Shane Schick
Sue Marek
Mike DanoWhy Facebook wants more Android developer friends
There are plenty of consumers who "like" Facebook apps that run on their Android devices, but the social networking giant is working harder than ever to ensure developers love integrating with its platform.
Report: 23% of app gamers play exclusively on smartphones, tablets
Gamers are ditching consoles in favor of their smartphones faster than ever before, according to the latest research from NPD Group.
Glympse goes social with its expanded location sharing app
Most location-based mobile social applications have lost their way. Glympse is an exception to the trend. Instead of building a user experience dependent on check-ins, badges and broadcasting updates to the world at large, Glympse introduced streamlined, one-click capabilities enabling users to privately update friends, family and colleagues on their whereabouts and activities in real-time, for as long (or short) a period as they wish. FD contributor Jason Ankeny spoke to Trussel, Glympse's CEO, about the app's longevity, its latest enhancements and the importance of keeping it simple.
Seven mobile developer success strategies from Web Summit 2012
With an audience of more than 3,000 people from 45 countries, last week's Web Summit in Dublin brought together dozens of experts in mobility, cloud and digital marketing, but developers were a key area of interest as the conference played host to hundreds of startups vying for investor interest. FierceDeveloper was on the ground during the Web Summit and we compiled the following list of ideas, advice and food for thought for mobile app makers to consider.
iPad Mini and responsive design: What developers should be thinking about
For many consumers, the decision to try out a iPad Mini is a definite "yes." For tablet developers, it's more of a "maybe." Forget about all the conversations over when and how to design cross-platform apps. The evolving dilemma will be more centered about responsive design and whether or not all apps should coexist across all device types.
Consumer apps dominated mobile VC financing in September
Consumer mobile app companies continue to rake in venture capital financing, according to a new Rutberg & Co. report on VC financing in the wireless sector. In September, 72 wireless companies received a total of $401 million in VC funding. Out of those firms, many were makers of consumer apps and app infrastructure.
Martin: I'm a believer in Windows 8
The history of Microsoft may be littered with failure but it is equally full of sensational hits--Windows 95 or the Xbox to name a few. On the verge of the Windows 8 launch, the industry is rife with speculation about its future. Will Windows 8 be Microsoft's New Coke or will it be a hit?
Combating accidentally dangerous mobile apps requires taking initiative
His presentation at the RSA conference in Europe last week was called "Opening the Kimono," and according to Michael Sutton, that's the best way to describe how vulnerable consumers are beginning to feel after downloading certain kinds of mobile apps
The pros and cons of using SMS as a mobile app marketing tool
A growing number of voices are suggesting the death of SMS, impeding or otherwise, is greatly exaggerated. In fact, firms like Tyntec are encouraging developers to capitalize on the potential of SMS as a way to acquire and retain customers.
Samsung devices considered best for testing Android apps
Consumers play favorites with their smartphone brands, and it's no wonder that developers do too, particularly when they're trying to create mobile apps for platforms such as Google's Android.
A game app developer's guide to monetization
The most popular gaming apps challenge players to chase after pigs and aliens, destroy fruit and even play god. For the developers who make them, there's an even bigger challenge: finding a path to profitability.
iBuildApp and the DIY threat to developers
The WordPress-ification of mobile apps has begun. At the DEMO conference in Santa Clara, Calif. last week, an organization from nearby Foster City called iBuildApp unveiled a platform whereby everyday people could develop something for almost any kind of smartphone, including iPhones or Android devices, even if they don't know the first thing about programming.
Local language support could boost iPhone app downloads
It's worth localizing the language in apps in certain markets, especially for developers focusing on the iPhone, based on a recent research report from Distimo.
HTML5 vs. native: It may be the wrong debate
Although Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg has said that betting on HTML5 for a mobile app was the biggest mistake Facebook has ever made, not everyone agrees. In fact, many companies are working hard to convince developers that HTML5 is not a huge gamble.
Report: Users have emotional responses to news apps
If hearing about what's going on in the world feels like winning a prize, you are far more likely to download a news app. That's according to a national research study in to media consumption habits.
Best new iOS, Android apps of Sept. 2012
Each month, sister publication FierceMobileContent looks at the best and brightest, spotlighting the new apps that you need to download to your smartphone ASAP. Here are September's finest--the best mobile apps of the month.
Apple Maps iOS 6 disaster: Three things all developers should take away
In an ideal world, developers would learn best practices by closely studying the most successful apps ever released for smartphones--whatever those are. The reality is that a high profile fiasco such as the one Apple is enduring following the disastrous launch of its Apple Maps for iOS 6 may be far more instructive, not only for what not to do, but how to be proactive about creating a more successful outcome.
Five Windows 8 design principles developers should make their own
Microsoft's chief experience evangelist would probably never want to be caught sounding like someone from Apple, but in a recent talk about the way the company approached the design of Windows 8 and mobility, Chris Bernard's story could best be summed up in two words: Think different.
Report: Automakers should put the brakes on in-car app hopes
Automakers may have high hopes, but a new research report proves that app stores and developers are still firmly in the driver's seat when it comes to satisfying the needs of mobile consumers.
Mobile privacy concerns spawn the App Trust Project
The App Trust Project is a new initiative the Association of Competitive Technology hopes will address growing concerns about the degree of openness or "transparency" developers demonstrate about how consumer data is used. Will this project be worth the effort for developers?
