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apple reality headset

Porting an App to Apple's Headset: Choosing a Reliable Partner

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
May 18, 2023

Learn what are the key technical considerations and necessary skill sets when porting an app to Apple's headset.

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Porting an existing application to Apple Reality Pro opens up new dimensions of user interaction and engagement. But this process has its inherent challenges and demands a deep understanding of XR development. Learn what are the key technical considerations and necessary skill sets when porting an app to Apple's headset.

Technical Considerations in XR Development

The first step to successfully porting an app to the Apple Reality Pro headset is understanding the specific technical considerations involved in XR development.

Device capabilities

The Apple Reality Pro is rumored to ship with unique features like high-resolution OLED 4K screens, eye-tracking technology, and a dozen cameras and sensors. Developers must understand these capabilities to fully utilize the potential of this device in XR projects.

Interaction methods

The device will likely use a unique interaction mechanism involving hand movements and eye direction. Any app ported to this platform needs to be reconfigured to support these input methods.

AR/VR transition

The headset is said to feature a toggle that can smoothly transition between AR and VR modes. Developers need to consider how this transition will impact the user experience and functionality of their apps.

Performance considerations

Given the advanced features of Apple's headset, apps must be optimized to maintain high performance while delivering immersive experiences. This involves a careful balance between graphics and performance.

Sample Workflow: Porting a Design XR Application for Engineers to Apple Reality Pro

Let's consider an engineering design and prototyping app as an example. Here's a step-by-step workflow on how the app can be ported to Apple Reality Pro.

Analyze and plan

Review the current app structure, features, and performance. Identify which aspects can be directly ported and which need to be adapted or rebuilt for the Reality Pro.

Prepare for interaction method shift

Plan for the transition to the Reality Pro's hand movement and eye direction controls. This may involve redesigning the user interface and modifying the interaction logic of the app. Interaction method is critical to the XR application’s use case. For example, precision-demanding tasks in the experience, will most likely work better with a controller than hand gestures.

hand interaction method in VR

Utilize device capabilities

Determine how the app can leverage the device's AR and VR capabilities. For example, the app might present 3D models in AR for a more immersive design experience, or allow users to navigate 3D blueprints in VR.

Optimize performance

Adjust the app to ensure optimal performance on Apple Reality Pro. This includes optimizing 3D models and graphics, managing resources, and ensuring a smooth transition between AR and VR modes.

VR experience example
XR applications have to be adapted to their intended use case to maximize user experience and the device’s capabilities. Source: nomtek
apple reality pro headset in a 3d rendering

How Will Apple Reality Pro Headset Impact Business?

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
May 12, 2023

Exploring how businesses can start creating unfair advantage with the Apple Reality Pro headset.

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Apple’s push toward an immersive mixed reality headset marks a growing trend for tech companies to embrace XR hardware with a view of the future in mind. And while much more hardware sophistication is necessary to create immersive XR glasses that are comfortable to wear for long stretches of time, headsets provide a necessary landmark to give tech companies intel about usage and data for successive iterations based on their IP patents.

Meta, Apple, Snapdragon, Vuzix, are inching ever closer to a future where smartphones are replaced by versatile XR glasses with an intuitive interface and a range of practical use cases. Even though we’re still years away from what can be viably used as a smartphone replacement, businesses can now start thinking about the shift to this new paradigm of interacting with and consuming information to create unfair advantage and cater to early adopters.

Apple Reality Pro Headset: The Lowdown

Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset is set to make a big splash in the market with a suite of software and services that cater to a range of interests, from fitness and collaboration to gaming and entertainment. According to insiders, the headset will debut at WWDC in June with a $3,000 price tag.​​

a sample design for apple's headset
One of Apple’s headset community-made designs. Source: WCCF Tech

Apple is working hard to release a robust set of applications and XR experiences at launch. The company is also focusing on optimizing its existing apps, including Safari, FaceTime, and Apple Books, for the new headset. Additionally, Apple is developing a version of its Fitness+ service that will allow users to exercise while watching an instructor in VR.

The company is also looking to make viewing sports a more immersive experience by offering games from Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball on its TV+ platform. And to further enhance the entertainment experience, the TV app will allow users to watch video in different virtual environments.

a silver blue apple headset design
Another unofficial design. Source: Ian Zelbo

The headset will reportedly feature a dial that will enable users to switch between virtual and augmented reality. When in virtual reality mode, users will be fully immersed in their apps, while AR mode will allow them to see the real world around them.

How Apple’s Headset Could Improve Businesses?

Enhanced communication

Apple Reality Pro could enable more seamless and immersive communication between team members, partners, and customers. For example, remote workers could use Apple Reality Pro to participate in virtual meetings, view shared content, or collaborate on projects in real-time.

Improved customer experiences

With the ability to provide real-time information, virtual overlays, and other immersive experiences, Apple Reality Pro could transform how customers interact with businesses. For example, in the retail industry, Apple Reality Pro could enable customers to try on virtual clothing or view product information in a more engaging way.

Increased productivity

In industries such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, Apple Reality Pro could improve productivity by providing workers with real-time information and virtual assistance. For example, workers could use Apple Reality Pro to view schematics, identify parts, or receive step-by-step instructions for completing tasks.

two man talking over a 3d render of a car engine
Augmented reality assists in engineering. Source: XR Interpreter

New business models

With the ability to provide unique and immersive experiences, Apple Reality Pro could enable businesses to create new revenue streams or business models. For example, entertainment venues could use Apple Reality Pro to provide immersive experiences to visitors, while museums or historical sites could use the technology to provide virtual tours.

Better data visualization

Apple Reality Pro can present data in more engaging, intuitive, and interactive ways. For businesses, this means improved data visualization and, by extension, better-informed decisions. In fields such as finance, logistics, and operations, data-driven insights could be transformed into 3D models or overlays, making complex data sets more comprehensible and accessible, and thus aiding strategic decisions.

Efficient supply chain management

In the logistics sector, Apple Reality Pro could be used for quicker and more accurate inventory management. Warehouse workers could locate and track inventory in real-time using visual cues, which would speed up operations and reduce errors.

woman wearing an apple reality headset

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an Apple Reality Pro App?

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
May 5, 2023

Determining the cost of Apple Reality app development depends on many variables. Let's break down what makes up the price.

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Augmented reality (AR) wearables have been growing ever more sophisticated in recent years, with many tech giants releasing their own devices. Apple, one of the most innovative consumer technology companies, is set to reveal its Apple Reality Pro headset in June 2023. Apple Reality Pro will be the first milestone for Apple into the mixed reality headset world (and one of many on the company's journey toward AR glasses). Let’s explore the steps involved in AR app development and how much it costs to build an Apple Reality Pro application.

What Is the Cost of Building an Apple Reality Pro Application for Meditation?

To give you a rough estimate of the cost of developing an Apple Reality Pro application, we need a sample app to work with. Let’s focus on a fully immersive meditation app built from scratch.

Some project assumptions:

  • An immersive meditation application with biofeedback, audio, progress tracking, and stunning visuals.

The app could feature:

Immersive environments

The AR meditation experience should provide high-quality, customizable 3D environments that can transport users to different calming and inspiring settings. Examples include serene beaches, tranquil forests, or peaceful mountaintops. The level of detail and realism in these environments should be adjustable to suit individual preferences.

Spatial audio

The application should include high-quality, spatial audio to provide an immersive soundscape that complements the visual environment. This may include nature sounds, ambient music, or guided meditations recorded in binaural audio to create a sense of presence and depth.

Guided meditations

It could be beneficial to include guided meditation sessions led by experienced meditation instructors. These sessions should cater to different experience levels and meditation styles, such as mindfulness, loving-kindness, or body-scan meditations.

Personalization

The application should allow users to customize their meditation experience, including the environment, audio, meditation type, session length, and even the voice of the meditation guide.

Adaptive experiences

Incorporate AI-driven features that adapt the meditation experience based on the user's preferences, mood, and progress over time. This could include adjustments to the environment, soundscape, or guided meditation content.

Compatibility

Ensure the application is compatible with various headsets, glasses, and platforms, allowing users to access the meditation experience regardless of their device. With the growing AR ecosystem, this point can be tricky to estimate because every device has a different SDK. There are solutions aiming to patch this, e.g., Snapdragon Spaces™ XR Developer Platform, and giving developers tools to build cross-platform AR experiences, such as StickiesXR built by us in collaboration with Snapdragon.

StickiesXR is an immersive Figma whiteboard for effective collaboration and greater productivity.

Real-time biofeedback

Integrate with biometric sensors (e.g., heart rate, breathing, and skin temperature) to provide real-time feedback on the user's physiological state. This information can help users better understand their stress levels and relaxation progress during meditation sessions.

Social integration

Allow users to share their meditation experiences, join group meditation sessions, or connect with friends for motivation and support. Social integration can also happen organically via social media channels such as Discord, Twitter, or Facebook.

Progress tracking

Offer an easy-to-use dashboard for tracking meditation progress, including session frequency, duration, and improvements in stress levels or focus. This should include visualizations and insights to help users understand their meditation journey.

Accessibility

Designing the application with accessibility in mind, including features such as voice commands, adjustable font sizes, and support for users with visual or hearing impairments. In our internal R&D department, we've built a mobile app for museums that gives people with hearing impairments a better viewing experience.

Heart is an inclusive digital guide that helps deaf people have a rich learning experience. Source: Heart at nomtek labs

Steps to Build an Apple Reality Pro App

Depending on the application type and project stage, the exact steps may vary. The below is a short overview of the steps for AR app development from scratch in a lean and MVP-oriented approach.

  1. Conceptualizing and planning
  2. Designing
  3. Developing
  4. Testing with QA
  5. Launching the MVP
  6. Analyzing the feedback
  7. Iterating and improving
  8. Scaling and expanding

Note: These steps are for an AR app that will be expanded in the future. For event-oriented apps and projects with a short life cycle the path will be somewhat different.

nfc enabled devices and a person

What Are NFC Tags? A Beginner's Guide

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
April 12, 2023

Learn what NFC tags are and how they are used beyond contactless payments.

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The popularity of smart devices has skyrocketed in recent years. And the more powerful smart devices become, the more we can use them to interact with our environment. A seamless user experience for connected living needs efficient solutions to transmit data and trigger events — near-field communication (NFC) is one of the elements that enables devices to connect with each other to exchange data.

What Are NFC Tags?

Near-field communication technology allows two devices to communicate wirelessly. The technology can be embedded in a small tag to facilitate data transfer between nearby mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics. NFC tags are often compared to RFID, but the two are different.

What is RIFD?

The RIFD technology (radio-frequency identification) is the predecessor of NFC. RFID tags are most commonly known from anti-theft systems attached to the more expensive products in stores. RIFD has been successfuly used to track inventory in a variety of sectors and industries, e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, or apparel — wherever there's a need to track items.

What is NFC?

NFC is part RFID (radio-frequency identification) and part Bluetooth. Unlike RFID, NFC tags work in close proximity, giving users more precision. NFC also doesn’t require manual device discovery and synchronization as Bluetooth Low Energy does. The biggest difference between RFID and NFC is the communication method.

RFID tags have only a one-way communication method, meaning an RFID-enabled item sends a signal to an RFID reader.

NFC devices have a one- and two-way communication capability, which gives the NFC technology an upper hand in use cases where transactions are dependent on data from two devices (e.g., card payments). Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Android Pay, and other contactless payment solutions are all powered by the NFC technology.

So in essence, RFID tags are great for inventory tracking and NFC tags work well for enhanced communication.

a diagram showing differences between rifd and nfc
NFC tags are embedded as a smart chip in a physical device. Source: CXJ RFID Factory


How NFC Tags Became Popular?

NFC has been on the technology scene for years — Nokia launched the first NFC-enabled phone in 2006. But this technology only gained momentum in recent years.

market size and popularity of nfc-enabled devices
Growth of NFC as a technology — 2018-2024. Source: BlueBite

NFC popularity soared when companies recognized NFC as a enabler of a contactless future.

Contactless payments registered a 150% increase between March 2019 and June 2020 in the US alone, partially caused by the pandemic. Contactless tech, originally designed to handle small purchases, is now one of the most popular mobile payment methods.

Today, there are more than 2 billion NFC-enabled devices and 20% of the world’s population has access to NFC.

But what is an NFC tag? How does NFC work? What are the advantages of using NFC? Are NFC payments secure? How are businesses using NFC technology?

Let’s look at all these questions and explore some common applications for NFC tech.

people sitting on a couch in a room activated by NFC tags

Beyond Payments: Example Uses for NFC Tags

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
April 4, 2023

Explore how NFC is changing industries. See exciting uses for NFC tags.

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Contactless payments are the gold standard for Near Field Communication (NFC) tags in 2023. A great majority of mobile phone users have made contactless payments in recent years. The use of NFCs for payments is likely to grow as we move toward cashless societies. But there is much more to NFC tags than payments.

Let’s look at how NFC is changing industries by exploring uses for NFC tags.

How Are Industries Adopting NFC in 2023? 

NFC technology has been around for more than a decade, steadily growing in adoption.

NFC solved a major pain point — providing secure contactless payment systems for mobile payment processing. As less digitalized businesses saw the contactless potential, they started looking for new ways to use NFC in their everyday affairs.

NFC is useful even for businesses operating in conventional industries. 

NFC in retail 

The retail sector has been using NFC for contactless mobile payments. But NFC in retail has moved beyond just a payment method. 

Retailers are using NFC tags for sharing product information, offering discounts, in-store marketing campaigns, etc. 

NFC in healthcare 

NFC-based SOS features are now standard on many smartphones. One can scan a smartphone to know the medical history, raise an SOS alarm for a person involved in an accident or in case of an emergency.

Also, NFC tags on sealed medical packages help doctors and caregivers check dosage info and prescriptions using their smartphones. 

NFC in banking and finance

Banks and financial institutions are using NFC beyond payments. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Android Pay, and other NFC-enabled mobile wallets are just the tip of an iceberg in the banking sector.

NFC tags are easily recyclable, reducing the use of non-degradable plastic cards. Many financial institutions are also using NFC tags as keys to lockers and deposit boxes for customers.

NFC in travel

NFC tags can be used to check in at specific locations. To support the customer experience various venues, NFCs are used to embed links to menus or other important information, especially in places and contexts where QR won't work. Imagine visiting a restaurant, tapping your phone on an NFC tag at the entrance, and instantly accessing the menu on your phone without having to touch a physical menu. This technology can be particularly useful for travelers.

NFC in sport activities and events

Because of their utility and NFC tags, work well in sports like orienteering, where athletes can use their smartphones instead of often very expensive equipment and tracking systems to access information about their location, to confirm their presence at control points, or to time their effort. Such use of NFC tags in sport events can be especially useful in places where GPS doesn't work, like in a dense forest.

NFC-assisted escape rooms

NFC technology is effective at activating automation in sequences in escape rooms. For example, an NFC tag can be placed in a certain location, and when the player taps their phone on it, it triggers a mechanism that opens a door or reveals a clue.

NFC for employee control systems

Instead of relying on manual log entries, NFC tags can be used to track the movements of employees such as cleaners or security personnel. The system records when the employee was present in a specific location at a specific time, making it easier to account for employee performance and movement.

Best NFC Use Cases and App Examples 

NFC has been integrated in several mobile apps, especially during COVID-19. Here are some of the best uses of NFC tags in mobile apps: 

NFC-based travel and transportation apps

NFC has reinvented the archaic practices that have been in place for the better part of the last century. The travel, tourism, and transportation industries are rapidly rolling out NFC-based apps and contactless ticketing solutions.

Airlines and airport authorities are experimenting with NFC boarding passes, and public transport systems have shifted to NFC-powered ticketing apps.

Commuters are no longer required to buy a paper ticket to access bus, metro, tram, or other public transport systems. They can use NFC tags embedded in smart cards or smartphones for contactless payments across public transport systems

NFC-powered public transportation systems are operating in several major cities — New Delhi (India), Nice (France), Beijing (China), Seoul (Korea), etc.

Restaurants, bars, and popular tourist spots are also using NFC stickers and tags for information exchange. Hotels are using NFC-based smart locks for keyless entry to rooms. Tourists and customers can use an NFC-powered mobile app to get more info, read reviews, find the best deals, get entry to an area/room, and post reviews. 

NFC-based events and entertainment apps

NFC apps allow venue owners, organizers, and artists to comply with local social distancing mandates, sell tickets, promote contactless payments, and ensure minimal contact. 

NFC simplifies ticket delivery and venue access for locations like theaters and concert halls. People use NFC-enabled devices and smartphones to validate their entry — at sporting events, theme parks, concerts, conferences, or a live show.  

SafeTix by Ticketmaster uses NFC technology to enable people to use their mobile phones as entry tickets. The company is digitizing tickets for big-league sporting events like NFL, concerts for stars like Ed Sheeran, among other events. 

NFC-powered Event Ticket by TicketMaster. Source: SafeTix

NFC-based security and access control apps

NFC tags can streamline access control and security protocols. Companies are using NFC to upgrade their old access management systems. NFC tags can be embedded into mobile phones, wearables, wrist bands, and key chains to identify team members, visitors, and workers within office campuses.

HR teams can use NFC-enabled apps to track work hours and team attendance without being intrusive.

An NFC-based access control system like AEOS by Nedap brings systems, electronic devices, smartphones, and people on the same network. Modern offices can use this solution to facilitate and track movement, provide access to conference rooms, cubicles, or floors.

NFC-based automation apps

NFC tags can automate homes, offices, buildings, and even vehicles with IoT networks. NFC apps can be used to configure device operations, share WiFi passwords securely, and control a computer system remotely.

Businesses can use a blank smart tag and download an NFC app like NFC Tools from Google Play Store or App Store to create gestures. You can easily program NFC tags using the app. Apple AirTags also work like programmable NFC tags. Here’s what all you can automate when you program NFC tags:

  • Activate/deactivate a process/system
  • Streamline autonomous manufacturing operations 
  • Launch an app or open a website URL 
  • Shar sensitive information like social media credentials securely 
  • Open doors and access areas within a building 
  • Send emergency messages (SOS) or call a number 
  • Configure a wireless Internet connection and share WiFi password

NFC tags can also power smart locks and work as a keyless solution to access apartments, cars, and hotel rooms. Many hotels are now using NFC-enabled smart locks as an alternative to plastic keycards. Guests use their own smartphones instead of plastic keycards to unlock hotel rooms. This helps hotels follow safety and hygiene protocols. Plus, hotels ditching plastic keycards for NFC can reduce plastic waste.

NFC enables keyless entry and powers IoT-based automation systems. Source: NewAtlas 

NFC-based wellness and fitness apps 

Wearable tech is heavily dependent on NFC tags for fitness-related information exchange. Fitness apps collect data from wearables and track sleep patterns, calories burnt, heart rate, and other metrics in real-time.

All major fitness bands use NFC as an underlying tech to improve user experience and become a part of daily life.

MI Band NFC with gesture-based workout schedule feature. Source: Android Police

MI Band 4 by Xiaomi supports contactless mobile payments and configurable gestures to create a workout schedule, play music, set an alarm, etc.

NFC has other use cases for fitness and healthcare apps, too. Caregivers can monitor patients’ vitals and ensure a safe delivery of genuine drugs. Prescriptions can also be stored in NFC tags.

Many pharmaceutical companies and institutes have started using NFC-powered smart drug labels that store a medicine’s expiry date, dosage information, authenticity information, etc.

Tapp is a smart medicine strip that stores prescription data, medicine information, and dosage schedule. Caregivers and family members can use the Tapp app to set reminders so that no patient misses medication.

NFC-powered strip that reminds patients to take their medication. Source: Yanko Design


a man bathed in extended reality

Best Practices for Augmented Reality Blended Experiences at Live Events

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
March 27, 2023

With a solid risk management checklist, you can minimize issues and decrease the severity of failures during live XR events with devices.

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When designing live mixed reality events where augmented reality and virtual reality blend to create artistic experiences, many things can go wrong. Hardware can fail, software can glitch, and the ever-present stress is prone to causing human error. And while you can be careful and plan for every contingency, live events that rely on technology are rarely issue-free — something will always go wrong. But with a solid risk management checklist, you can minimize issues and decrease their severity.

We’ve worked out the best practices below during a live event we hosted at Infinity Festival 2022 with our _Yond experience built in six weeks.

One User = One Support Person

We knew that the experience itself required a relaxed but curious state of mind. Technical issues would quickly spoil this mindset. To make sure that a problem was solved quickly, we assigned one support person to each user.

Whenever a tech issue happened or a person simply needed assistance, there was always someone readily available to help. Of course, this is hardly scalable advice for bigger events, but the more tech support people you have at the event, the better the user experience.

Multiple Devices at Hand

Although there were only two people taking part in the experience at any given time, we had four additional devices ready. This was extremely helpful when a device crashed and, instead of rebooting and reconfiguring, we could simply hand the user a “fresh” device with the experience already running. This significantly reduced the potential negative user experience.

To improve the process of device handling, set up a process for arranging the devices in a pre-defined order. Then when users enter the event briefly explain what is what. Have an additional person who checks, restarts, and cleans the devices.

a screenshot of a 3D man working with FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow — Can You Use It in Production?

by
Darren K.
Darren K.
,
March 15, 2023

Learn how FlutterFlow UI builder can be the future of app development in the context of early product validation and gathering user feedback.

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App development has seen a significant shift over the years. Thanks to the rise of cross-platform development frameworks, developers can now create apps for multiple platforms using a single codebase. FlutterFlow UI builder is one of the newest additions to this list of frameworks. Let’s explore what FlutterFlow is, its features, and why it could be the future of app development in the context of early product validation and gathering user feedback.

Memory Lane — How FlutterFlow Came to Be

But first, let's take a trip down memory lane. A few years ago, some Google engineers created a cross-platform app development tool called Flutter that let developers make and run mobile apps for both iOS and Android. The Flutter framework was a big hit because it made the development process faster and more efficient.

Fast forward to today when two former Google engineers decided to venture on their own to create FlutterFlow, which takes the power of Flutter and adds a drag-and-drop interface to make app development even easier. You don't need to be a coding wizard to use FlutterFlow.

Under the Hood — Key Features

Programming language

FlutterFlow uses Dart just like Flutter, but in FlutterFlow the code is organized in such a manner that you don’t need to be a skilled developer to create digital products. Which brings us to the next feature.

Drag and drop

One of the most notable features of FlutterFlow is that it’s a drag-and-drop app builder. The platform has a wide range of templates, pre-built widgets, and integrations to choose from, so you can create a functional and polished app or web application without writing any code.

Boilerplate functions

Boilerplate code are pre-written code snippets that perform common tasks and can be reused across different components of an app. They are the parts of app code that have to be included for the product to work but the code itself doesn’t do any complex jobs. In FlutterFlow, boilerplate code saves time and effort by providing the necessary functionality that can be easily integrated into an app. Boilerplate functions can be accessed and added to an app through the FlutterFlow visual editor.

Source code and APIs

While it is not necessary to have programming knowledge to use FlutterFlow, the platform allows users to access the source code to further customize their apps beyond the visual editor's capabilities. This feature gives more advanced users the flexibility to modify the generated code, add new functionality, and extend their apps' capabilities. There’s API support using the "External API" widget where you can add third-party services like payment gateways or social media platforms.

UI templates and Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)

FlutterFlow also offers pre-built UI templates, such as buttons, forms, and layouts, which further speed up the development process. Push notifications go through Firebase Cloud Messaging. Real-time feedback is where you can see changes made to an application in real-time as they are being made. This means that as a user makes changes to their app, they can see those changes reflected immediately, without having to reload or rebuild the app. By integrating Firebase with your FlutterFlow project, you can use Firebase services to build powerful and scalable mobile and web applications without writing much code.

push notifications built in FlutterFlow
FlutterFlow supports push notifications. Source: FlutterFlow
a portal to virtual reality

How to Build a Mixed Reality Experience in 6 Weeks

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
March 9, 2023

Find out how we created a mixed reality experience that amazed the participants of the 2022 Infinity Festival.

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When our product strategist Kasia got an email from Wendy Posner, little did she know how the following 6 weeks would shake up her day-to-day activities. An invitation for Nomtek to collaborate on the 2022 Infinity Festival in Los Angeles meant recognition for our team’s experience in augmented reality, but then something dawned on Kasia: nothing short of a “wow effect” would do the job, and with only weeks to prepare the experience that meant only one thing. A grind.

What Is Infinity Festival?

Infinity Festival Hollywood is one of the world's most renowned events where Hollywood collaborates with Silicon Valley giants to explore stories with nuanced interaction between tech, art, and life.

Among the 2022 speaker lineup were VR storyteller Elijah Allan-Blitz, the creator of “Remembering,” starring Brie Larson; Head of LA Labs at Epic Games Connie Kennedy; and VP of Lucasfilm Vicki Dobbs Beck, who spearheads immersive storytelling.

Being invited to an event this size and industry impact is an honor and incredible recognition — one that can only be reciprocated by a presentation of similar magnitude.

logo of infinity festival

Yond at Infinity Festival 2022

people on a couch using AR devices to view a 3D dinosaur

Best AR Glasses to Look Out for in 2023 and Beyond

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
February 23, 2023

Check out a curated list of AR glasses and headsets that have the potential to freshen up the market.

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Augmented reality glasses and headsets have come a long way in recent years. While we're still rather far away from AR glasses that would pack great power enclosed in ordinary spectacles, the devices are getting more and more sophisticated. Let's take a closer look at the best AR glasses and headsets currently available, breaking down their key features and capabilities.

By 2028, the AR market is expected to cross $97 billion. With Apple’s rumored AR glasses (headset more likely) slated to launch in 2023, we’re seeing an increased interest in augmented reality glasses by global tech players. The arms race in the AR tech scene is very much on.

What Are AR Glasses?

AR glasses are an electronic device designed like everyday eyewear that adds a layer of digital information to the real world. In short, AR glasses overlay your vision with contextually accurate information such as messages, navigation, heart rate, and other custom data fields that you have set up on your smartphone or watch.

The added layer of visual information serves to induce a feeling of immersion that stretches beyond the real world. That’s why many metaverse pundits believe fully immersive AR glasses are one of the prerequisites for the metaverse to become the new face of the connected world. That said, we're still in the rathery bulky AR headsets era, not lightweight glasses, and even they don't yet deliver that smooth and visually stunning experience users expect.

And while we’re yet to experience true augmented reality smart glasses, over the years, many companies took their jabs at building the technology. Most of those devices rely on HUD (heads-up display) technology that doesn't render a 3D image within your vision but simply displays content on the lens.

But even this approach combined with sleek design can turn AR glasses into functional devices with many business applications.

In fact, Gartner predicts that almost 50% of all field service tasks will be completed using some help from AR remote assistance software solutions by 2025. Industry trends also reflect that there will be 1.73 bn active AR devices by 2024.

Growth in the number of smart AR devices (2019-2024). Source: Statista

Learn more about the differences between augmented reality and virtual reality.

Apple Glasses — The Highly Anticipated AR Device 

The news about Apple releasing AR glasses first surfaced with Apple's acquisition of the AR startup Metaio in 2015. At that time, there were several stories about the patent for the potential Apple Glasses. But the real fun began in 2019-2020 when Apple started discussing it more seriously. 

Apple Glasses became a solid story with the launch of iOS 14, with hints of Project Starboard and rumors of a glassOS

Apple Glasses will look like regular glasses (with a built-in display) that users can control using gestures. The prototype looks like high-end luxury sunglasses with a thick but elegant frame.

rumored Apple Glasses design
Rumored Apple Glasses design. Source: MacRumors

According to a Taiwanese publication, DigiTimes, Apple has already entered the second development phase, but it might take a few more years for the public release. Multiple sources on the internet have floated many rumored details and specs of Apple Glasses: 

  • Comes with plastic or metal frames
  • Truevision display on both lenses 
  • Gesture-controlled commands in sync with Apple Watch 
  • Works on Starboard/RealityOS
  • Option to add prescription lenses

Also, potential features and applications have come to the speculation pool: 

  • Place and interact with virtual object in physical environment using LiDAR and ARKit
  • Complete tasks without touching the phone using App Clips right from the glasses 
  • Secure video and facial recognition for access and control
  • Take immersive phone calls and dab in remote collaboration apps

Initially, and as analyst Jeff Pu claimed, Apple Glasses were to launch in late 2024 alongside Apple’s VR/AR headset. However, Apple Glasses have for the time being been deprived of a release date, and Apple’s VR/AR headset (dubbed Apple Reality Pro) is likely to be released in June.

Tentative release date: unknown

Expected price: unknown

flutter and react native logos in hands

Flutter vs. React Native in 2023 — Detailed Analysis

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
February 21, 2023

Flutter and React Native are two leading tools for cross-platform mobile development. Learn about their differences and the best use cases for each.

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Flutter and React Native are two leading tools for cross platform app development. Learn about their differences and the best use cases for each.

What Is Flutter?

Flutter is a user interface (UI) software development kit released by Google in 2018. Flutter lets you build cross-platform applications for a number of platforms and operating systems.

Will Flutter Overtake React Native? [UPDATED]

As of May 2021, Flutter was getting closer to overtaking React Native in terms of popularity and usage. But let’s look at the stats.

stack overflow survey results 2019
Flutter is almost on par with React Native in the "Most Popular Technology - Other Frameworks" category in the Stack Overflow Survey 2021.

Interestingly, in 2019, Flutter was almost at the bottom of the popularity contest. So the technology is catching up quite nimbly.

Flutter was near the bottom of the popularity list according to developers participating in the Stack Overflow Survey 2019. Source: Stack Overflow Survey 2019

UPDATE, February 2023:

The results of the annual Stack Overflow Survey 2022 are in, and here's a fresh look at the Flutter vs. React Native debate among developers using these technologies in commercial projects and beyond.

In the latest Stack Overflow survey Flutter received slightly more recognition than React Native in the most popular technology category. Source: Stack Overflow

And a look at Google Trends results reveals a fierce battle between the two is still on.

After gaining on React Native for over two years, in April 2020, Flutter became a more frequently searched query globally and continues to be so in 2023 worldwide.

a graph of worldwide Flutter (red) and React Native (blue) popularity trend (2018–2023).
Worldwide Flutter (red) and React Native (blue) popularity trend (2018–2023). Source: Google Trends

And yet, in the US, the battle still goes on and is as fierce as ever, with axes and gunpowder spoiling the air galore, especially when you look at the trend curve starting from January 2021. However, Flutter currently has a slight lead over React Native.

a graph with Flutter (red) and React Native (blue) popularity trend in the US (2018–2023).
United States Flutter (red) and React Native (blue) popularity trend (2018–2023). Source: Google Trends

Statista seemed to confirm the global trend in the Flutter vs. React Native battle in 2020. In the survey made with almost 20,000 respondents, Flutter was going head to head with React Native.

statista results for most popular cross-platfrom development tools
Cross-platform mobile frameworks used by developers worldwide in 2019 and 2020. Source: Statista

UPDATE, July 2021:

The latest research from Statista places Flutter as the leading cross-platform mobile development framework in 2021. Flutter surpasses React Native by 4% (42% for Flutter against 38% for React Native). Still, it's fair to say the two technologies are almost equally popular.

2021 Statista popularity graph for cross-platform mobile development frameworks
Popularity of cross-platform mobile frameworks among developers worldwide from 2019 to 2021. Source: Statista

However, other sources paint a slightly different picture of the overall popularity of Flutter or React Native. Below is a representation of the percent of free mobile apps and games that use a specific engine. Of course, when we take games into account, it's no wonder Flutter and React Native placed lower as they are not exactly the most optimal engines for building games.

a chart with technology engines powering mobile apps and gamesa
Most used engines by mobile app and games developers worldwide (July 2022). Source: Statista

What makes these two technologies so popular? Let's see.

man thinking over a mobile app

Why You Shouldn’t Always Build a Tech Company to Solve User Problems

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
January 30, 2023

Learn why building a technology company might not help you create a solution to user problems.

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Just like Pussy Galore stirred up controversies during the 1964 premiere of James Bond’s Goldfinger, mobile apps galore are plaguing the market. Countless poor products are released annually with millions of dollars wasted on their development.

Because it’s one thing to have an idea and quite another to know how (and if) to bring it to life. In other words, a great idea for an app doesn’t necessarily equal a recipe for a successful business. Because a tech product is much more than just an idea — it’s having a two-year runway, business infrastructure, or tech-oriented mindset, just to name a few. But it’s also the question of how much you need to rely on technology to bring the solution to people. In short, do you really need an app?

Are You a Content Creator or a Technical Person?

With social media platforms turning an average Joe into a content creator, many want to monetize their content creation efforts by releasing a mobile app.

Sure, a mobile app can be a lucrative venture, but there are many variables to consider before going down the mobile app development path.

These variables include:

  • Should you build an app at all? How else can you monetize what you create?
  • Is your app solving a problem by delivering content or giving users a tool to perform an action?
  • Do you have enough runway to manage the team to work and maintain the mobile app?
  • If you have to build an app to solve user problems, in what technology should you build it?

Let’s take a fitness app as an example. Usually, fitness apps are content driven — they are simply a viewer of data.

Content only

An optimal way to monetize content consumption would be to set up a community on Mighty Networks and share your content there. There’s minimum effort involved in this from the technical side.

Primarily content with some functionality

But if you feel that you have a strong following that would appreciate having a mobile app, you should validate this assumption by using one of the no-code tools. No-code mobile app builders help founders put together a working product that can be shipped to users in weeks (even days).

The upside of building with a no-code solution instead of going custom is that you leave a way to extend the app with features that go beyond content consumption (e.g., food tracking).

Functionality first, content later

But, if the problem your target audience is experiencing can only be solved through technology (for example, you’re delivering a complex CRM mobile product for people on the go), the number of variables drastically increases.

Here’s a three-question approach to making a decision how to best go forward with your idea:

  • If your product is content and you want it to stay that way, use Mighty Networks or something similar to deliver the content to your audience effectively at a low cost.
  • If your product is content but you might want to add features to it later, use a no-code tool to build a simple infrastructure that can be extended.
  • If the core of your idea is to create business logic enabled by tech, you most likely need custom development and a solid business plan with financial backing. Most importantly, though, you need considerable technical knowledge to be able to manage the business and its development effectively.

If the third bullet matches your experience, read on to learn how to further validate this assumption and what custom development often entails. And if you can still choose a different path.

a 3d rendering of a front store marketplace

No-Code Marketplace — Building a Marketplace without Code

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
January 19, 2023

Discover how a no-code platform can facilitate the development of a marketplace business.

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No-code tools speed up the development of digital products to a point where you can have a fully operational marketplace app in a matter of days. And while no-code lowers the barrier to entry for non-technical founders to launch their products, the approach comes with a set of pros and cons that have to be factored in early on — in-depth analysis at the start will help you decide how exactly a no-code platform should facilitate the development of a marketplace business.

Benefits of Building an Online Mobile App Marketplace Using No-Code Tools

While the biggest benefit of using no-code to build your shopping platform is simply quickly turning your marketplace idea into a workable product, there are several other benefits to building online marketplace apps using no-code tools:

Reduced development costs

No-code tools can significantly reduce the costs associated with building and launching a marketplace. They decrease the need for custom development, allowing you to build and launch your marketplace at a fraction of the cost.

Faster time-to-market

A marketplace website builder for no-code development allows you to build and launch your marketplace much faster than traditional coding methods. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a short-term focus or need to get your product to market quickly.

a screen of a mobile app built using no-code blocks
By using blocks, you can build the application faster.

Low learning curve

No-code builders have a low learning curve, making them accessible to non-technical founders and individuals. This can be particularly appealing for those who are new to building digital products or have limited technical skills.

User-friendly workflow

No-code development platforms are designed to be user-friendly, with a range of templates, custom elements, and integrations to help you build a functional and professional marketplace.

Drawbacks When Building a Product Using a No-Code Platform

While the no-code approach to online marketplaces offers many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Knowing the limitations of no-code marketplace software builders should be a big chunk of your decision whether to build with little code or opt for custom development.

Scalability limitations

While no-code tools can be a great option for building an MVP or small-scale marketplace, they may not be as scalable as traditional coding methods. This can be a problem if you have ambitious growth plans or need to build a highly complex and customized marketplace. Consider a scenario where your audience matures to a point where they are loyal to your application but to keep them appropriately engaged, you have to develop new marketplace features or introduce new integrations that the no-code builder doesn’t yet offer.

Vendor lock-in

One potential drawback is vendor lock-in. When you build a product using a no-code platform, you are reliant on that platform for updates, maintenance, and support. This can be problematic if the platform decides to change its pricing model, discontinue support for your product, or experience technical issues.

Customization constraints

While no-code tools do offer some level of customization, they may not offer the same level of flexibility and control as traditional coding methods. This can be a problem if you have specific business requirements or need to create a completely customized marketplace.

woman doing online shopping on a smartphone

Different Types of Online Marketplaces

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
January 4, 2023

Read about the different types of marketplaces to find opportunities in the mcommerce industry.

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Knowing the different types of online marketplaces can help you determine how to sell your products and services to find opportunities for innovation. By choosing the right marketplace type, companies can grow business models and discover opportunities.

Types of Mobile Marketplace Apps 

There are millions of marketplace apps out there. From the biggest ones like Amazon to small niche apps that sell customized jewelry or courses, mobile marketplace can be divided into the following categories:

Marketplace app types based on target audience 

B2B marketplace apps

A B2B marketplace app targets business buyers who want to buy from other businesses. A B2B marketplace lists mostly wholesale suppliers and vendors who want to sell their services or products to other business owners, entrepreneurs, and resellers. 

overview of Alibaba mobile app marketplace
Alibaba B2B marketplace has everything for business buyers. Source: AppAdvice

Alibaba is the most successful B2B platform that allows brands to connect with wholesalers in China. Buyers can quickly find the best manufacturers, discuss their requirements, and enjoy order protection while dealing with overseas suppliers.

B2C marketplace apps 

A B2C marketplace connects businesses directly to end customers. A business lists a product or service on a marketplace app (that charges a commission on every successful sale) where buyers discover the product/service and buy directly. 

B2C marketplace apps offer a huge variety to customers making them wildly popular all over the globe. 

Amazon is currently the world’s biggest marketplace with millions of products listed by all kinds of businesses. There are B2C marketplaces other than ecommerce platforms, too. 

teachable a marketplace for courses and coaching
Teachable targets coaches and teachers who want to create and sell digital products. Source: Teachable

Teachable is a great example of a B2C marketplace that sells digital products. Teachable allows teachers, coaches, and gurus to create, promote, and sell their information products like eBooks, courses, etc.

P2P marketplace apps 

A peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace app connects two individuals who want to enter a contract of exchange. For example, a listing platform that allows one user to upload a listing for his old car and another user to connect with the seller directly to buy the car. 

P2P networks and marketplace apps allow a user to become a seller or a buyer at different times according to the need. 

Airbnb, Etsy, Uber, Quikr, and OLX are all types of P2P marketplaces where people list their products, services, or properties for others to buy or rent. 

Upwork powers the skill-based sharing economy via a P2P marketplace. Source. Play Store 

Upwork is a great example of a successful P2P platform where buyers (businesses) and sellers (freelancers) find each other, complete projects, and pay securely.

Marketplace app types based on focus

General or horizontal marketplace apps

A horizontal marketplace app offers products across multiple product or service categories. Think of it as an online shopping mall where you can buy different products under a single roof. A horizontal marketplace app has the following characteristics: 

  • Large group of customers coming from different socio-economic groups and having diverse needs 
  • Wide range of products across multiple categories and industries 
  • Sellers come from different industries and segments to promote their business on the same platform 
  • Cross-selling, upselling, and personalized recommendations can help increase the average order value

Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay are examples of a horizontal marketplace. Customers with different needs browse these platforms to find products that meet their needs.

Niche marketplace apps or vertical marketplaces 

Niche marketplaces are more evolved in terms of users. These marketplaces offer specialized goods or services only in a specific segment or industry. 

Vertical marketplaces work really well in the B2B space by simplifying procurement and operations.

Marble is a B2B vertical marketplace in the grocery space that digitizes grocery procurement for retail stores. Chemnet is a vertical marketplace for businesses in the chemical industry. 

With evolving needs of modern consumers, vertical marketplaces have also conquered the B2C segment. 

specialized B2C marketplaces
The vertical B2C marketplace ecosystem. Source: Applico


Marketplace apps based on supervision

Unmanaged marketplaces

Unmanaged marketplaces are mostly P2P marketplaces where buyers and sellers discover each other.

The marketplace owner often doesn’t provide quality assurance or background checks. Buyers are expected to do due diligence on their own.

Buyers and sellers interact directly on unregulated marketplaces.
Buyers and sellers interact directly on unregulated marketplaces.

Reviews and ratings affect purchase decisions on such platforms. These marketplaces usually charge very little commission or work or freemium model.

Classified listing portals like OLX, Quikr, and eBay are the best examples of unmanaged marketplaces. Anyone can upload their listing to get discovered by the buyer and move ahead with a sale.

Partially managed marketplaces

Service delivery startups or aggregator platforms like Uber, Zomato, GrubHub can be considered as a partially-managed marketplace.

These marketplaces invest time, money, and effort in developing an onboarding process for sellers.

Partially-regulated marketplaces vet users and provide support at all steps.

Marketplace-guided onboarding assures buyers that purchases are supervised to some degree. For example, when you book a ride via Uber, you expect the driver to be well-behaved and trained. Or when you book a stay via Booking, you don’t have to worry about the cleanliness of the room.

These marketplaces give buyers the best of both worlds — a large variety of independent choices, plus customer support to address any complaints or suggestions. 

Fully managed marketplaces

A fully managed marketplace assists both buyers and sellers throughout the entire sales process. Such marketplaces operate in specialty industries where quality matters most.

A managed marketplace acts as an intermediary in a transaction, conducts background checks, and ensures minimal chances of fraud.

Managed marketplaces act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers.

Notch, previously known as ChefHero, is a fully-managed marketplace for the restaurant industry. Notch acts as an aggregator for restaurant owners that assures them of high-quality restaurant supplies by onboarding select vendors and distributors in Canada and the USA.


a marketplace application for shopping

Marketplace App Metrics to Track for Sustained Growth

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
December 28, 2022

Here’s a rundown of the most valuable metrics to track in a marketplace app.

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It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of wanting to track every metric possible of your marketplace app. But aside from filling your head with plenty of numbers, tracking everything won’t give you the insight you need to make better product decisions. Here’s a rundown of the most valuable metrics to track in a marketplace app.

What Are the Key Metrics of a Marketplace?

The key metrics of a marketplace have to give you a whole picture of your app’s performance — both from the financial perspective and product development side.

Measuring marketplaces for goods vs. services

There may be some differences in the metrics for a marketplace app for services versus goods.

For example, a marketplace app for online courses may place more emphasis on metrics such as course enrollment and completion rates. A marketplace app for goods may pay more attention to metrics like the number of transactions and average order value.

What are the 4 types of metrics?

You can split the marketplace metrics into four buckets to keep analytics organized and draw better business insights and learn to recognize patterns.

  • Usage
  • Transactions
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Business

Now let’s go over the four buckets and point out the most important metrics that will help you build a well-performing marketplace.

Usage Metrics

Usage metrics tell you what users do in your application. Mobile analytics help you track the visited screens, the used features, and the amount of time users spend on each screen. These metrics will help you understand how users are using the product.

Usage metrics include:

Active users

This measures the number of unique users who have used the app within a given time, e.g., daily or monthly active users.

Session duration

The average amount of time that users spend using the app during a single session. This metric is especially useful when you combine it with other metrics such as screen views, transactions, or interactions in the app.

Screen views

You can track the number of times a specific screen is viewed by users. This can help you understand which screens are the most popular and which ones may not be receiving as much attention. This way you can introduce changes in the screens (or even eliminate them to streamline the user experience).

Session frequency

This measures the average number of times that a user opens the app over a specific period.

Drop off rate

Drop off rate within a specific step in the funnel can help you eliminate the friction points that decrease conversion rates.

a screen for a custom funnel tracker in UXCam
A screen of a custom funnel tracker in UXCam helps marketplace app owners fix friction points. UXCam
two people using flutter for web development

Create True Cross-Platform Products with Flutter Web Development

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
December 2, 2022

Flutter is an effective way to manage one team that works on a single code base of a product that runs on many devices and platforms.

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Flutter is an effective way to manage one team that works on a single code base of a product that runs on many devices and platforms. Flutter for web development is a great choice for projects where users want to access the product conveniently, via a mobile or desktop app.

Flutter for Web Development in 2022

Stability and maturity

Flutter for web development might not be as mature as Flutter for mobile, it’s good for web development and stable commercially. Flutter web support reached a stable level in March 2021.

Performance

During first app use, there can be some lagging because the app has to be cached. After that, the application loads from the cache and works fast. Final app performance depends on code quality and the size of the application.

What Web Products Can You Build with Flutter

Progressive web apps (PWAs)

PWAs are similar to desktop and native applications. They are lightweight, responsive, and they also behave like ordinary websites. PWAs also work offline and can be installed independently of mobile app aggregators such as Play Store or App Store.

Single page apps (SPAs)

SPAs are a type of a web application that loads one web document that is dynamically updated — websites normally load new pages as the user navigates through them. Because of fast data rendering times, SPAs work well for content-driven products.

a big digital mobile phone with a person standing in front

No-Code Startups — Successful Companies That Started without Coding

by
Łukasz Kincel
Łukasz Kincel
,
November 15, 2022

No-code tools help validate ideas and launch products quickly. Here’s an overview of no-code startups and companies that started without code.

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No-code tools have helped entrepreneurs without programming resources test their ideas and launch products quickly. Wanting to validate solutions fast, companies can use no-code platforms to ease their product into the market for feedback. Here’s an overview of no-code startups and companies that started without code.

No-Code Startups and Companies Built with No-Code Tools

Comet — The “OG” no-code success story 

Launched in 2016 by three roommates, Comet is probably the most successful no-code startup out there. Comet is a freelancing marketplace that attributes its early success to no-code platforms.

comet screenshot of the website
Comet’s homepage. Source: Comet

Being a non-technical founder, Charles Thomas built and launched the core platform quickly. Built entirely in Bubble.io, Comet scaled fast, helping freelancers deliver 300+ projects and register an average MRR of $800k. 

Comet's early success is attributed to the founder’s manually vetting every freelancer profile.

The platform attracted venture capital upward of €14 million within three years of inception. Investors like Kima and Otium Ventures gave seed capital. Over the last five years, Comet helped 1000+ companies hire tech talent. 

  • Founders: Charles Thomas, Joseph, and Valentin 
  • Website: comet.co 
  • Tool used: Bubble
  • Prominent clients: Renault, LVMH, Société Générale, BNP, Payfit, and Allianz
  • Funds raised: €14 million raised in Series A in 2018

Teal — Job search made easy 

Founded by David Fano, Teal helps people get better outcomes from a job search. The platform lets people organize their job hunt activities and find better jobs. 

Teal's founder admits that no-code was in their DNA from the beginning. They used Bubble to launch the platform.

Choosing a no-code platform gave Teal better control over design and helped it iterate faster. Teal started with Bubble for the main product, then used Typeform for surveys and Airtable for database management — connecting everything using Zapier. Webflow was used for the website.

The founder says that traditional mockups are a great solution, but they don't help validate if there’s demand for a product. A no-code MVP lets companies speed up development, test rapidly, and iterate quickly to find a product-market fit. 

Teal has raised over $11 million from investors and continues to improve the platform with a small team. No-code helped the company refine the product and focus on better helping people achieve the most out of their career journey. 

  • Founder: David Fano 
  • Website: tealhq.com
  • Tool used: Bubble.io, Webflow, Airtable, Zapier, HubSpot. 
  • Funds raised: $11 million from City Light Capital, Flybridge Capital, Oceans, Human Ventures, and many more.

Scribly.io — A no-code content service

Good content can drive demand galore to a business. Scribly helps companies with content needs through a service facilitated by a no-code website.

example screenshot of Scribly websi
Scribly’s landing page was built using Webflow. Source: Scribly

Started by Dani Bell, a British freelancer, Scribly was built entirely using no-code tools. Interestingly, Scribly started out because of her need to productize her content marketing services.

Scribly was built in 6-8 weeks and registered an MRR of $30K within a year.

When asked about her journey, the founder stated that she was amazed at how quickly and affordably one can build something using no-code technologies. She also revealed that she didn't want a no-code business but was looking to patch some solutions to improve her productivity.

Scribly's success with no-code stems from the founder's understanding of the market's pain points. A clear goal is essential to building a useful solution. Indeed, no-code startups that are successful first focus on the problem and then try to solve it with technology.

Dani Bell used Webflow for the website, Airtable for database management, and Zapier to connect different systems. The workflow is pretty simple but highly effective.

  • Founder: Dani Bell 
  • Website: scribly.io
  • Tool used: Webflow, Airtable, Zapier 
  • Notable achievements: Functional product in 6-8 weeks and $30K MRR within a year.

Qoins — A financial app for getting out of debt 

Qoins help people pay their debt faster. The company provides financial coaching, tips, and round-off payments for automating debt repayment using a mobile app.

Qoins app was built in Bubble. According to the founders, Bubble let them build a seamless product quickly that would otherwise need a big team to launch and maintain.

a screenshot of Qoins a mobile app built without a single line of code
Version 1 built in Bubble. Source: Qoins

Over the last four years, Qoins has helped people pay over $30 million in debt. They also won the Fintech Innovation Award Challenge — the biggest award for fintech companies in the United States. The company has raised a total of $2.3 million since it started.

  • Founders: Nate Washington Jr. and Christian Zimmerman
  • Website: qoins.com/ 
  • Tool used: Bubble.io 
  • Funds Raised: Raised $2.3m funding in total to date
  • Notable achievements: Won Fintech Innovation Award Challenge

Flexiple — A freelance hiring platform

Flexiple is a popular Toptal alternative that helps companies hire pre-vetted freelancers. Flexiple generates $3 million in revenue, and the company is built using a no-code stack that costs them just $60 per month.

In a theoretically competitive space of freelance hiring platforms, the key to success was a simple business model, core focus on organic growth, and frugal innovation.

It took Flexiple four years to reach $1 million in annual revenue, during which they tested various models. Since then, Flexiple’s been growing at 25% month-on-month.

Flexiple’s no-code tech stack is Unicorn Platform, Airtable, Bubble, and Webflow. According to the blog on one of Flexiple’s side projects, Buildd, the company:

  • Built 100+ subpages on Unicorn Platform
  • Launched side projects like Scale and Founder Origin Stories on Webflow
  • Manage dynamic flows using Zapier or Integromat
  • Built internal tools for business management using Bubble, which helps them save 160 hours every month

Flexiple's founder, Karthik Sridharan, regularly shares nuggets about the power of no-code in building a startup on his Twitter.

Bloom Institute of Technology — Accessible education for everyone 

Bloom Institute of Technology, formerly known as Lambda School, fixes broken education systems.

The platform lets students attend college-level programs, learn a new skill, and land a job without paying any upfront tuition fee. Bloom relies on the Income Share Agreement model, where a student can pay back tuition after securing a job.

The ingenious model helped the company raise $4 million in seed funding (and $122 million overall), all for a solution built using a no-code platform. Bloom used Typeform, Airtable, Retool, and Webflow to develop and launch an MVP for 3,000 users.

No-code helped it launch a functional platform without writing code or programming skills. The team at Bloom introduced automation, got their idea off the ground, and caught the attention of investors and students.

  • Founders: Austen Allred and Ben Nelson
  • Website: bloomtech.com 
  • No-code tools used: Webflow, Typeform, Airtable, and Zapier 
  • Funds raised: $122 million

Dividend Finance — A renewable energy and home improvement financing platform

Dividend Finance is another no-code success story that has transformed an entire industry. Dividend Finance helps homeowners secure financing for home improvements and add renewable energy solutions to their homes.

Dividend screenshot, one of the many success stories for no-code programming
Dividend Finance homepage. Source: DividendFinance

Dividend Finance provides a simple onboarding experience for loan applications that removes obstacles and red-tapism, especially for individual customers.

The platform used Bubble to launch the no-code MVP and managed to process more than $1 billion in sales over the years. Dividend Finance attracted investments of over $384 million from Credit Suisse and LL funds, and also the company won several awards in the fintech industry.

LetterHunt — A newsletter directory 

If you are looking to build a directory app using no-code, LetterHunt can be a great inspiration. LetterHunt helps marketers, readers, and founders discover niche newsletters. Built using Softr, LetterHunt hosts information about 10,000+ newsletters across 20+ categories.

a screenshot of letterhunt app
LetterHunt newsletter directory with multiple categories. Source: Softr

LetterHunt received a great response from the online community and became the #1 Product of the Day and Week on ProductHunt.

  • Founders: Akhil BVS and Madan Rawtani 
  • Website: letterhunt.co
  • Tool used: Softr
  • Revenue: $4,000 in just 2 months
  • Notable achievements: #1 Product of the Week on ProductHunt

Princeton Concession — A stadium food delivery app 

Princeton Concession is a limited-area food delivery app lets users order refreshments and snacks at Princeton Stadium, New Jersey. The app, built using Glide, helps avoid long wait times and queues at food stalls in the stadium.

Princeton Concession delivery app. Source: Glide Apps

Crowd management is a serious issue at concerts and sporting events. A food delivery app built on a simple no-code architecture for a limited geographical area is a great solution to modernize the food ordering experience.

  • Made for: Princeton Stadium, New Jersey
  • No-code platform used: Glide Apps
  • App link: Princeton Concession

Chara — An on-demand healthcare app 

Chara is a holistic health and wellness company that helps achieve a balance between mind, body, and soul. The Chara app that lets you book sessions with expert therapists, health coaches, and alternative health specialists.

Built by Dylan Terrill using Adalo, the app connects you to top-rated practitioners for sleep, skin, gut health, mental health, nutrition, and general health issues. You can use the app to book a physical session or video chat with an expert.

screenshot of the mobile app Chara
Chara mobile app interface. Source: Adalo

The user-friendly interface and minimalist design crafted using a no-code app builder help users find answers to their healthcare issues faster. 

  • Maker: Dylan Terrill 
  • Website: charahealth.com
  • Tool used: Adalo
  • Available on: iOS and Android

Aqarat — A real-estate listing app

Aqarat is a real-estate listing app designed for the Middle East and African markets. Available in English and Arabic, the mobile app was built using Adalo.

The app helps users find residential and commercial properties for sale or rent in a region. With features like location filter, search, and customizable listing, the mobile app is great for people looking for a property to buy, sell, or rent.

According to the maker, no-code eased the development process and helped quickly launch the MVP.

  • Founder: Mohamed Mudathir
  • Tool used: Adalo
a 3d laptop with wheels and cogs

How to Validate Ideas Faster with No-Code MVP

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
November 2, 2022

Launching an MVP is an efficient way to ease a product into the market to gauge feedback. You can build a no-code MVP in days instead of weeks.

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A minimum viable product (MVP) is a cost-efficient approach that lets you validate ideas quickly. By using no-code and low-code you can build an MVP in a matter of days. No-code tools help you check if a product solves user problems and learn how to refine your solution.

What Is a No-Code MVP?

A minimum viable product can have many forms. The key of every approach is to start providing value for the user as soon as possible.

That said, in the world of mobile app development, a no-code MVP is one of the swiftest methods to validate ideas using technology, at a low cost.

Building a no-code MVP means using a platform that lets you put together a mobile application without having to write code. Because the learning curve is significantly lower compared to custom development, a no-code MVP can be released within two weeks.

In Bravo, one of many no-code platforms out there, you use designs from Figma that are then turned into mobile app screens. In that way, Bravo simplifies the frontend development of your mobile product — you still need logic (the backend). You can use many integrations available inside the tool (e.g., Airtable) to configure the backend that does the thinking behind the screens.

“No-code platforms let businesses build native apps for iOS and Android. After familiarizing yourself with tutorials and documentation, you can build the app, sign it, and publish it all on your own without ever needing developers. If I was to estimate, it should take two to three days of learning to start building a product in Bravo,” says Adam Zawiślak, Product Manager at Nomtek.

What Can I Build with a No-Code Tool?

The possibilities of no code platforms have developed incredibly in recent years. 

Just two years ago, it was common for no-code tools to have scalability limitations, forcing companies who chose them to move to custom development after initial validation to accommodate the need for feature extensions. That said, currently there are many successful products that were built entirely using no-code tools — and they’re operating as complete businesses.

Here are some examples of apps you can build using no-code tools:

  • Photo editing (including AI touchups)
  • Gradebooks
  • Booking
  • News feeds
  • Translators
  • Loyalty card management
  • Finance management

The list is incomplete and the pool of apps you can build using no-code tools is constantly expanding, along with the sophistication of no-code tools. But even though you can create an increasing number of app types with low-code tools, there are still some limitations to keep in mind if you plan a long-term support cycle for your app or simply want to introduce more features.

pieces of a mobile app in the making

Hire Flutter Developers for a Successful Product Release

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
October 13, 2022

Flutter is one of the most popular cross-platform frameworks, but there’s a limited pool of experienced developers. Learn how to hire the right developers.

Read more

Find out where to find seasoned Flutter developers and how to include them in your next mobile app project.

What to Consider When Hiring Flutter Developers?

Native mobile development experience

Developers without native mobile app development might have gaps in knowledge that can lead to lengthened problem-solving. This can generate more costs and uncertainty if a solution picked by the developer is actually the most effective one. Developers with 3+ years of experience in native app development have a greater understanding of mobile environments and best practices. This helps them find the most optimal solution faster.

Cross-platform experience

For small projects that require only one developer, it’s great to find someone experienced in developing for two platforms: iOS and Android. This way, you’ll be able to release your product for two platforms and have certainty that the developer is familiar with the differences and requirements present on both platforms.

Drive to learn

Flutter is a dynamic technology that’s constantly evolving — you have to follow the news and upgrades to know which solutions work best for specific use cases. That’s why when talking to developers about your project gauge their eagerness and interest in the technology. Flutter is relatively young: not every use case has been explored. Also, while Flutter can be used for web development, there aren't that many libraries available for out-of-the-box integrations.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Flutter App Developer?

It seems like a no-brainer, but experience in native development is hugely important when considering Flutter developers. The development is rarely straightforward — there are always problems of varying complexity bound to crop up. Different issues can surface when inexperienced Flutter developers work on the project.

Here are just some of the possible scenarios:

  • New product launch
  • Additional maintenance
  • Rebuilding the existing software
  • Native app into a cross-platform
  • Web into mobile (or mobile into web)

All these scenarios have edge cases that require experience to implement well. For example, during a new product launch, it might be wiser to hire a team that consists of a designer, developer, and product manager to validate an idea (by using no-code discovery) before jumping straight into development. That way, you can minimize the risk of spending money on a solution that doesn’t have a problem among your target audience.

people building a 3D asset

How to Build Sticky Products in Flutter

by
Maja Nowak
Maja Nowak
,
October 11, 2022

How can technologies such as Flutter help maintain an optimal ratio of business viability to customer satisfaction?

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Ever get a panicked “where’s my phone” moment? Well, the average American checks their smartphone every 10-12 minutes and spends over five hours a day browsing apps. Sure, that’s a huge business opportunity. But if you consider that phone-related anxiety can turn to nomophobia (i.e., “a fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity”), digital addiction is no longer an opportunity but a threat. So the real question is, if mobile products were developed ethically — with a balanced consideration for the business and the user — could the digital landscape turn from worrisome to enabling?

And how can technologies such as Flutter help maintain an optimal ratio of business viability to customer satisfaction?

Sticky Products that Build Good Habits

A lot of the information we consume on mobile apps has a negative effect on our self-esteem, creating an illusion about perfect routines, shredded silhouettes, or lavish meals. Social media apps in particular have a documented impact on our mental health, especially among youth.

But there’s another, positive, part of the story — positive habit-building mobile experiences. These are apps that help us manage our time better, learn new skills, or simply keep tabs on our fitness and training progress. They bring together like-minded people into communities.

If digital products have such mutually exclusive results on mental health, how can founders design their products so that they help form healthy habits without causing addiction? Does technology have any say in that?

Creating Digital Products That Are Profitable and Empowering

At nomtek, we believe that the key to building successful digital products is to take an honest approach to development. This means we don't just push a product out the door without carefully considering whether it’s truly needed by the target audience.

Instead, we experiment, validate, and discuss market changes to ensure that the product will solve a real problem for the target audience. This allows us to create products that are useful and effective, with a strong appeal to the people who will be using them.

Exploring product opportunities with ongoing discovery

Teresa Torres' Continuous Discovery Habits is a framework that can help businesses explore product opportunities and validate their ideas. The framework treats product development as an ongoing process, where businesses should be constantly experimenting, learning, and adapting in order to create successful products.

The Continuous Discovery Habits framework consists of six key habits:

  1. Observing customers and their behaviors in order to gain insights into their needs and preferences.
  2. Asking questions and gathering feedback from customers in order to better understand their needs and validate your assumptions.
  3. Trying out new ideas and solutions in a low-risk and low-cost way in order to test their feasibility and effectiveness.
  4. Reflecting on your experiences and learnings to continually improve and refine your product.
  5. Communicating openly and transparently with customers, stakeholders, and team members to build trust and alignment.
  6. Prioritize: Prioritize your efforts and resources based on the insights and learnings you have gained in order to focus on the most valuable opportunities.

By following these habits, businesses can use the continuous discovery framework to explore product opportunities and validate ideas in a systematic and effective way.

A depiction of an opportunity solution tree.
Opportunity solution tree make it easier for teams to map out the path to a desired outcome. Source: Product Talk

Ongoing discovery habits yield the best insights in cross-functional teams. Teresa Torres proposes a product trio consisting of a designer, developer, and product manager. Each contributes their expertise, filling gaps and generating compounding discovery benefits.

Network effects for improved product stickiness

Network effects are a powerful tool that can be used to build products that resonate with users. Network effects leverage relationships between users, allowing new users to benefit from the network that already exists. By creating network effects within an app, as it grows in popularity, each user gains more value as more relationships are formed and connected. This trend has become increasingly important for businesses and developers looking to create engaging and successful digital products over the last few years.

The key to reaping benefits from network effects is building products customers want — for this to happen, ongoing discovery and an almost intimate knowledge of customer needs are necessary.

two people working on a 3d mobile app in flutter

Improve Business Outcomes with Flutter App Development Services

by
Paulina Nowicka
Paulina Nowicka
,
October 3, 2022

To fully leverage the power of cross-platform Flutter development services, the key is to approach the project in a structured yet agile way.

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Flutter helps you create pixel-perfect digital products that run on multiple platforms from one codebase. To fully leverage the power of cross-platform Flutter development services, the key is to approach the project in a structured yet agile way — positive business outcomes can happen faster when you make decisions supported by data.

Overview of Flutter Product Development Steps

While the product development cadence for Flutter is similar to that of other cross-platform mobile frameworks, Flutter’s flexibility lets developers improve efficiency during all stages of product creation. The code can be reused across platforms to make development and maintenance easier.

Strategy and idea validation

A product strategy helps ensure that the mobile app meets customer needs and is viable in the market. The validation process includes market research, user feedback, and competitor analysis. The results of the validation process will guide the development process. If the product should be available to audiences on different platforms and devices, picking Flutter as the frontend technology will help lower development costs: You can build Flutter apps for mobile, web, and desktop.

Product design workshops

Product design workshops let the team collaborate and discuss product requirements, user experience, and design elements. Workshops help ensure that the product’s UX and UI resonate with target audiences and meet the goals of the project.

During this exploratory part of the project, the team brainstorms to create people-centered designs. The team creates a roadmap for the product and discusses any potential problems that may arise. The workshops also help align stakeholders on the product vision.

overview of app screens
People-centered design is key to building sticky apps. Source: nomtek

Development services

Flutter lets developers create truly stunning digital products. The SDK has a set of customizable widgets and built-in animation support, which make it easy to create beautiful, fast, and responsive user interfaces. Flutter also has a hot reload feature that lets developers see the changes they make to their code in real time, which speeds up developments. A built-in robust testing framework for writing and running unit and integration tests improves the QA process.

But to develop great user experiences in Flutter across all platforms (iOS, Android, and desktop) the Flutter app development company should have native app development skills. This way, the app will have a familiar feel. Each mobile platform (be it iOS or Android) has its own unique set of characteristics and requirements, and using native development techniques ensures that an app will be able to take advantage of the full capabilities of the platform. Experience in developing native apps is crucial.

Product management

Skilled product managers navigate the product backlog through the availability of resources to meet the deadline and budget requirements. Flutter helps product managers communicate better because there’s only one team for the whole product regardless of the platform.

Fewer meetings mean more time for quality development work and the discovery of opportunities.

Quality and assurance

The quality assurance process for Flutter development is similar to that of other mobile app development frameworks. It involves testing the app to ensure that it is functional, reliable, and user-friendly. Testing for performance, usability, or UX lets developers identify any issues and make improvements before the app is released.

Support and maintenance

Support and maintenance services are essential for ensuring the success of a product. Ongoing support and maintenance ensure the product continues to function properly and provides a good user experience.

When providing app maintenance services, it's important to consider the following:

Engagement model

Different businesses have different needs when it comes to support and maintenance services. It's important to choose an engagement model that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Some common engagement models for support and maintenance services include managed services, where the service provider manages all aspects of the support and maintenance process; and a support-only model, where the service provider provides support and assistance but does not manage the entire process.

Availability and uptime

One of the key goals of support and maintenance services is to ensure that your product is always available and functioning properly. This can improve customer satisfaction and drive business growth. When choosing a service provider, it's important to consider their availability and uptime guarantees, as well as their track record of meeting these guarantees.

Dedicated Flutter App Development Services

Flutter app migration from other tech stacks

Flutter can make it easier to manage a team and ship features compared to native app development and many other cross-platform app development technologies. It’s a cost-effective long-term strategy for products intended to be maintained for years. Still, keep in mind that migration is a big endeavor, so before deciding to migrate to Flutter, consider the following:

Compatibility — Is the technology you’re migrating to compatible with the features and functionalities of your existing app? How much effort would it take to write them? Can the technology meet your future scalability and extensibility needs?

Cost — Migrating an app to a new technology can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it's important to weigh the costs and benefits of the migration, in the short and long term.

Support — Will you have the support and resources available for the technology you are migrating to? Is the technology well-established and widely used, with a strong community and robust documentation and support resources? Are skilled developers readily available on the market?

Flutter app upgrades

Upgrading an app to the latest version of Flutter can provide many benefits, including enhanced business continuity, security upgrades, and improved performance. New Flutter releases also come with new features and improvements. To ensure the upgrade doesn’t cause regression or generate bugs, a team should review the app's code to check for potential compatibility issues.

Flutter product consulting services

Flutter product consultants help businesses determine how this cross-platform technology can support business objectives. Working closely with experts, businesses can improve their time-to-market, customer engagement, and business outcomes. With a customized approach to development, product consultants analyze data and conduct experiments to help companies get the most out of their investment in Flutter-based digital products and find opportunities within the target audience’s needs.

Flutter architecture setup

Architecture refers to the overall design and structure of a mobile application. It includes the high-level components and modules of the app, as well as the relationships and interactions between those components. A well-designed architecture is important for several reasons:

Maintainability — A good architecture makes it easier to maintain and update the app over time. This reduces maintenance costs and effort.

Scalability — A well-designed architecture can be scaled efficiently without excessive costs.

Performance — Architecture plays a key part in ensuring a close to native performance of the Flutter application.

Extensibility — A proper mobile app architecture lets developers add features to the app faster with little overhead.

Understanding Flutter’s architecture is another element that helps build the mobile apps architecture with best practices in mind.

flutter architecture
Flutter’s architecture. Source: Flutter

Continuous integration (CI)

Continuous integration (CI) is a mobile application development practice where Flutter app developers regularly integrate their code changes into a shared code repository. Automated tools build, test, and validate the changes. Using continuous integration in mobile app development can provide several benefits, including:

Improved code quality — By regularly integrating code changes and running automated tests, developers decrease the likelihood of bugs and other issues, for example, those that affect performance.

Faster feedback — By implementing changes to the code daily, the team can get faster feedback to identify and resolve issues.

Better collaboration — Continuous integration improves collaboration among developers by making it easier to share and integrate code changes.