Popular Hybrid Mobile App development frameworks

Popular Hybrid Mobile App development frameworks

Hybrid Development Technologies

List of best Hybrid App Development Frameworks

1. Ionic

Capable of building native looking apps, Ionic framework has gained popularity in the recent past and results

are overwhelming when worked in combination with AngularJS. Developers have preferred it for cross-

platform app development particularly due to its extensive list of features, predefined elements and of

course, a large community of developers.

Ionic Framework is focused on the frontend user experience, or UI interaction of an app (controls,

interactions, gestures, animations). It’s easy to learn, and integrates nicely with other libraries or

frameworks, such as Angular, or can be used standalone without a frontend framework using a simple script

include.

Currently, Ionic Framework has official integrations with Angular and React, and support for Vue is in

development. Additionally, Ionic Framework is a free and open source project, released under the

permissible MIT license. This means it can be used in personal or commercial projects for free. MIT is the

same license used by such popular projects as jQuery and Ruby on Rails.

2. React Native

Belongs to top list of hybrid frameworks. Introduced by Facebook at the beginning of 2015. React Native

provides the same abilities as the popular PhoneGap/Cordova solution for cross-platform development but

represents a completely different approach. Cross-platform apps (including PhoneGap) use a browser engine

for UI rendering. In fact, you obtain a WEB-page, while React Native uses native rendering and native UI

components.

It enables developers to build cross platform apps with minimal effort that grant a native-like experience to

the end-users. There is a vast community of developers to assist you.

3. Flutter

Flutter is Google’s mobile app SDK, complete with a framework, widgets, and tools, that gives developers an

easy way to build and deploy visually attractive, fast mobile apps on both Android and iOS platforms.

Flutter enables a smooth and easy cross-platform mobile app development. You don’t need to develop an

iOS and Android app separately. All you need is one codebase for both platforms.

More about Flutter

•  Is free and open source,
•  Is based on Dart – a fast, object-oriented programming language which is easy to learn,
•  Provide its own widgets, drawn with its own high-performance rendering engine. They are fast,
• pretty, and customizable,
•  Due to its rich widgets, Flutter apps look and feel great (you can create your own custom app design,
• but also use readily available UI elements following specific platforms’ guidelines).
•  The architecture of Flutter is based on the very popular reactive programming of today (the same that
• React has been made from)
• 
  
•  It’s becoming a serious competitor to React Native, but also to native app development.

4. Xamarin

Founded in 2011 and owned by Microsoft, Xamarin is one of the hottest tools for building cross-platform

apps. Developers can leverage the same code for different operating systems including Windows, Android,

iOS, MacOS and more. The apps built using this mobile framework offer native experience and are

aesthetically-sound. Its ability to reuse code, tools and functions make the process quick that helps in saving

a significant amount of time.

5. PhoneGap

It enables developers to use the same code for different platforms and use their existing website

development knowledge to quickly build apps that are supported by multiple mobile operating systems.

Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is enough to get started with PhoneGap app development.

PhoneGap is a mobile application development framework based on an open source project (Apache

Cordova). PhoneGap is the cloud-based developer tool built on top of the framework, which offers cloud-

based mobile app development without the need for SDKs, compilers and hardware.

Because of PhoneGap’s open web standards developers with existing web skills, frameworks and tools can

easily grasp the tool’s functionality. It also offers cross-platform development with the freedom for

customised development. Because it is a cloud-based service, all apps will be built with the most current SDK

for the targeted platforms. PhoneGap Build supports multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Windows

Phone and webOS with a single codebase.

Key Features

•  Create experiences for multiple platforms with a single codebase
•  Put your app in the cloud
•  Open source software
•  Dedicated desktop app
•  No SDK maintenance required
•  An extensive range of plugins
•  Fast development and native APIs
•  Cross-platform support
•  Connect your devices with the custom mobile app
•  Third party tools made by the community

6. Framework 7

It is a full features HTML Framework for designing iOS and Android apps. Framework 7 CLI is an extremely

powerful tool and the most recommended way to start Framework 7 app development. Framework7 paired

with extra tools like Electron and NW.js allows to build native desktop apps. Framework7 comes with a

stunning and unreachable set of ready to use UI elements and widgets like dialogs, popup, action sheet,

popover, list views, tabs, side panels, layout grid, preloaded, form elements, cards etc.

7. Mobile Angular UI

It is an open-source mobile app framework licensed to use it for free under MIT. Developers are required to

make use of the Angular framework in combination with Bootstrap to build amazing mobile app experiences.

However, there is no dependency on jQuery or any other Bootstrap libraries. Plus, there are several UI

components like scrollable areas, navbars, switches, overlays and more that developers can use to build

seamless mobile applications. Users will be treated with a smooth, intuitive and attractive user interface.

8. Onsen UI

It is an open-source hybrid mobile app framework, relatively new, but good enough to compete against the

likes of some well-established names above in this list. It features a large collection of ready to use

components. Developers are enabled to write apps in HTML5 and JavaScript and combine the same with

PhoneGap or Cordova to build a fully-featured app. It is free, easy-to-use, flexible and has semantic markup

components for developers to get the benefits.

9. Corona SDK

Corona SDK is a Cross-Platform Mobile App Development for Enterprises, Education and 2D Games that is 4x

faster. It utilizes Lua as a scripting language in real-time testing.  We can create project once and publish it

to multiple types of devices, including Apple iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire, Mac

Desktop, Windows Desktop, and even connected TVs such as Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV.

10. JQuery Mobile

It is an HTML based, touch optimized, JavaScript library used to make responsive websites that are accessible

on all smartphones. It makes use of features of both jQuery and jQueryUI to provide API features for mobile

web applications.

jQuery Mobile framework takes the "write less, do more" mantra to the next level: Instead of writing unique

applications for each mobile device or OS, the jQuery mobile framework allows you to design a single highly-

branded responsive web site or application that will work on all popular smartphone, tablet, and desktop

platforms.

11. Intel XDK

Intel XDK is simplifying workflow and enables developers to easily design, develop and deploy HTML5

websites and applications across multiple websites. Besides HTML5, JS and CSS, Intel XDK can help in

creating, editing and simulating apps from an integrated development environment, export to Adobe

PhoneGap or Cordova CLI for compilation into native code app.

12. Native Scripts

NativeScript is how you build cross-platform, native iOS and Android apps without web views. Use Angular,

typescript modern JavaScript to get truly native UI and performance when you share skills and code with the

web. It gives 100% access to native API’s via JavaScript and reuse of packages from NPM, cocoaPods, and

Gradle.

13. Appcelerator Titanium

It is a platform for developing mobile, tablet and desktop applications using web technologies. It lets you

create iPhone, Android and iPad apps using JavaScript. Titanium Studio, Android XDK, Xcode (Mac) are the

building blogs with JS by its side to create amazing mobile apps with Appcelerator Titanium or Appcelerator

Mobile.

14. Sencha Ext JS

The Sencha Ext JS 6 framework with the Modern toolkit enables you to create great looking web applications

for modern browsers, tablets, and smartphones. With Architect 4.0 and the open source Apache Cordova

tool, it’s easy to create hybrid mobile apps. With the Cordova packager, Ext JS 6 modern apps execute within

wrappers targeted to each platform, and rely on standards-compliant API bindings to access each device’s

capabilities such as sensors, data, network status, etc. Cordova does not provide any UI components or MVC

frameworks, rather it relies on frameworks such as Ext JS 6. Architect, with its drag-and-drop capability and

integration with Sencha Cmd, helps with creating hybrid mobile apps quickly. Architect takes care of all the

repetitive tasks, such as building your app, getting it in the proper place for Cordova, and running the proper

commands to build, emulate, or run your hybrid mobile application.

15. Kendo UI

Kendo UI is an open-source version of Telerik Kendo UI, which is a comprehensive framework for building

modern web and modern apps with HTML5 and JavaScript. It comes with 40+ widgets and framework

features, these widgets can easily be themed and styled via CSS. Kendo UI offers the best UI performance

when developing with popular current technology including jQuery, Angular, React and Vue. Kendo UI is a

proven library that is in widespread use. Our own internal QA process coupled with world-class support

teams and a large user community.

16. Mobincube

This tool is meant for those who do not wish to learn a programming language in order to create a mobile

application. Mobincube allows internet users to create compelling mobile apps for free. With flexibility,

functionality, and customizability – Mobincube helps best mobile applications, compatible with any mobile

and that can be successful across locations.

17. QT

QT is a cross-platform mobile app development framework that can be used to write applications once and

deploy them across desktop, mobile and embedded operating systems. This removed redundancy. QT is

partly C++ and partly native code. QT UI APIs wrap native UI components.

Mobile Apps Hybrid Vs Native

Mobile Apps Hybrid Vs Native

Demand for mobile experiences is growing 5x faster than internal IT teams can deliver.

 By 2022, 70% of all enterprise software interactions are expected to occur on mobile devices

Before we proceed lets see what is mean by a hybrid app?
Hybrid apps are native apps. They’re downloaded from the platform’s app store or marketplace and offer the same native features, offline support, and hardware-based performance acceleration as any app built with a native SDK.

The key difference is that hybrid apps are built using open web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, rather than the proprietary or specialized languages used by iOS, Android, and others. That means anyone with a modern web developer skill-set can begin building an app using the hybrid approach. 

Hybrid apps run in a full-screen browser, called a webview, that is invisible to the user. Through customizable native plugins, they can access the native features of specific mobile devices (such as the camera or touch ID), without the core code being tied to that device.

That means cross-platform hybrid applications can run on any platform or device, all from a single codebase, while still delivering native performance.

Examples for hybrid app development frameworks are Ionic, Xamarin, Flutter, and React Native

The growing adoption of hybrid is evident in a recent Forrester survey that found two-thirds of developers are choosing a cross-platform or web-based approach over native tools.

Top brands have chosen a hybrid approach over native to power apps for their customers and employees.

Below are the top reasons for making switch to hybrid from native

1) Speed

Building for multiple platforms from a single codebase often makes delivering cross-platform apps 2-3x faster than native.

2) Efficiency

Reduced development times, and the avoided costs of hiring and retaining specialized native talent, can save teams 60% or more compared to native

3) Design & UX consistency

With one codebase running on desktop, mobile, and web, hybrid apps provide better design and UX consistency across channels

4) Skillset

Hybrid gives web developers and businesses with in-house web teams the tools to build powerful mobile apps using their existing skills and talent.

Mi children's GPS watch 2S

AI GPS positioning, touch display and more for Yuan 199

Only available in China now.

The Mi Children's Watch 2S has a squarish display that measures 1.3-inches.


 The display registers touch inputs and uses a 240 x 240-pixel resolution colour IPS LCD display. 

The body is made of plastic and other soft-touch materials all through the straps so as to offer a comfortable user experience, which is what kids would want in a smartwatch. 

And, one can order it in Red or Blue colours.

Google offers free access to satellite images

NEW YORK: Tracking melting glaciers, deforestation or disappearing elephants has been made easier as Google has now allowed access to real time, updated satellite images through its Skybox programme.

"The fresh satellite imagery will be contributed to projects that save lives, protect the environment, promote education, and positively impact humanity," Google said in a blog post.

From camps for displaced people in Sudan to beaches cleared of landmines in Sri Lanka, the released images are also available to the public for free.

As long as they attribute Google and do not profit from the images, anyone is free to view and use the images available.

NGOs can also request for new and updated images that they would like on the programme page.

Skybox, a satellite company, was acquired for $500 million by Google in August this year.

Future is wearable technology

Many of these technologies don't look anything like today's gadgets. Instead, they are stretchable, bendable and incredibly thin. They can also be given unique designs, to stand out like a bold tattoo, or to blend in to the color of your skin.

The calculator watch, introduced in the 1980s, was one original piece of widespread worn electronics.

Wearable technology has applications in monitoring and realtime feedback for athletes as well.The decreasing cost of processing power and other components is encouraging widespread adoption and availability.

Transitioning to night life and entertainment industries electroluminescent shirts have appeared in concerts such as Electric Daisy Carnival and Lollapalooza. Michael Graziano Clothing has worked with such artists as Deadmau5, Coldplay and Andy Moor they are appearing in the tourism industry.

According to ABI Research due to the relative ease of compatibility with smartphones and other electronic devices, the wearable technologies market will spike to 485 million annual device shipments by 2018.

According to Forbes, 71% of 16-to-24 year olds want wearable tech.

    

Glasses-free 3D TV from Sony

There are two displays here: a 24-inch LCD capable of 1080p and a 46-inch LCD with up to 4K resolution. Adjacent literature was at least truthful in admitting that the autostereoscopic 3D setup is showing at a "HD equivalent" quality. This is because the parallax barrier, which causes the 3D effect, effectively halves the resolution to ensure each eye is receiving separate images.

My observations of the 24-inch glasses-free 3D TV was rather disappointing. Even when standing in the most optimal spot (directly in the middle), the 3D effect lacked that sense of dimension that makes 3D worth watching. Impressive small-screen 3D TVs are a rarity, as many of those devices lack the overall size necessary for a truly immersive experience. A prototype Vaio L all-in-one PC nearby with a lenticular 3D display was much more convincing at creating a sense of dimension at such a size range.

The 46-inch 3D display is an improvement, perhaps mostly due to the viewing area being nearly double the size of the other screen. There was a better sense of dimension, especially in fast-moving sequences. A trailer for the animated flick "The Pirates! Band of Misfit" was more enjoyable in 3D compared with 2D.

Most importantly, both of Sony's glasses-free 3D TVs did have one critical element that makes it all worth it: almost zero crosstalk. However, 3D still comes off as a gimmick: if you are not watching from the central 45-degree viewing area, the 3D effect is simply not as prominent.

There are also price considerations. Sony's sets will likely be astronomical when and if they ever launch. And any sort of issues with 3D quality will be a deal breaker for most buyers, who will understandably wait for the technology to mature.

Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-33379_1-57356697/sony-takes-another-stab-at-glasses-free-3d-tv/#ixzz1jB5UDJRK

PhoneGap - Open source mobile framework which supports 7 platforms

Mobile development is a mess. Building applications for each device--iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and more--requires different frameworks and languages. One day, the big players in mobile may decide to work together and unify third-party app development processes. Until then, PhoneGap will use standards-based web technologies to bridge web applications and mobile devices. Plus, because PhoneGap apps are standards compliant, they’re future-proofed to work with browsers as they evolve.

PhoneGap is an open source implementation of open standards. That means developers and companies can use PhoneGap for mobile applications that are free, commercial, open source, or any combination of these.
Since winning the Web 2.0 Expo LaunchPad competition in April 2009, PhoneGap has been widely recognized as a game-changer for mobile app development. The code has been downloaded more than 600,000 times and thousands of apps built using PhoneGap are available in mobile app stores and directories.