They

provide a lot of entertainment facilities to their users.

Besides the above advantages, it provides some other facilities such as Device
Mobility, Simple Framework, easy and simple infrastructure etc.

Disadvantages of Mobile Computing Technology

Along with these advantages, there are some disadvantages also of mobile
computing technology. Following is the list of biggest disadvantages:

Poor Quality of Connectivity

This is one of the biggest disadvantages because if you are not near any of these
connection providers, your access to the internet may be minimal.

Security Issues

Mobile VPNs are not very safe to connect, and there is always a chance of
security concerns.

High on Power Consumption

These devices run on batteries that do not tend to long-lasting. So, if in a

situation where there is no source of power for charging, then that will be a
failure.

Besides the above, there are also some disadvantages such as low data
transmission rates, High data losses, Frequent network issues etc.

Factors in Developing Mobile Applications

There are 7 factors to consider when building a mobile app for your business.
These factors are:
Define your target audience and market

Choose the right platform and technology.

Design a user-friendly and attractive interface.

Implement essential and unique features.

Ensure security and privacy.

Plan your budget and timeline.

Launch and market your app.

Define your target audience and market

Before you begin constructing your mobile app, you should understand who you
are making it for and why. Your target audience and market are the individuals
who will use and benefit from your app, as well as those who will have an
impact on its success. As a result, you must conduct research to better
understand their features, preferences, behaviors, and needs.

You can perform market research using a variety of methods, including online
surveys, social media analytics, and competitive analysis. These strategies will
assist you in gathering and analyzing information on your potential users and
clients, including their age, gender, geography, income, hobbies, interests, pain
points, and expectations.

Based on the data, you can segment your audience into different categories or
personas and create user profiles that describe their attributes and goals. This
will help you tailor your app's features, design, and marketing strategy to suit
your audience and market.

Choose the right platform and technology.

Another crucial consideration when developing a mobile app is the platform and
technologies you will utilize. The platform is the operating system that your
program runs on, which could be iOS, Android, or Windows. The technology
refers to the programming language, framework, and tool that will be used to
develop your app, such as Flutter, React Native, Xamarin, or Firebase.
The target audience, app features, budget, and timetable all influence the
platform and technology selection. For example, if your target audience is
mostly iPhone users, you may wish to use iOS as your platform and Swift as the
programming language. You might want to go with native app development if
your app has complex features that require excellent performance. If your
budget and timetable are restricted, consider using a cross-platform framework
that allows you to create a single program for many platforms.

To select the best platform and technology for your app, you must analyze the
advantages and cons of each option and compare their costs, benefits, and
obstacles. You should also test and optimize your app for different devices,
screen sizes, and operating systems to provide a seamless and consistent user
experience.

Create a user-friendly and original interface.

The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are features of your program
that affect how it appears and feels, as well as how people interact with it. A
good UI and UX can make your app more appealing, engaging, and simple to
use, but a poor UI and UX can make it frustrating, dull, and unclear.

To create a user-friendly and attractive interface, you must adhere to certain best
practices and principles, such as simplicity, consistency, clarity, and
responsiveness. Simplicity implies that your app's layout should be clean and
intuitive, with only the most relevant parts. Consistency refers to your app's
uniform and coherent look, which includes identical colors, fonts, icons, and
buttons. Clarity implies that your app's information should be legible and clear,
with concise and meaningful labels, messages, and directions. Responsiveness
indicates that your software should execute quickly and adaptively, with smooth
and seamless transitions, animations, and feedback.

In addition to these principles, you must adhere to the design rules and
standards specific to each platform, such as Material Design for Android and
Human Interface Rules for iOS. These guidelines include ideas and examples of
how to create your app in accordance with the platform's norms and
expectations.

Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD are examples of prototype and wireframing tools
that may be used to generate and test app designs. These tools allow you to
generate mockups and prototypes of your app as well as simulate and assess its
functionality and usability.

Implement essential and unique features.

One of the most difficult and fascinating aspects of developing a mobile app is
determining which features to include and how to implement them. Your app
features are the functions and capabilities that your app offers to users and
delivers the app's value proposition.

To integrate critical and distinctive features, prioritize your app's core

functionality and value proposition over superfluous and complex extras. Every
mobile app should provide essential functionality such as navigation, search,
login, notifications, and feedback. Unique features are those that distinguish
your app from the competition, such as gamification, personalization, social
media integration, and augmented reality.

Analytics and feedback technologies like Google Analytics, Firebase, and App
Store Connect can help you identify and implement crucial and distinctive
features for your app. These tools will assist you in measuring and improving
app performance and user satisfaction, as well as identifying new opportunities
and insights for your app.

Ensure security and privacy.

Security and privacy are critical for your mobile app, especially if you deal with
sensitive and personal data from your users, such as payment information,
location, and contacts. If your app is not safe and private, you may face major
consequences such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware, as well as legal
and ethical difficulties like litigation, penalties, and reputational harm.

You need to protect your app from threats both inside and outside of it, as well
as make sure that it complies with all rules and regulations that may be relevant.
To defend your app from external dangers, you must implement encryption,
authentication, authorization, and a firewall.

Securing your app against internal threats calls for the use of best practices and
standards for developing, testing, and debugging to avoid errors, bugs, and
vulnerabilities. You should also educate and train your team and users on the
necessity and procedures of security and privacy to avoid negligence and
ignorance.

Plan your budget and timeline.

A realistic and thorough budget and timeframe for your mobile app
development project are critical since they will help you avoid frequent
problems and delays, such as overspending, underestimating, and missing
deadlines. Your budget and timetable represent the estimates and allocations of
your app development resources, including human, financial, and technical
resources.

To plan your budget and timeframe, you must evaluate various aspects that can
influence app development costs and timelines, including the complexity, scope,
and quality of your app, the platform and technology you use, and the number
and competence of your team. For example, if your software is simple and
straightforward, it will cost less and take less time than if it is complex and
sophisticated. If you choose a cross-platform framework, it will cost less and
take less time than if you choose native app development. If your team is large
and experienced, it will cost more and take less time than if your team is small
and inexperienced.

To estimate and allocate your app development resources, you need to use
project management and collaboration tools such as Trello, Asana, and Slack.
These tools will help you to plan, track, and communicate your app
development progress and status, and to manage and monitor your app
development resources effectively.

Launch and market your app.

Finally, while developing a mobile app, consider how to properly launch and
sell it. Launching and marketing your app refers to the procedures of
introducing and promoting your app to your target audience and market, as well
as generating and keeping users and customers.

To effectively launch your app, you must test, debug, and publish it in the app
stores, as well as design a landing page and press kit for it. Testing and
debugging your software are the processes of identifying and resolving
problems, defects, or difficulties in order to verify its quality and functionality.
Publishing your app to the app stores is the process of publishing and
distributing it to platforms, such as Google Play and the App Store, where users
can download and install your app. Creating a landing page and a press kit for
your app are the processes of designing and developing a website and a
document that showcase and describe your app and that attract and inform the
users and the media about your app.

To efficiently market your app, use app store optimization (ASO), social media
marketing, email marketing, and influencer marketing.

By following these factors, you will be able to create a successful and high-
quality mobile app that will meet the expectations of your users and the goals of
your business. A mobile app can bring many benefits to your business, such as
reaching more customers, increasing engagement, and boosting sales. However,
it also requires careful planning, research, design, development, testing, and
marketing.

What is a Mobile Application regard?

Mobile Application Software is an app that runs on a smartphone. It has
portability. They work the same as the business apps. They use specific
programming languages to perform a task or solve a problem for the end-user.

Types of Mobile Applications

There are four kinds of mobile applications. They are -

Native apps.

Web apps.

Hybrid apps.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA).

Native apps
These are designed for specific mobile operating systems like Android, IOS, or
Windows. Here, Android is developed using Java and IOS uses Swift or
Objective C. They are published on Play Store or App Store.

Examples: Google Maps, Spotify, Telegram, WhatsApp, etc...

Technologies used: C++, Java, Kotlin, Objective-C, Python, React Native,

Swift.

Advantages:

They have best performance.

More secure.

These are user interactive.

They have access to full features of device.

Disadvantages:

They are developed only on single platform.

These are expensive to maintain.

Web Apps
Mobile web applications are optimized for mobile devices and they are
accessible through a web browser on a smartphone. These are developed using
HTML/CSS/Javascript. They runs with the help of web browser applications
like chrome, safari, Firefox etc.

Examples: Amazon, Canva, Netflix, Walmart etc.

Technologies used: C#, C++, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Java, Perlin, PHP,
Ruby, Python, Typescript.

Advantages:

It is easy to development.

Easy to maintain.

These are cheaper than Native and Hybrid apps.

They works on all platforms.

Disadvantages:

These are device browser dependent.

Poor user experience.

Slow performance.

These are less interactive with device utilities.

Hybrid apps
Hybrid apps combine elements of both native and web apps, using a single
codebase to run on multiple platforms. These are deployed on container that
uses mobile WebView object.

Examples: Facebook, Gmail, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Uber, Yelp.

Technologies Used: HTML5, CSS, Flutter, JavaScript, Appy Pie, AppMakr,

Ionic, Objective-C, Swift, React Native, Wrap-Up.
Advantages:

These are cheaper to maintain.

These are easy to develop.

They have access to features of device.

Faster development due to single codebase.

Disadvantages:

These are slower as compared to native apps.

Less interactive than native apps.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

PWAs are web apps that provide a native app like experience. These are
designed and developed similar to web apps. These apps take support of
services workers. These are published on play store or app store.

Examples: Pinterest, Starbucks, Adidas, Tinder, Trivago.

Technologies used: AngularJS, CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, Lighthouse,

Polymer, PWA library, VueJS, WebAssembly.

Advantages:

They provides fast and responsive performance than web pages.

These are easy to maintain.

These are cheaper than Native and Hybrid apps.

Works on all platforms.

They can work offline.

Disadvantages:

They have limited hardware and software support.

Technical options such as Bluetooth or NFC cannot be used.

There are 32 app categories in play store. These categories can be narrowed
down to six mobile applications.

They are -

Educational apps

Lifestyle apps

Social media apps

Productivity apps

Entertainment apps

Game apps

Educational apps

These apps are used to educate the students. They often cover a wide range of
subjects and may incliude interactive lessons, live quizes, videos, online exams
and other educational resources. Users can track their progress and customize
their learning paths.

Examples:

Khan Academy

Duolingo

Unacademy

Vedantu

Coursera

Ace academy

Lifestyle apps

Lifestyle apps cater to various aspects of an individual's lifestyle, including

health, fitness, travel, food and more. These apps help users to maintain a
healthy lifestyle, plan trips, manage finance, or explore new hobbies. These
apps enrich daily living and enhance life style choices.
Examples:

Airbnb

Headspace

MyFitnessPal

Social Media apps

These apps are enable users to create, share, and interact with content and
connect with others. They can share text, photos, videos, and live streaming.
Some of the peoples can learn knowledge from this apps like LinkedIn also.
They provide a platform for connecting with friends, following influencers, and
staying informed about current events, pop culture, and more.

Examples:

WhatsApp

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Snapchat

Twitter

Productivity apps

Productivity apps are designed to enhance efficiency and organization in work

or daily tasks. They often include tools for task management, calendars,
document editing, and team collaboration. These apps boost efficiency and help
users stay organized in both personal and professional settings.

Examples:

Microsoft Outlook

To-do-list

Trello
Evernote

Entertainment apps

Entertainment apps provide a wide range of content such as music, movies, TV

shows, web series, books, podcasts and news. Generally peoples used these
apps for removing their stress or to entertain themselves. They can also provide
a personalized experience based on user preferences. These apps bring
entertainment to users fingertips, allowing them to unwind and relax.

Examples:

Netflix

Amazon

Aha

Spotify

Kindle

Pocket podcasts

Youtube

Sony live

Game apps

These apps are interactive applications designed for entertainment and

amusement, often involving challenges, strategy or storytelling. They can range
from casual games to complex multiplayer experiences. These apps offer a
range of gaming experiences, from simple and relaxing to competitive and
intense.

Examples:

PUBG

Candy Crush

Subway surfers

Free fire
Word crush

What is Mobile App Development Process?

The mobile app development process typically includes the following stages:

Ideation and Conceptualization – This stage involves brainstorming and

analyzing potential concepts and features for the app. The goal is to identify a
unique value proposition and target audience for the app.

Planning and Analysis – This stage involves defining the scope of the app,
creating a project plan, and conducting market research. This stage also includes
developing user stories and creating wireframes and/or prototypes for the app.

Design – This phase entails developing the app’s user interface and user
experience. This includes designing the visual elements, such as the color
scheme, typography, and iconography, as well as the navigation and interaction
patterns.

Development – This stage involves writing the code for the app, building the
backend infrastructure, and integrating any third-party APIs and services.

Testing – This stage involves quality assurance and testing to identify and fix
any bugs, errors, or usability issues.

Deployment – This stage involves submitting the app to the appropriate app
stores or marketplaces and making it available for download.

Maintenance – This stage involves ongoing updates and improvements to the

app, including adding new features, fixing bugs, and incorporating user
feedback.

What is the price of making a mobile app?

The cost of making a mobile app can vary widely depending on various factors
such as the complexity of the app, the level of design and functionality, and the
experience and location of the development team. The typical cost of
developing a mobile app can range from $10,000 to $500,000 or more,
according to various surveys and reports. However, it’s important to keep in
mind that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of developing a
mobile app can be higher or lower depending on the specific requirements and
features of the app. It’s recommended to get a project quote or estimate from a
reputable mobile app development company to get a more accurate idea of the
cost.
What new technologies are employed in the creation of mobile applications?

Some of the new technologies being used in mobile app development include:

5G connectivity: This technology promises faster speeds and lower latency,

enabling new mobile app experiences and capabilities such as gaming and
streaming.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These technologies

can be used to create smarter, more personalized mobile apps that can learn
from user behavior and preferences.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): These technologies are
transforming mobile app experiences by adding immersive and interactive
elements.

Blockchain technology: This technology can be used to create secure and

transparent mobile apps for transactions and data storage.

Wearable devices: The rise of wearable technology is creating new

opportunities for mobile app development, offering new ways for users to
interact with their devices and apps.

Internet of Things (IoT): Mobile apps can be used to control and monitor
connected devices, making it possible to create new IoT-enabled experiences.

Beacon technology: This technology provides location-based services and

notifications, opening up new possibilities for mobile app experiences.

Popular platforms of the Mobile OS

1. Android OS: The Android operating system is the most popular operating
system today. It is a mobile OS based on the Linux Kernel and open-source
software. The android operating system was developed by Google. The first
Android device was launched in 2008.

2. Bada (Samsung Electronics): Bada is a Samsung mobile operating system

that was launched in 2010. The Samsung wave was the first mobile to use the
bada operating system. The bada operating system offers many mobile features,
such as 3-D graphics, application installation, and multipoint-touch.

3. BlackBerry OS: The BlackBerry operating system is a mobile operating

system developed by Research In Motion (RIM). This operating system was
designed specifically for BlackBerry handheld devices. This operating system is
beneficial for the corporate users because it provides synchronization with
Microsoft Exchange, Novell GroupWise email, Lotus Domino, and other
business software when used with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

4. iPhone OS / iOS: The iOS was developed by the Apple inc for the use on its
device. The iOS operating system is the most popular operating system today. It
is a very secure operating system. The iOS operating system is not available for
any other mobiles.

5. Symbian OS: Symbian operating system is a mobile operating system that

provides a high-level of integration with communication. The Symbian
operating system is based on the java language. It combines middleware of
wireless communications and personal information management (PIM)
functionality. The Symbian operating system was developed by Symbian
Ltd in 1998 for the use of mobile phones. Nokia was the first company to
release Symbian OS on its mobile phone at that time.

6. Windows Mobile OS: The window mobile OS is a mobile operating system

that was developed by Microsoft. It was designed for the pocket PCs and smart
mobiles.

7. Harmony OS: The harmony operating system is the latest mobile operating
system that was developed by Huawei for the use of its devices. It is designed
primarily for IoT devices.

8. Palm OS: The palm operating system is a mobile operating system that was
developed by Palm Ltd for use on personal digital assistants (PADs). It was
introduced in 1996. Palm OS is also known as the Garnet OS.

9. WebOS (Palm/HP): The WebOS is a mobile operating system that was

developed by Palm. It based on the Linux Kernel. The HP uses this operating
system in its mobile and touchpads.