#android app development

My Google Play Developer account is in danger of being deleted for inactivity by March 7!

In order to keep the account, I need to publish Dollphone Icon Pack, and to do that, I first need 12 testers to test the app for 14 continuous days. (Why does a launcher icon pack need to be booted for 14 continuous days? Beats me, but them’s the rules.)

If you can’t download the test app, please tell me to add your email to the mailing list, via [email protected]. It has to be the email address associated with the Google Play account you download your Android apps from, I think.

The links are https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.x2gd4.dollphone and https://play.google.com/apps/testing/me.x2gd4.dollphone.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The app should be something like canva or picsart or other editing apps having a canvas where we can add elements like text, images etc

We should be able to add text to the canvas

We should be able to move the text around in the canvas

We should be able to change font, size, color etc

The app should have undo and redo buttons

I've been pretty quiet lately because I've been slowly working on an android app of my own outside of work. Still a long way to go before it's finished, but baby steps.

It's an app where you can make custom beading patterns easily with mobile UI in mind. The only other one I've seen on the android store was this really old one with only two stars because they hide 90% of the features behind a paywall while calling it a free app.

While I like using the Beadographer website it has its limits and is designed for computers in mind rather than touch screens. Trying to use it on a phone can be a bit annoying.

Right now I have a basic grid set up for square stitch and loom stitch with the ability to select colors, color/clear beads on tap, add rows/columns, and pan/zoom in using two finger touch. I plan on adding more features including the following:

Drag your finger over several beads to color them at once rather than have to tap them individually.

Templates for several styles including peyote, brick, herringbone, right angle weave, different circular peyote stitches, and others.

Auto save patterns in progress.

Can store multiple patterns.

Create and save custom colors to use between projects.

Tools like undo/redo, rotate the canvas, select and drag, color picker, image import, and mirror.

Export patterns as png files.

Available different kinds of beads (toho, miyuki, etc)

I know this isn't most peoples' cup of tea but I'm really excited to try and complete this, and maybe even get it on the app store :D

In the ever-evolving world of fitness and technology, app developers are constantly looking for ways to improve user experiences. With millions of people using smartphones for fitness tracking, workout routines, and health monitoring, fitness apps are more popular than ever. However, traditional native apps have limitations, especially when it comes to reaching a wider audience and providing smooth user experiences across different devices. This is where Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) come in, offering unique advantages for fitness app development.

In this blog, we'll explore what PWAs are, how they work, and the key benefits they bring to fitness app development. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear idea of why PWAs are becoming a game-changer for the fitness industry.

What Are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a type of application software that is delivered through the web but functions similarly to a native mobile app. Unlike traditional apps, PWAs are accessed through a browser but can be installed on a user’s device, just like an app from the App Store or Google Play. They combine the best of both worlds by offering the flexibility of web-based apps and the user experience of native apps.

PWAs are designed to be fast, reliable, and engaging. They use modern web technologies like service workers and caching to work offline or with poor internet connections. They can also be installed on the home screen, send push notifications, and offer smooth performance without the need for app store downloads.

Benefits of PWAs for Fitness App Development

1. Faster Load Times and Better Performance

In the fast-paced world of fitness, users want instant access to their workout plans, progress trackers, and nutrition guides. PWAs are optimized for speed and can load faster than traditional apps. This is especially important for fitness apps that require real-time updates, such as syncing data from fitness trackers, recording steps, or tracking calories burned.

PWAs cache data, which means users can access the app almost instantly even if they have a slow or unstable internet connection. For fitness enthusiasts who need a quick and responsive experience, this is a huge advantage. Faster load times can also improve user retention, as users are less likely to abandon an app that lags or takes too long to load.

2. Cost-Effective and Easier Maintenance

Developing a native fitness app for both iOS and Android can be costly and time-consuming. You have to create two separate apps, each with its own codebase, and maintain them over time. With PWAs, you only need to develop and maintain one version of the app that works across multiple devices and platforms (iOS, Android, and desktop).

For fitness app developers, this means fewer resources are needed for development and maintenance. Updates can be pushed instantly to all users, eliminating the need for app store approvals or long wait times. This is especially beneficial in the fitness industry, where new features or workout programs need to be updated frequently.

3. Wider Accessibility and Reach

One of the main challenges with native fitness apps is that they’re limited to the App Store or Google Play Store. Users must download the app before they can use it, which can be a barrier for some people. PWAs don’t have this limitation. They can be accessed through any web browser, and users don’t need to go through an app store to download them.

This means a wider audience can access your fitness app without the need for a download. Whether they’re on a smartphone, tablet, or even a desktop, users can easily access your fitness app and start using it right away. For fitness businesses, this means more potential users and less friction when it comes to acquiring new customers.

4. Offline Capability

Imagine you're in the middle of a workout, and your internet connection drops. A traditional fitness app might stop working, and you might lose access to your workout routine or tracking features. PWAs solve this problem by offering offline functionality.

By using service workers, PWAs can cache important data, allowing users to access their fitness routines or monitor their progress even when they don't have an internet connection. This is particularly useful for users who like to work out in areas with weak or no internet connection, such as in a gym or during outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.

5. Push Notifications for Engagement

Keeping users motivated and engaged is crucial in the fitness industry. PWAs offer the ability to send push notifications, even when the app is not open. Fitness apps can use this feature to send reminders for scheduled workouts, motivational messages, or notifications about new content (like workout challenges or new nutrition tips).

Push notifications can help increase user retention by keeping your app in front of users and encouraging them to stay on track with their fitness goals. For instance, a fitness app could send a notification when it’s time for a user’s daily workout or when they achieve a new milestone, like hitting their step goal for the day.

6. Easy Installation and Updates

While native apps require users to go to the App Store or Google Play to download and install, PWAs can be installed directly from a website with just a few clicks. This makes the installation process much easier and faster, especially for users who don’t want to go through the app store.

Once installed, PWAs behave just like native apps. They can be launched from the home screen, and users can enjoy the same features without needing to open a browser. Additionally, updates to PWAs are seamless, as they’re delivered through the web. Users don’t need to worry about manually updating the app, and they’ll always have access to the latest features without delay.

7. Improved SEO and Discoverability

Since PWAs are essentially websites, they can be indexed by search engines like Google. This is a huge advantage for fitness app developers who want to improve their app’s discoverability. With native apps, you rely heavily on app store optimization (ASO) to attract users, but PWAs can be easily found through a simple Google search.

This gives PWAs an edge in terms of visibility, especially if you want to drive traffic to your fitness app through organic search. For instance, users who search for “home workout routines” or “calorie tracking apps” might discover your fitness app right from the search results, making it more likely for them to give it a try.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer numerous benefits for fitness app development. From faster load times and offline capabilities to cost-effective maintenance and wider accessibility, PWAs are a powerful tool for reaching more users and delivering a seamless experience. For fitness app developers and businesses looking to expand their reach and offer an engaging experience, PWAs are an excellent option to consider.