Category: Mobile Web

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Tips to Evaluate Mobile App Developers for your Company’s App

Do you have a new idea for a mobile app to improve your business’ efficiency and increase ROI?! Do you have a successful business that could benefit from more streamlined customer service or product processes?!

If so, you need a great team to create the best possible mobile app! How do you know what mobile app development company to choose? Here are some criteria to evaluate mobile application companies for your company’s app:

 

End-to-End Services

It is important that the company you choose offers full service – inclusive of strategy, design, development, and post-launch maintenance. Here at jācapps, we use a 4-step process to make your app and experience the best it can be. We discover, design, develop, and deploy. This full-cycle process includes:

  • Discovery: This starts with understanding the problem you need to solve and understanding where your app will take root, then brainstorming the best solution.
  • Design: Make sure your app looks great, with solid aesthetics and ease-of-use in mind. Make sure your app designer keeps the big picture in mind, so that your app functions well and looks beautiful.
  • Development: Your developer should work from a complete and accurate specification document that describes perfectly how your app should work.
  • Deployment: Rigorous QA testing should happen throughout the development process, but final testing should make you confident that your app will work flawlessly for your users. And finally, the submission of your app and its app store presence should be done with complete professionalism and confidence.

This type of process will ensure that you receive a top-notch app.

But the best developers don’t stop there – they keep a look out for rare potential problems and help you navigate new devices and OS versions as they become available.

 

Design and Development Tailored to Your Needs

You may already have detailed documents that state how you want your app to work. You may just be looking for a company who can just oversee your plans, assist in UI/UX design and the development of the app. Or, you might simply have a business problem and are looking at mobile for a solution! The best firms offer flexibility. You can get as much or as little help as you need. For projects that are less planned out from the start, a product development specialist, along with a UI/UX designer will be necessary for the project! Having both allows you to design and develop your app to the best possible outcome. If your team is well staffed, your development firm should be able to leverage your internal expertise to save you time and money.

 

Comparison Shopping

There are lots of app development companies. Review your candidates’ past client work and case studies. It is also beneficial to determine how, and how much you will communicate with your provider. Do you want a team that is local? Do you require any special technology expertise? There are many factors to consider when selecting a mobile partner.

 

Get Buy-In Across Your Company

After you have narrowed down your options – it is important that you share your plan and vision for your mobile app. You’ll avoid a lot of downstream headaches if everyone on your team is on the same page and shares your vision.

 

Partner Mentality

Developing your app requires a multitude of resources beyond the idea. It requires market research, extensive documentation, designers and developers. If you are researching a mobile app development company to bring your idea to life, look for more than a vendor. You want a company that will partner with you over the long term as your needs and your app evolves.

Take these tips into consideration to help you evaluate the right mobile development company for your mobile project!

jācapps custom apps can support these efforts and much more. If you are interested in exploring a mobile strategy to support your business, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

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App Everywhere B2B Apps Connected Car Mobile Apps Mobile Web news and press Push Notifications Radio

Press Release: Client Announcement

BINGHAM FARMS, Mich. – Sept. 20, 2018 – Leading custom application developer, jācapps, has built and now launched more than 100 audio apps for its newest client, Salem Media Group (Salem), one of the leading Christian and conservative content radio broadcasters in the U.S.
The 116 new apps, which are a complete upgrade, are available now in the Apple iTunes and Android Play stores as updates to the original versions.  Through an enhanced listening experience and expanded streaming reach to mobile devices, the new apps further broaden Salem’s network and ability to share meaningful digital content with its audiences.
The jācapps and Salem teams worked together to prepare the media group’s faith-based and conservative talk news audio content for mobile reach in 33 of the largest U.S. markets, including: Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. This includes mobile apps featuring some of Salem’s most popular, syndicated on-air personalities, such as: Dennis Prager, Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, Mike Gallagher, Larry Elder and Eric Metaxas.
“We have a very loyal listener base, but we are competing not just with other radio stations or media providers, but with other digital content that is available to consumers anytime, anywhere,” said Rodney Whitaker, Salem’s director of digital operations. “We need solutions that make it as easy as possible for people to find, listen to and interact with us on their mobile devices, and jācapps has provided those with these new apps.”
“You no longer need a radio to listen to the radio,” said jācapps President Paul Jacobs.  “Listeners want their content on-demand, wherever they are, and the brands that support that content want to connect with consumers in meaningful ways.  Our job is to help clients, like Salem, create applications to make that all possible.”

About jācapps

jācapps is one of the largest mobile application development firms in metro Detroit. The company has developed more than 1,200 apps since its inception in 2008, by team members who are all Michigan-sourced.  jācapps developers go beyond common devices by delivering messages through the most used device in the world, as well as in the Connected Car, Tablets, Smart Speakers, Smart TVs, Streaming Devices, Wearables and whatever comes next.  More information is available at https://jacapps.com/.

About Salem Media Group

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing.  Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally.  With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape.
Click here to read more
If you are interested in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

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Awards Mobile Apps Mobile Web news and press Radio Uncategorized

Fred Jacobs, Media Professional Elected to National Radio Hall of Fame

We are proud to announce that Fred Jacobs, our founder of jācapps and sister company Jacobs Media, was elected to the National Radio Hall of Fame!
The National Radio Hall of Fame recognizes talent from today’s diverse programming formats, as well as the pioneers who shaped the medium during its infancy. Four of the categories were decided by a voting participant panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. The other two categories were voted on by the public.
Now, a little background about Fred Jacobs! He graduated from the University of Michigan and has a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He worked at WRIF-FM as a program director in the early 1980s. He left the radio station and founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and created the Classic Rock radio format. He formed our company jācapps in 2008, where we developed more than 1,200 apps on both Apple and Android platforms.
Through Jacobs hard work and dedication, it made him noticed by the National Radio Hall of Fame. Not only was he just elected…he was also the first non-broadcaster to be inducted!
He joins a list of Detroit radio personalities who’ve been inducted to the Hall of Fame, including, J.P McCarthy, Ernie Harwell, Dick Purtan, Casey Kasem, and Paul W. Smith. Detroit native Jim Kerr of WAXQ will also be inducted in the 2018 class, according to a statement from Jacobs Media.
Check out the full article by the local Oakland Press here
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030
 
 

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Mobile Developer Aims for Growth As It Serves New Industries

Recently, Bob Kernen and Paul Jacobs spoke with Crain’s Detroit Business about investments, growth, and the mobile revolution. In great summary, we are ready to hit some goals this year! Being in the emerging mobile application sector, we topped $1 million revenue in 2017, and we expect that to double this year!!
Alright, so let’s check out what we shared with Crain’s, and how we plan to reach these goals!
We are a software company founded by former WRIF 101.1 FM Program Director Fred Jacob. He is helping companies create efficiencies through mobile applications. Jacobs started the tech firm out of a storage close in his Jacobs Media Strategies offices in Bingham Farms months after Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple Inc. launched its App Store in 2008.
We started out with four employees building apps for radio clients including WRIF, WDET 101.9 FM, Michigan Radio and WMGC 105.1 FM to stream radio content to listeners.
“Smartphones have been the transformative device of our lifetime. It creates an unbelievable way to connect businesses to their customers, such as through push notifications,” COO Bob Kernen said. “The average person has about 30 apps on their phone. Once a company can get an app on a customer’s phone, it can become the best marketing tool for them.”

Realizing that other businesses and organizations could benefit from the mobile industry that has now reached nearly every corner of society, we began diversifying our client base in 2013.
Our company picked up a private investor in 2016 to help grow its staff to nine and moved into a new headquarters across the street from the old Jacobs Media at 30300 Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms. jācapps has a six-year lease with Bloomfield Hills-based JFK Investments Co. LLC.
Our workforce grew to 22 in 2017, warranting a $70,000 investment to tear down a wall and nearly double the space to 7,500 square feet this past March.
“We saw the opportunity to become a full-fledged mobile software provider,” Paul Jacobs, Fred’s brother, said. Paul, who also worked for WRIF as a salesman, is now president of the software company. “We broadened out our skill set and found growth in construction, health care, wellness and other businesses that realized that they needed a mobile strategy.”


Since then our company has taken on clients in Partha Nandi, M.D., of the medical TV show “Ask Dr. Nandi,” and Ireland-based building material supplier CRH plc, including two of its subsidiaries in Canton Township-based Cadillac Asphalt LLC and Monroe-based Stoneco of Michigan. Cadillac Asphalt has contracts to rebuild some of the crumbling roads in metro Detroit, including the 696 freeway.
“In the case of Stoneco and Cadillac, what’s important is communication to their customers and employees” for process efficiency, Paul Jacobs said. “Our clients at Stoneco told us if we can get the message out to contractors, they could come pick up more loads and that makes all the world to their business. These are tools that are all about creating efficiencies for the people on the move.”
Because software is constantly changing, Jacobs said the firm is continually investing to keep up with the times as operating systems are constantly changing and new technologies emerge. One of those investments include building an analytics department to allow customers to better utilize their apps.
We are also working with Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. to build programs for mobility and focusing on other products including smart TVs and smart watches, Jacobs said.
Last year, we saw 30 percent growth, topping $1 million in revenue, Jacobs said. He expects to double revenue this year as the company capitalizes on investments made over the past two years.
Lastly, we would love to thank Crain’s Detroit Business for the support! Click here to read more about how we plan to double our growth this year!
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

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Awards Mobile Apps Mobile Web

jācapps Wins Clutch Best in Show

In an industry full of one-trick ponies, we are proud to be the Justify of our field. In similar suit to the Triple Crown winner, jācapps has recently been recognized by Clutch as a triple industry leader; a Triple Cache if you will. After careful analysis, the firm published their annual report of identified industry leaders and cited jācapps as not only the #1 company among Detroit app developers but also as titans of web development and UI design. Our leadership seems unbridled as we were also analyzed by Clutch’s sister website, where we similarly earned placement among top app developers in Detroit.
Based in Washington D.C, Clutch provides in-depth insights to aid buyers looking for service providers. Clutch’s research is coupled with independently conducted reviews in which current and former clients have provided their feedback and appreciation.
                                    
With the increasing amount of time being spent on mobile apps in lieu of former avenues, we seek to help our clients harness the power apps possess for customer relations. Though we’ve been around close to the same time as the App Store itself, we know in order to create the best apps, we have to be evolving with and educated on how consumers are using mobile apps.
Even after ten years, over 1200 apps built, 28 million downloads, and other countless awards we’re earned on the way, we are most humbled by recognitions earned directly from our clients. To partners past, current, and future – thank you for choosing to grow your company with us and we look forward to creating more seamless experiences for your users in the future.
                                       
 
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

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Mobile Apps Mobile Web news and press

5 Things All Businesses Need to Know About Mobile

Recently, our President, Paul Jacobs and our COO, Bob Kernen spoke at Better Business Bureau in Southfield, Michigan. During this event Paul and Bob gave insight on the 5 Things All Businesses Need to Know About Mobile. Because of mobile usage, our culture has permanently changed in countless ways.
 
Before looking into the important things to know about mobile, check out this video below showing the things the iPhone helped destroy!

Well, now that we can see how the iPhone and apps have proven to be helpful in every way.. lets take a look at the 5 important things all businesses need to remember and learn when dealing with mobile!
 

Thing 1: The smartphone is King

 
“There’s an app for that!” App transformed the smartphone into a phenomenon. Owning a smartphone is becoming more common every day. Smartphones are always with you…people even sleep with them!
When apple launched the App Store the world changed. Showing that since 2016, mobile takes over desktop showing that 63% of internet usage is on mobile devices. However, only 10% of time is spent on smartphones is on mobile websites. And this is where we see how apps rule; 90% of time spent on smartphones is spent on mobile apps!
With that being said, smartphone is king by being the most valuable real estate a marketer can have. Where all companies can participate, and being a limited barrier to entry.
 

Thing 2: What is an app?

 
Alright, so lets talk basics… what is an app exactly? The basic definition of an app is that an app is self-contained piece of software designed to serve a discreet function and work on a specific type or types of devices. So, we can see that an app isn’t a website on your phone!
So, what is the purpose for an app? It’s purpose build software that leverages the power of the smartphone. While bringing us location awareness, phone/email/text integration, part of the purchase function.
Not only are apps easy to use, apps are easy to get! Users get apps in the two major apps stores; Google play and iTunes AppStore.
 

Think 3: What does a developer do?

 
Here are jācapps, we have a complexed development process in order to satisfy and help our clients succeed with their new apps!
Our development process goes through 4 steps…
Discover, design, develop and deploy: 

  1. Discover:
    • We discover where your app will take root and draw inspiration from our conversations with you to brainstorm the ideas and discuss the requirements that are needed for development.
  2. Design:
    • Once a concept has been approved, we combine skills and strategy to make sure your apps look great and are easy to use.
  3. Develop:
    • After you’ve approved our specification document, our in-house development team gets to work. This phrase culminates with rigorous QA testing.
  4. Deploy:
    • We submit your apps to their respective stores and watch the download numbers skyrocket! But we don’t stop there… we provide ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure compatibility with new devices and iOS versions as they become available.

Click here to see more of what we do!

 

Thing 4: What apps can do

 
Apps are on more than just your mobile devices. jācapps app everywhere communicates across all devices! Through mobile phones, connected car, smart TVs, smart speakers, tablets, and wearables.

Let’s take a look at some of our clients and the apps that have been created for them!

  •  Dr. Nandi’s Health Hero
    • Dr. Nandi wanted to create a resource that is reachable anywhere and anytime for the individuals who are changing their lives to make health #1 priority! He wanted individuals to have access to health & wellness tips, research, cookbooks, answers to questions, and help meet each individual need, throughout their health & wellness journey.
    • Our team created an app that is designed to:
      • Receive simple and powerful daily health and wellness tipsProvide a full library of books on topics from Beating IBS Naturally to Organic Living to Living Gluten-Free and more.
      • Provide a monthly Health Hero Magazine with articles on the latest research in health and wellness, interviews with thought leaders and industry experts.
      • Provide an exclusive link to the Health Hero Superfoods Cookbook
      • Provide the “Calming The Chaos” 7-day audio program- Dr. Nandi’s foolproof formula to kill daily stress in minutes.
      • Supply a private, member-only Health Hero Facebook Group where Dr. Nandi delivers health and wellness information, answers member questions, hosts Facebook live segments and more.
  • Lawyers Mutual (LMIC)
    • LMIC wanted to get text and video content to their clients in the easiest to use way to certify that those clients received that content and information. As well as, verifying that the information was understood in order to providecertification.
    • Our team created an app that allows the users to log-in and see the content that they needed to review in order to get their continuing education credits and other certifications.
    • Using this app, users can:
      • Easily log-in, watch a video or read a PDF, and take a short quiz. All of this engagement is recorded and credited to the user toward their continuing education requirements.
      • This app is unique in that it puts content that usually has to be consumed in front of a desktop environment and puts it in a place where users can easily get to it and use it in the place and time that bests suits their busy schedules.
      • For LMIC, it provides a competitive differentiator and a way to have a closer relationship with their clients by providing many more touch points with that client.

Click here to check out some more of our work!
 

Thing 5: Marketing your App

 
Our work with you does not end at the sale. We will continue to market your app through database, website, social media, advertising, and signage!
When dealing with the database, we will use your company’s database to create messages to your clients about the benefits and how easy it is to get your product. While through your website, we will create a page on your site that shows users how to get the app and how to use it.
But, we don’t stop there we will advertise your products through social media and signage by talking about your new app in regular posts and create signage for your retail locations that helps show off your new app and all the benefits it has for your customers!
Click here to check out more of who we are! 
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built,  or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

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Mobile Apps Mobile Web

What Does GDPR Mean For My Applications

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) padlock on european union flag

Have you been inundated with notices from organizations addressing GDPR?

We have. Therefore, we wanted to make sure that you are aware of some new regulations around user data privacy, implemented in the European Union, that could affect your app. Our goal is to make sure our clients are abreast on anything that may directly affect their applications.

GDPR: What is it?

European General Data Protection Regulation  – AKA GDPR. On May 25th, 2018, a government update established a new set of laws dictating how companies in the EU collect and use data and handle consumer privacy. It also gives those consumers greater control over their data on the internet.

Fingerprint and personal information inside

This law change, years in the making, sets a new standard for data collection, storage, and usage among all companies that operate in Europe. Currently, GDPR represents one of the most robust data privacy laws in the world.
Many of the ideas outlined in GDPR came from the earlier regulation, and an even older set of principles, which covers the ways consumer information should be used. Those practices have shaped policies in the United States. The United States has historically regulated privacy with piecemeal laws for the privacy of healthcare records, financial documents, and federal communications.

But this is the US – How are we affected?

Does this mean GDPR only affects you, if your consumers live in Europe? Yes and no. On the forefront, GDPR only affects the European Union, meaning the rights outlined within it don’t translate to other countries.
But… you should update your privacy policy and terms of service, in the case that any of your app users may be in the European Union. We encourage you to check with your attorney for specific actions you should take in order to be in compliance with these new regulations.
We have already had clients update their documentation to specifically exemplify EU-located users from their apps with the inclusion of language such as: “This app is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.”
This should be a simple addition to the document hosted on your website.
Additionally, if you are asking users to register for your app or website, consider adding language (on those screens) to the effect of: “By registering (or clicking “Save”), you agree that you are not located within the European Economic Area.” If this functionality is within your app, and not via a web page, please contact us at info@jacapps.com and we can add the language there.
If you do not want to exclude European consumers, your attorney can also help you with that language.
Both routes begin with a call to your attorney and end with a client notice.
Again, the most prudent step is to review this with your attorney and we can then make adjustments to your app based on that advice.
 

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Mobile Apps Mobile Web

Mobile Apps Continue to Outpace Mobile Web

By: Vince Kattoula

The internet has come a long way. I remember the days of waiting what seemed like hours for a website to load over the dial-up connection – only to be kicked off moments later because someone had to make a phone call using the landline. Luckily for us, gone are the days of using a landline to connect to the internet. In today’s world, most people use a mobile device to access the internet. In fact, MediaPost reports that mobile will represent 75% of internet traffic next year. This really wasn’t groundbreaking news to me since I’m immersed in the world of mobile every day, but it did get me thinking…

What’s more convenient: mobile apps or mobile web?

Judging by the sheer dominance in the way apps have outpaced mobile web, it’s safe to say people love and prefer the apps on their smartphones and other mobile devices. This is not hard to understand considering apps are easy to use, and they can provide users with instant gratification. Mobile web can sometimes make for a frustrating experience, especially when the website isn’t optimized for mobile. comScore provides us with the visual below to help us understand just how dominant mobile apps are compared to their mobile web counterpart.

So, should your business get an app?

Probably.
Since 2008, competition within the space has increased pretty heavily. So much so, that 63% of app users become inactive within the first 30 days of downloading an app. For this reason, it’s important to keep your customer base engaged. People aren’t always going to check your website for deals and updates, and emails sometimes fall into the spam folder. Mobile apps create an instant connection between your business and your audience. Users who download your app are likely your best customers, and they give your brand a small piece of precious real estate on their device so your message is never more than a tap away – useful to them and your business.
To find out more about how mobile apps can help your business become more lucrative, reach out to us today by emailing us at sales@jacapps.com or by calling 248-353-9030.

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Mobile Apps Mobile Web

Mobile Apps Vs. Mobile Web

Although app and mobile web usage is pretty much neck and neck, app usage seems to be creeping its way ahead.

As of right now, both app and mobile web coexist. There are still a good amount of people who use mobile web, but more and more companies are building custom applications for their brands, and it makes sense to do so. For instance, a custom app can be made compatible for a specific device, or multiple devices while web usage is more compatible on a desktop.

Expedia, a popular travel booking website, has invested in their app products and are using responsive web design which helps them make sure their app can be accessed on any device. This makes the experience a good one for clients.

For more information on mobile apps vs. mobile web, click here.