Author: Vince Kattoula

Categories
Android Auto Apple CarPlay Connected Car Mobile Apps

Connected Car: CarPlay & Android Auto… & INRIX?

The average American spends roughly 38,000 hours of their life driving.  So it’s no wonder that automakers are investing heavily in “connected cars.”  Initially, the focus was on manufacturer developed technology like Sync, UConnect, Cue and MyLink.  But then the big boys of tech crashed the party, and since then much of the hype around the connected car has revolved around Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, which allow drivers to extend apps from their smartphones to their vehicle’s infotainment system.  Apple and Google dominate the smartphone industry, and, drivers are used to using Bluetooth to connect smartphones to cars.  So the giants’ plans to enter the automotive industry was a no-brainer. But now, INRIX is here to say not so fast.

INRIX has been a leader of worldwide dynamic connected car services for over a decade now.  Bryan Mistele, president and CEO of INRIX says “Today, over half of the connected vehicles in the world use INRIX services.”  Their industry leadership is again on display, this time through the acquisition of OpenCar, which is a U.S. automotive software and services provider.  What stands out about this acquisition is that the OpenCar framework does not limit automaker-specific customization which allows for app deployment across different makes and models while still allowing each automaker to create a unique customer experience.

With all these connected car technology options it is hard to know where things will end up.  What this really means is that radio has to keep its eye on yet another platform, which can be frustrating.  At jacapps, we can help you sort out the “connected car” so your station is easy to find where it matters most – with the end user in the place where they spend those thousands of hours.  Our apps are fully customizable and we will always support what we sell.

To read more click here.

To learn more about how to stay connected contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Android Auto Apple CarPlay Connected Car Mobile Apps

Connected Car: CarPlay & Android Auto… & INRIX?

The average American spends roughly 38,000 hours of their life driving.  So it’s no wonder that automakers are investing heavily in “connected cars.”  Initially, the focus was on manufacturer developed technology like Sync, UConnect, Cue and MyLink.  But then the big boys of tech crashed the party, and since then much of the hype around the connected car has revolved around Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, which allow drivers to extend apps from their smartphones to their vehicle’s infotainment system.  Apple and Google dominate the smartphone industry, and, drivers are used to using Bluetooth to connect smartphones to cars.  So the giants’ plans to enter the automotive industry was a no-brainer. But now, INRIX is here to say not so fast.

INRIX has been a leader of worldwide dynamic connected car services for over a decade now.  Bryan Mistele, president and CEO of INRIX says “Today, over half of the connected vehicles in the world use INRIX services.”  Their industry leadership is again on display, this time through the acquisition of OpenCar, which is a U.S. automotive software and services provider.  What stands out about this acquisition is that the OpenCar framework does not limit automaker-specific customization which allows for app deployment across different makes and models while still allowing each automaker to create a unique customer experience.

With all these connected car technology options it is hard to know where things will end up.  What this really means is that radio has to keep its eye on yet another platform, which can be frustrating.  At jacapps, we can help you sort out the “connected car” so your station is easy to find where it matters most – with the end user in the place where they spend those thousands of hours.  Our apps are fully customizable and we will always support what we sell.

To read more click here.

To learn more about how to stay connected contact us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Mobile Apps

Being User Centric

The Apple and Google app stores are flooded with millions of apps, most of which never even reach 1,000 total downloads.  It seems many companies are building apps just to be able to say they have one.  No wonder then, that the cost to market an app today is between $1.25 and $1.50 per download. Companies are doing the right thing by taking advantage of mobile technology, but they need to think harder about their unique value proposition to the end user.  Part of the reason many companies see the download totals of their apps taper off sooner than they would like has to do with their focus.

Rather than focus on the technology, focus on the end user, who will ultimately decide whether your app is a success or not.  According to Huffington Post, “the companies leading their industries are putting their customers first by placing them at the center of their app development strategy.”  This is a mantra at jacapps.

When thinking about your apps, think about your consumer. What do they need from you and what do you have to offer them? Of course we’ll take care of the technology, but we’re also happy to help you find the mobile intersection of your brand and your consumer.

Here at jacapps it is all about the end user and that is why we work to understand your consumer.  Our apps are fully customizable and we will always support what we sell.

Let us help get your consumers to the center of your app strategy, call us at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com today!

Categories
Mobile Apps Wearables

Smartwatches are the New Norm in Mobile

Apps have broken out of the smartphone and are making their way to other platforms. Leading the trend is the smartwatch.  This is probably because more and more people are buying and using wearable technology.  Here’s the proof: Swiss watch shipments declined 5 percent in the fourth quarter compared with the same period in 2014, while smartwatch shipments rose 316 percent over that same time.  In fact, global shipments of smartwatches outpaced Swiss watch shipments by about 200,000 units in the last quarter of 2015.  This was the first time ever that smartwatches have out shipped Swiss watches on a global basis.

That is why jacapps has introduced the App Everywhere strategy.  We have begun developing apps for these new platforms starting with the much-buzzed-about Apple Watch. If you want to learn more, contact us to discuss your evolving mobile strategy.  If you want to read more about “Global Smartwatch Shipments Overtake Swiss Watch Shipments in Q4 2015,” click here.

To find out how to use these apps to begin generating a new source of revenue make sure to watch our webinar on Monetizing Mobile, call Alex Burnstein at 248-353-9030 or email sales@jacapps.com.

Categories
Uncategorized

Live365 Forced to Call it Quits

One of the oldest streaming radio service providers has informed its current broadcasters that it is shutting down at the end of the month.  Whether it was for hobby or for business, Live365 was home to just about anyone who wanted to start their own internet radio station. Changing royalty rules, especially the expiration of the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009, and the loss of long-time investors were the reasons for the shutdown.

A quote currently circulating from the email reads: “We are sad that we are closing our doors at the end of this month.  There are always possibilities that we can come back in one form or another, but at this point in time, January 31, 2016 is the last day that Live365’s streaming servers and website will be maintained and supported.”

With the shutdown of Live365 comes the realization for a wide range of online programming, which Live365 supported, that they will have to find a new place to call home or be dealt the same fate as Live365.  The new royalty rates seem so out of reach that many of these small broadcasters may have to call it quits altogether.  However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

jācapps is working with StreamGuys, to help former Live365 clients reach their audience.  StreamGuys has the experience, tools, and resources to successfully deliver streaming media for large and small businesses and jācapps can provide the mobile app crucial for reaching the audience where they live — on their smartphones.

To learn more about our mobile solutions, make sure to visit our Products page.

Categories
Connected Car Mobile Apps Radio

Radio & Cars – Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

American radio and the car industry have more in common than most people would initially think.  Throughout the 20th century there were many challenges both these industries faced but they have survived and thrived, proving they are both highly profitable legacy industries.  However, despite their ability to adapt, they are facing millions of Millennials who aren’t as interested in their products as older generations.  Both automakers and radio operators are watching them gravitating away from their respective businesses.

Digital technologies are taking over about every aspect of our everyday lives, and this is no different with automobiles and radio.  A new era in digital technology has emerged, leaving both automotive and radio to seek out new employees with skill sets that have nothing to do with their businesses historically.  With the rise in this technology comes a new set of competitors that automakers would have never thought to be opponents.  Companies such as Google and Apple are competing for a spot on the user’s dashboard, while radio broadcasters were slow to understand challenges posed by Pandora, Spotify, and SiriusXM.

One thing is for sure – things aren’t what they used to be.  And that’s why it’s fascinating for our company to watch what many automakers are now doing to face these challenges, while wondering whether radio couldn’t go down a similar road.  This is not to say the auto industry has it all figured out, because many of their executives will tell you that these next five years are as impossible to predict as the previous five.

To read more about the industry wide disruption, click here.

Categories
Connected Car Mobile Apps Radio

Radio & Cars – Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

American radio and the car industry have more in common than most people would initially think.  Throughout the 20th century there were many challenges both these industries faced but they have survived and thrived, proving they are both highly profitable legacy industries.  However, despite their ability to adapt, they are facing millions of Millennials who aren’t as interested in their products as older generations.  Both automakers and radio operators are watching them gravitating away from their respective businesses.

Digital technologies are taking over about every aspect of our everyday lives, and this is no different with automobiles and radio.  A new era in digital technology has emerged, leaving both automotive and radio to seek out new employees with skill sets that have nothing to do with their businesses historically.  With the rise in this technology comes a new set of competitors that automakers would have never thought to be opponents.  Companies such as Google and Apple are competing for a spot on the user’s dashboard, while radio broadcasters were slow to understand challenges posed by Pandora, Spotify, and SiriusXM.

One thing is for sure – things aren’t what they used to be.  And that’s why it’s fascinating for our company to watch what many automakers are now doing to face these challenges, while wondering whether radio couldn’t go down a similar road.  This is not to say the auto industry has it all figured out, because many of their executives will tell you that these next five years are as impossible to predict as the previous five.

To read more about the industry wide disruption, click here.

Categories
Mobile Apps Wearables

Consumers Want Watches with Some Brains

It’s that time of the year again.  The time when everyone realizes they should have probably said no to the second helping of dessert at their office/family holiday party.  With the guilt of the holiday diet comes the motivation to be fit, and this shows with the recent survey conducted by The Consumer Technology Association.

The survey was comprised of 1,001 U.S. Internet users and 74% of respondents said they intend to purchase a health or fitness tracker within the next year.  Of this group, more than a third (35%) had plans to purchase a smart watch in the next 12 months.  According to eMarketer, usage in wearable technology is growing dramatically with an estimated increase of 60% in the coming year.  The number of U.S. adults that uses wearable technology in 2016 is estimated to be about 63.7 million, up from 39.5 million in 2015.  This can mean big things for smart watches, fitness apps, smart apparel, sleep trackers, and other wearable fitness devices.

To read more about which wearables consumers plan to buy, click here.
 

Categories
Mobile Apps

The Top Mobile Apps of 2015

As 2015 comes to a close, we would like to take a look back at the top mobile apps throughout the year.  After looking at the top trends in smartphone apps and operating systems, Nielsen compiled a list of the top 10 smartphone apps of 2015.  To no one’s surprise, Facebook maintained its dominance with more than 126 million average unique users each month, a growth of 8% from the previous year.  YouTube and Facebook Messenger claimed the number two and number three spots respectively, causing Google to fall from number two the previous year to number four, with around 95 million average unique users per month.

“In third-quarter 2015, a majority of subscribers used Android (53%) and iOS (43%) devices to access their apps.”

To read more about the top mobile apps of 2015 click here.
 

Categories
Mobile Apps

Give the Gift of ‘Appiness This Holiday

If you are a business owner and have yet to buy gifts for your loyal customers/clients or important business partners, do not fret.  There is an app for that!  An increasing number of businesses are turning to mobile applications for their holiday gift giving strategy, and with good reason.  Smartphones have already taken over the world and now the apps on smartphones seem to be accomplishing the same feat.

Paired with either an iTunes or Google Play gift card, a recommended list of mobile apps is a great way to give a unique gift that your customers have not received before.  It is probably a good idea to get to know your clients well enough to be able to recommend a few specific apps that will appeal to their interests.  But, even if you do not know your customers that well, you can still give personalized apps by recommending ones that are relevant for their company's industry.

This is a great way to show appreciation to your customers, as well as partners, during the holiday season while avoiding the impersonal touch of gift cards only.  A personalized message and a recommended list will show your clients that you really care and did not just slap something together in the last moments.

To read more about the perfect holiday gift this season on PC Mag, click here.