On demand video streaming app like : amazon prime, netflix

 Over the past years, the consumption of online media has increased substantially which resulted in the creation of new forms like video streaming. Due to this growth in popularity, video and music streaming retail services have become a highly competitive media and entertainment (M&E) industry segment. Yet, the use of streaming goes beyond M&E. Most probably, the reason for such a shift is that the content consumption habits have changed. People who are the actors in an increasingly digital ecosystem want to have round-the-clock access to the Internet and consume information while on the go. Live video streaming apps afford them this opportunity.

At the market, however, the relationship between supply and demand always tends to equilibrium. If users want to be online nearly all the time, the industry addresses this need immediately.

What is a live streaming app?

In itself, streaming is the process of moving different types of data to customers across communication channels without a drop in quality. Live video streaming services, on the whole, offer an alternative way of consuming TV/video content or even movie-going. Importantly, streaming video has started making traditional pay-TV services decline. The live streaming technology allows choosing precisely what to pay for and opting for on-demand TV instead of watching scheduled broadcast one. Who wants to pay for a bunch of channels they have no desire to watch?

Not only did the digital age form app consciousness but also it produced the whole App Generation that perceives the events of the past, present, and sometimes future through the “lens” of their smart devices. Researchers are constantly trying to recognize particular patterns. Before, we have investigated what differences they have discovered between Android and iOS users. The same goes for particular types of apps. The applications we use are believed to be the expression of our IT self-identities and exploited, in certain instances, for the purposes of socialization. The live streaming apps essence lies here, too.

Video Streaming Apps are the Future

With the success of Netflix and Amazon Prime, the world is everyday sw video streaming apps itching to and hence quite obviously the television fever is heading towards an extinction rapidly. There is a lot of web series that you might like or several of shows which you might desire to follow are exclusively available on these apps only.

Types of streaming apps

Though what streaming is seems clear, the way it is built into an app is narrowing the range of streaming application types allowing us to classify these apps into three groups. The main criterion is the remoteness of services from traditional TV. We may single out live TV, on-demand apps, and channels-services from independent networks from the totality of live video streaming apps. 

1. Live TV.

This kind of streaming apps is perfect for those who cannot cut the cable cord that easily but are fed up with paying those huge TV bills. Full TV subscriptions are more expensive than streaming services. Video stream apps thus can lighten the burden. Live TV services allow watching TV shows that are on air at that particular moment.

2. Channels-services from independent networks.

It means that paying for a subscription, one is not necessarily getting tied to the subscription taken out through a TV provider. These “channels as services” are part of the ecosystem of standalone streaming systems. They were created to complement the cable subscriptions. Presently, separate networks such as HBO and CBS can be added to streaming services for users to get select premium content. For instance, subscribers of CBS All Access can watch Star Trek: Discovery which is unavailable on CBS as a TV provider. Besides, it allows separating oneself from a cable commitment and consequently saving money.

3. On-demand apps.

In the age of interactive media, people expect to get content on demand. On-demand streaming apps allow accessing not the channels but specified shows. Users of this type of streaming services will not have to rely on the schedule. These are not real-time video streaming apps but prove to be even more convenient for people who are busy when their favorite show is broadcast. They pay a subscription fee to access services’ libraries at any time within the subscription period.

e.g. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Popular video stream apps

Going by this list of most popular video streaming apps, you can easily figure out what features they have and where you can improve. This helps in figuring out the unique requirement of the video streaming app market. Even though we are singling out three types of applications, on-demand services are the most favored ones. These are believed to be the best live video streaming solutions in 2019:

Amazon Video

The impact of Amazon eCommerce platform has been huge in the past decade and things are no different with Amazon Prime Video that a live video streaming app. There are several subscriptions, however, the best one is for $99 annually. Additionally, you get Amazon Prime free shipping, can access Amazon photos, music and even its Kindle lending library.

Netflix

It’s a globally renowned app for watching these online TV shows and movies. Among its many significant features, one is a solid selection of titles that are updated monthly. The thing that works most in their favor is that they appeal to the users offering their own original movies and app. Netflix can be accessed from a number of platforms and costs $7.99 per month. It can be said that Netflix has all things going around for them, though there is always some scope for the betterment.

Hulu

This platform basically is for television shows. The most appealing feature is that the video streaming is a lot faster than other streaming apps like Amazon or Netflix. Here you are offered two different types of subscription. One is ad-free for $11.99 and another with commercials for $7.99. 

Netflix is an app requiring a heavy backend to process streaming data transfer while it cost will differ as per the number of features it has. More the features, higher the cost. Simple. Hence, while starting, it works better to add only main features into the first version of the app as this directly reduces the cost. Later on, as the app gains popularity, more features can be added accordingly. 

User registration: Well, this is the first and most important feature without which it is impossible making an app. Registering via email or social networking channels is a lot convenient for the users.

Design: Keeping the design simple is the key, as users instantly alienate themselves from apps which are hard-to-use. In fact, they are unlikely to give a try to these apps in future as well. Hence, for an app like Netflix, keep the design very simple as this way users can receive required information in second’s time.

Platform: As it comes to app development for Android or iOS, even though there is no substantial difference, but still prefer to choose just one OS in the beginning for the minimum viable product. However, in case you wish to have as many users to board installing your app, then you should get the app developed for both the versions of mobile OS. More platforms assure more users, obviously.

Payment gateway: When using Apple or Google OS, there is no need of payment gateway integration into the app, as both Android and iOS have their own mobile payment systems which enable users to make purchases in Google Play and App Store with just a simple click. Users only need to make payment for account registration. However, for other purposes like selling DVDs, etc., there are various payment gateways like Braintree, PayPal, and Stripe.

User Profile: This section is quite interesting as it allows users to add their “much-liked” movies here while they can add people to their account so they can also watch their own content in the app. Netflix offers this feature.

Block screenshots: Copyright protection should be integrated as this way users won’t be able to take images from any content.

Chat and comments: Communicating with the other users are easy as you simply need to leave a comment.

Push-notifications: Users receive a notification, every time a new series is released.

Multiple language support: It is best for a Netflix-app to support as many languages, as this way it will have as many users.

Content search: Going by user reviews, users can easily select genres and user reviews. They can check what their friends are watching and which films they like.

Settings: Users can select subtitles, audio tracks, play/pause, control volume, rewind, etc.

 Additional Features

So the above-mentioned features were similar as Netflix app has, but when developing a new app, you can go ahead and add more features into the app so to make your app more interesting and unique.

Social sign-in: Allow users to share news & reviews via social media.

Video Streaming: Enable live broadcasting of specific sports events, shows, and TV programs.

Ratings & Reviews: Users should be enabled to rate movies and television programs, thus they can form their own rating as per other portal users opinion.

Add friends: Enable the users to add friends to the app check their profiles and integrate messaging feature.

Download feature: Allow users to download content on the Smartphone’s or tablets as this way they can watch even during no internet connection.

Video quality: This way user will be able to choose image resolution as per technical features and his/her requirements.

Geo-blocking: Owing to certain restrictions in various regions across the world, some of your app’s content can be forbidden in those regions. Hence, you must keep this in mind if you desire your app to be available to as many people.

Content recommendation algorithm: So, Netflix offers CineMatch system to provide content to users that are more interesting to them, the same way you can choose to integrate something on the same lines into other services, just as Netflix.

Technology stack in real-time video streaming app development

1. Big Data. An application for real-time data streaming is a buffer between publishers and users. So, for users to have an amazing experience, a lag time must be reduced. Needless to say, it is a big technical challenge. Thus, for the sake of proximity, original data is copied across hundreds of servers around the globe. But the latency elimination is only half of it: typically, a rich ecosystem of technologies has to facilitate algorithms and data analytics to customize the service.

Such processing frameworks as Storm, Samza, Flink, or Spark need to integrate with a streaming platform to process batch data and feed the data-processing pipeline.

2. The data-processing pipeline. Since data streams need fault-tolerant storage, processing, and geographical distribution, the above processing frameworks should rely on such queuing systems as Apache Kafka. This system must be considered when coding a streaming website. It is used for building real-time streaming applications and data pipelines. For example, Netflix utilizes Kafka as a real-time monitoring and event-processing pipeline and takes advantage of the microservice architecture based on micro-batch processing.

3. Caching and databases. To offset some frequently performed operations, caching is used. Amazon S3, AWS SimpleDB, Cassandra, and MySQL storage services that will ensure security, scalability, and data availability shortening access time.

4. Programming languages: Java, Python, JavaScript.

Conclusion

Evidently, video streaming apps are becoming a large part of popular culture. Moreover, there is a variety of app types to choose from. With a view to creating a live video streaming application that would become another substitution for the traditional TV, one is yet free to decide on what they want to offer future users and also dependent on the trends and conditions the industry with such giants as Netflix and Hulu is already setting.

 Nevertheless, a team of passionate experts who are familiar with the technologies used in the streaming platform development and have a thing with the motion picture industry will drive you to success!

 

 

 

 

 

5 Tips to choosing an mobile app development company

Everyone these days is having their mobiles as their best friends and they just cannot do without them. Today, Apps are available on everything we deal with in our routine life, be it chatting with our friends, online shopping, being healthy and fit, maintaining your monthly budgets, booking a cab, and what not. if you have an idea in your mind and want to have an app for that, then it is important that you choose the right mobile app development company for the task. These days millions of them, including freelancers are available for the same, but one should be very careful while choosing the best mobile app company to solve the purpose.

Every year huge investments are made just for getting enterprise mobile app so that it could prove to be a game changer for their respective owners. An effective mobile app plays a key role in any company’s business success and thus it is important for owners to opt for custom mobile app development company services.

Experience is Must

Investing in a company with low experience in the required field would be a bad decision. Moreover, some companies have experience in designing static applications but not the dynamic ones. Going for the company that offers both the one that fits your requirement would be highly appreciated. Asking for the experience before making the deal may help in choosing the ideal company.

1. Rich Experience

One can find many developers who are good at app development and coding, but it is a must for them to have knowledge of your interest as well which is possible only if they have worked with various clients previously and know what works exactly and what does not. They should be able to give creative inputs to enhance your app features while guiding you well through the development process.

2. Client Feedback

Some development companies are not interested in sharing the contact details of their previous customers, but it should not be accepted by you. They should be in a good position to readily share their previous client information with you so that you have a crystal clear picture of the experiences that the clients have had with the app agency. Also, consider genuine feedbacks from at least 3-4 clients and don’t just go by words of first and second references given by the agency, as they may be biased.

3. Check out their portfolio

An experienced agency has a rich portfolio with numerous apps they have worked on. It is essential for them to have excellent U/UX skills and have already built beautiful looking apps that have excellent user interfaces as the majority of the apps are successful just because of having a friendly user interface. So, it is good that before they start to build your app, you assess their previous work.

4. Long term relationship

Building apps and then maintaining them is a long term activity and the agency should be in a position to cater to your needs in future. One can’t rely on small companies or individual developers for this, as your app may have to go through various evolutions and cycles that will be according to the user feedbacks. Your app developer or the company should be able to stick to you through the lifecycle of the product and not just abandon it after launching it.

5. Don’t go for cheap products

With this industry gaining lot of popularity one can find many options of getting a built at very low budget but don’t let it lure you as one must aim to get a good quality app built and not just any low-cost app. It is strongly recommended not to be caught in the net of low budget companies as you will land up in wasting your money and not getting fruitful results and your low-cost option can turn out to be more expensive in the future.

Benefits & Must-Have Features of an Education App

The e-Learning industry is expanding with the advent of technology, and it continues to grow further with better accessibility. The education app caters to the requirements of today’s world. Students have also shown willingness to embrace digital learning technologies (DLT) and practices. About 95% of students worldwide are interested in personalized support and information on degree progress.

The Education App Category might be a popular one, but it can further be sub-categorized into a number of heads including the ones that are targeted to cater to children at the pre-school or elementary school level. Apart from the age-based categories there are app sub-categories like language learning apps, remote tuition platforms, learning apps for adults, learning apps for the disabled, apps for specialized test preparation, and educational mobile apps for kids.

Benefits of Using Education Mobile Apps

1 Students Love Apps

This is nothing new, we all know it! Children of all ages are almost inseparable from their (or their parents’) smartphones. Any new app, whether it is game, shopping, entertainment, or even a learning-based app is the coolest or hottest thing for them and they tend to explore it a lot more than their coursebooks. However, it is important that they dedicate enough time studying, completing their school work, and preparing for their exams. It is only natural that when this learning is combined intelligently with mobile apps, the students become a lot more responsive and their will and enthusiasm to learn is heightened exponentially. The concept of mobile learning is currently experiencing a great interest and enthusiasm among the students, teachers, parents, and the teaching institutions equally.

2 Smart & Systematic Learning

Education apps have the capability to impart to all users, smart & systematic learning. All the content on an education app would be organized and arranged neatly. This arrangement not only increases, among the students or any app users, a craving to learn more and more through the app but a craving to learn in a systematic manner. A well-designed app has a systematic arrangement that take the students through the app, and the content on it in a smooth, logical flow without the students consciously making any special efforts for the same. This inculcates in the students an urge and a habit to learn systematically.

 3 Portability & Mobility

Mobile phones are just that – mobile & portable. You can carry them anywhere you go and can use them even on the go. The students or their parents can carry them in the pockets and use the education apps in any setting that the child feels comfortable in. hence, with education apps, learning is not confined to classroom spaces, homes, or any defined space, it goes with you wherever you go!

4 Easy Tracking of Progress

Some education apps are enabled with features to track the children’s progress, which is something that every parent wants. The parents can keep a track on the way the app is helping their child better themselves as they learn and enhance their math, reading, or comprehension skills.

4 Novel Methods of Learning

As children move from the traditional classroom setups to the wonders of mobile learning and education apps, they are exposed to new learning methods. There is a healthy gamification of course content which indulges the students in new ways of learning and helps them understand things from a whole new perspective.

Features of A Good Educational App

 1 Live Tutorials & Interactive Sessions:

One of the main features of an educational app is Live Tutorials & Interactive Sessions, which allow the students to join live lectures and teaching sessions of their respective teachers/ professors if they have skipped any.

This feature allows us to have a back and forth of ideas and information between the students and the teachers.  Additionally, one can also add a feature of the private teaching sessions and allow the users to be able to book a private teaching session with their tutors where they can ask their personal doubts.

2 Regular Practice & Mock Tests:

Another important feature of the educational app is Regular Practice & Mock Tests. It is vital to include weekly mock test assessments in the e-Learning app to conduct timely tests and understand the student’s level of understanding as well as to make them understand their own level of preparation and their weaknesses.

3 Push Notifications & Course Activities:

Push notifications are the necessity of mobile applications. It helps you stay connected to the users in a non-intrusive manner. Push Notifications are a very effective and powerful feature. They allow you to interact with your users without doing so. It is also a must-have feature as far as the educational app is concerned.

It offers important notifications to the students and teachers specifically, if there is a change in the course and also can be used to send users reminders of their upcoming plans, they can be used to send small motivational quotes, and to send them reminders about revision, etc.

 4 Multi-language

When your app is limited to providing content only in one language, understand how limited your audience becomes. Hence, providing learning content in multiple languages can effectively open new worlds for the proliferation of your app.

 5 Progress Tracking & Achievements:

Progress Tracking & Achievements is the must-have feature of an educational app. One of the motivational tools for a student, as well as the parents, is being able to see the student’s achievements and to be able to track the progress.

6 Attendance Management: 

Another important feature of an educational app is Attendance Management that makes managing & marking attendance of both the students as well as teachers a hassle-free task.

With the help of this feature, the teacher can see the attendance of the whole class in one go or the attendance of a specific student for a particular month. Teachers can also mark attendance with an app in less than 60 seconds.

 Conclusion

Creating an app for a school, college, or university is not really just a fancy thing anymore, it is a necessity. Not only does it help the educational institutes reach out to the students and indicate that they are aware of their requirements and preferences, but also simplifies the operations of their various departments. Hire us for your education app development.

5 Easy Steps to Building a Successful App

The sphere of  Mobile App Development is growing at a rapid pace. As the number of smartphones operating in the world rises, so does the market for mobile apps. The mobile app market is expected to reach $ 307.31 billion by 2024. Factors like the rise of cross-platform app development have played an essential role in increasing the number of apps being developed. With this statistic, it is clear that mobile apps are evolving as a lucrative business opportunity.

The simple steps to create a Mobile App

Many start-ups want to build their apps and take their business to the next level in this new-age digital economy. App development is a time-taking process, and there are many steps involved in an app development project.

1 What are the objectives of a mobile application?

Having clearly defined objectives for app development will help you in building apps much faster. It is because you will know within which boundaries you need to work, and you will avoid wasting time in developing un-necessary features.

A business may have multiple objectives to achieve through a mobile app. But the bottom line is that you should be able to answer the question, why am I building this app? Is it because you want to create brand awareness, or you want to solve a problem or enhance the customer reach of your app?  Identify your objectives of building an app and make sure that the app development team does not deviate from those objectives.

2. Deciding the features

Once you are sure about the objectives that you want to focus through your app, you can write down the ideal user persona and the must-have features in the app.

The ideal features could include push notifications, e-commerce plugins, social integrations, offline usage features, payment gateway integrations, and many other features.

Focus only on those features initially, which are essential for the functioning of your app and refrain from including any unnecessary elements. We usually see that excited entrepreneurs load up their app with lots of elements in the beginning and then lament as the customers do not give much attention to an app loaded with way too many irrelevant features.

3. Testing the app

Real-world testing of the app is necessary to ensure a smooth bug-free performance of your app. Usually, there are two kinds of testing processes involved in testing an app.

In internal testing, the app development team tests the app, to ensure that all the aspects in the mobile app are functioning as planned and discussed. While in external testing, you involve a closed group of outsiders, usually the demographic representing your ideal user, and check the app by allowing them to use it in a real-life scenario.

4. Build a wireframe of your app

Though the first three steps require a majority of the inputs from you and if you are a little tech-savvy you can complete them yourself, but from the fourth step onwards, we advise you to take the help of a mobile app development company. Wireframes or mockups are rough sketches of your app in which you will decide the user’s flow between various screens.

5. Launching your app in the world

Once the app is through the development phase, and the testing is done, you should now prepare for the app launch. Considering the case where the apps are meant to be used for the internal use in the business process then you can start sharing the app with the intended users. In the other cases, the first step in an app launch is to submit your app to app stores Discuss with the app development service providers or app marketing experts about various ASO (App Store Optimization) techniques. These techniques will hold you in good stead and ensure that your app gets more downloads.