Native, Web and Hybrid Apps – Understanding the Difference

As newer technology emerges, the mobile landscape is becoming incredibly intriguing. While currently everyone is gung-ho about native or HTML 5 apps, a considerable section is also rooting for the third approach called Hybrid mobile applications, which combines the best of both native and HTML 5 apps. As the debate rages on which one – HTML 5, native or hybrid – is the right choice; we present before you a feature-wise comparison of each category to help you make your own choice. But, first a brief introduction on each-

• Native Mobile Apps- Built using the native programming language for the platform like iPhone or iPad apps built using Objective-C, and Android application built with Java. Native apps are fast, provide better user experience and interface and have access to all device features for which it is built. On the down side, a native app can be used only for its specific platform thereby restricting the reach. For e.g., an android app cannot be run on an iPhone and vice versa. If you want to cover a larger audience across all platforms, you will need to have separate native apps for them.
• Web Apps - A website built using HTML5, CSS3 etc., which resembles an application and can be accessed through a mobile browser is called a web app. The biggest advantage of web apps is that it can be used across all platforms and devices. However, web apps are not accepted in any of the native app stores thereby cutting off an important distribution channel for the app developers. Also, web apps cannot access or use the native APIs or device specific hardware features.
• Hybrid Apps – While many confuse a hybrid app with a native app, but there is a fundamental distinction. A hybrid application is built using web technology, and then wrapped in a platform specific shell.  The native shell not only makes it look like native apps and makes it eligible to enter the app stores, but also, developers can build in some of the native functionalities into it, to access some of the native APIs and use device specific hardware features to some extent. A hybrid app is basically an app developed in combination with HTML 5 and native technology. For cross platform reach, developers would need to code the native part separately for each platform but they can use the same HTML5 part across all of them.

As we see, the jury is still out on which one is the best approach. It all boils down to your requirements and the way you want your user to interact with your app. While you have all the options, selecting the right platform could be a critical factor in the success of your app.

Mobile apps enhance company perception and customer satisfaction.

Mobile applications are fast gaining prominence as essential tools in the enterprise ecosystem. As the world witnesses a massive proliferation of mobile devices and consumers spend more time on apps, there is a significant opportunity for businesses to leverage applications to target, reach and connect with the audience and enhance their brand value.

Apps impact customer opinion

A survey by Nuance Communications reveals that companies that deploy mobile apps seem to gain in company perception and customer satisfaction. The majority of respondents (72%) in the survey said that they have a more positive view of a company that has a mobile application. In addition, 81% said that they will share the positive experience with others. When asked, how an app would increase their level of  satisfaction, 35% were of the opinion that easy transition to a live agent from an app would most likely to drive its usage, while 21% expect more functionalities in the app to better meet their needs.

App Downloads is on the rise

Mobile app downloads is maintaining its upward growth as more and more customers are willing to try new apps. As high as 89% of smartphone users are found to download at one app every month on their device with 70% having downloaded more than 10 applications, while 29% have over 30 apps on their phone. Another 12% of smartphone users have downloaded over 50 applications on their device.

Customer engagement with mobile apps

Mobile applications are fast becoming a popular channel for customer service. More than half of the respondents in the survey have said to download their carrier and bank’s app. Of the users who have downloaded the carrier’s app, 25% use it while 27% of smartphone owners use the banking app.

The above figures highlights that mobile apps are increasingly becoming a must-have in the overall communication architecture of an organization. Armed with high-powered mobile devices, consumer expects services on their devices. Businesses have significant opportunity in reaching to their respective audience through apps. And, therein lies an opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves from the competition. However, it is critical for them to meet the rising consumer expectations through seamless experience and better functionality. In near future, a powerful app experience could turn out to be a key element in driving brand loyalty.

Key focus areas for mobile app developers in 2012.

More than 40% of mobile app developers participating in the Millennial Media survey say that developing new application will be the key focus area for them in 2012 clearly underling the potential of mobile app development in future. There is also a growing need to maximize revenue in applications among app developers with around 21% marking it as the focus area for 2012. Improving discovery of their apps, marketing and advertising them and learning new skills has emerged as the new goals for mobile app developers for 2012.

While the latest data reveals the potential in mobile app development, it also highlights the developer need for maximizing revenues. With most app developers adopting Freemium model wherein the app is sold free but users are charged for any further up gradation or in-app purchases in games, developers are looking for new ways to maximize revenues. With millions of applications in app stores, there are also concerns among developers to make their application visible and gain consumer attention.

We believe mobile app development to gain more traction in 2012. The markets are expanding and the prospects look brighter for a mobile app developer.

We have to wait and see how it actually unfolds!

Changing patterns in mobile application usage.

The mobile application usage has also undergone a major change in the last one year. With the collection of smartphone applications in app stores expanding, both in terms of numbers and categories, there has been changing of positions in the app ranking chart. Music & Entertainment led the application categories in October, ranked by impressions, with productivity and tools applications; and books & references being the new entrants in the list.

The latest ranking by Millenial Media clearly demonstrates that mobile devices have now expanded their scope. It’s no more only about entertainment, gaming or music but the app usage has moved further beyond into user’s professional life. Mobile applications are also becoming access points for getting information, expert advice etc., on topics of user’s interest.

We believe there will be major changes in the app usage patterns in the near future. The future will see the rise of smartphone applications in enterprises. Healthcare, retail, banking and travel are already adopting enterprise mobility apps for their internal as well as external usage. In future, we will see massive adoption of mobile apps in industries, big and small, and across all verticals. Similarly, as smartphones become powerful, there will be a much broader role of apps in personal lives of users.

Mobile OS space- Its a two-way battle between Titans.

The mobile app development space is on a constant churn. The mobile OS battle which has been heating up over the last year or so has now seems to be settled into an Apple iOS vs. Google Android race with RIM’s BlackBerry being a distant third. A latest report by Millenial Media for the October, 2011 seems to suggest exactly that. As per the stats revealed in the report, Google’s Android seems to have overhauled Apple’s iOS to emerge as the leader in the mobile platform race. Android represented 50% of the Application Platform Mix, ranked by ad spends, followed by iOS with 40% and RIM with mere 6%. Other including Windows Phone 7, Symbian and webOS could only manage to gain 4% in the platform mix.

With RIM seeing fast erosion in its market base and no visible challengers to Apple and Google, we believe it to be a two-way battle in the mobile operating system space. With a majority of mobile app developers getting attracted to iOS or Android or both, others will have to come-up with something special to challenge the giants. There are many reasons for the supremacy of Android and iOS in the market. While Android scores above iOS in the numbers and range of handsets sold in the market, Apple’s iOS provides a bigger collection of applications, a key influencer in user’s purchasing decision. Android app developers see a future in developing apps whereas iPad and iPhone app developers are hooked to the monetizing opportunities and volume sales in Apple app store. So, any worthy contender must have to bring the best of both of the worlds to make his presence felt in the market.

Healthcare apps: Prescription of success for mobile app developers.

Mobile applications are turning out to be a great source of user empowerment. The smartphone apps have engulfed every sphere in personal and professional life and are ever-expanding their role and significance by catering to the varied needs of the users. The app phenomenon has significantly impacted enterprises, big and small, and across all verticals. Healthcare is one such industry where smartphone applications are quietly empowering various stakeholders and aiding and enabling them to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient. The resultant hype around rapid adoption of mobility in industry has attracted many mobile app developers who are developing and marketing a range of mobile health applications catering to the various needs in the industry. However, the question to be asked is: Will healthcare adopt mobile apps in a big way? Should healthcare become the new focus area of mobile app developers? We believe it so. Here’s why we believe that healthcare is something for mobile application developers to be upbeat about:

Patients are slowly lapping-up mHealth…

A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute, “Healthcare Unwired,” Sep 8, 2010 to study the attitude of US internet users towards online/mobile health options revealed that users showed a strong liking for patient care via mobile. There was a strong feeling among respondents with regard to the role of mobile healthcare applications and mobility based services.

Moreover, a Consumer Health Information Corporation (CHIC) survey, conducted in April, 2011 to understand the US consumer’s attitude towards mobile healthcare applications found that-

• 79.9% would be more likely to use an app that can analyze information input by the consumer and give feedback.
• 42.2% are likely to use an app to find information about drugs.
• 26.5% are likely to use an app to find information about disease states.
• 39.8% are willing to use an app several times a day.
• 33.4% prefer free health apps.
• 30.9% are willing to pay $1.00-$5.99 for health apps.

Physicians are bullish on mobile health…

It’s not only consumers who are willing to use mobile health apps but doctors too are eager to leverage mobile technology into their day-to-day tasks. A survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute (PwC HRI) came up with interesting statistics evidencing how clinicians perceive mobile healthcare solutions to be a boon for them. As per the study,

• 56% of physicians believed m-health could help expedite decision-making.
• 39% said it would reduce the time it takes for administrative tasks.
• 36% said it would increase collaboration among physicians.
• 26% said it would increase time spent with patients.
• 40% said they could eliminate 11% to 30% of office visits through the use of mobile health technologies such as remote monitoring, email or text messaging with patients.

The Market is gearing for it…

A survey by research2guidance released in 2010 predicts that smartphones, mobile phones and Tablets will offer the best Mobile Health Business Opportunities in 2015. Thereby revealing that mobile healthcare solutions is the way to go in healthcare industry.

One of the key stakeholders in the industry, the healthcare manufacturers are also banking big on mobile applications. A survey by Vital mHealth and Trinsic Interactive revealed that manufacturers in US and Europe see a bigger role for mobile applications and therefore a majority of them are already using or are planning big to use mobile channel to reach out to their consumers.

Mobile apps have the potential to play a significant role in every stage of the healthcare. These applications can not only bridge the gap between the doctor and patient but can also radically transform the way diseases are diagnosed, treated and monitored. Moreover, the 24X7 accessibility and availability of health & wellness information and expert advice can be a key factor in the prevention of diseases and promoting wellness.

With the advancement in the mobile technology, the scope and role of mobile healthcare applications will only grow. As mobile phones become more feature-packed and add better functionalities, it will widen the coverage of smartphone applications in the industry. The growing adaptation of mHealth or mobile healthcare solutions is and will offer myriad opportunities in future for mobile app developers to develop applications for various smartphone platforms and tap the expanding market.  Are you read to seize it?

Infographic: Smartphone and Mobile App Usage

Smartphones have fast replaced feature phones to become essential part of our lives. And, smartphone apps have given a completely new definition to mobility and further expanded the utility of smartphones. Do you know how people use their smartphones? What percentage of people use it while watching Television or reading newspapers? Do you know that smartphones have also metamorphosed into a shopping tool helping their owners find a retailer, compare prices and then make an informed buying decision? We, at [x]cube LABS, have collected data from various research reports to present before you an infographic- THE SMARTPHONE AND MOBILE APP USAGE- showcasing smartphone user behavior. Our infographic will also take you through the world of mobile applications and provide you with rich insights on the popular app categories and mobile games.

To view the complete infographic and for a high resolution image click here. Tweets and Feedback will be well appreciated!

Our other infographics-

The Android Story

The smartphone app-o-graphic

The evolution of mobile operating systems

The Journey of iPhones…

The first iPhone was launched on June 29, 2007. It was an instant, smashing hit with around 2, 70,000 iPhones sold in the first 30 hours of the Launch. More than that, true to Apple style, it built a cult of passionate iPhone owners for whom a phone only meant an iPhone. Since its launch, the iPhone lineage has maintained its superiority, class and high quality, always bettering itself and overshooting its own past chronicles. iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and now the iPhone 4S- every year there was unmatched hype, widespread speculations, months of anticipation and then overwhelming success with the launch. iPhones are peerless, sublime and hallmark of innovation.

The iPhone journey is fascinating and a riveting success story. Let’s rewind and relive the iPhone journey…

Steven Paul Jobs – RIP, the Newton of Apple.

The visionary, the Creative Genius is no more. Apple, the company, lost its most recognizable public face and the world lost the modern-day father of innovation. But, not before he left a lasting legacy and a strong imprint on the world’s personal computing landscape.

Job’s life history is a classic script- a whiz kid who tasted success at young age, a rebel who was ousted from his own company, a protagonist who rose from the dust to take his revenge and a magician who led one of the best turnaround stories in the global corporate map. And, all along, his tremendous faith in himself, a passion for innovation and a firm grip on the pulse of consumers and technology helped him deliver peerless, sublime products-each beating his own chronicles. Not everything Steve touched turned into gold. He had his share of failures. But his successes were never seen before and kept any semblance of competition, a mile away. iMac, iPod, iPhone and later iPad became the signature statements of an iCon who wished “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish” for himself and the world.

Thanks Steve for being part of our lives. May God bless you with iHeaven…

Steve, Job(s) well done!

In the last fortnight, the mobile technology industry was witness to two key decisions that will surely alter its landscape. One, Google’s decision to buy Motorola and second, Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs stepping down as Apple’s CEO. While acquisitions and mergers are part of business and so as resignations but Steve’s was no other resignation. Since its inception, Apple and Steve Jobs had been synonymous to each other. He was the face and some would say ‘the soul’ of Apple Inc., a company which took off in a garage, 35 years ago, and is today the most valuable brand of the world.

It would be an injustice if Jobs life is merely seen through the prism of economics and entrepreneurship. He was more than a successful leader who created a business empire. He created a world where innovation, excellence towards quality and fresh approach to anything and everything was the hallmark. The technology czar not only did different things but also did things differently. And a few things, the world could never understand and decode. He was a visionary, a genius and an icon with an exceptionally brilliant, innate ability to read the pulse of the consumers and the future of technology. The iPhone, the iPad, the iPod or the Mac- every product was a catalyst of change, a symbol of innovation and a signature statement of Job’s thought process.

Former Apple executive Jay Elliott, in his book, “The Steve Jobs Way,” writes, “I tell people that Steve is not replaceable as a charismatic, visionary leader of a consumer-product-centric company, but that he can be replaced by a triumvirate to carry on his legacy. Apple will have a new CEO but he, or she, will fill only one part of Steve’s role.” And still there will be something missing. The man in black mock tutrtleneck, who was like a God for many, is impossible to replace. Not even by a triumvirate.

So, what’s next for Apple?

As an era ends in Apple and a new beginning beckons, there are a few worries and skepticism on how the company will progress hereafter. But there shouldn’t be any reasons for worry as Steve leaves a lasting legacy. The man, over the years, has built robust processes and teams that have the potential to deliver. Jobs successor Tim Cook has been working behind the stage for many years, understanding the nuts and bolts and is handpicked by Jobs for the role of CEO. And, looking at the track record of the man, he has seldom gone wrong. Moreover, Steve may have been the face of the company but there are many others who made significant contributions in building Apple and now will power it forward.

Carl Howe, Director, Consumer Research at Yankee Group, who described the stepping down as ‘the second earthquake in a week’ echoes similar optimism. In a blog post, he writes “Apple’s strength comes from its culture, not its spokesman. Too many analysts have focused on Steve Jobs as the ultimate showman for Apple, but don’t recognize the processes and teams that he built that now define the company. The lasting legacy Steve Jobs leaves from his CEO role is the fact that he created a $100 billion enterprise that “thinks different.” and isn’t afraid to bet the company on that idea.”

Will the recent events give rivals any edge? Will they benefit from the transition?

JP Gownder of Forrester answers, “Product strategists at companies like Microsoft, Google, Samsung, HP, Dell, HTC, and similar firms wonder if Steve Jobs’ change in role might benefit them. They actually shouldn’t wonder: His departure from the CEO spot won’t benefit them — not for a very long time, at least. Apple’s product development road map stretches into multiple years ahead and has been shaped both by Jobs and by the organization he built. Jobs’ departure won’t affect Apple’s product portfolio, quality, or competitiveness for a long time — if ever.”

Looking at the future of Apple, Carl Howe says “Apple’s future will be just as amazing as the last decade’s. Over the past decade, Apple has both defined and dominated three new product categories: music players with the iPod, smartphones with the iPhone, and tablets with the iPad. What isn’t widely known is that many other amazing products have been similarly well-though out and developed but haven’t been brought to market yet. That pipeline, combined with Apple’s more than $70 billion cash horde, will continue to delight consumers for years, if not decades to come.”

Amen!