January 31st, 2010 Mobile Apps none Comments

Over the past decade, Google has become the dominant force on the web, processing over one billion search requests per day.  However, Google’s web dominance only extends to desktop PCs, which are slowly being replaced by mobile devices, with over 3 times more mobile devices than desktops being sold each year.  The Android is Google strategy to extend its reach into the rapidly expanding mobile market.

The open source property of Android is Google’s unique selling point. Google recognised that the mobile experience on the most part is inferior to the desktop experience due to the restrictions placed on mobile application developers.  Apple, the manufacturers of the iPhone have been known to refuse to approve third party programs because they replace integrated features of the iPhone. Android is a completely open platform that will allow developers to create applications that call upon the use of any of a handset’s core features.  Android also aims to give developers the tools to innovate by allowing applications to combine information from a variety of sources such as the internet or other mobile device users.

The Android operating system aims to bring the experience users enjoy on desktop PCs to the mobile world. Mobile devices operate on a closed system where only applications approved by the manufacturer can be installed on devices. Mobile applications developers are usually forced to obtain code-signing certificates, which cost both time and money. With Android, developers will be able to install any application they develop instantly. The reduction in development costs will open up the market to new developers. Since Android’s success hinges on how third party developers react to the open system, the more developers able to develop for the system, the better for Google.
Google has a 16 billion dollar advertising empire on the web and seeks to transfer this to mobile devices. Although smaller screens pose a challenge to advertising space, mobile devices also offer new opportunities, as due to their mobile nature location based adverting can be used to market nearby services to potential customers. All Android devices will be constantly connected to the web to take advantage of location-based services.

For all the promise of Android, there are several barriers to its success, some of which have already begun to affect its chances of success.  The biggest barrier to Android’s success is the sluggishness with which network providers are adopting Android devices.  In 2008 when Google launched its first mobile device on T-mobile, it was widely thought that they would quickly enter into partnership with larger mobile network carriers such as Verizon and AT&T. Their failure to do this has resulted in a slow uptake of Android devices by consumers, as T-Mobile is only the fourth largest carrier in the US.

Mobile network providers may also be reluctant to enter into partnership with Google because several applications developed for Android completely circumvent their services resulting in a loss of revenue. The biggest example of this is Google Voice, which allows users to send text messages through their phone’s data plan. This means that there is no need for a Google voice user to have a text-messaging plan with their network since Google Voice offers what is essentially free text messaging.

The Android operating system has also encountered resistance from manufacturers for a number of reasons. Some manufacturers feel that the an open source mobile operating system threatens their own pre-packaged applications as network operators and users will be able to completely re-customise an Android phone, rendering manufacturers’ own applications useless. To compete effectively manufacturers want to be able to differentiate their phones and have a unique identity.

Some manufacturers fear that the emergence of a mobile operating system without any licensing fees could result in an influx of new manufacturers into the market as license fees act as a barrier to entry to new firms. This will result in a loss of market share for the existing firms.

Google’s Android has fulfilled part of the promise it had when it was first unveiled. It has lead to new and innovative applications being developed and allowed more developers to enter the market. However, it is yet to live up to its potential. If it is to succeed Android needs the support of more manufacturers and mobile network providers. In November and December 2009 Verizon and Motorola launched a new phone using Android, which is a step in the right direction. Google has the influence and vision to completely revamp the mobile market and with the help of their hardware partners, they are likely to succeed.

A Central Coast website designer can be found simply by searching for Central Coast Web Designers or Central Coast Websites and choosing a listing from the search engine results.

It seems that everyone is able to design a website nowadays. You could build a website yourself by using a program such as Front Page or another downloaded program. However, if you do so, you could take quite some time to learn the skills necessary to create a website that looks professional and performs well.

Creating a high standard website requires a combination of graphic design, programming skills, management, and marketing. Only these factors together will create a website that is professional. Therefore, it is imperative to have a Central Coast web designer that will be with you from the start until the website is completed. So, how do we distinguish who is a good web designer and who is a bad web designer? There are many vital things to take into our consideration before making such decision. These things are shown as follows:

1.Qualification and Experience

First of all, you should check that the freelance designer or web design business has professional web designer qualifications in the Web Design industry and the internet? For more details you can login to www.instant-video-streamer.com. Are they certified in any particular area of the web design industry? we can check this out by clicking on their “about” page on his/her website. If they have taken the time to gain the qualifications, then we know that they are serious about their business.

We also should check how long the person has or business has been designing websites and working with the internet or web design industry? Have a look at the design style of those websites and other websites that they have designed by going to their portfolio page. This will aid in seeing their style of design and quality of work. Do the colors and text look balanced? Do all the links work, does the site load fast and is it easy to navigate the site? Do all the pages have a consistent look?

2. References

Some web designers have a reference or testimonial listing on their website, this will give you a good idea of the service and the design you can expect. Look through the references of satisfied customers. Testimonials should have the website address listed.

3. Vision/Technology

We should create a basic plan or a project brief of the type of website we want. Do a search and get a rough idea of what we want on our site (not just a copy of someone else’s). Write down your idea on paper, and then contact the web designer about the concept. If you need to use advanced technologies on your site, such as Flash, database integration, Ajax or JavaScript make sure that your web designer is familiar with them and is able to implement them properly.

4. Contact and Consultation

Make sure that the designer is reachable by phone or email. Also, we should see that how long it takes for them to get back to you. This is a good indication of the future relationship with that web designer. Are they helpful, professional, polite and friendly? Having a strong and stable relationship with your designer will help things during the project time line and any other future correspondents.

It is also very important that regular consultation is present throughout the project time line. Most web designers will give you a free consultation if they want your business. This will help you clarify what is expected in the design process.

5. Contract and Pricing

Make sure you have written down a contract before you make any payments. It should state clearly what is included in the contract e.g. how many pages, links? Does it include marketing and maintenance of your website? If not, then ask what cost the extras will entail. This can include domain name registration, scanning and optimization of graphics and hosting.

You should search around the Web to compare prices so as to get a reasonable prices (and quality at the same time!). Do not forget to check on the prices carefully. Do the prices include submitting the site to the main search engines? (This should be done by hand if it is done properly). Don’t be misled by those that say the website will be submitted to 3000 search engines by automatic submission software.

6. Testing and On-going Support

Your website must be tested before it is completed by the designer. Why? Will it look alright in Internet Explorer as well as Netscape browsers? What screen resolutions can it be viewed in? Without testing, your site may not look professional to your customers/viewers. For help visit www.html-lockdown.com. Also, make sure that on-going support will be provided by the web designer. It is just not good enough if you can not contact or reach the designer anymore after the website is complete.

If we follow these vital points shown above, choosing the right web designer can be easy for us. We also can be assured of great design and support that will contribute to the on-going success of your business.