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Augmented Reality: 3 Ways It Can Change Your Event

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Augmented reality, the sibling of VR, is also one of the most sought-after technologies among businesses. It is one of the most user-friendly types of technology due to its practicability. Whether it’s a trade show or a conference, using augmented reality at your next event could be the most effective way to present your idea to your entire audience.

AR is well known for providing a number of solutions and enhancements in many fields and positions such as social media, digital marketing, and others among them.  Augmented reality can be used in just about any industry and will help make your event memorable. If VR has the potential to renovate the events industry, AR has the potential to change the shape of commerce thoroughly.

AR offers a variety of opportunities for brands and planners at events ranging from entertainment and client engagement to educating attendees about the company and its products and services. Here are 3 types of Augmented Reality alternatives to use at your next event.

  1. Wearable AR

Unlike virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift where the user becomes immersed in an entirely different world, AR headsets still allow users to see the real world but with computer generated elements. An example of this is Microsoft’s Hololens, which is the best augmented reality headset to date. Wearable AR has many benefits as it creates a hands-free experience, allowing users to move around and interact with the virtual elements in the real world freely. This is great for product demonstrations at trade shows as it provides a seamless experience of the virtual world seeping into reality. The only drawback at this time is the cost to implement, AR headsets are expensive, but hopefully with many companies creating the technology, it will become a more affordable solution to enhance your next event.

  1. Mirror based AR

This type of Augmented reality is interesting as mirror based AR allows virtual elements to be placed on the reflection of user which is specifically beneficial for fashion and beauty events. Attendees would be able to see the newly designed clothing on them without even changing into them!They can even see what the newest hairstyles and beauty trends would look without actually applying them. This will spark interest to your booth/event. It provides an immersive experience for attendees and would definitely put an impression on them.

  1.  Deviced-based AR

Nowadays, everyone is carrying some sort of smart device, whether it be a tablet or smartphone. This form of AR has been around for a while but it’s the best bet of implementing it at your next event. Device-based AR allows users smart devices as a window into an augmented reality by using the camera as a viewfinder. Furthermore, this type of AR is already well-known with the introduction of Snapchat and their “smart filters”. This form of AR can easily be incorporated into an event app that activates when attendees travel around a booth or it can be installed in pre-configured devices and provide an enriched experience. This is beneficial when educating attendees about the brand and its products in an interactive way.

In conclusion, Augmented reality is the all in one tool that could make your event a hit. It is easy to personalize, its versatility is unmatched, and is intuitive and easy to use. AR is being revamped as a technology that seamlessly integrates the digital world with the real one. Moreover, with more tools and resources being created this technology truly has the potential to set the standard in event planning and could be what you are missing to take your event to the next level.

Through our R&D division – InnovationLabb, our mobile app development company in Toronto builds solutions with emerging technologies, Augmented Reality being one among many.

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Facial Recognition: The Next Form of Payment

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Apple Pay and Android Pay made a big entrance in the tech world when it was introduced as it was innovative and groundbreaking. However, with the current fast-paced development of alternative methods, even more advanced methods of payment are emerging. Artificial intelligence is the future and ideas are becoming more advanced.

Facial Recognition – Face++

As of recent, there has been a new method of payment that is ready to blow Apple Pay and Android Pay out of the waters. Face++, is a software developed by a Chinese startup valued at a billion dollars. Face++ allows you to make payments through facial recognition. Facial recognition is an emerging technology that has been introduced in other technologies such as using facial recognition to unlock a smartphone or keep the screen on. Facial recognition is now evolving and is able to be used as a form of payment method. It recognizes faces with impeccable accuracy, allowing a person to make secure and reliable payments. Face++ works with many well-known companies, such as Alipay, Didi, Lenovo and Camera 360, to provide its unique services in shopping and technology industries. For example, Alipay is one of the largest mobile and online payment platforms established by Alibaba Group. With Face++, Alipay allows users to reset a password through facial recognition.

Face++ is already working with Xiaomi Financial and Zhongxin Bank, but the company faces its biggest competitor, Tencent, when it comes to expansion in the banking industry. Tencent has an important advantage in legal aspects, therefore Face++ has more room to improve. Speaking of legal issues, although Face++ has gained a lot of popularity and demand in China, the software will face more obstacles in the West. This would be due to the Western countries’ attitude towards surveillance and privacy. China has an enormous centralized database of ID card photos. This also allows the Chinese government to use Face++ to identify criminal suspects.

Facial Recognition Payments in North America

Facial recognition is not a new idea, it has been around for many years. However, it was inaccurate and of low quality to be used in such important matters as banking and surveillance. Face++ breaks those barriers and proves that it can be done. The impact of artificial intelligence is on a constant rise and new advanced technology and ideas are consistently emerging. Many countries have already began incorporating facial recognition into their softwares. Soon, facial recognition will be the main form of payment and other activities worldwide.

Through our R&D – InnovationLabb, TheAppLabb builds solutions with emerging technology, including artificial intelligence. As leaders in technology and innovation and experienced app developers in Toronto, TheAppLabb is ready to help you get in touch with the future!

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4 Reasons Why You Should Incorporate Virtual Reality At Your Next Event

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]There is no question that virtual reality is one of the most popular emerging trends in modern age. It can provide authentic experiences and deeper insights into any product or event. Virtual reality can also make your next event a huge success!

A few industries that are implementing VR techniques are real estate, gaming, and healthcare.  By using virtual reality as a fun and innovative solution, you can make your event unique while keeping your attendees engaged.

Event organizers are striving to integrate the latest technology into their events. As experts in app development in Toronto, we know that VR has the potential to entirely renovate the events industry single handedly.

Different Ways Virtual Reality Can Be Implemented At Events

  • Host interactive virtual meetings:
    Attendees can use VR to direct their experiences remotely, by being able to participate in an event without physically being there. One of many 360-degree cameras such as Samsung Gear 360 or the LG 360 Cam make it possible for attendees to be present at an event as if they were there alongside others. There might be a possibility in the near future that VR could replace physical venues allowing people to attend events from the comfort of their own home. This will allow your event to be more accessible to audiences worldwide.
  • VR Gamification:
    Not everyone uses VR headsets; many of your attendees may not even have had a hands-on experience with them. Setting up VR booths at your event, before and during an event would certainly attract attention by allowing attendees to experiment with a VR headset. Using VR, combined with Image Recognition Technology, makes it easier to create simple games at your events. Letting your participants play games via VR will ensure that the focus is on you. Your attendees, therefore, become your participants. This improves the overall engagement between you and your participants.
  • Take it up a notch:
    Pictures, slide shows and/or videos are present for nearly every single event. VR can be a great high-tech alternative to these rather old school methods. You can make presentations come alive with Virtual Reality, boosting attendee engagement while being fun and informative. Rather than providing high-tech or expensive VR headsets to your attendees, the Google Cardboard can do the trick rather cheaply as all it takes is two pictures, one for each eye, a caption and a transition.
  • Product Testing:
    Consumers like to have a hands on experience with new products before buying them, hence the term product testing. This is why we see people trying out Apple devices at WWDC or generally any product right after the launch event. While small density products are more accessible for numerous attendees to test, it gets harder as the size of the product increases. VR has made it easier to test a variety of products no matter the size or the number of attendees. A good example of this is Volvo with their launch of XC90 SUV in 2014 and mind you, we are in 2017.

The lifecycle of an event is rather simple. It starts with a lot of buzz pre-event, during the event and shortly after the event. However, what’s important is for your event to be ingrained in the minds of your attendees. Integrating VR at your event will make it worth remembering for a longer period of time. In the core of an event lies attendee engagement and the many benefits of VR such as virtual meetings, gamification, interactive presentations and product testing will able able to keep them engaged. Increased engagement allows for a superior connection among your attendees and you. Ultimately, virtual reality may be the missing source for the superior connection you want.

Through our R&D division – InnovationLabb, TheAppLabb builds solutions with emerging technologies, Virtual Reality being one among many. Our event mobile platform, TheEventsApp allows event organizers to inform, update, engage and delight their Sponsors, Speakers, Attendees and Exhibitors. Emerging technology is the current trend and it’s time for you and your business to get on board!

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Bring Your Business To Life With a Chatbot

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]What is better than a quick and hassle-free service with just a tap? Utilizing chatbots in e-commercebusinesses can unlock many possibilities with a promise of an optimized experience! Technology has the power to not only engage consumers but can also help grow a business significantly. A chatbot fits in the puzzle towards an increase of sales as well as convenience.

Benefits of Implementing a Chatbot

  • The ability to deliver answers and manage issues promptly,  therefore improving customer service and the overall outlook of the company.
  • Re-engage customers with up-to-date promotions and product launch notifications
  • Promote 24/7 availability that welcomes all consumers throughout the day, forming meaningful relationships.
  • Tailor to a consumer’s needs and services by being unique to anyone.
  • Guarantee customer satisfaction with an automated order process.

Companies are recommended to implement chatbots if they have yet to. In fact, in 2016, Microsoft created a chatbot developer tool that provides support programmers to create bots for their current apps. Likewise, Facebook is providing toolkits for developers to create chatbots with automated features such as structured messaging, call-to-action prompts, and URL links, all in hopes to improve the relationship between ecommerce and chatbots.

Consumers hoping to receive information and updates from the store while shopping is becoming more common. Luckily chatbots can provide this feature as they are integrated directly into the channels where customers shop, ultimately improving their experience as shopping time is reduced. Businesses also benefit as they save time searching for a customer care representative, leading to an increase in ROI as costs reduce.

Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence is still an emerging technology but pressure is on for e-commerce businesses. If they do not start implementing and finding methods to improve customer experiences on their sales channels, their customers will move somewhere else. Therefore, taking into consideration the benefits of implementing chatbots, businesses should start looking into applying this into their sales channels.

Through our R&D division – InnovationLabb, our mobile app development company in Canada builds solutions with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IOT, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Blockchain. Emerging technology is the current trend and it’s time for you and your business to get on board!

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5 Mobile Retail App Features That Can Benefit Retailers!

Today, brick and mortar retail stores are slowly becoming less relevant due to the rapid growth in technology. People are taking advantage of the ease and convenience of a mobile commerce app to make their purchases.

In a world where most consumers and retailers have gone digital, those that have not are noticeably struggling. Did you know, as of May 4, 2017, 62% of all global mobile device users have made at least one online purchase in the last 6 months according to OuterBoxDesign CEO, Justin Smith. He also stated that 80% of shoppers use their mobile devices to acquire information while in a store, and that 10% of all retail revenue now comes from mobile purchases.

Evidently, in order to compete in this technology-centric modern world, a mobile commerce app for your store would be a recommended course of action. Before you get any mobile retail apps for your store, it’s best to make sure you have the right features and know how they work and benefit you.

Geolocation

Geolocation is used on electronics with internet access such as computers, tablets and mobile phones to locate an object. Retail apps with a built in Geolocation feature allows you to determine the location of the customers that have your app on their mobile devices. This information gives you the ability to determine the approximate distance between the customer and your retail store locations, and at the request of customers that have your app, you can direct them to the nearest store location.
A mobile commerce app with Geolocation can also be used in relation to deals and promotions. For example, if there is an ongoing sale/promotion at a store branch near the app user’s location, a notification can be sent to the customer and give directions, guiding them to that store. You can also segment and filter what promotional materials are sent to certain mobile app users based on their location to ensure the promotional content your customers obtain is relevant to their location.

Artificial Intelligence

There are many different features of Artificial Intelligence in a mobile commerce app that can help enhance the overall efficiency of your company and brand. A sales chatbot stimulates conversations with app users, guiding them through the buying or exploration process. Artificial intelligence collects information about the user based on their user history, shopping habits and preferences and provides help or personalizations based on the data collected. This can help personalize the product catalog by displaying the products and make recommendations that match the preferences of the user as well as displaying trends specific to the user’s demographics based on search and sentiment analysis.

Push Notification

Push Notification is an optional feature customers can choose to enable when they install or use a mobile app. They can be used in retail mobile apps to inform customers of upcoming events, news, product delivery notifications and more. Geolocation data and/or user preferences can also be used with push notifications to ensure that notifications are sent accurately to fit the needs and interest of the relevant customers. According to a report by Leanplum, personalized push notifications can increase the rate of responses by up to 800%. Keep in mind however, push notifications are to inform, not overwhelm.

Loyalty Program

The Loyalty Program is a common concept applied in the modern retail world attract more customers and reward loyal customers. Rewards that a customer can obtain range from receiving monetary awards to exclusive services. Bringing your loyalty program to a mobile retail app is useful as it allows you to easily track your customer’s behaviours and also makes it easier for both you and the customer to access the loyalty program. According to Oracle Hospitality, 71% of customers join loyalty programs because of discounts, and 63% join because of free rewards. These two rewards seem to be the most attractive to customers. In order to ensure that your loyalty programs are having their intended effects, you can refer to analytics tools.

Analytics

An essential feature for a mobile commerce app is an analytics tools. Analytic tools allows you to see performance data of your app. According to Shanelle Mullin of ConversionXL, the common questions people have when launching a mobile app are:

  1. How many users have downloaded the app in total?
  2. How many of those users are active?
  3. How do users interact and engage with the app?
  4. What features do they use most often? Which do they ignore?
  5. Which channel generates the most users? Most valuable users?
  6. Are users experiencing an friction? Any technical issues? UX problems?

All the answers can be found in the data provided in your mobile retail app’s analytics tool.

How Can TheAppLabb Help You?

The vast majority of the people in the world today globally own a mobile device and use it on a regular basis. Consumers are shifting to mCommerce as their preferred method of commerce. To attract this large group of mobile-focused customers to your business, you will need to adapt and get yourself your own personal mobile retail app for your business. However, not just any app will get the attention of those customers, you will need to design it in such a way where its features meet their expectations.
We, at TheAppLabb, are veteran mobile app developers with 10 years of experience in the field. Our mobile retail solution, TheRetailApp, contains all the sought-after mobile retail app features mentioned within this article. TheRetailApp is designed to allow retailers to enter the mobile market, drive sales with access to a product catalogs along with mobile transactions and payment integration, and inspire customer loyalty with push notifications for upcoming promotions and loyalty rewards programs. There is even implementation of analytics information, so you can track the app’s overall performance.

Ready for your mobile commerce app? Get in touch with TheAppLabb today at info@theapplabb.com!

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Top Tech Trends Businesses Must Incorporate in 2017!

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Top Tech Trends Businesses Must Incorporate in 2017!

Living in a society that is dominated by technology, we are bound to observe the compelling innovations that will soon be embraced in the realm of business. 2017 cordially introduces a myriad of technology trends that bring a promise of utility and engagement to society. This year will be enveloped with much more innovation in Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Augmented Reality, Intelligent Apps, Intelligent Things and Conversational Systems. With the power of technology, many businesses should capitalize and execute these digital strategies as a drive towards company growth.

 Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence enables a computer to learn, reason, understand and interact to make decisions like humans.

Mobile app development companies know that businesses are overwhelmed with data. The amount of information on theInternet and privately held within companies is growing exponentially.  Without intelligence, there is no point in storing all this massive amount of data. AI can be best used to sort through that data, derive insights and instruct on proper actions to take based on data analysis.  It’s impossible for humans alone to analyze these large data sets.   Through informed decision- making with AI, industries become more accurate and efficient

Big technology giants have invested and created technologies to set in motion innovation with AI. We have seen Google make advancements with its deep learning technology and the launch of IBM Watson.

The types of artificial intelligence innovations we will see in 2017 are conversational systems, intelligent apps, and intelligent things. They will transform and improve approaches to productivity in retail, education, healthcare, government, businesses, manufacturing plants and much more.

Throughout this article, you will find examples of what you can create in AI, for your industry in 2017.  AI brings innovative technology trends that will positively benefit and impact every business and industry type.

 Conversational Systems

Messaging services have gained lots of momentum in the last few years and are only going up in demand once you add cognitive computing to it. If you haven’t heard, conversational systems are the new social media.  Individuals can interact with apps or other digital devices via bidirectional text or voice conversations to make requests and receive answers promptly.  Conversational systems are powered by AI; they understand user needs and then provide a correct response that has been assigned to that scenario immediately, based on the decision tree.  Additionally, conversational systems can intuitively self-learn from scenarios to improve algorithms.  In 2017, everyone will be raving about the rise of innovation with Chatbots, a popular conversational system, and its capability to build rich user experiences by mimicking how humans communicate versus a browse or search interaction.

Here are some Chatbot solutions that will be popular this year:

  • Sales Chatbot is a conversational solution, where shoppers can converse with a system to be guided through the whole shopping experience. Chatbots enhance the user experience by providing recommendations for products based on user preferences and persona as well as allow them to place and modify orders.  Businesses can advertise, upsell and cross-sell products to shoppers. This solution is ideal for retailers, e-commerce businesses, restaurants and ticket sellers.
  • Travel Chatbot can assist travel agencies by streamlining the process through conversational solutions for customers interested in booking a vacation. Users can ask questions regarding destination, hotels, flights and prices all in real time.  Through relationship interaction and personality insights, the system will provide and match solutions for users.
  • Virtual Guide Chatbot can be used as an educator, advisor or guide to assist individuals in transforming the teaching process into a conversation and familiarizing them with the new environment and/or skills. Some applications can include, helping new university students navigate the campus; hotels can assist travelers in foreign countries; Companies can aid new employees integrate faster and operate as a teaching assistant for online students.
  • Customer Service Chatbot can improve service for consumers and reduce the load on company help desk.  Companies can answer customer questions right away by training the Chatbot to answer frequently asked questions.  Through tone analysis, chatbot can detect disgruntled customers and escalate to a manager

Intelligent Apps

We can thank Artificial Intelligence for the advent of intelligent apps, another promising technology trend.  Intelligent Apps are a combination of AI and apps.  AI comprises of various methods such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and speech/visual recognition.  Cognitive Apps use various methods such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and speech and/or visual recognition to provide insights into broader areas in real-time assisting users in identifying opportunities, decision making and performing redundant tasks that require processing lots of data.

Here are some of the technology trends we will see for Intelligent Apps:

  • Real Time Relevant Alert App provides users with information that is most relevant to them by analyzing and curating content via AI techniques like natural language processing, contextual and sentiment analysis. For example, financial institutions could provide real-time information related to markets trends, investment opportunities, company news, stock tickers through cognitive apps to investment managers so they can better assist clients and manage funds better.  Such apps would best serve companies in healthcare, retail, finance, education, government and media industries.
  • Diagnosis Apps assist medical professionals in diagnosing patients by matching patient symptoms, health history, vital stats, nutrition data with criteria for a particular condition, and further match it with relevant treatment and medications.  The app algorithms are designed to mimic the current screening and diagnosing process for any health problem.  Apart from medicine, such apps would serve well as a solution for professional in nutrition, fitness, sports, and therapy.
  • Education Apps will change the way educators teach students through personalization.  The app collects and analyzes data on optimal learning patterns, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and academic progress of students. The information provides immediate feedback that guides instructional decisions and assists in creating unique customized targeted instructional plans matched to every student’s requirement.

 Intelligent Things

Intelligent things can be best described as assorted technologies meshed up together to give emergence to self-governing devices.  In other words, current Internet of Things infused with hardware, software, sensors, apps and chips combined with AI, delivers intelligent things.  AI and machine learning can power Internet of Thing devices to learn, reason and converse amongst each other autonomously and deliver desired outcomes with little supervision.  Popular inventions circulating are smart home appliances, smart medical devices, robots and autonomous vehicles.   In the near future, we will see many technology trends especially AI empowered devices immersed in physical locations such as home, hospitals, retail stores and manufacturing plants creating and providing seamless experiences.

This solution for Intelligent Things will be in demand in 2017:

  • IOT enabled Retail Solution analyzes Wi-Fi, sensors, ibeacons and facial recognition video data and provides personalization using artificial intelligence and chatbots to enhance the in-store customer experience.  Information extracted from IoT technologies is used to identify emotions, visit frequencies, understand preferences, recognize customer’s behavior and in-store locations that get the most traction.  Insights from data analyzed in real-time enable IoT technologies to autonomously offer promotions and product information to customers while they walk about the store, and redirect appropriate store personnel to shoppers. Retailers gain from increased sales when facilitating technologies that accelerate real-time decision and more tailored 1-on-1 marketing and services to shoppers.

 Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are immersive experiences created by making use of digital devices and software programs. Virtual Reality provides the user with the perception of being actually present in the interactive world via a headset. The headset gives a 3-dimensional view, other sensor simulations and the virtual interactivity gives user ability to navigate in the virtual environment.  The user identifies the world as real, as they can freely move about and interact with things in it. Augmented Reality differs from VR as it doesn’t provide a fully immersive experience.  Instead, Augmented Reality overlays digital data and multimedia elements onto the real world they are in, via the phone camera or AR headsets. These experiences can be achieved with VR headsets such as  Oculus rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, Sony Playstation VR and Google Cardboard; AR headsets such as Google Glasses (RIP], Recon Jet, Solos, Vuzix, Sony SmartEyeGlass; and Mixed Reality headsets such as Microsoft Hololens. VR and AR will deliver many technology trends and is a value add for any business, so don’t miss out on creating these captivating engaging experiences for your target audience.

Here are some practical uses for VR and AR that will be popular this year:

  • VR Apps for real estate can be used to showcase pre-construction homes and condos, with immersive 3D and virtual reality experiences to potential buyers.  Buyers could view property layout, customize the layout by changing wall color, designs, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and appliances. Real estate developers’ benefits include reduction of costs by eliminating physical showrooms, upselling on upgrades easily and speeding up the buying process. Here is a video of a similar project that TheAppLabb team recently launched.
  • VR Trainer apps can simulate the entire job environment in virtual reality for organizations that provide complex field training for professionals like mechanics, pilots, soldiers, and doctors. Trainees are enabled to apprentice and master skill sets required for the job, by learning through action in various virtual scenarios and interacting with simulated equipment. Organizations will benefit from decreased training expenses and reduced hours spent on live training.
  • AR Job guide apps can assist employees that need access to digital information in front of them through augmented reality glasses when both their hands are required to carry out field work. People working in Complex Assembly, Maintenance, Material Handling and Field Service can access digital content such as work orders, service tickets, maintenance tasks, data dashboards, video conference feed to an expert, to enhance productivity.

 Blockchain

Blockchain, the underlining technology behind the disruptive bitcoin movement is increasing in popularity. Blockchain is a publicly available, time stamped transaction publishing technology that can be verified via a decentralized authority, consisting of networks of individuals participating in the system through various laptops and hardware scattered worldwide.  Core benefits of Blockchain are expedited transactions, reduced costs, protection against fraud, transparency, security and the ability to record the movement of transactions digitally with it’s distributed ledger functionality.  Blockchain technology can last forever as long as the peers in the network consistently participate, continuously keeping verify transactions on a timely basis and retain copies of transactions on Blockchain network.  Blockchain has many practical purposes where there is a need to store and preserve public information at any given point of time.  It can be applied for digital asset protection, title registration,  and property ownership.

Here is a Blockchain solution that will become prominent in 2017:

  • IoT enabled Blockchain system can be used by manufacturing and supply chain companies for digital asset creation, storage, and management of products, online customer identities and the internet of things. For items being shipped and transported over through multiple systems, Blockchain and IoT can provide information on the position, delivery date, and place of product packages.  Organizations have data accuracy assurance with blockchain technology and can handle the movement of products accordingly to ensure smooth delivery.

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Five Ways to Get More App Downloads

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text c_id=”.vc_1496168336026″]After months of strategizing, wireframing, designing and developing your work is finally done — your app is up and running and ready to take the world by storm. But after a few weeks it becomes clear something’s terribly wrong: no one is downloading it. What could be the problem? The truth is, whether you’re an enterprise brand or a startup founder, you still have work to do to help your app become a success. So, to get you on the right track here are five ways to get more app downloads.

Get Some Attention

Market your app! Write press releases to get the word out, and reach out to media contacts. Just include a few details about what your app does and the people who made it, and services like appshout! and TargetWire can help you distribute them. For even more impact, personally reach out to mid-tier blogs for reviews. While they may have less traffic, that means your app will stay news longer — and chances are one of the big blogs may take notice. With every new review, make sure to leverage that media attention to get as much coverage as possible.

Localize Your App

After all the blood, sweat and tears that went into your mobile app development, it would be a shame to miss out on a wider audience — that’s why it’s important to localize your app. Translate content into common languages like French and Mandarin, depending on your targeted market. If the budget is tight, look for professional translators on freelancing marketplaces like Upwork, or call in a favour from a fluent friend. Don’t forget to translate App Store descriptions!

Drop The Price

Once you get some buzz going, your next step is to capitalize on all that hard work and get as many downloads as you can, as fast as you can. How? Consider effectively eliminating the barrier to download for many users by making your app half price or even free for a limited time. Why? Because the number of downloads in a set period of time is a key factor in increasing an app’s rank and visibility in the App Store, making it free will end up making you more money in the long run. Even after the download spike subsides and you set the price back to normal, you should still see consistent downloads thanks to your newly improved status in the search results.

Optimize Your Website

Yes, you’ve created a mobile app, but don’t underestimate the power of a website, even if it’s just a simple landing page. Use SEO to drive traffic, and don’t stop at a download link — add all the information a user could possibly be looking for, from app description & screenshots to a contact form for feedback, and links to social media (you have social media channels for your app, right?). Be open and engaged: a well-curated social media presence can make all the difference.

Know Your Users

Finally, there’s a secret weapon that can help you keep your users happy: analytics. Use the data you get from your users to make adjustments, additions and changes in direction to your app in order to maximize user satisfaction & retention. There are so many tools to choose from that can help you make sense of all this data, from Google Analytics for Mobile Apps to Countly — try a few out and see what works best for you. Remember, most apps only retain about 20% of their users. Do everything you can to keep them once you get them.

 

If you follow these tips, with a little effort and a little luck you’ll see those download numbers start to shoot up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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TheAppLabb Featured on the Cover Page of Desi News

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text c_id=”.vc_1496240538136″]TheAppLabb has made the cover of the September 2016 issue of Desi News, with a two-page feature where CEO Kundan Joshi talks about why we do what we do, what’s next in technological innovation, and offers advice to young and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The article, titled “In Pursuit of App-iness”, covers TheAppLabb’s expertise in mobile app strategy, design & app development in Toronto as well as work with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality. Bringing to life our passion for making people’s lives better with technology, the article details how our apps make a positive impact not only on our clients, but on everyday consumers. Writer Shagorika Easwar also covered how we apply Moore’s Law (the idea that computer speed and performance will only get better) every day, and the ever-increasing number of technological innovations we’re excited about integrating into our apps. As Kundan says in the article, “After all, technology is just an ally, the experience should be comfortable enough to be adopted on a mass scale.”

The article closes out with a little background on Kundan and the early beginnings of TheAppLabb when we were just “…a bootstrap organization, working out of our basement”, to our present-day status as a dynamic global tech company with six offices spread over three continents. Kundan offers several pieces of advice to new entrepreneurs, among them encouragements to step out of your comfort zone, avoid pigeonholing yourself, and take risks. Perhaps most importantly, he stresses that entrepreneurship “…is not easy. It involves sacrifice, a lot of hard work. So your foundation, your vision, must be very strong.”

Our thanks to Desi News for this great feature – read it for yourself here!

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Top iOS 10 Feature Updates

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Top iOS 10 Feature Updates

At WWDC 2016 last month, Apple showed off some of the key features they’ve added and improved on for iOS 10. Now that the public beta is available, we can finally see some of these features in action! They still have a few kinks to work out before the full release, but Apple’s added some intriguing features that give us more options, and help make our lives easier by embracing the power of innovations like AI and IoT. Here are some of the most interesting feature additions and updates in iOS 10.

Siri Now Open to Developers

Everyone’s favourite AI voice assistant can now play with others — Apple is opening Siri up to third-party developers. This means you can ask Siri for help with some of your favourite apps, and she can deliver. Need a ride? Ask Siri to order you an Uber or Lyft to your desired destination. Can’t text because you’re rushing to meet friends for dinner? Now Siri can send a WhatsApp message to let them know you’re running late. This update opens up a world of possibility, and new ways for AI to streamline and improve our day-to-day lives.

Home

IoT is here to stay, and Apple has added a dedicated app for controlling HomeKit-compatible appliances. Home allows to you control every compatible device in your smart home, from Nest thermometers to August smart locks, from one dedicated hub with a simple tap of the finger. Home’s best feature is called Scenes, where a single command from you activates a customizable, pre-set routine. For example, on your way out the door, you could simply tap your ‘Work’ preset and Home will take care of locking the door behind you, turning off specific lights, and adjusting the thermostat. Whether you ask Siri to close the curtains at night or adjust the light levels at a dinner party with 3D Touch, you’ll always be in full control of your connected home.

Raise to Wake

Apple has totally redesigned the iPhone lock screen: no more slide-to-unlock. Instead, as you lift your phone it will automatically spring to life, making it simple to glance at your phone and see what you’ve missed. You can use 3D Touch to dismiss notifications, reply to messages and double check your next appointment without unlocking your phone, saving time by keeping the information you need easily accessible.

Removable Stock Apps

Does anyone honestly use built-in apps like Stocks, Tips and Reminders? Most of us have tried to cut down on home screen clutter by hiding little-used apps away in a folder we rarely open. Well, with iOS 10 many pre-installed apps are now removable! Use a different weather app, or prefer Gmail’s dedicated app for your email? No problem. With iOs 10, you can delete the apps you don’t want with the option to download them again later if you choose. Fair warning, though — your user data gets deleted along with the app, and you can run into other issues such as weather no longer syncing to your Apple Watch.

Universal Clipboard

Not as glamorous as some of the other features, the Universal Clipboard will nevertheless be a welcome addition to iOS 10. Finally, you’ll be able to share content across all of your Apple devices without fussing around with AirDrop. As long as your devices are all logged into the same Apple ID and running iOS 10 or Sierra, text, photos and even videos you copy to your clipboard will automatically be sent to iCloud, ready for you to paste on another device. This simple update replaces third-party solutions with an easy-to-use native application.

iOS 10 is still in beta, so you may want to hold off on updating your iPhone for now — mobile app developers are still working out the bugs, and some of your apps may not function properly. However, we don’t have much longer to wait: the full release is expected in the fall, and more updates could be in store.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Happy Father’s Day! Here Are the Top Apps for Dads

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Happy Father’s Day! Here Are the Top Apps for Dads

With Father’s Day just around the corner, the annual struggle to find that perfect gift for Dad has begun. It may not be as big or expensive as a birthday gift, but it still needs to show appreciation for him putting up with you throughout the years. Moms can be relatively easy to shop for: flowers, a card, maybe some chocolate and you’re done. Fathers, however, usually prefer something more practical and useful that doesn’t wither away within the week. So, why not start with an app? As experts in mobile app development in Toronto, we know that apps can be much more helpful than a random trinket or tool and have a positive impact on your dad’s day-to-day. Here we’ve scoured the App Stores and found some of the most useful apps that can help Dad be healthier, gain skills, and become more efficient.

Rapala Lure Selector

For the fisherman father, Rapala takes the guesswork out of choosing a lure. For many, buying and using the right kind of lure can be more luck than skill. This app lets you select the perfect lure depending on current conditions such as the kind of fish you’re going after, weather conditions, water depth and more. With Rapala your phone will become an integral part of your tackle box, getting your dad more bites, more catches, and more bragging rights.

Couch to 5k

Is Dad getting a bit pudgy, but you just don’t know how to break it to him? Give him a little nudge with an app that’ll supportively get him off the couch and into the old running shoes. Couch to 5k has been taking the healthy living scene by storm, and with a massive success rate and a growing following this app has been helping people achieve their fitness goals around the world. With a simple routine that only needs 30 minutes a few times a week, tons of features to make running as enjoyable as possible and in-app encouragement & rewards, this app makes it easier than ever to get active.

Mixologist

Whether it’s to unwind after work or entertain the guys on the weekend, sometimes Dad needs to make a drink. What to do when the basic beer or wine options don’t cut it and you’re looking for something a little more refined? With Mixologist, thousands of cocktail recipes are at your fingertips and a drink for any taste or occasion can be quickly searched for and served. Even with a limited cabinet, the ingredients you have on hand can be entered and a list of options will be generated. Plus, along with teaching tips & techniques for mixing drinks, this app can also help you find nearby liquor stores when it’s time to stock up.

Forks Over Knives

Want to help Dad tap into his inner chef? Even if you’re just tired of his tried and true recipes, here’s an app that’s sure to spice things up in the kitchen. From the makers of the film Forks Over Knives, this app offers over 200 elegant, delicious meals from some of the top chefs in the world. Each meal is whole-food based, designed in a way health professionals claim can help prevent problems such as heart disease and diabetes. With a step-by-step cooking guide, shopping list sync, ingredients list and an easy-to-use interface, this app can turn anyone into a foodie. Ranked the #1 food app by Apple and constantly updated with new content, for $6.99 this could be a gift that keeps on giving.

Clear – Tasks, Reminders & To Dos

If your dad’s the forgetful type, clearly that crumpled up sticky note in his pocket just isn’t cutting it. Why not streamline everything that needs to be done with one simple app? Clear is a feature-rich, award-winning productivity app that can get anyone’s cluttered life back on track. By creating multiple lists, each with their own themes and reminders, Clear can organize everything you need to do from daily tasks to yearly ones. Plus, with iCloud compatibility you can easily sync Clear across multiple devices. Project checklists, shopping lists, birthday reminders and that perfect gift idea you thought of a week ago – Clear will make sure Dad forgets things a lot less.

 

There you have it! Show your Dad these apps this weekend while he’s kicking back on the couch and see how much they can improve his life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]