Google Pixel 6a vs Google Pixel 7 in-depth comparison

Is Silverlight still the preferred choice of developers ?

Microsoft's Build 2014 conference during the April 2 to April 4, 2014 had been Satya Nadella's first developer conference as CEO. Build is actually an yearly conference and the event conducted by Microsoft, focused on software as well as on web developers. Microsoft looked a totally different from the one anybody witnessed earlier. The very first time in several years, this can be a Microsoft which is all set to look at the future. The Microsoft from the previous few years can be described as secretive, defensive company. While in the introduction of Windows 8, particularly, the involvement with developers, along with users, and with media had been limited. Once involvement began to happen, it had been both of the regularly unidirectional, there had been little effort to get suggestions by the community or repeat designs according to real world experience and also limited with its perspective. There had been a rejection to describe trajectories or provide any kind of indications on how this company planned to build their software. Along with a combination of political and of technological conflict, the issue of communication meant the communities Redmond when worked nicely and had been treated badly.

As an example, lots of developers who learned and also taken Silverlight, Microsoft's .NET-based platform for the developing of rich client applications, equally in the web browser as well as on the desktop. In the past, Silverlight had been a significant tool, one which developers noticed beneficial and loved using it. Then again in the Microsoft, it dropped away from favor. HTML5 rather had become the encouraged technology for creating the same types of app. Then again, there wasn't any significant communication for this impact. No sharp statement to exactly how Silverlight might possibly be wound down or perhaps this would stop for development. Developers that dedicated to the framework had been simply kept quiet and wondering.

The position for the developers by using the WPF graphical platform had been similar. There were gossips that this has been canceled as well as the team which handled it separated, however there had never been any positive information by the Microsoft and slight or perhaps no light shed regarding the framework's potential future, whether it really had one. Additionally, developers made the investment in the WPF, and then they had been kept in the lurch. This is also true for the developers making use of the XNA game framework which, compared with WPF, have really been eliminated and arguably also .NET in general. Although the company kept quiet regarding these types of issues, it however wanted their developer community on wholehearted to learn about latest tools and APIs. Programmers had been anticipated to write apps for the Windows 8, using its latest WinRT API, as well as Windows Phone 8, along with its unusual mixture of the latest WinRT and with old Silverlight. The software organization never created a great case for the reason why developers should learn still additional stuff, and it also did not give any kind of guarantees that these types of new stuff would not even be removed.

The company will give the appearance to be open and communicative with, for instance, extended blogs describing several new Windows 8 features or some other or perhaps explaining the reason why certain decisions had been made. However it was entirely one-sided. The community given quite reasonable reviews mentioning, for instance, that the Windows 8 will leave new consumers into the lurch, providing absolutely nothing to support them through the latest interface mechanisms, or even recommending in which the Windows RT compared to Windows 8 dichotomy had been improperly communicated as well as, for many, complicated. The feedback was actually met with, at the best, unconcern, and also at worst, a quite arrogantly stubborn insisting that there had been no issue, that things were fine, and it was quite rude to suggest normally. This would help you leverage the benefits of RIA development.

We provide Microsoft Silverlight development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified Silverlight web developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Cake PHP and ways for Effective Forms Management

Cake PHP is endorsed for developing projects by some of the most experienced web designers across the globe. The primary reason behind is that PHP platform offers an organized and trouble free way to create applications. It is more than a mere framework as it enables the developers to achieve a correct perspective of the CMS as well. There are diverse features in this framework that allows the developers to create extensive websites with explicit functionality, flexibility, and impressive results. Coding in this framework is clean and a host of plugins helps the developers to build solutions that are flexible enough for numerous customers. CakePHP also improves the quality of the code while reducing its quantity. This makes it effective for forms management application development.

Multistep form

This is a difficult and tedious task while developing an application. With the Ecommerce websites on the rise, the multistep form has become an indispensable part in creation of websites. For taking care of intensive customer data, this form is used. You cannot put all the data on a single page. It becomes lengthy and inconvenient to use. CakePHP has powerful classes which can be effectively used to for dealing with this form where user experience is the priority. The codes to be used are quite less and the work is not repetitive as well.

CRUD

Managing data easily is another reason why this framework is preferred over other CMS platforms. As an effective open source platform, it enables to create, update, read and delete various kinds of entities within the system. The CRUD is one method that is successfully applied to solve the data management issues. All the developers have to do is implement this within the framework.

Easy to manage codes

In order to facilitate successful forms management it is equally important that the codes can be easily used. As far as CakePHP is concerned, the program code can be smoothly rebuilt or expanded. The write up and management in it are neatly done. This is the reason why programmers prefer it for reusing codes while developing a number of projects. If you are planning to maintain the module reference guides or the library codes, then the framework proves to be extremely useful. In fact, reusability is one of the primary advantages of Cake PHP.

Besides the above mentioned reasons, there are several others for which Cake PHP is popular amongst the programmers. There are several features which enable it to develop apps fast and make them more user-friendly.

Impressive organization

A highly organized environment is offered by it. All the data is further divided into classes, organizations, and management. Thus managing these are no trouble at all. The data is also maintained on a tabular form that is well ordered. Thus the programmers find it easy to develop relationships between the classes and elements in this framework.

No complicated configuration

Configurations are often tricky businesses. But the Cake PHP makes working with configuration quite hassle free. Since the controls can be detected automatically, it becomes extremely easy to work with. Thus, instead of getting involved in a long battle for configuring the system, the programmers can plan a quick launch of the website.

Development is quicker

This PHP framework is best known for its small span of development time. Fast development is a feature that is preferred by programmers all over the world. They can utilize a host of tools with ease in a small time frame. When it comes to form management the same tools and elements can be effectively used to achieve success.

To handle projects in a dynamic way the Cake PHP framework is widely used. The MIT license makes it easy to acquire and implement. The advantage of this license is that the programmers can use it conveniently. There are no issues regarding modifications, copying, publishing, sublicensing, merging, or being used. Thus, they have complete freedom in using it effectively to build forms management. This would help you leverage the benefits of PHP certified professionals when hiring services of a PHP development company India.

We provide PHP development services. To hire PHP developers from us, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

Android OS Versions - A Complete List

According to an International Data Corporation press release, “Android will undoubtedly remain the clear market leader among smartphone operating systems with share expected to hit 80.2% in 2014.” The hugely popular Google mobile operating system was originally designed based on the Linux kernel for touch screen devices. But at present, Android is being used by wrist watches (Android Wear), televisions (Android TV), cars (Android Auto) and other specialized interfaces along with smartphones, tablets and phablets. The huge popularity of the mobile operating system can be attributed to a variety of factors. But each version of Android contributed towards enhancing its popularity and global market share. Each version of the mobile operating system interestingly has a dessert-based nickname.

About Major Commercial Versions of Android

Cupcake (Android 1.5): Android 1.5 SDK was releases in April 2009. Cupcake considered beginning the era of the modern Android phone. It was also the first revamped version of the mobile OS that came with many UI changes. The version 1.5 also supported widgets and folders on the home screen. At the same time, Cupcake also included camcorder support, improved Bluetooth support, and upload services like Picasa and YouTube.

Donut (Android 1.6): In September 2009, Donut was released. It was built based on the features of Android 1.5, while expanding the features. Some of the behind the scene improvements were not even noticeable by end users. But it allows users to initiate universal search and access the Android Market. At the same time, Donut also supported improved camera, galleries, and higher resolution touchscreens. Donut is considered to provide the framework base for future updates.

Eclair (Android 2.0/2.01/2.1): Éclair, released in late 2009, is considered to be major step up over earlier versions. The Android 2.0 came with a new user interface (UI), an improved web browser and Google Maps. Google Maps enable the platform to compete with other stand-along GPS navigation systems. Google further updated Éclair with additional features and bug fixes.

Froyo (Android 2.2): Google announced Froyo in May 2010 at the Google IO Conference. The Android 2.2 came with a Just-In-Time (JIT) Compiler to drastically improve the processing power of devices. Froyo further supported Adobe Flash 10.1. So the users now have option to access their Flash-based content and games on the mobile web browser. Froyo also supported tethering to enable users to provide internet connectivity to any device from their Android smartphone's data connection.

Gingerbread (Android 2.3): Gingerbread was released in December 2010 with several UI improvements and support for new technologies. The UI improvements to Android resulted in making the menus, dialogs and notification bars feel consistent. At the same time, Gingerbread also supported innovative technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) and Internet Calling (SIP). Android 2.3 also came with an optimized JIT compiler and battery life.

Honeycomb (Android 3.X): Honeycomb was the first Android version that was designed for tablets. IT was released in February 2011 with a set of new elements for tablets. Along with the new recent apps button, Honeycomb also came with the updated Gmail and Talk apps. The Talk app makes it easier for tablet users to video chat. Honeycomb was released under Google’s new distribution method. The distribution method required the device manufacturers to get their hardware choices approved by Google to obtain the required source code and license.

Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0): Google released Android 4.0 in December 2011. Ice Cream Sandwich was designed to bring some of the design elements of Honeycomb to smartphones, while refining the user experience. However, Google subsequently updated Android 4.0 for both smartphones and tablets.

Jelly Bean (Android 4.1-4.3): Jelly Bean was released by Google in 2012. Google also releases Android versions 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 within a shorter span of time. It included the polished UI design along with several new features. Jelly Bean is also the first version of Android that came with lock screen widgets, actionable notifications, multi-user accounts support and quick settings in the notification bar. The combination of customization options and useful services make Jelly Bean the turning point for the Google mobile operating system.

Each updated version of Android comes with several additional and improvements. Google has unveiled the next version of the mobile operating system with the working title of Android L. But the formal version of Android L is expected to release by late 2014. If you are planning to hire service of Android development company India, you must evaluate them to see if they are sufficiently agile or not!

We provide Android app programming services. If you would like to talk one of our certified Android app developers for hire, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Why is WordPress Considered to be the Favourite CMS

Among so many CMS or Content Management Systems that are available, WordPress is considered to be the most the adored as well as the preferred one. There are a number of reasons behind it. Let us discuss the features that have made WordPress the most accepted CMS.

Firstly, it is considered to be one of the most powerful semantic platforms that facilitate publishing of content – irrespective of volume. Secondly, it comes up with a series of value added features that are specifically designed to make the end users experience as pleasant, as friendly, as well as, as smooth as possible as a publisher. Let us discuss the features that make this particular CMS so much popular.

Updated as well as Improved Post Editor

WP comes up with TinyMCE, which is a software that powers its visual editor. The latest version of WP comes up with an updated version of this Post Editor by the virtue of which, the interface looks much cleaner, as well as less cluttered or clumsy than in was in the previous versions. The customary “Paste from Word” button is missing as it is not required anymore, because pasting a text from the MS Word does not leave the users with a messy cluster of words any more that needs to be rearranged or edited afresh. There are options to preview the galleries from the editor. All the users need to do is to upload the images and then follow it up by inserting a gallery for checking them out.

Drag and Drop option of Images

WP also comes up with a unique feature that allows the users to drag as well as drop images into the Post Editor. For that the users do not have to click on the “Add Media” tab. As soon as an image is dragged into the post editor, the media uploader automatically pops up to let the users add a caption, ascertain the size of the image etc.

Live Widget Preview

The new version of WordPress provides the option of editing and previewing the Widgets instantly from the Customizer Screen. Therefore, there is no need to continuously save the widgets and refresh the sites to have a look at every change – small or big, that has been done on the front end, before saving or publishing the settings. Then there is the updated Customizer feature that helps the users to upload, crop as well as manage the header images.

Editing the Images

When it comes to editing the images, WordPress comes up with a handful of options that help adding as well as editing of images in a seamless way. It also helps in cropping and editing the images even when a post is being written. The users also can crop a photo into the post editor by clicking on the photo in question, and resizing it by dragging the handles to the edges. Even while editing the images, an edit image screen comes up in modal form. Hence, the user does not have to go to the Edit Image page separately – the fact that saves time, besides making the process much simpler.

Theme Installer

The 3.8 version of WP comes in a much improved form with the Theme Installer feature that makes it easier, smoother, as well as simpler for the users to browse through various themes that they are looking forward to preview and then install.

It also provides the option of tracking the site statistics if and when needed, and also allows the users to customize their designs to meet their needs or objectives without any effort whatsoever. WordPress also helps creating as well as reading various kinds of mobile apps for devices like iPhone, Android, iPad and Blackberry. The feature is specifically designed as well as developed for publishing and sharing content, thereby luring the readers to visit a site. The CMS also has certain qualities with the help of which it ensures that the site in question is presented in an optimal format so that it appears at the top of the search engine pages, the moment the page is published and shared. This ensures maximum visibility – one of the reasons why WP is today the most cherish CMS. To get maximum benefits of Wordpress, you may consider hiring services of a WordPress CMS development company.

We provide Wordpress customization services. If you would like to discuss with a expert WordPress developers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Mobile App Development for Marketing - Is it the best way to promote business

Are you planning to shift from the paper form of promotion to the mobile apps? You are on the right track. Businesses are increasingly becoming more aware of the importance of mobile marketing. Often the adoption of technology in business is a result of personal use of these technologies. This is especially evident from the prevalence of mobile app development for marketing. Consumers nowadays consist of people who are used to download apps in a jiffy, use them according to their own convenience or share photos at their own will. Their consumer grade technology expectations are slowly spilling over to the business arenas as well.

If you are wondering whether mobile app marketing works for promoting business, then check out the following benefits for which this method is preferred:

Increases workforce visibility: If your business is opting for mobile workforce then there are troubles tracing the real time workers on a daily or hourly basis. It is also difficult to track down their performances. People on outdoor jobs are not really easy to locate unless they return to their desks. But the cloud based mobile applications provide greater visibility for the workforce in various ways. One of their advantages is that they present greater accuracy. As a result there are fewer problems to deal with. The companies will also require lesser time to spend on tracking their employees and thus, divert their attention to more important tasks.

Improved Sales Opportunities: One of the biggest reasons why businesses are prone to adopt mobile marketing apps is that with the popularity of the smartphones greater opportunities have opened up for shopping and other engagements. The interaction between customers and business representatives has grown immensely as a result. Moreover, since smartphones are commonly found in every pocket it has become easier to reach out to the customers through the handheld devices. All you got to do is include a push notification to remind the users about their old shopping carts and tempt them back to the shopping world. If you can offer a better seamless experience of login ids and billing information, it spells a better path to win over your consumers.

Utilize GPS facility: It would be a real loss not to make use of the latest technologies that are at your behest. The GPS facility is one of them. If you are planning to develop a cloud based mobile app to meet your marketing demands then it can also significantly enhance the routing efficiency by tracking job sites, workers and more importantly customer locations. With the help of the GPS, the business owners can easily see the map routes and even calculate time and date. Once you have been able to track the routes probably, it can save you a headache regarding fuel and wear and tear of your vehicles.

Aid in improving quality control: These apps are also helpful in carrying out quality control checks and safety inspections at the work sites. If you are still using the paper forms, there would be several discrepancies and insufficiencies. But with an activated GPS facility, the inspection processes will not suffer. You will be better armed to deal with the data provided to you and can also resort to multimedia (photos, videos) for more authentic reports. You can also make use of the date and time stamps.

Gathering data is made easy: Using mobile app development for marketing can open up a whole wide world of data collecting opportunities for you. If you are still stuck in the physical world it is time to shift to the virtual one to track the move of your customers. This would definitely help you to formulate better business plans and generate revenues. On the other hand, certain applications, like, Salesforce or Dropbox, are effective tools for storing the collected data which can be shared across several verticals. With a mobile data sharing capability the employees can put in information anywhere, anytime.

Technology, in every form, is a powerful tool but it should be handled carefully. Similar laws apply to mobile app development for marketing as well. If you can use a mobile app for marketing properly, then it will prove the best way to promote your business. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide custom mobile application development services. If you would like to hire mobile app developers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.

Playground Feature In Swift Gives Developers A reason To Rejoice

When the Apple’s Worldwide Wide Developers Conference, many have been discussed and writing on Swift and iOS 8. Now, developers and non developers at various backgrounds will have the ability to reach a lot easier into iOS and OS X worlds.

Without a doubt, the most awesome announcement for the iOS developers is definitely the Playground feature which will allow these people to test the code lines instantly. However Swift is actually a compiled language, the feature allows the code to be interpreted also delivered in the live preview in the Xcode IDE. It's going to save developers a number of problems and can enable them to produce much better projects within a short duration. Apple’s statement describes that nicely, “Playgrounds will make writing Swift code effective and simple. Type the line of code, then the results can be seen instantly”. Incase, for instance, the code runs from a loop, one would will have the ability to include the line in issue into the Timeline Assistant to view it progress. That will point out the source of performance issues through timing the executing the code. One could highlight variables in the graph, check each step of the process of drawing a view, or perhaps view an animated Sprite Kit scene. If you are improved the code within the playground, simply shift that code in the project.

Try out with Swift code playground. One doesn't need to compile and run the whole project, the playground gives quick comments on the results of the coding experiments. Xcode reviews the code when that is typed in. As soon as you complete a statement or perhaps take a break from typing, Xcode shows the code results within a sidebar at the right side in the source editor window. When you change the code, results might temporarily gets changed from black into gray and Xcode recalculates them. If you make an error, Xcode shows an error sign in gutter. Click on the sign to view a description for the particular error. Once you fix or remove the error, Xcode re-displays the results of the valid code. To analyze the value for the variable apart from the result, type the variable in a different line. Xcode reviews the variable and shows the value on the results sidebar. Quick Look buttons turn up for the results which represent content meant for graphical display, including images and strings. The playground contains the regular source-code editing features of Xcode. For instance, the playground offers syntax correction, code completion, as well as syntax-aware fonts and text colors. Once you are pleased with the outcomes of the experiments, you may copy the code in the playground and then paste that to the source files of the iOS and OS X projects.

Additionally Swift simply being far more easy for the developers, Playground will enable them to understand on the way. They could learn in the Playground - “The blend of highly formatted documentation along with playground that is interactive makes it simple to completely explore the API, modifying''. However with the run-as-you-type Playground the new feature, one would have never be amazed to observing a few simple bugs. But the very first among these, might not be a little one as it might even clear off the hard drive. That's what was stated by Steve T-S (@stroughtonsmith) on the Twitter, Playground isn't really sandboxed, hence entered code could do everything without hitting enter. Although we are pretty confident that Apple would certainly make the extra effort into this to prevent any issues. To get maximum benefits of mobile apps, you may consider hiring services of a certified iPhone software development company.

We provide iPhone app development services. Companies hire iPhone consultant from us at Mindfire Solutions. If you are ready, please contact us today.