mobile platforms
DESCRIPTION
Mobile PlatformsTRANSCRIPT
MOBILE PLATFORMS
WHAT IS AN OS
An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs.
The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system.
Application programs usually require an operating system to function.
WINDOWS PHONE FROM MICROSOFT (CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY)
On February 15th, 2010, Microsoft unveiled its next-generation mobile OS, Windows Phone.
The new mobile OS includes a completely new over-hauled UI inspired by Microsoft's "Metro Design Language".
It includes full integration of Microsoft services such as Microsoft SkyDrive and Office, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, Xbox Live games and Bing, but also integrates with many other non-Microsoft services such as Facebook and Google accounts.
SYMBIAN OS FROM NOKIA AND ACCENTURE (OPEN PUBLIC LICENSE)
It has been used by many major handset manufacturers, including BenQ, Fujitsu, LG, Mitsubishi, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sharp and Sony Ericsson I in the past.
Current Symbian-based devices are being made by Nokia. Nokia handed the development of Symbian to Accenture,
which will continue to support the OS until 2016.
S40 (SERIES40) FROM NOKIA (CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY)
Nokia uses S40 OS in their low end phones (aka feature phones).
Over the years, more than 150 phone models have been developed running S40 OS.
Since the introduction of S40 OS it has evolved from monochrome low resolution UI to full touch 256k color UI.
IOS FROM APPLE INC.(CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY, ON TOP OF OPEN SOURCE DARWIN
CORE OS)
The Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and second-generation Apple TV all use an operating system called iOS, which is derived from Mac OS X.
Native third party applications were not officially supported until the release of iOS 2.0 on July 11th 2008.
Before this, "jailbreaking" allowed third party applications to be installed, and this method is still available.
Currently all iOS devices are developed by Apple and manufactured by Foxconn or another of Apple's partners
BLACKBERRY OS FROM BLACKBERRY (CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY)
This OS is focused on easy operation and was originally designed for business.
Recently it has seen a surge in third-party applications and has been improved to offer full multimedia support.
Blackberry's current strategy will focus on the newly acquired QNX, having already launched the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet running a version of QNX and now the first QNX smartphones in the form of the Z10.
BADA FROM SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS (CLOSED SOURCE, PROPRIETARY)
This is a mobile operating system being developed by Samsung Electronics.
Samsung claims that bada will rapidly replace its proprietary feature phone platform, converting feature phones to smartphones.The name 'bada' is derived from 바다 , the Korean word for ocean or sea.
The first device to run bada is called 'Wave',which has a full touchscreen, was unveiled to the public at Mobile World Congress 2010.
It has now merged with an upcoming OS from Samsung called Tizen.
ANDROID FROM GOOGLE INC. (FREE AND OPEN SOURCE)
Android was developed by a small startup company (Android Inc.) that was purchased by Google Inc. in 2005, which Google has continued to update the software.
Android is a Linux-derived OS backed by Google, along with major hardware and software developers (such as Intel, HTC, ARM, Samsung, Motorola and eBay, to name a few), that forms the Open Handset Alliance.
Released on November 5th 2007, the OS was well received from a number of developers upon its introduction.
The current Android version is 4.1. Android's releases are nicknamed after sweets or dessert items like Cupcake (1.5), Frozen Yogurt (2.2), Honeycomb (3.0), Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) and Jelly Bean (4.1). Most major mobile service providers carry an Android device.
How to Choose the Right Mobile Platform for App Development
1.
Think of the audience you intend to target. If you are looking at the non-business market and are targeting the mass market, the iPhone and the Android are the best platform for you.
If you are looking to target the business community, who would like constant Internet access and other features on their phones, the RIM BlackBerry platform will be your most sensible choice.
Remember, the size of sales is important, but not always the ultimate thing.
The end user has to be given priority over everything else. So put your potential consumer’s needs first.
2.
Decide on the technical features you want your app to include.
Are you looking to create something simple for basic users? Or is it going to be a complicated app that quietly runs in the background and helps users on the move with their every little task?
If impressive graphics are what you want your app to provide?
Understanding what technical features each mobile platform provides can help with much of your workload while developing your app.
3.
The financial aspect is the other important thing. Though developers stand to make a lot more profits these days, you should understand that each mobile platform offers different income opportunities.
If you are looking for good money flowing in regularly, target the mass market with a large audience for your product.
But also know that higher priced products may also work out good, if they are targeting the high-end niche business user, who will not flinch to buy more expensive apps, if they are useful enough to him/her.
4.
Look at the future prospects for the mobile platform. Is it stable? Will it survive tomorrow?
With the mobile app industry bringing so many changes on a daily basis, you should think long-term.
For instance, IOS, which was considered the leader just a few years ago, now seems to be giving way to the current hot favorite, Google Android. So understand the long-term consequences of choosing a particular mobile platform.
TIPS
1. Decide on the target devices you want your application to reach. This itself will ensure that you choose the right mobile platforms for your application.
2. Look at scalable UIs, before selecting your mobile platforms. Ensuring scalability of different orientations and resolutions will require more hard work, but will ultimately pay off great dividends for you, as your app will be able to target a lot more mobile devices, thereby increasing the sales potential of your product.
3. Decide on the level of security you want to give your app and then choose your mobile platform accordingly. This will help you out more than you can imagine.
