Making an app with no programming experience: what are your options?
Android app development has grown exponentially since the Google Play store was launched in 2008 as Android Market. Today, there are estimated to be over 1.6 million apps on the Play Store, and 1.4 million apps on the iOS App Store, with a combined total download exceeding 200 billion. For more statistics, check out our Play Store vs App Store comparison. It has become increasingly easier to develop and deploy apps to both major markets, while there are also quite a few alternative mobile app market places including Amazon, Weibo and Windows Phone.
Why build an app
There are loads of reasons why an individual or company might want to build an app. For an individual, you could have an idea for app functionality and features, that nothing currently on the market caters to. Companies might want to use an app for internal tasks and communications.
Making, and releasing a mobile app is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. And if the exhilaration isn’t enough motivation, you can monetize and make money from your app, either through ads, in app purchases or app sales.
Gone are the days when to make an app, you had to learn how to program first. Of course, as a developer myself, I would encourage budding app-preneurs to learn how to code, especially if you hope to develop a completely new app, or enter (and disrupt) an existing industry. However, not all types of apps are new, unique and/or disruptive. Many apps will be built to handle the same kinds of use cases, only with custom content. For these kinds of apps, learning to code might not be the most efficient use of your time and money.
If you intend to make an app with no programming experience, the options available to you include:
Contract a company
Depending on your budget constraints (or lack of), getting a professional app development company might be your best bet. Most app development companies can also provide apps for multiple platforms, and will usually work with the client through planning, execution and deployment of the app. Additionally, the company can also handle maintenance and upgrades if necessary.
Hire a freelancer
There are a ton of websites on which you can meet and hire a freelance app developer. A (non-exhaustive) list of freelance sites includes
Hiring a good freelancer is pretty much a matter of luck. Your mileage here may vary, and clients have reported bids on the same project varying in range from $22 to $10,000! Most freelance websites have a ratings system, and you can then judge a potential hire by his acquired ratings. However, using the ratings system is skewed towards long time users, resulting in new users bidding really low to be competitive. Some websites aim to streamline the process of finding good freelancers, by having a more involved vetting process. They usually have higher quality developers, but almost certainly cost more as a result.
Use an app building platform
When it comes down to it, a large number of mobile apps have identical features and functionality, especially apps for a business or website. For example, if you run a restaurant business, and want to build an app for users to make orders. You can make do with a well designed generic app, that has your business’s logos, colors and menu. Some great app building platforms that have caught our eye include
Andromo
Andromo bills itself as a “point and click” Android app making platform. With Andromo, you can include maps, photo galleries, blog and news feeds, youtube videos, twitter and facebook feeds among others. In addition, you can choose to embed ads within your app to make money. You can try it for free, before deciding to shell out cash for the service.
Appery.io
Appery is a platform that can be used to develop hybrid apps targeting Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices. Appery apps can customized using HTML5, Javascript and CSS to build custom UI components, and or custom code. Appery can also be tried for free.
AppMakr
AppMakr appears to be the cheapest platform so far, with pricing beginning from $1 per month. With AppMakr, you can build Android, iPhone and HTML5 apps that contain image galleries, videos, podcasts, push messaging, analytics and ads. Currently, AppMakr claims to have been used to build over 2 million apps.
AppyPie
AppyPie wants making apps to be as easy as pie. There are a ton of templates (or categories) to choose from, and apps can be built for Android, Blackberry, iOS, Kindle and Windows. AppyPie also includes options for analytics, monetization with ads and offers, as well as push notifications. AppyPie also has a game builder, through which you can create a HTML5 game, and build it for Android, iOS and HTML5 devices.
GameSalad
GameSalad claims on its front page that in an hour, a total newbie can make their first game. They also, as at July 2015, claim to have over 65,000 games published, with over 80 of them making the top 100 games in the US App Store. GameSalad supports Android, Kindle, iOS, Windows and HTML5 devices. The GameSalad game creator is available for download for both Mac and Windows systems. GameSalad supports monetization with ads, and has an active community. Definitely worth checking out, if you’re looking to build a mobile game.
GoodBarber
GoodBarber generates native mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, as well as an HTML web app for other devices. It can also include maps, user generated content, provides traffic, social, technical stats, integrates both it’s own internal ad network as well as third party ad networks and can also include both Flurry and/or Google analytics. In addition, for a fee, GoodBarber can publish your app to the Apple App Store for you, although you must have your developer account first. GoodBarber provides a 30 day trial period.
MobileRoadie
MobileRoadie can be used to build apps for both iOS and Android devices, and has quite a few great features. Users can integrate video, audio and photos, news and twitter feeds, events and locations in their app. An exciting feature offered by MobileRoadie is a Fan Wall, where users of the app can chat, and post photos, with each other in real time, in threaded conversations. You can also create polls within your app. MobileRoadie has a relatively short free/trial period of 14 days.
ShoutEm
ShoutEm has many of the features expected, including integrated advertising, analytics and push notifications. In addition, you can integrate WordPress, Drupal, Facebook and Twitter into your app, as well as interactive maps. If the available templates do not meet your requirements, you can contact ShoutEm for a custom look and feel.
Roundup
Much like how website design and deployment has became ubiquitous, mobile app development appears to be approaching the same fate. For apps that are not a completely new idea, there is most likely an existing template, that can be easily modified and customized. For some apps, it can be beneficial, and more economically viable, to use an app building platform. For other types of apps, especially for totally new and/or unique ideas, either a freelancer or app development company will be the smarter option. You can also find an excellent developer to partner with.
Did we miss your favorite app building platform, or do you know any other ways to make an app with no programming experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Huawei passes Microsoft as third-largest mobile phone maker
When Microsoft bought Nokia, it inherited a pretty large feature phone business. But that business has shrunk a lot since the purchase, according to Strategy Analytics, and Microsoft hasn’t set the smartphone world on fire either. As a result, Huawei just displaced it as the world’s third largest mobile phone vendor by shipping 30.6 million phones, nearly 50 percent more than last year. It now holds a 7 percent market share behind Apple (10 percent) and Samsung (20.5 percent). Microsoft sits in fourth place after selling 27.8 million phones, nearly half the 50.3 million devices it sold last year over the same period.
As for smartphones, Strategy Analytics said that Apple grew by 35 percent over last year with sales of 47.5 million handsets at the expense of Samsung, which dropped its own share by 7 percent. While the Korean company still sold a lot more smartphones than Apple (71.9 million), a lot of those devices are cheap and basic — which is why Samsung profits keep falling and Apple’s keep rising. Meanwhile, Huawei also moved to third place in smartphone sales, having displaced fourth-place Xiaomi over last year. Microsoft falls in the “also-ran” category, but is hoping that some of its Windows 10 mojo (and strong reviews) will soon rub off on its smartphones, too.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: Strategy Analytics
Vodafone turns to QR codes for ‘simpler’ pay-as-you-go top-ups
QR codes look like they’re really starting to catch on, and Vodafone’s not one to turn down a reserved seat on the bandwagon. As part of a new trial, the UK carrier has teamed up with mobile payments renegade PowaTag so pay-as-you-go customers can top up their balances with just a quick scan of a QR code. All you need is the PowaTag app for Android and iOS, a linked payment method, and the desire to go hunt down a compatible QR code. It shouldn’t be too advanced a game of hide-and-seek, though, since you’ll find the codes on posters and such at Vodafone, Argos, Tesco, Co-op and BrightHouse stores, with Asda, Sainsbury’s and Wilko joining the party next month. Once located, you scan the code, select a top-up amount and Bob’s your uncle. As Vodafone puts it: “topping up really just got that easy.” Easier than topping up online, through the Vodafone app, over the phone or at cash points? Hmmmm, OK…
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: Vodafone
AT&T starts rolling out Android 5.1.1 update for the Galaxy Tab 4 10.1
If you own an AT&T-branded Galaxy Tab 4 10.1 and live in the United States, you may want to listen up as the operator has just started rolling out the long-awaited Android 5.1.1 update to all its carrier-branded models of the slate.
The full changelog for this update can be seen below:
- Android 5.1 Operating System update
- Quick Settings updated for enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth management
Additional animations to the 5.0 update - Improved notifications, screen pinning, alarm
- Updated security software and improved memory management.
The upgrade is being rolled out in stages, as is the norm, but if you don’t feel like waiting for a notification confirming that it’s ready for your device to hit your unit, you can always search for the update manually.
To do so simply open the Settings application, scroll to the bottom and tap on “About Device”, hit “System Updates”, then select “Check for updates”. Once done, the upgrade will start to download.
Source: AT&T
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Dell’s Venue 7 3741 Tablet with voice calling and 6.95-inch display launches in India for Rs. 7,999
There’s a vast array of mobile devices available in India, with the budget segment being particularly congested. Adding yet another choice to the mix is Dell with the launch of its Venue 7 3741 Tablet for Rs. 7,999 ($125).
The Venue 7 3741 offers a solution for those that want the ability to make calls on a device with a larger screen, larger than the usual 5.7-inch phablets that have become the norm. Of course, this pits it against the likes of the Asus’ FonePad 7 and Micromax’s Canvas Tab P690.
Specifications:
- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 6.95-Inch TN Display with 1024 x 600 resolution
- Intel Atom Z3735G Quad-core processor (1.33GHz with burst to 1.86GHz)
- PowerVR G6400 GPU
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB Internal storage
- MicroSD card support (up to 64GB)
- 2MP Rear camera
- VGA Front camera
- Connectivity: 3G with Voice calling/WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0/ GPS
- Dimensions: 199 x 103 x 9.85mm
- Weight: 315 grams
- Battery: 4,100 mAh
- Available in black
As you can see from the list of specifications above, the Venue 7 3741 isn’t going to be setting any benchmark records. But, it is firmly in the sub-Rs. 10,000 market, and may just appeal to tablet users wanting the call function.
Source: FoneArena
Come comment on this article: Dell’s Venue 7 3741 Tablet with voice calling and 6.95-inch display launches in India for Rs. 7,999
Samsung confirms Gear A smartwatch along with a few specs
A couple of weeks back, Samsung launched an SDK for round-smartwatches, which, along with a leaked spec sheet, prompted rumors that the company was preparing to release a new wearable. Fast forward to today and Samsung has confirmed a number of our expectations.
Speaking at the Tizen Developer Summit in Bangalore, India, Samsung revealed a few specifications about its as yet unannounced round smartwatch, also tentatively known as the Gear A. We now know that it will be running the latest version of its own Tizen 2.3.1 OS, rather than Android Wear, and that the watch will feature a round display with a 360×360 pixel resolution.
Also mentioned during the talk is a new control scheme, which uses a rotating bezel ring and crown to move through the smartwatch’s menus. This may give the Gear A a unique selling point over other round smartwatches, such as those from LG and Motorola.
Other previously rumoured specifications for the Gear A include a dual-core Exynos 3472 SoC, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of storage and a little 250mAh battery. A heart rate monitor, GPS and barometer sensors are also expected, along with the usual Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
With Samsung moving up the launch date for its Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus to August 13th, we may also be treated to all of the official details about the Gear A smartwatch next month.
Samsung Pay set to launch in Europe
Mobile payments are fast becoming the next big thing in mobile and rather than just smaller companies offering the service, we’re increasingly seeing large mobile OEMs enter the mCommerce arena. Samsung is no different and is set to follow Apple (with Android Pay also coming later this year) by launching its Samsung Pay service in Europe.
Related: Samsung Pay trial launches for select Galaxy S6 owners in Korea
The Korean manufacturer has today announced that it has extended its partnership with MasterCard to bring Samsung Pay to Europe. Samsung Pay – which is currently in testing in South Korea – is rumoured to be launching in limited form on Samsung’s upcoming round smartwatch, which is dubbed the Samsung Gear A.
Samsung Gear in video:
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Samsung Pay will use MasterCard’s Digital Enablement Service for processing transactions, which is the same technology adopted by Apple for NFC-based Apple Pay in the iPhone 6. One thing that sets Samsung Pay apart from its rivals is that it will also work with Magnetic Strip Technologies, which are present in 99% of retailers around the world.
While both Apple Pay and Android Pay will need new contactless-capable hardware in-store in order to accept payments, Samsung Pay will have a much wider reach mainly as it can work with all existing hardware. As such, it’s likely that adoption of Samsung Pay could be significantly higher, although other factors (such as the handset compatibility) will have an impact on overall adoption.
Related: Samsung confirms Gear A smartwatch along with a few specs
Samsung is yet to confirm when customers will be able to use Samsung Pay but we’ve previously heard that the service is set to launch in September. Furthermore, the rumoured introduction of the Gear A on August 13th – where it is likely to be accompanied by the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus – should see the beginning stages of the launch and Samsung’s new handsets could also be the first to work with Samsung Pay.
Related: Samsung watch with limited version of Samsung Pay could launch on Aug 13
Do you use mobile payments? If so, which service and what are your thoughts on it? What do you think of the compatibility of Samsung Pay with existing retailer hardware; will it be enough to help Samsung sell smartphones? Let us know your views in the comments guys!
NVIDIA updates its Shield Tablet to Android 5.1.1
NVIDIA has begun rolling out an Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update to its Shield Tablet, which offers performance improvements and fixes for an audio bug.
The update weighs in at 767MB and contains the latest Lollipop tweaks as well as NVIDIA’s own bug fixes, performance improvements, and system wide optimizations. The move from 5.1 to 5.1.1 Lollipop is mostly about fixing the OS’ annoying memory leak problem, so users won’t find any fun new features to play around with this time.
NVIDIA has now also addressed a lingering audio issue with the tablet with this latest update. Users had been reporting that the speakers were emitting a high pitched whine when loading up certain games, which should now be fixed.
The update should appear under system updates in the settings menu, but the rollout might take a few days to reach you, depending on your region.
‘Yooka-Laylee’ snags a publisher after record-breaking Kickstarter
What’s the next step after fully funding your game in 40 minutes on Kickstarter? If you’re the team behind Yooka-Laylee, Playtonic, you get a publisher to help with stuff like localization (translating dialogue and text for different regions), QA testing and other unglamorous but still necessary elements of game development. To wit, the former Banjo Kazooie creatives have hooked up with indie label Team17, perhaps best known for the Worms and Alien Breed franchises. This partnership means that Playtonic can worry about working on the game itself while Team17 takes care of the more menial bits and bobs. Good thing, too considering Playtonic is still planning to hit a simultaneous October release across PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U. If you’d like to check out more, hit the jump for our interview with the folks from the studio.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
Mozilla is unhappy with Microsoft over Windows 10 changes
If you’re one of the millions of people who’ve already upgraded to Windows 10, you’ve probably noticed that the OS changed your default apps. Your main browser, for instance, suddenly became Microsoft Edge after the upgrade — something Mozilla finds “disturbing,” especially since the platform actually made it trickier to switch back to Chrome, Firefox or any other browser. In an open letter to Microsoft head honcho Satya Nadella, Mozilla’s CEO Chris Beard revealed that the non-profit got in touch with the Windows 10 team when it got wind of the change, but that “didn’t result in any meaningful progress.”
Beard wrote (emphasis ours):
…the update experience appears to have been designed to throw away the choice your customers have made about the Internet experience they want, and replace it with the Internet experience Microsoft wants them to have.
We appreciate that it’s still technically possible to preserve people’s previous settings and defaults, but the design of the whole upgrade experience and the default settings APIs have been changed to make this less obvious and more difficult. It now takes more than twice the number of mouse clicks, scrolling through content and some technical sophistication for people to reassert the choices they had previously made in earlier versions of Windows. It’s confusing, hard to navigate and easy to get lost.
Now, in order to switch your default browser, you’ll need to tick the check box asking if you want to make Firefox or Chrome your default the first time you launch either. Then, you’ll have to find “Web browser” in the Settings page that pops up and click the Edge icon to find alternatives in the drop-down menu. The video below can show you those steps more clearly:
Microsoft, however, stands by its decision and told The Verge that it will only change features and aspects of Windows 10 that users don’t like:
We designed Windows 10 to provide a simple upgrade experience for users and a cohesive experience following the upgrade. During the upgrade, consumers have the choice to set defaults, including for web browsing. Following the upgrade, they can easily choose the default browser of their choice. As with all aspects of the product, we have designed Windows 10 as a service; if we learn from user experience that there are ways to make improvements, we will do so.
Source: Mozilla (1), (2), (3)
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