Power BI and Excel: How to Leverage Both for Data Reporting

A Powerful Duo for Data Reporting:
In today’s data-centric business environment, efficient data reporting is critical for making informed decisions. Two of the most powerful tools for data analysis and reporting are Microsoft Power BI and Excel.

While Excel has been a staple for data manipulation for decades, Power BI has emerged as the go-to solution for data visualization and real-time business intelligence. But did you know that combining the strengths of both can transform your reporting capabilities?

This blog will guide you through the features of Power BI and Excel and explain how leveraging both tools can help you achieve more effective and efficient data reporting.

  1. Understanding Excel: A Time-Tested Tool for Data Manipulation
    Excel has been the foundation of data analysis for many professionals. Its intuitive interface, coupled with a rich set of formulas, functions, and pivot tables, makes it an indispensable tool for tasks like financial modeling, data cleaning, and scenario analysis.
  • Data Organization and Calculation: Excel allows users to organize and manipulate raw data, perform calculations, and create structured reports. Formulas such as VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and IF statements help automate analysis for quick insights.
  • Pivot Tables and Charts: Pivot tables are a standout feature, allowing users to summarize large datasets into meaningful information. Excel charts, while somewhat limited in interactivity compared to Power BI, are great for static data presentations.
  • Ease of Use: One of the main reasons Excel is widely adopted is its familiarity. Almost every business professional knows how to use it, making it a convenient starting point for data analysis.

However, Excel does have its limitations. When working with large datasets, the application can slow down, and its ability to create interactive and real-time reports is limited.

  1. Introducing Power BI: A New Era in Data Visualization
    Power BI is a business intelligence tool that specializes in transforming raw data into interactive visualizations and reports. Its strength lies in its ability to connect to multiple data sources, create dynamic visuals, and allow for real-time collaboration.
  • Data Visualization: Power BI excels at turning complex data into easy-to-understand visuals, from bar charts to interactive heatmaps. The drag-and-drop interface allows users to create dashboards and reports that are both interactive and insightful.
  • Real-Time Reporting: One of the standout features of Power BI is its ability to refresh data in real time, pulling information from various databases, cloud services, and APIs. This capability allows businesses to access up-to-date insights whenever they need them.
  • Collaboration and Sharing: Power BI is cloud-based, which means users can share dashboards and reports with colleagues and stakeholders effortlessly. Its collaborative features make it easy for teams to work together on reports and align their insights.

While Power BI is exceptional at creating visual reports, it may not be the ideal tool for complex calculations or detailed data manipulation, where Excel still shines.

  1. Why Combine Power BI and Excel for Data Reporting?
    The real power comes when you integrate Power BI with Excel. By leveraging the strengths of both tools, you can create a comprehensive reporting solution that offers both deep data analysis and advanced data visualization. Here are the key benefits of using them together:
  • Enhanced Data Modeling: Use Excel for complex data modeling and calculations, then visualize the results in Power BI for clearer presentation. This allows you to dig deeper into data trends while making the results more digestible.
  • Seamless Data Flow: Power BI enables seamless import of Excel workbooks, meaning you can use Power BI to visualize data you’ve already processed in Excel. You can also use Power BI’s “Analyze in Excel” feature to view Power BI datasets in Excel, where you can apply advanced Excel functions.
  • Scalability: Excel is great for small to medium-sized datasets, but when it comes to handling large data volumes, Power BI’s performance far exceeds that of Excel. Integrating both tools allows you to scale your data reporting needs efficiently.
  • Collaboration and Distribution: By integrating Power BI’s cloud capabilities, Excel data can be updated in real-time, making it easier to distribute accurate, up-to-date reports to team members and stakeholders.
  1. Practical Scenarios: When to Use Power BI, Excel, or Both
    Understanding when to use Power BI, Excel, or both tools can significantly enhance your data reporting process. Here’s a breakdown of typical use cases for each tool:
  • When to Use Excel:
    • For quick, ad-hoc data analysis and manipulation on smaller datasets.
    • When applying complex calculations and formulas to data.
    • For producing static reports and performing detailed data cleaning or modeling.
  • When to Use Power BI:
    • When dealing with large datasets that need to be visualized quickly.
    • For creating interactive reports and dashboards that are easy to share.
    • When you need real-time data updates and collaboration across teams.
  • When to Use Both:
    • When you need to analyze raw data in Excel and then visualize the outcomes in Power BI.
    • When you want to scale up your data models from Excel to handle larger datasets in Power BI.
    • For ongoing, dynamic reports where Excel is used for the backend data manipulation, and Power BI is used for front-end reporting and collaboration.
  1. How to Integrate Power BI and Excel for Maximum Effectiveness
    Integrating Power BI and Excel is surprisingly straightforward. Below are a few ways you can combine the two tools:
  • Importing Excel Data into Power BI: You can easily import your Excel workbooks into Power BI by connecting Power BI to your Excel files stored locally or in the cloud (e.g., OneDrive, SharePoint). Once the data is imported, you can create visuals and share them in Power BI reports.
  • Using Power BI’s Analyze in Excel Feature: Power BI allows users to export datasets back into Excel using the “Analyze in Excel” option. This feature opens the Power BI data model in Excel, where you can build pivot tables and apply Excel’s advanced functions for further analysis.
  • Power BI Publisher for Excel: Power BI Publisher for Excel is an add-in that allows users to pin Excel content, such as ranges or charts, directly to Power BI dashboards. This feature helps users share Excel-based insights within Power BI dashboards for a complete view of the data.
  1. Best Practices for Using Power BI and Excel Together
    To get the most out of Power BI and Excel, consider following these best practices:
  • Data Preparation: Clean and prepare your data in Excel before importing it into Power BI. This ensures that you’re starting with reliable data, reducing the chances of errors down the line.
  • Automate Where Possible: Use Power BI’s ability to refresh data automatically. Excel, when connected to Power BI, can pull in fresh data without the need for manual intervention, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
  • Leverage Power Query: Use Power Query in both Excel and Power BI to transform and prepare data. It’s a powerful tool that helps you clean, filter, and organize data before analysis, making it easier to build meaningful reports.
  • Visualize Thoughtfully: Avoid cluttering your Power BI reports with too many visuals. Choose the most impactful charts and graphs and remember that the goal is to communicate insights clearly and effectively.

Conclusion: The Power of Using Power BI and Excel in Tandem
By integrating Power BI and Excel, you unlock the best of both worlds—Excel’s robust data manipulation and analysis capabilities with Power BI’s dynamic data visualization and real-time reporting.

Whether you’re dealing with small datasets that need detailed analysis or large datasets that require comprehensive visual insights, using both tools can streamline your reporting process and enhance your decision-making capabilities.

With Power BI and Excel working together, you can transform raw data into actionable insights, making your reports more interactive, collaborative, and impactful. Whether you’re a data analyst, business leader, or team manager, leveraging these tools can significantly improve how you handle and present data for your organization’s success.

Tips to Find the Right App Development Partner: Key Considerations

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a mobile app can be a game-changer for businesses looking to expand their reach and engage more effectively with their customers. However, finding the right mobile app development company is critical to ensure your app’s success. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to select the right partner.Why should you hire a Mobile App Development Company?A professional mobile app development company also ensures that your app is designed with a user-friendly interface and offers a seamless experience across devices. They stay updated with the latest trends, ensuring your app remains competitive and meets industry standards. Moreover, they offer scalability, allowing your app to grow as your business expands, while ensuring long-term maintenance and updates to keep it functioning optimally.To simplify your search, here are some key tips to guide you in choosing the best mobile app development company for your project. 
  1. Define Your App’s Requirements:
First, it’s important to clearly define your app’s requirements before you start searching for a development company. Take the time to map out what you want your app to accomplish, who your target audience is, and what key features are essential. This will not only help you communicate your vision more clearly but also ensure that you and the development team are on the same page from the start.
  1. Evaluate Their Portfolio:
Once you have a clear vision, evaluate the portfolios of potential development companies. Reviewing their previous work will give you insights into their design capabilities, technical expertise, and experience working on projects similar to yours. Look for apps with user-friendly interfaces, strong functionality, and an appealing design. Additionally, see if they have experience in your industry or with apps that have similar complexities or challenges to your project.
  1. Check Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Another important step is to check client reviews and testimonials. Feedback from previous clients will give you a sense of the company’s professionalism, work ethic, and ability to deliver results. Read client testimonials on the company’s website, but also dig deeper by looking at independent reviews on platforms like Clutch or Good Firms. Case studies are also valuable, as they show how the company approached and solved challenges in past projects.
  1. Assess Technical Expertise:
Technical expertise is another essential factor. Make sure the company has the necessary skills and experience in the programming languages and platforms that your app requires, whether it’s iOS, Android, or cross-platform development. Additionally, if your app involves advanced technologies like AI, IoT, or AR/VR, ensure that the company has experience in those areas as well.
  1. Evaluate Their Communication Skills:
Effective communication throughout the development process is crucial for a successful partnership. Evaluate how responsive and transparent the company is during initial discussions. Good communication ensures that your project stays on track and that any issues are promptly addressed. Ask about their approach to project management, timelines, and feedback.
  1. Look for a Transparent Pricing Model:
Pricing is also a key consideration. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the company’s pricing model, whether it’s a fixed price or hourly rate. Make sure there are no hidden costs and that you know exactly what is included in the price, such as maintenance, updates, and post-launch support. A transparent pricing model will help you avoid surprises later in the development process.
  1. Check for Ongoing Support and Maintenance:
Speaking of support, you’ll want to ensure that the company offers ongoing maintenance and support after the app is launched. Your app will need regular updates for performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches. A company that provides comprehensive post-launch services will ensure that your app continues to perform well long after it’s live. 
  1. Understand Their Development Process:
Understanding the company’s development process is also important. A well-structured process, whether it follows Agile or Waterfall methodologies, can keep your project on schedule and within budget. Ask how they handle revisions, how milestones are tracked, and how they manage changes that arise during development.
  1. Ensure They Align with Your Business Culture:
Additionally, it’s important to choose a company that aligns with your business culture and goals. A company that understands your long-term vision and is genuinely interested in your app’s success will likely be a better partner. Their ability to work with your team, communicate effectively, and contribute innovative ideas will enhance the overall development experience.
  1. Verify Ownership and Intellectual Property Rights:
Finally, make sure to clarify ownership and intellectual property rights before entering into any agreement. Ensure that you retain full ownership of the app, including its code and any related intellectual property. Make sure the transfer process is clearly outlined, and there are no licensing or usage fees that could complicate future updates or changes.Why choose Codeplateau?We at CodePlateau are challengers, problem solvers, intrapreneurs and innovators, all working for the best design and engineer end-to-end experiences that help clients succeed at the speed of innovation. The exponential growth in consumer expectations helps us reach more towards our goal in upgraded world trend. In this new normal, every organization is either a technology company or will need to reinvent themselves to become one.This mindset directly links with the process that we go through when taking up every project. And that is very much the essence of each project that drives us with new possibilities. Conceptualize, Interact, Design, Develop and Test. These are our main five outlines of the working process. We believe it is crucial for companies to adopt a technology-focused approach to business in order to survive and thrive in their market. We are driven by insatiable curiosity and fierce independence in the field of app development that makes us one of the best Web Design Platform and iOS App Development Companies in India.Conclusion:In conclusion, selecting the right mobile app development company requires careful consideration of several factors, including technical expertise, communication skills, pricing transparency, and alignment with your business vision. By following these tips, you can make a more informed decision and choose a development partner who will help you bring your app vision to life successfully.

Digital Transformation Myths Debunked

Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all aspects of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. This involves leveraging technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation.Beyond adopting new technologies, digital transformation requires a cultural shift, encouraging organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and adapt to evolving market conditions.Digital transformation is a buzzword that has been around for a while, but it is often misunderstood. Many myths surround this concept, leading to confusion and misguided efforts. Here, we debunk some of the most common digital transformation myths and clarify what truly matters for businesses embarking on this journey.Here’s how industries impacted after Pandemic:The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated digital transformation across industries. Remote work drove the adoption of digital tools like cloud computing and virtual communication platforms. Retail businesses enhanced e-commerce capabilities due to increased online shopping, while healthcare adopted telehealth for virtual consultations.The demand for contactless transactions boosted digital payment usage, and supply chain disruptions highlighted the need for IoT and AI solutions for better management. Industries also innovated to engage customers digitally through enhanced websites and mobile apps. Overall, COVID-19 underscored the need for agility and innovation, pushing industries to embrace digital technologies to remain competitive and resilient.Let’s see few Myths of Digital Transformations in Industry:Myth 1: Digital Transformation is All About TechnologyReality: While technology is a critical enabler, digital transformation is fundamentally about business strategy. It involves rethinking business models, processes, and customer experiences. Successful digital transformation integrates technology with strategic vision to achieve tangible business outcomes.Focus for Businesses: Embrace a holistic approach that aligns technology initiatives with your business goals. Prioritize strategic planning and ensure technology serves your broader objectives.Our SaaS Solution: Our platform provides the tools to seamlessly integrate technology with your strategic vision, ensuring that every tech initiative aligns with and supports your business goals.Myth 2: Only Large Enterprises Can Afford Digital TransformationReality: Digital transformation is not exclusive to large enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can and should pursue digital transformation. In fact, SMBs often have the advantage of being more agile and can implement changes more quickly.Focus for Businesses: Start small with scalable solutions that offer immediate value. Focus on areas where digital transformation can have the most significant impact and build from there.Our SaaS Solution: We offer scalable solutions tailored to the needs and budgets of SMBs, enabling you to start small and expand as you grow, ensuring that digital transformation is accessible to all.Myth 3: Digital Transformation is a One-Time ProjectReality: Digital transformation is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Technology and customer expectations are continuously evolving, requiring businesses to adapt and innovate constantly.Focus for Businesses: Raise a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Stay well-informed of technological advancements and be prepared to iterate on your digital initiatives.Our SaaS Solution: Our platform supports continuous improvement and innovation by providing regular updates and new features, helping your business stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions.Myth 4: Digital Transformation Only Impacts ITReality: Digital transformation affects the entire organization, not just the IT department. It requires cross-functional collaboration and impacts every aspect of the business, from operations to customer service to marketing.Focus for Businesses: Break down storage tower and encourage collaboration across departments. Ensure that everyone understands their role in the digital transformation journey and how it impacts the organization.Our SaaS Solution: Our integrated solutions foster cross-functional collaboration, making it easy for all departments to participate in and benefit from digital transformation initiatives.Myth 5: Digital Transformation Guarantees Immediate ROIReality: While digital transformation can lead to significant returns, they are not always immediate. It often takes time to see the full benefits as the organization adjusts and optimizes new processes and technologies.Focus for Businesses: Set realistic expectations and measure progress through incremental milestones. Be patient and persistent, focusing on long-term gains rather than immediate returns.Our SaaS Solution: Our analytics and reporting tools help you track progress and measure the impact of your digital transformation efforts, ensuring you stay on course and achieve your long-term goals.Conclusion:Debunking these myths is crucial for businesses to focus on what truly matters in their digital transformation journey. By aligning technology with strategic vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting cross-functional collaboration, businesses can achieve lasting success. Our SaaS solutions are designed to support these core needs, helping you navigate the complexities of digital transformation and drive meaningful outcomes for your business.

Mobile App Development Guide: A Comprehensive Handbook

Mobile app development guide

The Ultimate Mobile App Development Guide for 2023

The growth of the mobile app development market has been steady for the past few years.

According to the Statista report, the estimated worldwide revenue from mobile applications will be $935.2 billion in 2023. This unprecedented growth is predicted to witness a shift in demand for custom mobile app development among SMEs and startups.

There are more than 5.7 million apps on Google Play Store and App Store combined. Launching a new app in this clustered app market is not a seamless task. Despite the cut-throat competition, app marketers should take advantage of the opportunity to invest in a mobile app.

If you want to enter the app market but are unaware of the process, this post covers everything you need to get started. It includes information about the different phases of app development and how to promote your app to the right people.

Dive in, and start the journey to develop mobile apps for your business.

What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development refers to the process of creating software applications for smartphones, tablets, and other Android and iOS devices.

This involves designing, coding, and testing the app to ensure that it functions properly and provides a good user experience.

You can develop a mobile app using various programming languages and tools, such as Java, Swift, and HTML5. But it is a complex process and requires expertise in different areas like UI/UX design, programming, and testing.
That’s why most companies either hire professional mobile app developers or outsource their app development to specialized firms.

Why is Mobile App Development Important in Today’s World?

In today’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem, there is an app to serve every purpose.

According to the State of Mobile report, the year-on-year growth of the mobile landscape has touched +27%, and in 2020 brands spent close to $143B in the app store.

This number is growing rapidly. If you still don’t spend on app development and marketing, you’ll be losing opportunities.

Some of the advantages of mobile app development include:

  • Provides a better conversion rate 
  • Delivers an enhanced customer experience 
  • Provides better efficiency and increased revenues 
  • Saves time 
  • Improves customer loyalty and brand recognition

20 years ago, the question looming in the minds of businesses was – “Why should we develop a website or software solution?”

Today, this question doesn’t stand a chance as having an app or a website is not a choice but a need.
A Statista report highlights that in 2021, around 230 billion mobile apps were downloaded and 2 million new apps were released.

                                                                            Source: Statista

The demand for mobile apps has grown because of the rapidly changing consumer behavior patterns, business models, and processes across industries in the past decade.

Today, we have an app for every basic activity in life including opening a smart lock, ordering food, and medicines, watching television, and many more.

The penetration of the internet and the accessibility to smartphones have also changed the face of the app market worldwide.

According to another study, the smartphone user base growth has increased by 10.4% from 2016 to 2022. And it is expected to reach 7.7 billion by 2027.

Based on this observation, the rate of growth in the mobile app development market is expected to see rapid growth instead of a slowdown in the next 10 years.

Source: Statista

The Latest Trends in Mobile App Development

In today’s ever-evolving digital world, having a mobile presence is not enough. To survive in the dynamic environment, marketers need to keep updating the technology of the app and stay relevant.

Here are a few mobile app development trends that are making a buzz in the industry:

  • “Screen continuity” option for foldable devices
  • Improved customization and personalization leveraging the power of machine learning and AI
  • Introduction of extended reality technology in the form of AR filters
  • App integration with wearable tech gadgets
  • Growth in on-demand apps
  • Mobile wallet apps on the rise
  • Experimentation with the Beacons technology

The Different Phases of Mobile App Development

The mobile app development process typically involves several phases. These phases can vary depending on the specific approach you take as its development team, but some common phases include:

Phase 1: The Pre-development phase of your mobile app

This phase involves formulating a strategy for app development, analyzing the concept of your app, and shaping it into a real product.

    1) Identify the main objectives of your app
    This is the first and crucial step of the mobile app development process. In this stage, you need to define the “why” behind your mobile app development initiative

    You should ask yourself:

    • What is the app’s purpose? 
    • Who is the audience for the app? 
    • Who are your competitors? What features does their app have? How will your app stand out from them?
    • What are the goals and objectives of your app? 

    Answering these questions will help you get a clear vision behind your app idea and help you analyze its potential.

    2) Decide on the type of app you want to build

    You need to make some high-level strategic decisions on the technology to use and the type of app to build for your business.

    Two common options include:

    ⦁ Native apps that are designed specifically for a particular operating system, such as Android or iOS devices. This allows them to take advantage of the device’s processor and other hardware features like the camera and microphone.

    ⦁ Hybrid apps that are built to be compatible with both Android and iOS devices. But this type of app cannot access the device’s processor, so they rely on an internet browser.

    While hybrid apps offer cross-platform compatibility, they may not perform as well as native apps that can directly access the hardware of the device.

    To help you choose between native and hybrid apps, we’ve put together their pros and cons:

    3) Choose a platform for your app development

    When it comes to app development, it’s essential to avoid the temptation to build your app for all possible platforms. This is one of the biggest mistakes app developers make.

    Focusing on adding too many features or platforms can be counterproductive to your vision and will increase the initial costs of app development.

    Instead, it’s best to:

    • Conduct market research.
    • Choose a single platform to launch your app on. The platform could be Android, iOS, or Windows.
    • See how users respond to your app. Record customer feedback and evaluate the success of your app on that platform.
    • Once you are confident in the success of your app on one platform, you can plan to develop your app for another platform to increase its user base.

    4) Create a wireframe to guide your mobile app development process

    Starting without a direction can cost you money and resources. So, you should carefully plan the skeletal framework of your mobile app.

    This includes:

    • Mapping out the user flow – what steps a user will take to do something using your app
    • Creating an app flowchart before the design process
    • Identifying the key features and functionality of your app
    • Sketching out the layout and organization of each screen
    • Defining the navigation and user interface elements
    • Reviewing and refining the wireframe based on feedback from stakeholders
    • Using the wireframe as a guide during the design and development process

    5) Decide between in-house vs. outsourced mobile app development

    When it comes to developing mobile apps, there are two main options:

    • Developing the app in-house with your employees (You can hire experienced professionals)
    • Outsourcing your mobile app development project to a company that specializes in mobile app development

    The best option for your company will depend on various factors.

    If your organization already has experienced mobile app developers with the appropriate tech stack and capacity, then developing your app in-house might be a good option.

    However, developing a mobile app in-house has its challenges:

    • Hiring is an expensive investment as people with multiple expertise are required to execute the process of app development, starting from app development to market launch. 
    • Scalability is a limitation as it would require more resources with additional skill sets.

    Opt for this option only if you have a stable and efficient team of developers and managers, and the budget and cash flow to keep going.

    Outsourcing the project to a mobile app development company may be a better option. Especially, if the app is just one part of your business and not the core revenue driver.

    Why so?

    Here are some benefits of outsourcing mobile app development:

    • More cost effective
    • Has a comparatively lower lag time
    • Gives you access to advanced technology and improved solutions 
    • Comparatively more accountable 
    • Provides more exposure
    • Access to a larger pool of experts

    6) Choose a mobile app development company to outsource your project

    If you determine that outsourcing the development of your mobile app to a specialized partner is the best option for your business, focus on selecting the right partner.

    You should evaluate the potential app development partner by considering these factors: 

    Review the company’s case study, portfolio, and experience in mobile app development, specifically for iOS, Android, and web apps.

    Confirm that the development team is comfortable using the app development frameworks and programming languages that you’ve selected.

    Request information about the mobile app prototyping tools they use and how they can aid in the development process.

    Ensure that they are knowledgeable about the existing coding standards.

    Ask about their app development and release process.

    Verify their expertise in API integrations.

    Request information on the data security features they will implement during the development process.

    Inquire about their PCI-DSS certification and how they will comply with all certification requirements when designing payment gateways.

    Ask about their app testing process and the tools they will use for testing.

    You should also consider your budget and the domain of your app while finding app development companies that can meet your needs and suit your budget.

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    Benefits of IoT in Mobile Application Development 2019

    IoT is the most trending topic which can be considered in today’s world. The main reason for this is the connectivity level of the system which is operable to a large number of devices. It has enlarged its boundaries and entered into the fields like HealthCare, Retail, Smart Homes, Agriculture etc. And when it comes to connectivity smart mobiles and its apps are the first thing that comes into the mind.
    Integrating the IoT in the mobile app in the account to control the multiple devices specifically wireless ones is the most useful and trending around the globe. There is a huge list of the advantage of using the IoT into the smartphone app, let’s discuss this in detail.

    Continue reading

    How Can Augmented Reality Fit Into Mobile Apps?

    Augmented reality (AR) is the projection or the integration of the real world into a virtual one. The integration takes place through various interfaces in real-time, which gives reality an improved makeover. The view that the user gets accordingly is a reality that has been augmented with the help of technology.

    AR uses technology such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (S.L.A.M.) and depth-tracking. It is different from virtual reality (VR) in that VR excludes reality completely and projects a virtual one in its place, while AR uses reality and presents it in an enhanced way.

    Augmented reality fits into mobile apps by making use of phones’ cameras and sensors so as to enable the users to view reality in a wholly composite manner. The phone as a medium improves upon the reality to suit and thereby fulfill the user’s needs.

    The types of AR that exist today are marker-based, marker-less, projection-based, and superimposition-based. Marker-based AR apps like WhatsApp and Paytm are those which help us by using markers such as QR Codes. Marker-less or location-based AR apps (such as Google Maps) are those which utilize GPS, compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope to inform the users about events and places for hanging out near them, among others. Projection-based AR apps are basically manufacturing apps which allow artificial light to interact with real objects. Superimposition-based AR apps (like the IKEA Catalog app) allow us to view reality by superimposing virtual items onto it.

    The fields that have made the most interesting use of AR apps are gaming, architecture, real estate, archaeology, tourism, etc.

    1. Gaming:
    The best example of an AR gaming mobile app is undoubtedly Pokémon Go. The game became quite popular and gained a huge number of users just a few years back. Pokémon Go uses reality which it then integrates with the game to give the player the digital gaming experience in the real world.

    2. Architecture and Real Estate:
    There are a number of AR-based mobile apps, like Realar, which allow users to view and navigate through, and thus choose, the house of their dreams by virtually viewing the rooms, and even allowing us to add furniture or remove them, just to get the complete feel of actually being there.

    3. Archaeology and Tourism:
    There are apps that let us view actual geographical places from historical points of view. Apps like CityView AR simulate actual places. Projects such as StreetSmart and Futuristic History have conducted research into letting tourists view information visually. History buffs and travelers could then compare, say, the city of Florence during the Renaissance and Florence as it exists now, in the 21st century, and the actual variation in architecture, roadways and marketplaces that existed between the two centuries.

    Apart from AR and VR, Mixed Reality, or MR, which combines features of both AR and VR, is another phenomenon that is making its mark in the field of technology. The first MR-based app, HoloLens, was released by Microsoft in 2016.

    We hope that this article has provided a perspective on AR fitting into mobile apps. Please do share your feedback as comments below.

    7 Tips To Get Started With AMP Stories For Your Business

    We’ve all witnessed the boom of Snapchat stories. So much so that other popular social media applications were soon seen mimicking the feature. Although Snapchat was the first to introduce the feature to people and popularize it, it is actually Instagram that brings in the most users to the stories features. Now we’ve seen a lot of other applications try and attempt the stories feature to varying amounts of success such as Facebook which has seen the most disappointing turnout. Now the latest company to jump on the bandwagon is Google introducing the AMP stories.

    As per Google AMP stories are an immersive visual content format that is fast and open, built specially for the users.

    What Are AMP Stories?

    It’s a feature built by Google similar to Instagram stories that help content creators build short-term, visual content for their viewers. However, unlike stories features in other apps, Google AMP stories will be featured in Google’s search results.

    If you take into consideration that more than 75% of all user time is spent on their mobile phone you can clearly see why Google is pushing for mobile first content.  Since the whole concept of AMP was to push mobile first AMP will display an array of search results in the form of swipeable feeds. You can swipe right or left depending on whether you liked the story and would like to see more sources for the same information.

    AMP stories also make it easier to share the information you’ve just received at lightning speeds. Google is hoping to capitalize on the format and draw users who are more accustomed to using other apps.

    What Are The Components That Make AMP Stories?

    Unlike traditional AMP content, you don’t have to rely merely on text anymore. You can include graphics, animation, videos and more. This is highly beneficial for content creators. AMP stories are made of 3 main components that you need to absolutely master if you want to rule the search engine game.

    –    The story itself

    –    The story page

    –    The story grid layer

    The story is the main content itself while the story page is the location when your content is based on. The grid layer contains all the elements that make up the page and the story.

    So you must now be wondering how to get started with AMP stories?

     

    7 Steps To Use AMP Stories On Your Website

    1. Code The Page

    Now I’d like to say it’s easy for all companies to get started with posting AMP stories on their web pages but it isn’t as simple as that. Before you begin you need to code the regular pages of your website to AMP pages.  Use the following canonical tag on the original story

    <link rel=”amphtml” href=”http://www.example.com/blog-post/amp/”>

    If you want the entire AMP code set you can download it from the following link: https://github.com/Automattic/amp-wp

    https://www.ampproject.org/docs/getting_started/create/basic_markup

    Add the code to your WordPress page like you would for any other plug-in and you’re done with the first difficult step. In our opinion having a professional web design and development company in Pune to help you setup AMP pages will save you from a lot of future problems. You wouldn’t want the data on your website to suddenly disappear, do you?

    1. Run A Sample

    Before you get started with the main content you need to check if all your settings are in order. Running a test project goes a long way to check this. For this, you’ll need a test server.

    To be on the safer side of things you should use a secure layer with the test server to protect yourself from any data breaches. Once your local server has been set up, try using the link https://localhost:8000/article.html

    Check the layout the design and if everything looks spot on you can move on to step number 3

    1. Create Cover Photos

    Your stories can have multiple components but one single cover page. This cover photo should ideally represent what lies within the stories. To create a cover page, assign a unique ID for your cover to the first page:

    <amp-story standalone>

    <amp-story-page id=”cover”>

    </amp-story-page>

    </amp-story>

    If you’ve worked with Photoshop at any point in your career you’ll know that cover photos need to be built using layers with each one built on top of the other.

    The first layer will have <amp-story-grid-layer> element in the <amp-story-page>

    There will be other attributes that you need to use to ensure conformity such as “fill”, “responsive”. Here is an example of what an ideal code will look like as provided by the AMP tutorials

    <amp-story-page id=”cover”>

    <amp-story-grid-layer template=”fill”>

    <amp-img src=”cover.jpg”>

    Width=”xx”, height=”xx”

    Layout=”responsive”

    </amp-img>

    </amp-story-grid-layer>

    </amp-story-page>

    You can use multiple layers by adding the “vertical template” rather than the “fill template” as mentioned above.

    1. Additional Pages

    Once you cover page is set up you can start to add other pages to your AMP stories.  You can find the code you will need to enter (based on which template you choose to use) on the AMP site. There are several other resources available to help you better code for AMP stories.

    Of course, if you think you need professional help you can always get in touch with the best web development company in Pune.

    1. Glitz it Up with Animation

    There are multiple animation elements you can use on your AMP stories to get the Wow! Factor. However, unlike social media apps, you can’t just drag and drop the elements in your AMP stories. You will need to code them in. There are plenty of animation presets already available like “fade-in” “fly-in-right”, “pulse”

    1. Close Out Story

    You’ll need to effectively close out your story and provide your consumers with additional links from your content or related content. This last screen is known as the “bookend”.

    1. Validate Your AMP File

    Before you upload the pages you will need to validate them using the Chrome Devtools Console. Remember if AMP pages are not validated they are not considered as AMP and do not give you any advantages. There are 2 methods of validating AMP files the other being using the AMP validator browser extension.

     

    Why Should Businesses Use AMP Stories?

    The golden rule of any business is to stay ahead of the competition. AMP stories are the next big wave to give you an edge over the competition. Also, it is now known that users are more accustomed to seeing short-form visual content which can be seen by how much more popular online streaming platforms have become. Good storytelling leads to better attention-grabbing of the users.

    Using Stories To Push Products:

    Who says that traditional marketing metric cannot follow good storytelling guidelines? In fact, 92% of consumers surveyed by the SEO-Journal responded that they wanted their advertisement to tell a story rather than just hit them with facts.

    Reducing Page Load Times

    Speed is good. The faster you are able to deliver the right content to your consumers the better. They’ll be invested in the conversation and look forward to it more. This undoubtedly leads to a lower bounce rate, higher conversion rates and not to mention you’ll also receive a slight boost in rankings courtesy Google. But that’s only if you work with the right web development companies in Pune like CodePlateau who are accustomed to delivering AMP pages to their customer.

    Getting More Creative

    Because of the way AMP pages are built you have more opportunities to experiment with creative styles. The design is an important element when it comes to potential customers picking your product or service over the competition.

    With AMP pages you can add a whole lot of features and that can add a certain oomph to your content. While you’re at it you should also push your viewers to your AMP content until they become more accustomed to it. Links, buttons to promote your AMP stories in your content won’t hurt.

    Better Rankings

    As I’ve mentioned before AMP pages help with search engine optimization. If your website ranks well on all parameters important to Google it’s obvious they’ll be willing to give you a push up the results.

     

    Conclusion

    In this fast-paced world, your competitive advantage lasts only for a few months, maybe even less depending on the rate of technological innovation. If you want to get ahead of the competition you need to try and grab every advantage you can. Getting the best web development company in Pune, CodePlateau, to help you build and design attention-grabbing AMP stories and pages for your website is the right move to make right now. If you need more information about AMP stories or need some assistance in your web development needs, get in touch with us today.

    Different Types of Mobile Applications – Native, Hybrid and Web Apps

    In the current decade the majority of the people owes a smartphone, it has become like an essential commodity in our daily use. We use the mobile application for any kind of our work it may be booking a cab for your way to work, buying grocery, playing games, instantly replying to work emails or just hanging to the social wall. Every mobile app has a uniqueness of its own like what platform its developed on, which technologies are used, its advantages and many more of them.

    Mobile applications are categorized into major three types depending upon the development platform like Native, Hybrid and Web. Each of them has its special features and development process.

    Types of Mobile Application

    1. Native Apps – As the name suggests it specifically related to only one platform. This type of app is developed for one and only operating system. For example, if the app is built on the Android Operating system it will only work for that, whereas, if developed in iOS it would be only applicable for iPhones. There is also the third type of operating system which is Windows on which the app is developed.

    Native App has its own distinct features like the best of the user experience can be gained through these types, has no limit in using multiple API’s while developing the app for different interfaces. The speed of the app is fast and responsive rate is high in performance. Software used to develop native apps generally are Java and ADT for Android operating system, Objective-C or Swift for iOS, and .NET (C#) for the Windows operating system.

    Example:

    • Pokémon GO
    • Pinterest is a cross-platform native app, built with Xamarin.
    • PayPal
    1. Mobile Web Apps – These are also apps but can be run on any device you are viewing on and are mainly used on the browsers. Unlike the native app, they do not require any kind of download or installation process.

    These apps are usually written in HTML5, JavaScript or CSS. There is also the limitation to the usage of API’s in Mobile Web Apps. The user experience is almost the same as the Native Apps and does not require regularly downloads updates. The only thing is that for running the Web App good internet connection is a mandatory thing to have.

    Examples:

    • Flipkart
    • Twitter Lite
    • BookMyShow
    • Forbes
    • OLX
    1. Hybrid Apps – It is basically a combination of Native and Mobile Web App together. It has the compatibility of cross-platform and also can run on the mobile device. Mainly HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Mobile JavaScript frameworks, Cordova/PhoneGap etc. software is used to develop these kinds of apps.

    Even though Hybrid Apps lack in speed and the performance, but comparatively they are fast and simple to develop which eventually means low cost in development. Also, they have a low maintenance cost and can opt for a large number of API’s.

    Example:

    • Instagram
    • Uber
    • Evernote

    There are different types of Mobile App platform depending upon the requirement and the nature of the App. CodePlateau is one of the renowned names as the best Mobile App Development company in Pune.

    Expert UI Design Tips for a Great Mobile App

    Creating easy-to-use mobile apps require a lot of planning and thought. UI design is at the heart of any mobile app’s success. How do you create an appealing mobile app while ensuring pro-utility features and efficient functionality? As a professional mobile app development company, we would like to share some UI design tips for creating a great mobile app:

    Enhance Core App Objective

    Find your app’s the prime objective. Pick out the most-used features. Constantly improve the features set around the prime mobile app objective. The mobile app designer’s efforts must focus on spontaneous user experience.

    The “App as Diversion” Premise

    The average mobile user is usually involved in another activity before they divert their attention to an app. It’s safe to assume that the mobile app user wants the app to respond at a great speed. Create your mobile app design around this “App as Diversion” premise.

    Mix the New & the Familiar

    Opting for too many new things can mar the mobile app UI design. Place buttons at familiar locations. Use colors to communicate the button usage. For example, using red color for the DELETE button is a simple but effective idea.

    Make Navigation Purposeful

    There is no point in making a great app feature if the user just can’t find it. Don’t make the user apply effort to find an app feature. The user should exactly know which section of the app are they in, and how do they return to the main page or exit the app. Don’t use complex navigation elements, where a simple solution is a better choice.

    Minimalism & Other Elements

    Minimalism doesn’t mean stripping your app of attractive design and functionality. To create a dull-looking app in the name of minimalism is a not so uncommon web designer practice. Minimalism in mobile app design is about removing what is unnecessary. Retain elements that make your users browse your app in less time.

    Choosing the right text size & graphics size is a crucial and overlooked factor too in a mobile app. Another important element is making your app finger-friendly and thumb-friendly. The average app user must be able to use the app’s buttons with any of his fingers easily. A smartphone is usually handled with one hand. Consider gestures that are already used by any smartphone user.

    These are some of the things you can think of before designing the UI for mobile apps. Please share your views on the article as comments below.