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It’s Going to Cost What? (Mobile App Development Cost)

Why is it so hard to get an accurate cost on a mobile app project? After all, most mobile app development cost are pretty straightforward.

sink hole

Mobile app development cost

Website – Simple

Say, if you need to price out a new website, you can simply estimate the number of pages, hours and cost per hour. Done.

Mobile apps – Not so simple

But pricing out mobile app development cost is more challenging. People ask me, “why is that?” The short answer: there is a lot going on “behind the curtain” that you never see. Only your developer does. And I’d like to share the key pieces you should know about.

iPhone, iPad App

The actual mobile app that your users will install on their iPhones and iPads. Instagram or Yelp app.

Admin Console

A browser based web portal to administer your system. Tasks such as locking users out or unlocking them, financial reporting, usage reports, uploading content including images, videos etc. to make them available to your mobile user. For example: Instagram or Yelp support teams use to manage the entire system from their desktop browser.

Client web portal

In some cases, your users will want to administrate some functions from a desktop browser. This then becomes very critical. A client portal is also needed when you have a tenant-landlord model of apps. For example: Yelp desktop browser access for businesses to manage their accounts.

Data Storage

Cloud based storage of data, images, offers, information, bills, invoices, etc. Your mobile app will need to access this data for everything it does. For example Instagram or Yelp stores all pictures, business information and user info in a data store on their servers.

Hosting and Database

Most (90%) of apps have some hosting component. Even basic simple apps will want to store registration information including emails to do some email newsletter marketing. This cost can run into millions depending on how much traffic you are targeting.

Security

Specialized apps like in healthcare or fintech will need extra layer of security for app, app transport and data-storage.

Third-party integration

Sendgrid, MailChimp for email sending, Salesforce, Zoho, Microsoft Dynamics, SilverPop for CRM, Stripe, Autorize.NET, PayPal for Payment processing, etc. Each of these services have a setup/service fee that you will have to budget for.

The diagram below shows how they connect.

Mobile app architecture

If you are truly interested in estimating your true cost, multiply 3x of whatever your mobile app developer or  mobile app development company tells you.

Additionally, you can check out more info on the price of developing an app.


For help with your “Mobile App Development” project, call us at +1 949 284-6300 or email us at [email protected]. You can  also Schedule a FREE consultation.

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 7

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 7: What’s the Future?

If you have an iPhone 6 right now, you probably want to make a switch. Whether you have purchased it two years ago right at the time it was released in the market or later on, the gadget world actually moved on. However, how can we be sure that iPhone 7 is a good enough upgrade to make this worthwhile or are you better off waiting for the succeeding year or changing to Android?

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 7 – Tell the Difference

It cannot be denied that many users just want to have something that is shiny and new. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, iPhone 7 does not look too different to iPhone 6. For the iPhone 7, Apple has decided to ditch the ugly antenna lines on the rear, but since you have had your phone for several months, this might not be a problem to you anymore.

The new thing has something to do with the colors that include the limited-availability piano black and the fetching “black” option. The latter has replaced the Space Grey choice and it might not be appreciated by everyone. Truly, iPhone features do change for the better in every new model to be launched by Apple. These features may be the same as the iPad features. Moreover, the iPhone application development services are also taken into account.

Also, there are quite a few changes in the style and display between iPhone 6 and the new iPhone 7. Users are given the chance to switch to a much more lovable and stylish design they want for a phone. So far, iPhone 7 is running on the same iOS 10 operating system as iPhone 6. But, everyone is waiting for any news about upgrading the OS to iOS 11. And, hopefully, iPhone 7 can taste that.

There’s a slight split with iOS 10 and that can be seen in terms of 3D touch. Apple used touch-sensitive technology that it introduced with iPhone 6s much better in the newest mobile operating system. iOS 10 has been found to be more helpful and advantageous the moment it has been added in iPhone 7 compared to how it works on iPhone 6.

For instance, you could preview emails and the messages on the lock screen simply through pressing firmly the notification. You may also jump to the additional options through pressing hard on the app & on the control center icons. Switching to iPhone 6 after you used iPhone 7 may be a bit strange, as if something is missing.

When you take more photos, iPhone 7 would be a great upgrade with its 12 megapixel camera and six-element lens built. You can also locate optical image stabilization and the bigger f/1.8 aperture lens. All of these mean that photos that are taken with iPhone 7 are sharper, brighter, steadier and much more colorful. It is a significantly better and improved performer in the low light, as well, even before you consider the enhanced True Tone flash system that uses double the quantity of bulbs that an iPhone 6 camera has.

These are just some of the features you can expect to see in iPhone 7. There are more things that we can expect from the iPhone 7 and the future.

Game Apps vs Healthcare Apps

Medical technology’s future is right here with apps and games that offer a wide variety of advantages and functions..

Three friends playing mobile app games
Friends playing games.

Since the advent of mobile apps, people’s lives and work, the way they communicate and play have all changed significantly. Through mobile apps, healthcare is delivered much better and is more efficient than it was ever before.

Out of 10 Americans, it is found that almost 8 are more than willing to pay a hundred dollars for a medical healthcare app that is capable of monitoring vital signs and/or that allows them to access their medical data. The wireless medical data technology has many benefits for patients, families and for medical providers a well.

Mobile Healthcare App Advantages

Mobile healthcare apps create advantages in the healthcare industry. With digital and mobile technologies increasing, these apps can provide new ways for stories to be told, which can impact the world in a better way. One example is the hundreds of medical applications developed for Android and iOS devices.

Most medical apps are about diet or fitness but there are several that are designed for specific purposes, in ways that ensure to make huge differences in the lives of millions all over the world. Over the years, mobile healthcare apps have improved with more accurate readings and other useful functions. Such apps don’t just provide information but also tell the patient’s health story.

Why Healthcare Game Apps

Besides medical apps for healthcare, there are also healthcare game apps that are found to be even more beneficial. Gamification in healthcare is not only about playing games or gaining popularity for the mobile healthcare app provider, but is about creating a way for the patient to also be engaged.

Gamification in healthcare has several technology startups and pilot projects with some developers who play around to build a great healthcare game. The approach in the industry is not clear yet but it is clear that in the next few years there will be significant growth in healthcare games apps which will lead to sustainable modifications in patient behaviors as well as better health outcomes.

Several studies were also conducted to determine the benefits that certain healthcare game apps provide. For instance, a study conducted by the American College of Rehabilitation Meeting in 2015, shows that playing a game provides an effective treatment of the post-concussion syndrome. It was found that playing a game reduced the symptoms of this syndrome.

There is also the fact that people are naturally competitive. We all like to compare ourselves with others which can help as a way of motivation. In the form of games, competitive individuals will feel more compelled to take care of their health and follow the instructions in the game apps through the game’s competitive aspects.

Compared to ordinary apps, gaming apps have a huge advantage in that they are more entertaining and engaging. While ordinary mobile medical apps help in increasing the efficiency of healthcare delivery, games are more engaging, and the patients take in information much better.

What matters most in mobile app development?

Over the last few years of working with clients and meeting prospects for mobile app development in Orange County, CA, we kept hearing the same things over and over again:

  • Where do we start?
  • How much does it cost?

So here you go:

Let’s go thru cliche talk first: The best place to start a mobile app development project is always at the users’ doorstep. Meet each prospective user, converse with them, understand their needs, and discuss the solutions.

Of course no-one has time to do this and of course your idea is the best. So start with a simple and thoroughly written definition of the problem and proposed solution. Draw up a simple wireframe like below. There is no need for a tool.

Mobile app development examples

Ok, for costs, read our other post on mobile app development costs. It never costs as much as you fear, if you are able to define your requirements properly. Do remember that mobile app development costs consists of iPhone app development, Android app development and any backend portal development costs. We have seen requests with the same verbal one-liner – “oh…I need a video site like YouTube.” That confuses us and the quote annoys you.

Try the above and then ask a development company for advise (or a quote.) You will be happy you did your homework.

For more information reach out to our President Ram Iyer ([email protected]) Or our Operations Director Rick Johnston ([email protected].)

Telemedicine Mobile App for Urgent Care needs

Person using telemedicine app Telemedicine mobile apps allow modern, convenient, and cost effective way to access premium medical care through your mobile phone or tablet: 24/7.

The goal is to keep your patients out of the Emergency Departments and Urgent Care clinics if they don’t have an “Emergency Condition”.

Telemedicine mobile apps provide your patients instant access and easy credit card pricing.  It gives access via telemedicine, to board certified physicians and licensed providers offering a variety of medical services for patients in need of medical assistance.  The App provides doctors, urgent care and healthcare providers features found in any modern HIPAA compliant mobile app platform.

If you are considering having a mobile app for your telemedicine initiative, begin by choosing the right mobile app development company.It will become very important to ensure they understand mobile healthcare and HIPAA compliance requirements.

How It Works (for the patient)

By using the App a patient can input their medical history, their urgent problem then interact directly and confidentially with the medical provider via voice, chat, pictures or video.  The provider in turn offers a diagnosis and may order prescriptions, lab tests, and imaging studies as needed.
Secure mobile payments are facilitated via Credit Card.  The patient sees the statement immediately at the conclusion of their virtual visit.     It’s that painless!  


For help with your “Mobile App Development” project, call us at +1 949 284-6300 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can  Schedule a free consultation (https://sunverasoftware.com/contact/)  .

$6 Trillion Mobile App Economy Expected By 2021 – Are You Ready To Cash-In?

If you believe mobile pundits, Mobile App Economy is expected to grow to $6 TReady to make money from mobile app economy?rillion (with a ‘T’) by 2021. Year 2021 is not too far and before you know it, we will be in 2021.

Behind all stats telling us which parts of the world is going to grow and who spends the most on an hourly basis, etc.

Is the real question “Are you ready to cash-in?

To make money from mobile app is fairly simple – create a great (and viral) mobile app, publish it on iTunes and Google Play stores, watch downloads go up, your app rise to the top of both stores and count your dollars. Easier said than done.

It is usually extremely difficult to make money in mobile app economy. Most people fail, lose quite a bit and then blame everything under the sun for their failure including themselves. Even moderately promoted apps fail because even if users download the app, they do not engage. Big and small companies suffer alike when it comes to mobile app downloads and subsequent usage.

To be ready to benefit from mobile app economy’s growth, one needs to get started NOW. Here are the steps…

  1. Identify a niche that should focus on either
    1. Users will engage your app for 2 hours or more every day.
    2. An app users will spend an average of $5 per month.
  2. Identify where your users hang out. Seek them out and get in their face:
    1. Instagram
    2. Pinterst
    3. Facebook
    4. Book clubs, Archery club
  3. Hire a great mobile app development company that can:
    1. Design a greatly designed mobile app
    2. Release both iOS and Android app (iOS Development and Android Development Company)
    3. Build any backend admin portal to manage your business
    4. Submit and manage on-going maintenance
  4. Do your part in promotion.
    1. Start even before the app is built
    2. Rinse and repeat

The key is to find a great partner who can bring your idea to reality without bothering you every step of the way. Lastly, persevere and you will be victorious. $6 Trillion dollars is huge for a lot of people to be successful.


For help with your “Mobile App Development” project, call us at +1 949 284-6300 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can  Schedule a free consultation. 

iOS vs Android – Which Is Better?

Can you afford not to consider losing out from choosing the wrong platform for your next big mobile app development project? When it comes to all things mobile, iOS vs Android is the only initial question. Comparing iPhone vs Android As a mobile app development company, one should always consider the pros and cons of choosing the right launch platform. Once successful, you can always expand to the other platforms.

So how do you choose the right platform?

iOS vs Android

Let’s start with some comparisons as users see it – some obvious and some not-so-obvious differences.

iOS

Android

Types of devices

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Apple TV

Android Phone, Android Tablets, Android Watch, Custom gear and devices

Market share (USA)

43.5%

55.3%

Market Share (Worldwide)

12.5%

86.8%

Customer Loyalty

Very high customer loyalty. Customer do not switch easily.

No specific loyalty to manufacturer, many customers switch depending on availability and price.

Capabilities

All devices are standard with front/back camera, microphone, speakers, bluetooth, gyro, magnetometer, accelerometer.

All devices are standard with front/back camera, microphone, speakers, bluetooth, gyro, magnetometer, accelerometer.

Screen Sizes

iPhone: 4in to 5.5in.

iPad: 7.9in to 12.9in.

Manufacturer dependent. Several options available including standard sizes.

Native APIs

Native APIs are extensive and good.

Native APIs are extensive and good.

Third-party APIs

Third party APIs available but need Apple approval.

Third parties are encourage to provide APIs including by device manufacturers and third party providers.

External Hardware

Most Apple accessories are expensive.

Typically, Android accessories are inexpensive. You can also fined similar items from multiple vendors.

Ease of programming

Objective C is very powerful and Swift is easier. Both Objective-C and Swift can co-exist.

Java is mainstream and easier to learn. Android Java is customized for Android OS.

Release to Store

Apps have to be reviewed by Apple and can take up to two or three days.

Apps are simply uploaded and published. No need for Google approval.

App store promotion

Store promotion can be setup via ASO (App Store Optimization) including sponsored placements.

Store promotion can be setup via ASO (App Store Optimization) including sponsored placements.

Both iOS and Android are so similar functionally, yet different in so many ways when it comes to individual character, performance, usability and affordability. This unity in diversity makes it harder to decide which direction to go when developing a mobile app.

Two most important considerations are:

Market share of your immediate target market

Your immediate market is your core group of users. although most US markets are iOS heavy while rest of the world is Android, this core group may be tilted towards iOS vs Android unevenly. iOS also gives you an advantage by making sure you are addressing a clear target market as opposed to Android.

Our advice is to go choose iOS  for your mobile app development project if you are looking to target the US.

Programming, implementation & testing

Developing mobile apps is always tricky. One never knows if your app will succeed or fail. You can minimize risks by reduce time and cost of development, testing and release. If you consider iOS vs Android development environments, iOS offers a good eco-system to accomplish all the three. iOS environments allow a tighter control on development allowing you to quickly setup a good XCODE development environment.

You can also ensure full range of testing with iPhone, iPod and iPad devices. Android on the other hand is slightly harder to test because of hundreds of devices including custom device manufacturer builds.

Conclusion

If you are considering iOS vs Android, there is no escaping with a single device rollout. Choosing the right first platform will lower your cost of development, reduce development time thus allowing you to go-to-market quickly with less headaches.


For help with deciding between “iOS vs Android – Which is better?”, reach out to us at 1 949 284-6300 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can  Schedule a free consultation.

Mobile App Videos Get 5x More Results

Mobile app videos deliver 5x more results than simple posts or ads. This post covers types of mobile app videos and helps focus them for guaranteed success. By selecting the right type of video, you can greatly improve your marketing success.

Mobile App Videos

Mobile app videos are short and succinct videos illustrating your mobile app. Typically, these are mobile app marketing videos, mobile app promo videos, mobile app user-guide videos and mobile app how to videos. They can range anywhere from 45 seconds to about 15 mins in duration and typically have a call to action (CTA) at the end. While all types of videos are important and serve different purposes, your videos should be published either be based on a publishing calendar or decided based on priority and importance.

Mobile app marketing videos

App marketing videos serve a general purpose of educating the marketplace. These videos  need to start with a well articulated problem statement, simple to understand solution, clear benefits and pricing. Most app marketing videos are typically anywhere between 45 seconds to 2;30 mins.

Mobile app promo videos

App promo videos on the other hand are used to build your brand and to promote your app. This mobile app video should focus on one or two most important and useful features. The main emphasis is your brand, your company, team, services, etc. No need to dwell on pricing. Promo videos typically do not exceed 90 seconds.

Mobile app user-guide and Mobile app how-to videos

App user-guide and how-to videos serve to educate users to initially draw them to you app and subsequently to keep them engaged. The goal is to empower users to master your app by learning tips and tricks. These videos can be anywhere from 5 mins to 15 mins depending on mobile app type.

Call to action and Contact Info

Finally all videos should have a “Call to action” (CTA) and most importantly “Contact info.” CTAs should be direct, to the point and include any URLs. For example: “Download the App”, “Try our free app”, “No cost trial”, etc. Contact information on the other hand should have sales and customer support numbers.

Sample video created with stock photography.

For more information on building your mobile app contact us at Sunvera Software at +1 949 284-6300

Why We Love Mobile Apps? A look at mobile app or mobile web.

Between endless debates about mobile app or mobile web, the real benefits are lost. Let’s start with some statistics on mobile usage…

  • There are over 2.2 billion (with a ‘b”) smartphone users in the world.
  • 48% Buy from Smartphone on Amazon.
  • Majority of emails (above 60%) are opened on smartphones.
  • And, U.S. annual mobile ad spending will reach $72 billion by 2021

That means there is no escaping mobile.

But the big question is why mobile apps?

Mobile apps give you capabilities that take user experience beyond normal. For example – video capture and viewing, proximity, maps & directions, voice controlled “bots”, Health & Fitness, Financial & Payments, and many more. More examples here on Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_content. Native experience is invaluable to users.

So where do mobile apps fail?

Mobile apps fail when the service they offer aren’t properly thought thru, all-in-one complex solution that are not properly conceptualized, over engineered and badly implemented.

How to make mobile apps “Loveable”?

At Sunvera, we have had the opportunity to develop apps for our customers (MedHero, Savezees, Altura Strategies) that are well thought thru and accomplish a great deal with super simplicity. Our goal has always been to make life easier for users and that leads to super simple apps with high degree of task-accomplishment.

By focusing on real user-needs and avoiding fluff, bloat and the itch to be all-in-one solution, one can develop apps that people will love. Combine that with great graphics and you have a winner at hand. Then mobile app or mobile web app becomes an irrelevant discussion.

Finally, no app is going to sell by itself – find a way to market, promote (see promomyapp.com) and sell your app to your target audience.

Go forth and build apps that people love.

Ready to discuss your project? Contact Us