More
Home Blog Page 255

Automation: What you need to know about proximity sensors

By
Jenna Jose
-
proximity sensors

With so many of us working closely with technology than ever before, understanding the machines we use daily has become even more essential. It can be hard to learn how tech works, but getting started with some relatively simple technology can help.  

Proximity sensors are commonplace in household objects, but what are they? And how can you use them? 

What are proximity sensors? 

A proximity sensor, or non-contact sensor, are small sensors that detect motion within a pre-defined distance of the sensor and are programmed to initiate required action. Their key draw is that they do not need physical contact to send a machine into action.  

What can they be used for? 

Proximity sensors are used in a whole host of everyday consumer products, from smartphones and tablets to car-parking sensors and automatic bathroom taps. They are also commonly used in manufacturing lines and conveyor systems.  

Types of proximity sensor 

There are a few different types of proximity sensors, each with a unique sensing technique. The four main types of proximity sensors are: capacitive, inductive, photoelectric, and ultrasonic. 

Capacitive sensors work by noting changes in electric currents between sensors. Inductive sensors are based on changing inductance in different conductors that pass by the sensor.  

Photoelectric sensors are commonly used in consumer products, as they work when light levels change close to the sensor. Finally, ultrasonic sensors use soundwaves to gauge the distance of objects. When objects get to the pre-programmed distance, the sensor will trigger an action. 

Two projects to start with 

If you a curious about how proximity sensors work and want to advance your skills in building tech, why not try one of the simple projects below to get you started.  

Automatic liquid dispenser 

For this project, you will need a simple infrared proximity sensor. Essentially, what you will create is similar to an automatic tap. From a simple sports bottle or jar, with a few basic items such as tubes, resistors, and a small water pump, you can create your own liquid dispenser.  

Automated haunted house 

This project helps you create your very own proximity sensor. Using a soldering iron, you can make a proximity sensor using these items: infrared LED, infrared phototransistor, 33-ohm resistor, 10k ohm resistor, black heat shrink tube, and perf board. You can then use these sensors to automate haunted houses and other events. 

8 Ways to Simplify Your Business Operations

By
Prabhul Kurup
-
Manage Your Business

“I have all of the time in the world!” said no business owner ever. Indeed, running your own enterprise can require an enormous amount of energy and resources. The thing is, it is important to find ways to make time because not doing so can lead to productivity issues at work as well as health concerns like sleep deprivation at home. Since neither one of these outcomes sounds good, here is a list of eight ways you can simplify your business operations. You can use these tips to help you get back some of your days.

1. Embrace Virtual Assistance

How much time do you or your employees spend directing customer phone calls? If your company is like many others, it probably dedicates significant resources to doing just that. What if you did not have to though? Luckily, there are virtual answering service solutions available to make that possible. With this kind of service, a third-party company can take customer calls and direct them as needed.

2. Provide Self-Service Options

From website FAQs to online catalogs, there are numerous ways you can provide your customers with ways to solve their own problems. When companies develop self-service properly, most consumers enthusiastically embrace the ability to answer questions without interacting with a real person. Keep in mind, there is nothing personal about it. The simple fact is, it just makes things easier. 

3. Modernize Taxes

Meeting tax law requirements can be a hassle, especially if you have a bigger business that files more than 250 returns. You can save yourself significant time and effort by investing in automated payroll services that take care of the legal legwork for you. This way, you will not have to worry about filling out paperwork or meeting electronic filing specifications.

4. Invest in New Accounting Systems

Another area that tends to complicate matters for business owners is accounting. When it comes to finances, things can get messy without careful calculations. As your company grows, the potential for further complications multiplies. As such, it makes sense to upgrade your accounting system as your brand expands. Any business with profits over $10 million needs to have a sophisticated way to keep up with numbers.

5. Secure Your Documents

What would happen if something happened to all of the papers in your office filing cabinet? If it could cause significant problems for you, it may be worth considering the benefits of a server. With all of your documents backed up in a secure and centralized location, you can rest easier knowing you have safeguards in place if something should happen. This can give you more time to focus on running your business and less time on administrative work. 

6. Invest in Scheduling Software

Finances are not the only place where your company can benefit from having an upgraded software package. Another task that takes up a lot of managers’ time is scheduling. If you have more than 10 employees with inconsistent availability, creating a schedule every week can be exhausting. Why not take the load off by investing in a scheduling package that can track employee hours, earnings, and schedules in real-time?

7. Limit Staff Meetings

If you are looking for a sure-fire to use up a lot of everyone’s time, go ahead and schedule several meetings every week. On the other hand, if you want to use that time more efficiently, make an effort to cut back on meetings so employees can refocus their energies on more productive activities. Ask yourself if what you want to accomplish with a meeting actually requires a meeting, or can you get the same results with an email? 

8. Reprioritize

One of the most important traits any business owner can have is adaptability. When you are searching for ways to simplify the operations of your company, a great place to look is at how you are currently prioritizing things. What changes can you make that would allow you to focus on the most important goals? Sometimes cutting back on the noise can help you see the way things work in a totally new light. 

At the end of the day, time is the most valuable asset you will ever have. If you are finding yourself shorter on it than you would like to be, try some of the simplification tips here to help you get some of it back.

Chrome Extensions for Data Privacy in 2022

By
Anu Thomas John
-
Google app start up

Chrome extension is an additional module connected to the browser to add specific functions — something like a plugin. Extensions can change the browser interface or add features to the Internet. For example, using extensions, you can block ads, translate pages from foreign languages, or add page addresses to special services for working with bookmarks like Evernote or Pocket. There are many extensions: for more convenient and efficient work, for customizing the appearance of the browser, for online shopping, games. To use them, you need to download and enable access to use in the settings.

Are Chrome Extensions Secure?

Chrome is the most widely used web browser, and its extensions are both secure and non-secure. Thanks to these additions, you can have new functions, improve existing ones, search for rendered content, change page behavior using scripts. However, such apps are top-rated among cybercriminals. The problem is that Google’s security controls often fail to detect malicious extensions. Therefore, before adding an extension, you should check how secure it is.

How Do I Know If My Extension Is Safe?

Many Chrome plugins ask for a bunch of permissions, so there is a good chance that after installation, your personal data will end up in the hands of strangers. Therefore, before installing, you should check how safe this or that extension is. All you need to do is enter the plugin’s name or ID in the Chrome Web Store. You will see a graph with four risk categories – Content Security Policy, External Calls, Webstore Details, and Permissions. The higher the bar, the less safe the expansion. Scrolling down the page, you will find a more detailed description of extensions and how secure they are.

Top Privacy Chrome Extensions in 2022

We have compiled a list of the best chrome security extensions, which will ensure you complete confidentiality. Choose extensions based on your wishes – they are all safe and popular among Internet users.

Troywell VPN

Troywell VPN is a safe and completely free VPN for Chrome. The main advantages of Troywell VPN extension are high connection speed (higher than that of the competitors) and no limits. Some programs force you to choose between buying a paid subscription or using a limited number of functions. Troywell VPN provides stable connection and protects your data absolutely for free.

Troywell VPN is very easy to get and use. All you have to do is to click the Install button and activate the extension on the browser toolbar. Then you will be able to change your IP address, encrypt your personal data, safely shop online and much more.

HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS makes surfing safer. HTTPS Everywhere is a privacy extension that will surely create an encrypted protocol for you for all connections related to the transfer of statistics, documents, etc. It will be almost impossible to intercept your confidential data.

VeePN

VeePN is one of the best and most popular extensions among users. The main advantage of VeePN VPN chrome extension is tracking protection. The company provides a lot of servers around the world, so users get high-speed Internet. Both paid and free versions are provided. During the trial period, you can get a VPN free and test all its advantages. If you don’t understand how to add a VPN extension in Chrome, then don’t panic. Here’s a simple instruction:

  1. Download. Download the Chrome VPN extension from the website. Then enable the extension in your browser settings.
  2. Register. Choose a tariff plan and register. The company offers the cheapest plans that every Internet user can afford.
  3. Connect. You have access to 2500 servers available in over 50 locations, with the help of which you always remain anonymous on web pages.

The service will also successfully bypass any prohibitions from both government agencies and the owners of sites and web pages themselves. The application will allow you to see the Internet without imposed censorship, regardless of the time of day and place of residence.

VeePN VPN Service

Adblock plus

AdBlock Plus occupies a leading position among security extensions for Chrome because the app protects your private data, helps to hide any annoying element, and even saves you from malware. Adblock Plus cleans download sites from banners and pop-ups. The application can create a whitelist of sites that you want to view. You can also filter out those advertisements that the program should not hide.

Disconnect

The extension prohibits any unauthorized person from collecting data about you. As you know, advertising networks and social media study your habits and interests to sell this information to advertisers at a higher price. But thanks to Disconnect, you are not a commodity, and no one can sell information about you.

SecureGmail

SecureGmail encrypts messages in Gmail. The recipient can decrypt them only if they know the password. This is an actual application as its purpose is to minimize the loss of privacy during correspondence.

Ghostery

Want to know who is tracking you while you browse this page? Ghostery will show you this. Ghostery users remain completely anonymous. Ghostery blocks cookie tracking and plugins on most websites, giving you a choice to allow or disable this site. The extension also includes links to each tracker’s privacy policy and gives you the option to opt-out. In simple terms, this extension finds tracking devices and provides information about them.

WOT

Web of Trust is a whole set of tools for safe surfing. The extension reliability evaluates sites based on privacy policy and safety for children. Its essence is to help the user to avoid getting to malicious sites. The application warns about sites of risk groups that deceive customers by sending viruses or spam.

LastPass

LastPass is a simple, easy-to-use password storage program that will work anywhere. The program makes it possible to synchronize passwords on all devices. Aside from passwords, LastPass does a great job of storing credit card numbers and other sensitive financial information.

 Avast Online Security

The plugin displays the safety rating of websites. The program scans websites for malware and prevents phishing. It also prohibits and blocks hidden surveillance of you by advertising and analytical sites.

Collusion

Collusion is designed to visually control tracking cookies by the user in real-time and decide their further fate – deleting, disabling, editing, etc. The program reads cookies, analyzes, and graphically represents site links, making it easier to understand and study sites between themselves and the web user.

Four of the Best Fitness Trackers for 2021

By
Alice Johnson
-
Fitbit Sense

Whether you’re a veteran athlete or just a health-conscious individual, a fitness tracker can be a great investment. It can help you measure your progress and customize your goals. It also allows you to share milestones with your friends through its companion app. 

Aside from monitoring exercise, a fitness tracker can also keep tabs on your overall health. Most fitness wearables nowadays can help you track your heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels. A couple also has features that let your track how hydrated you are. 

With the abundance of options available today, we’re giving you our top 4 choices of the best fitness trackers this 2021 to help you choose which wearable best fits your needs. 

Top 4 Best Fitness Trackers for 2021

Letsfit Smartwatch – Best Budget Fitness Tracker 

Letsfit Smartwatch

Priced at $36, the Lestfit Smartwatch is perfect for buyers who are on a budget. Similar to most fitness trackers, it has multiple activities tracking features. It is water-resistant, meaning you can wear it in the pool, in the shower, or in the rain. 

The Letsfit Smartwatch can monitor your time spent walking, cycling, running, jogging, doing yoga, and more. It can monitor more holistic health metrics such as your sleep cycles and stress levels. One downside it does have is that the Letsfit Smartwatch can’t keep tabs on your heart rate. 

Fitbit Inspire 2 – Best Value Fitness Tracker 

Fitbit Inspire 2

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that has all the features an avid exerciser could ever need, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is the perfect choice for you. At $100, you can get access to 20 different exercise modes, plus track classic metrics, like steps taken, distance traveled, active zone minutes, and more! 

You won’t have to worry about its batteries dying on you during a workout, either! The Fitbit Inspire 2 battery can last up to 10 days on a full charge. It has a water-resistant shell, so you can wear it in the shower, in the rain, or in the pool. 

The Fitbit Inspire 2 comes with a free 1-year Fitbit premium trial for all first-time buyers, so you’ll have all the inspiration and motivation you need to start your fitness journey at your fingertips.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch – Best for Running Fitness Tracker 

Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch

Whether you’re an expert or a beginner runner, this smartwatch is just what you need to stay on top of your game. It has a built-in Garmin Coach feature that can help you create a training plan based on your goals. On top of that, it also monitors your workouts to help you understand whether you’re overdoing it or not. 

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch features an impeccable GPS system and its very own incident detection system that will notify pre-selected contacts on your device in the event of an accident. 

Check out what other devices Garmin has in store for you here: https://totalshape.com/equipment/best-fitness-tracker-for-crossfit/ 

Fitbit Charge 4 

Fitbit Charge 4

This fitness tracker is perfect for people who are looking for something simple and easy to operate. The built-in GPS system allows you to track your runs and leave your phone at home. It also has a contactless payment feature called Fitbit Pay, supported by 30+ banks in America. 

The only downside to this design is that it doesn’t have a colored display; however, its icons and menus are neatly laid out that it completely makes up for the lack of color. 

The Final Verdict

It’s difficult to choose between all of these great fitness trackers, but if you’re looking for a high-quality product for a great price, you can’t go wrong with the Fitbit Inspire 2. This tracker will make monitoring your workouts easy and convenient. Special features — such as smartphone compatibility, water resistance, and a free 1-year Fitbit Premium membership — make the deal even more worthwhile. 

If you want to focus on monitoring your holistic health, the Garmin Venu Sq Smartwatch is a great choice. 

What to Look for in a Fitness Tracker

There is a large magnitude of fitness trackers available on the market nowadays. This is why it can get confusing to choose which products will best fit your needs. Here are several things you might want to consider:

Water – Resistance 

If you want to be able to take your fitness tracker for a walk in the rain, a swim in the pool, or simply in the shower, you’ll want to find something that’s durable and water-resistant. 

Battery Life

You wouldn’t want your fitness tracker to die on you during a run. To avoid this, choose something that has longer battery life. Most trackers last about 7 – 10 days after a full charge. However, there are a couple that lasts up to 30 days. 

Built-in GPS 

If you like taking adventures, it’s important for your fitness tracker to have a built-in GPS system, so you won’t get lost. 

Heart Rate Tracking

Most fitness trackers have heart rate tracking, but there are some that don’t offer this feature. If monitoring your heart rate is something that’s important to you, you’ll want to make sure that the one you choose has it. 

Smartphone Compatibility

Most fitness trackers have a companion app with their devices that you can install on your smartphone. So, if you want to receive regular updates and data from your fitness tracker to your mobile, you’ll want something that’s phone compatible. 

Whatever you end up settling for will all depend on your needs and goals. So, before buying anything, make a list of your expectations and need to see which device will fit your situation perfectly.

The Ultimate Guide to Cybersecurity Risk Management

By
Bhasker Das
-
Encryption Is The Most Overlooked Cybersecurity Practice

Modern businesses face various challenges like the fluctuating economic landscape, employee performance, financial management, customer service, and many more. However, one of the biggest challenges nowadays is keeping the business safe from cyberattacks. Modern technology-related risks pose a threat to the continuity of big and small companies, and cybercriminals continuously find new ways to compromise and steal valuable data.

In order to deal with cyberattacks, companies should implement strategies of cybersecurity risk management. In this article, you will learn what it is about and what are the steps of the entire process. If you want to improve the security of your business, keep on reading!

What Is Cyber Security Risk Management

Cybersecurity risk management is a process of identifying, evaluating, and addressing cybersecurity threats your company might face, as well as determining how to respond to these risks and which preventative measures to utilize. It should be an essential part of every business, and there are services for cybersecurity consulting that can help you ensure it’s implemented correctly.

Cybersecurity Risk Management Process

Now that you know what cybersecurity risk management is, you can learn about a four-step process for applying it to your organization. The four general steps include:

Identification of Cyber Security Risks

There are several aspects that can be regarded as cybersecurity risks and lead to a negative business outcome. These include:

  • Threats. They can be defined as events or circumstances that can compromise your organization’s operations. Some of the examples include natural disasters, human errors, structural or configuration failures, and hostile attacks.
  • Vulnerabilities. These are the weaknesses in implementation, internal control, security procedures, and information systems that can be exploited.
  • Consequences. They relate to the effects of a successful cyberattack in which the vulnerabilities are exploited by third parties. Depending on the type of organization, such an occurrence can be rather rare or quite the opposite – relatively common. You need to remember that during a cyberattack, data can be irretrievably lost, which could lead to serious financial damages.

Assessment of Cyber Security Risks

Next, you should assess the severity of each risk and determine how likely it is to occur. This part can be broken down into six steps:

  • Naming all the assets.
  • Prioritizing the importance of each asset.
  • Identifying all the possible threats to your assets.
  • Determining how likely it is for a specific threat to occur.
  • Analyzing the significance of the impact in case of such an event, including possible consequences and costs.

Identification of Cyber Security Risk Mitigation Measures

Once you identify the risks your organization may encounter, you need to do something about them. Below, you’ll find some of the best practices for cybersecurity risk mitigation:

  • Update your software. Outdated software often lacks important features and security patches. It’s like an open invitation for hackers to exploit the weaknesses of your system. Make sure you install the updates for your software and other browser extensions regularly. 
  • Backup your data. In case there’s a data breach, or you happen to lose your data in any other way, the continuity of your business might be at stake. According to various studies, even 60% of companies experiencing such an incident close down within six months. As such, it’s crucial to keep track of your data and have backups for everything that’s essential to your business.
  • Train your employees. If you want your business to remain relatively risk-free, you need to ensure your employees are aware of the dangers associated with cybersecurity. Training programs should be obligatory for everyone using your software, handling sensitive data, and performing various operations. After all, some of the mishaps may be caused by your employees, either indirectly or maliciously.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) systems. They add another layer of security and help ensure that only authorized personnel has access to sensitive information.
  • Apply privileged access management (PAM) solutions. These are security measures that monitor the online activities of privileged users, such as administrators. They promote compliance with data protection and protect essential business systems and resources.

Monitor the Situation

Cybersecurity risk management is an ongoing process. The risks are constantly changing, and so do your systems, software, and professional activities. As such, you should monitor and supervise changeable aspects such as regulatory change, vendor risk, and internal IT usage.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, cybersecurity risk management should be a vital part of every business. After all, hackers don’t discriminate, and each company handling sensitive data may fall victim to a cyberattack. Even today, cybersecurity risk management is a required element of security standards and frameworks of business operations. Despite the fact that businesses operate differently, they can adopt similar strategies to protect themselves from cyberattacks and ensure all the operations are secure.

Risk management is a continuous process that undergoes constant changes. Cybercriminals find new ways to compromise software and steal data, so new counteractions are being developed round the clock. Even so, you can still successfully manage all kinds of risks in your business with the help of employees, tools, and outside organizations specializing in cybersecurity.

5 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Game Prototype

By
Rakesh Babu
-
game developer

A game prototype is the next best thing to having a fully functional game. A prototype tests if your storyline is plausible and evaluates its potential to become a game. Prototyping requires creating an initial yet playable version for clients to know the prospective game’s concept and mechanics. It also allows players to explore game controls and levels, as well as provide feedback to improve the game. 

Ensuring that your prototype covers the essential features of a good game allows you to have an effective way of assessing its potential. Whether done on paper, through basic programming, or prototyping tools, designing a playable yet straightforward version of your game is essential for it to become successful.  

Building A Game Prototype

Prototypes are helpful representations of your game idea. Building one can take various forms based on your target audience. A paper prototype can give a quick overview for clients, while a low-fidelity design can outline design solutions early on. On the other hand, a high-fidelity sample can give non-technical investors an idea of the game’s mechanics and design. It can also provide users with a model that’s near-identical to the final design, for which they can play and provide feedback.

When testing your game’s concepts, you can make the most of this stage through the following ways: 

1. Test Your Game Design and Core Mechanics 

One of the main purposes for creating a prototype is to be able to test the game design. This includes essential elements such as the rules, architecture, and aesthetics among other aspects of the game. A prototype can also help access the quality of the game and prompt modifications early on. While prototyping is one of the most exhausting stages of game development, ensuring that your game’s design and core mechanics are feasible can help it progress further down the production line. 

2. Use The Right Prototyping Tool 

Game development not only requires coming up with a brilliant idea but a working knowledge of the programming language as well. Basic coding allows you to put in the necessary elements of the game, while advanced coding can help you tweak the game’s mechanics and make it as fun as possible. 

Using the right prototyping tool helps you achieve this purpose and more as it helps determine how the game should be played, its levels and sequences, as well as what type of device it can be played on. A prototyping tool also helps developers create good visuals that can entice their audience. For instance, if you’re developing a mobile game, you can look here for a prototyping tool that could help you design one even without knowledge of coding. 

3. Generate Feedback From Potential Players

Developing playable versions of your game allows users to test the actual playthrough and provide feedback. They can comment on its various aspects, and their multiple viewpoints can help you make adjustments that are necessary for the game’s success. 

Testing with real users has a definite advantage since it gives you the end-user’s perspective, which can help you refine and further streamline your game in terms of story, design, platform, or mechanics. Some beta players can even suggest ways on how you can effectively launch or game or level titles that would pique the interest of other potential players. 

Game Prototype

4. Solve Known Issues 

Aside from improving your game, prototypes also bring to fore issues that players may encounter and correct them before the game goes live. This can help game developers resolve these issues, as well as anticipate aspects of the game that need correcting while it’s being built. 

Some issues that can be solved through prototyping include:

  • Confusing user interface
  • Faulty mechanics
  • Gaps in the storytelling
  • Design inconsistencies
  • Connectivity issues for multiplayer platforms

5. Create A User-Friendly Version 

Incorporating player feedback and tweaks for improvement ensures a prototype eventually develops into a user-friendly version of the game. With this, the game can be streamlined to allow users and clients to navigate and appreciate its features even while it’s still in its seminal stage.   

Conclusion 

Developing a game prototype can be both fun and educational. Prototypes translate ideas into working models through testing and user feedback. Using the right prototyping tool helps you resolve coding, design, and other issues so that a playable sample of the game can be readily accessible for clients, investors, and potential players. 

6 Reasons Why You Should Be Using React Native To Develop A Mobile App

By
Vidhu Prathapan
-
React Native

As more and more developers are starting to find out, React Native is a mobile app development framework that cuts time and expenses. It allows them to develop separate apps for iOS and Android in half the time and effort it previously required. These cost-cutting and time-saving advantages are the basis for why many expert developers now believe that within the field of cross-platform mobile development, the future lies with React Native framework.

With mobile phones have become a necessity for individuals, businesses that cater to these individuals through their apps are at a crossroads. When it comes to offering their services to mobile phone consumers, they can’t decide whether to give more priority to adaptability over multiple platforms or to provide an outstanding User Experience (UX) with a fantastic User Interface (UI). This uncertainty has been brilliantly tackled by the REACT Native Development framework.

What is React Native?

First introduced by Jordan Walke while working as a software engineer at Facebook, React Native is an open-source framework that allows better user experience through simpler, easy to understand technology for the developer. Much like the apps that are built on Objective-C, Java, or Swift, React Native uses similar UI building blocks as Android or iOS apps. Where React leaves other frameworks behind is in terms of their speed and low cost.

Instead of duplicating work and doing the same thing for Android and iOS platforms, REACT cuts downtime with the help of JavaScript. Developers must code only once for the UI to be supported on both platforms. In terms of longevity, the future looks bright for the framework as being open-source; it promises to be compatible with platforms such as tvOS or Windows.

Another benefit of using the framework is its great versatility. As long as the existing app is built with Ionic and Cordova code, developers have the choice of reusing the Cordova-based code with a plugin, or they can incorporate new REACT Native components of code into the app. Furthermore, since the framework is focused on the UI, it loads much more quickly and provides a smoother feel for the user.

The benefits of using React Native for development far outweigh those of its competitors and make it a top contender. Some of the most famous App examples of React Native framework being used are Facebook, Skype, Instagram, and Tesla. 

Some of the more important advantages are:

1. A strong supportive community 

Any development framework is only as strong as its community, which comes in handy in case of glitches and bugs. Since React Native is based on an open-source platform, all documentation and coding for the framework can be freely accessed by everyone in the community. Plus, in case of problems, the community aspect comes handy. In case there are issues regarding React Native app development, someone from the community of experts is always at hand to help you find a solution.

Moreover, since it’s on an open-source platform, the code is constantly being improved and streamlined based on the experiences of developers who share their portfolios. Examples of this are the GitHub React Native Community and the Facebook community, which has set up a special forum for long-form conversation.

2. Pre-built components and reusable code

Ask anyone about the benefits of React Native over other development frameworks, and the first thing they will mention is its great adaptability. The versatility of React lies in the fact that 90% of its code remains the same over iOS and Android. This saves developers the time and effort to build separate mobile apps for both platforms.

This is a great plus point for mobile app companies located in Atlanta, or across the world, that are starting out and are looking to cut down costs and reduce their time. Another benefit is that a lot of pre-built components in React’s open-source library can be reused for free to build a mobile app.

3. A sleeker user interface

The main focus of React Native framework is to provide a better experience for the user. That’s why React Native is preferred by most developers for an excellent mobile UI. Developers have termed interfaces designed in React Native to take less load time, be more responsive, and give users a smoother feel. 

4. Third-party plugin support

In order to compensate for its lack of components in the core framework, React Native framework provides developers access to two types of third-party plugins: JavaScript modules and native modules. Some of these third-party plugins include: React Native Modalbox, React Native Selectme, React Native Drawer, React Native Router Flux, React Native Gifted Spinner, and React Native Vector Icons.

5. Declarative coding style

React Native framework uses a declarative programming style that tells what the program needs to do. However, it does not instruct the program how to go about it, which is called an ‘Imperative coding style’. The advantage of a declarative coding style is that it gives more flexibility to the program, and it’s also easily understood by developers. This comes in handy when a developer needs to make certain changes to the code.

6. Ready-made solutions and libraries

The React Native framework provides a detailed and lengthy list of libraries and ready-made solutions that assist mobile development. Some of the most useful ones are — Testing libraries that ensure bug-free code, such as Chai, Jest, Mocha, and Enzyme, type checking tools such as Flow, PropTYpes. For setting up networking workflow, there is Axios and Apollo Client.

Conclusion

React Native has proven its versatility and viability as a cheaper, easier to understand, and more adaptable development framework. It has a dynamic and rapidly growing community that is constantly updating its code and making it stronger and more complete, which bodes well for its future. 

In a nutshell, then, React Native has come to be defined as the missing link that bridges the divide between the ease of development of a web app and the performance of a native app.

MVP for a Startup — from an Idea to Getting Traffic!

By
Prabhul Kurup
-
business website growsth

Startups are born from beautiful ideas, but more than 20% don’t even make it through the first year. During the second year, the failure rate reaches 30% — meaning that almost ⅓ of startups fail within 2 years of launching. MVP development is what can increase a startup’s chances to succeed, and here’s why.

A study from CB Insights found that 42% of startup failures are caused by misreading the market demand, and 29% of failures result from running out of funds. The pursuit of a perfect product can separate you from reality. MVPs help you make sure that you don’t waste resources on a useless project.

What Is an MVP?

MVP stands for “minimum viable product,” meaning a new product that only has features that are essential to satisfy basic customer requirements. MVP development makes it possible to release a product with minimal usage of time and finances. The development continues when the product is already on the market.

The idea of an MVP was first introduced in 2001 by Frank Robinson, President of SyncDev. He explains it as “that unique product that maximizes the return on risk for both the vendor and the customer.”

The MVP strategy has proved useful with many innovative startups.

Successful MVP Development Startups

Here are just a few examples of the brands that started with products that utilized very basic sets of features. Those features just happened to be the ones the public needed the most:

  • Amazon was an online bookstore which only had a catalog of books to order. They purchased the ordered item directly from local stores and shipped it to the customer.
  • Yahoo began as a single webpage. It had nothing but a bunch of reference links on it.
  • Airbnb started from two friends’ attempt to split up the cost of the rent. They just offered other people to share their place for a short time.
  • Netflix started as an online DVD-rental store that shipped pre-ordered DVDs to its customers. Initially, less than 1000 items were available.
  • Uber was born as a web application, Uber Cab, which allowed users to order only one type of car.

Step-by-Step Guide for Creating an MVP

Here are 4 steps you should make while creating an MVP. Remember that it is important to follow these recommendations consistently.

1. Research the market and develop a concept. 

Regardless of what your initial idea is, start by looking into market trends and needs. Check if your current vision corresponds with them, and if not, it’s not a positive sign. Try to outline the target niche and the problem that your future product will be able to solve. 

2. Define desirable functionality and features.

Decide which functions and features are the most important for embodying your concept. If your vision includes many different features, set the priorities.

Even though your product needs to be unique, try to avoid overly sophisticated, technical implementation. Your goal at this stage is not to make your product look fancy but to make it work. 

3. Launch and get feedback. 

When the basic workable version of the product is ready, you can introduce it to customers. At this point, you will start getting traffic as well as a deeper understanding of your project’s real value.

Don’t wait too long before moving onto this stage. The sooner you test your product on the real market, the more chances you have to be unique and the more time to fix possible flaws.

4. Change and grow

Analyze the feedback to discover the direction for future development.

Alongside improving the shortcomings, you will have a chance to add more advanced features. From now on, your product can escape the restrictions of ‘minimum viable’ one, attracting more and more clients.

Refining an Idea to an MVP

Regardless of the type of business, you are aiming for, what you need to do is to gain attention from potential customers. The way to do so in the early stages of project development is to provide a promise or a vision of a product instead of an actual product.

For instance, provide your customers with a demo version of the future product.

There are also some field-specific instruments you can use to give your potential clients a general feeling of what they can expect from your product. You can try one of the following instruments groupbwt.com:

If you are thinking of launching new software:

  • Creating a plugin/library for existing product to use it as a leverage
  • Using a website builder/CMS/software framework

If you envision providing services:

  • Running a single webinar/workshop
  • Launching an e-store on a bigger platform
  • Using a ready-made e-commerce system

As an option for any field, you can start a crowdfunding project. It may be helpful in terms of gauging public interest in your project as well as raising funds.

Points to Keep in Mind

Let’s make things a bit more clear. Here’s what an MVP is not about:

  • Low quality. There is a difference between an effort-saving crude version and just sloppy work. Remember that you need to improve and refine your product.
  • An ultimate solution. There is always a chance that the audience won’t be excited about your innovative product. Be ready to make essential changes or move to a new concept.

Although MVP development for startups may or may not become a shortcut to success, it definitely is a path worth taking. It can serve both as a tool for getting income in a relatively short time and a test for the viability of innovative ideas.

However, the failure in MVP development brings less damage than spending years on developing a perfect product that no one needs.

1...254255256...328Page 255 of 328

© 2025 Copyright - TechLog360