Comparing the Widows Mobile and Android Develpment Platform

Mobile Development Platforms Comparison

Introduction

Software giants, like Google are disrupting the otherwise safe and established players in the mobile application development business. Newcomers like Android have led to significant structural changes on the future of mobile application development by imposing their rules. This changed environment not only brings additional opportunities, but also adds certain constraints. Developers today, need to assess their options and find out how they can benefit from this changed environment.

While mobile computing has caught the attention of application developers, there has been very little work done to examine the programming ease of these technologies. Here we will take a look at two of the most widely available mobile development environments - Android and Windows Mobile and explore and assess these options from a developer's perspective.

Android

Android was released by Google in 2007, as an open source platform for mobile software development for smartphones. The Android platform was released as part of the Open Handset Alliance. The primary aim of this alliance was to set up open standards for smartphones. Android is basically a Linux based, open source operating system for mobiles. As a mobile operating system it allows developers to create managed codes in Java, by using Java libraries developed by Google. Not only does Android provide a mobile operating system including a development environment, it also offers a custom virtual machine known as the Dalvik Virtual Machine for running applications as well as acts as the middleware in between the operating system and the code. When it comes to application development, Android facilitates the usage of 2D as well as 3D graphic libraries, advanced network capabilities such as 3G, Edge and WLAN and a customized SQL engine for continual storage.

Windows Mobile

Developed by Microsoft, the Window Mobile is an operating system for mobile devices. Based on the Microsoft Windows CE 5.0, Windows Mobile is used as an operating system on many smartphones, PDAs and touch screen devices. Windows Mobile facilitates the creation of custom written applications in managed as well as native codes. The Application Programming Interface (API) in Windows Mobile is extensible and has rich features along with a programmable layer. Besides that Windows Mobile also takes advantage of the capabilities provided by Microsoft.Net environment.

We will compare these platforms and closely examine their strengths and weaknesses. The platforms will be compared on the basis of implementation and performance aspects as well as developer support. We have chosen these criteria for the comparison as they represent the most important aspects when it comes to mobile software developers.

Implementation

We will use persistent storage as the basis for comparing the implementation aspect. The technology used for persistent storage in mobile technology varies between various mobile development environments. Both Windows Mobile and Android have the ability to use an on-device database which facilitates easier manipulation as well as extraction of data. Also, as far as local file storage is concerned both environments support memory cards for additional storage space. However, the difference lies in the way the storage space is exploited. While Android cannot install applications on memory cards, Windows Mobile allows it. Both Android and Windows Mobile platforms have a relational database. Also, in both the platforms the libraries have quite a few useful persistence features. Once the libraries have been initialized, access to database is available via an object oriented interface which can be easily accessed by developers.

Performance

Performance figures are important for both users as well as developers. The performance comparison of the two platforms will be carried out based on the file size. The basic purpose of measuring file size is to get a better idea of the configuration as well as the run time dependencies that are included in packaged applications.

Android applications come packaged in apk (Android Package) files. The .APK file generally has a group of .DEX (Android program files) files, which operate like a single application file for usage within the Android platform. The .APK file is basically the compressed version of the contents in the 'Androidmanifest.xml' file.

Windows Mobile applications make use of cab-files for application packaging and deployment. The first step while making a distributable file, involves packaging the application in a CAB (Cabinet) file. This CAB file can be deployed to other devices where it can be expanded and installed. A CAB file is basically an executable archive which contains the application, resources, dependencies like DLLs and other resource files.

A comparative study of mobile development environments was conducted by Tom Morten Gronli, Jarle Hansen and Gheorghita Ghinea, of Brunel University, London. In this comparative study, a demo example application was created in both the Windows Mobile and Android development platforms to better illustrate the deployment file size for each application. The demo example application was a simple program which printed a line of text on the screen. The result from the code example was as follows:

The deployment size of the demo application in the Windows Mobile environment was 2.8 KB.

The deployment size of the demo application in the Android environment was 9.3 KB.

The file sizes as denoted were without any obfuscator or shrinker software. This is the type of file that an end user would either download or get shipped and then installed on his/her device. As can be seen from above, the demo application in Windows Mobile had a file size of 2.8 KB while Android was approximately three times the size at 9.3 KB. This serves as an indication of the total amount of configuration files and runtime dependencies which must be bundled along with each of the client applications. When it comes to the number of lines of code, Windows Mobile required only 11 lines whereas Android needed 28.

Developer Support Comparison

Developer support is a highly important aspect when it comes to gaining speed as well as quality during the development process. While both mobile development platforms do have similarities, there are some unique differences in developer support. The differences become clearer when we take the integrated developer environment (IDE) and the tooling into consideration.

The only choice for development in Windows Mobile is Visual Studio, which is again developed by Microsoft. With Visual Studio, Windows Mobile needs Microsoft backing before it can implement and ship new features in the IDE. The community can only make suggestions but doesn't have any direct influence. However, there is a positive side as consistency is assured. Also, the quality approval process implemented by Microsoft while shipping new products will assure quality.

On the other hand, there are several tooling options for Android, with quite a few IDEs. Android has open source communities who contribute to IDE development by providing as well as assuring quality of plugin functionalities for software. However, the multiple IDE environment can be quite a challenge for maintaining consistency and quality assurance. Consistency becomes a challenge as extension features may be available for only some of the competing IDEs. Quality assurance becomes a major challenge as development carried out by the community is not governed by a common standard for quality required prior to making the new integrated developer environment feature available. Quality assurance of the delivered code is essential for delivering fully functional products. These two factors can potentially make code and application portability between environments impossible.

One of the differences between the Android and the Windows Mobile development platforms as far as developer support and quality assurance is concerned becomes more apparent in the testing environment. Let us take a closer look at this during unit testing of both development platforms.

Unit testing is basically a quality assurance and validation tool for testing small parts of a computer or mobile applications. The aim is to have each section isolated and tested separately. This will help to isolate and assure the quality of the different units of the application.

Unit testing for Android is considerably straightforward as the API uses the JUnit test framework. The JUnit framework enforces hierarchical organization of the various test units which is a major advantage. Besides that, the JUnit pattern ensures independence of the test units as well as minimizes interference. This is done by first creating and then destroying the recently created test environment, before and after each test method is run. Android even takes JUnit a step further by allowing on device testing of the code. Here the test libraries are incorporated as part of the Android's standard libraries.

However, there's one challenge with Android's on device testing as compared to Windows Mobile is the results' readability. Android's on device tests don't have a user interface which can display the test's results. In order to view results of the test, a handler which deals with callbacks from Android's test runner has to be implemented.

Windows Mobile on the other hand exhibits a high degree of readability and visibility, while the Android platform is a bit hard to use when it comes to efficiency. The difficulty with Android is the lack of feedback, which is issued automatically through visual tools in the integrated development environment in Windows Mobile.

Windows Mobile implements a version of the xUnit framework. The code for test classes is kept in a separate project, though it still stays inside one solution in the IDE. Like Android, Windows Mobile's xUnit testing also allows on device testing. The biggest difference here, as mentioned earlier, is its test feedback. Windows Mobile has a more comprehensive user interface which offers feedback based on each test run. This makes it easier for developers to better understand which test succeeded and why a particular test failed.

Debugging support is also important for application development as it is a real time step by step code execution, which can help find and fix bugs. The debugging process will be dependent on the integrated development environment to perform its task. Both Windows Mobile and Android platforms support step by step debugging. Besides that, both platforms also include an on device debugging feature that lets an application run on a mobile device while debugging runs in the IDE.

Conclusion

Both Android and Windows Mobile have the advantage of being closely integrated with the mobile phone's operating system. This is what results in great integration between the mobile device and the development environment. The primary strength of Windows Mobile is in its close connection with Microsoft, as a sole vendor. This ensures the stability of the development environment as well as high quality assurance when it comes to features enabled for application developers. Android on the other hand, has brought an interesting way of distributing apps through the Android market. As the Windows Mobile development platform is a product from Microsoft, it is Visual Studio based. Visual Studio also relies on the Windows operating system, so you don't have any choice here. For Android on the other hand, Google offers the Eclipse plugin. Developers are not locked into Eclipse as both IntelliJ IDEA and Netbeans provide developer support. This means that developers are free to choose the IDE and operating system they want. Development ease in various areas will have a major influence on the choice of the mobile development platform for creating assistive environment applications.

How A Mobile-Compatible Website Helps You "Be Everywhere"

The emerging mobile innovation today causes advanced mobile phones like the mobile phones, tablets and laptop computers that are flexible and portable for both house and company. A growing number of customers are participating in more than among these innovative devices and devices daily to browse the Web and carry out online deals from anywhere they might be.

Google is likewise updating its internet search engine to be mobile inclined with the very same strict demands on sites to be accorded greater SERPs. Such online needs have actually created some craze among web companies in a rush to upgrade or update their sites to be mobile friendly in order to win more clients and Google's favor in greater websites rankings.

A shift in focus is now being experienced online by companies that wish to remain appropriate in the marketplace. This is turning on a mobile transformation where much better company returns originate from well created mobile friendly web company websites.

Emergence of Mobile Revolution

Mobile innovation takes place to be at the doorstep without much notification. Advanced mobile phones began emerging to draw in customers far and near in addition to old and young. Mobile phones emerge in numerous designs with elegant interaction functions and vibrant apps for online activities.

This is because of the fast mobile innovation advancement with a growing number of mobile users having their mobile phones around them 24/7. The digital world is presently affected with a strength that is never ever experienced prior to where enormous web traffic is now possible and accommodated on the Web and by means of mobile phones.

Mobile phones and iPhones are now affecting customers with vibrant mobile apps that permit fast Web access all the time making use of flexible information strategies and vibrant network company.

Companies today are recognizing the significance to have mobile friendly sites as more mobile users are "all over" to be possible leads that would benefit their profits through strategic marketing methods. They would have to welcome a mobile friendly or mobile suitable site to remain appropriate in today's quick altering market patterns.

Embracing a Mobile Friendly Site

Companies today recognize that a mobile friendly or mobile suitable site is an effective marketing platform that makes it possible for business brand and services or items to be all over in the market. It would be easily accessed by web customers at anytime from anywhere at their benefit as customer habits modifications all the time.

A mobile suitable web company website has the ability to develop company reliability and consumer relationships with a fantastic chance to develop market authority in the particular market. More traffic might be produced and directed to the web company website to protect prospective leads that improve company branding and results.

Mobile innovation offers a host of vibrant devices to create a mobile-compatibility site quickly such as mobile software application and systems to guarantee a smooth change from standard site designs or structures.

As market competitors enhances extremely, modern-day companies have to welcome a mobile friendly site to be competitive and continue to be pertinent in the market; otherwise, they would be left as mobile users are quickly tempted by mobile friendly sites to perform their everyday browsing and company deals through mobile phones.

Well created mobile suitable sites would have integrated internet browsers for a fast and smooth connection and access from mobile phones. An exceptional mobile site design would render all contents efficiently even on the reasonably low resolution on the mobile phone's little screen.

A more expert appearance is attained by means of a mobile site design as much better site designs are executed. Customers would likewise end up being pleased to be more positive to the brand and business as the business embraces brand-new modifications taking place on the planet to accommodate customer requirements and choices.

Advantages of a Mobile Friendly Site

A mobile or mobile-compatible friendly site empowers business to be "all over". As the variety of mobile users enhances in the market, the variety of prospective company potential customers enhances proportionally to benefit companies.

The emerging vibrant mobile apps enable mobile users to obtain onto mobile friendly sites easily and rapidly to browse and look for preferred details and make instant online purchases to increase company revenues. Entrepreneur and online marketers have the ability to develop brand-new client relations as they engage and communicate with capacity leads routinely and rapidly by means of a continuously upgraded and intriguing mobile friendly site.

Such mobile friendly websites might improve online user experience with simple viewing and navigations from anywhere at any time as mobile users trigger their advanced mobile phones often. A mobile friendly or mobile suitable site works to ease some site obstacles of old such as needing a computer system or laptop computer which is large and not quickly readily available all the time.

More Google traffic is anticipated with mobile web company websites as mobile users have the tendency to browse the Web often through Google. A high portion of Google users today are utilizing mobile phones to go to the internet rather than the PC. It is not unexpected for more web traffic from social media networking sites as more social media users are commonly engaged on their mobile phones and other mobile gadgets.

When more web customers check out the mobile-compatible website by means of their mobile phones, more chances are created for company collaborations and consumers to broaden the marketplace presence and online presence of the brand and company. Online marketers are "all over" with vibrant monitoring and tracking apps on their marketing projects.

As their web company websites get enhanced to consistent search algorithm modifications by the online search engine looking for upgrades, mobile friendly sites would delight in an unparalleled edge over their market rivals.

Conclusion

This age of mobile innovation produces vibrant devices and options that alter customer habits. Advanced mobile phones and tablets flood the marketplace today to press companies to a mobile friendly or a mobile suitable site that accommodates the altering customer needs and buying patterns.

Competitive companies today might employ expert mobile site designers to update their sites that would allow the growing variety of mobile users to access the site on a smaller sized screen making use of suitable mobile apps.

About the Author: Steve Brown is a champion of small business, entrepreneurial endeavors, and the vibrant American freelance workforce of today's world. He is Founder, CEO, and Chief Inspirational Officer (CIO) of 4 cutting edge companies.

Buying A New DSLR Camera For Beginners - Excellent Choices Abound

Buying a new camera these days is an exciting experience, especially if it is a DSLR camera for beginners. The reason it is so exciting is because of the wide variety of models you can choose from. Every manufacturer has a mid-range DSLR camera model that will fit the bill for beginners.

Exactly what would one look for in a camera that is specifically for first time digital SLR buyers? Well, with the improvements over the years, that is a tough question. So much functionality has been added, and, quite honestly, that is what makes this such an exciting time to be getting into photography. It is difficult to make the wrong choice. In the old days of film photography, you had to know what the settings were and how to use them before you started getting decent photos. Not so any more! You can take amazing pictures right out of the box.

Cheap DSLR cameras actually compete with the pro models in image quality, and they are especially easy to use for first time buyers. Some of the features that separate cheap from pro are quality of construction, continuous shooting rate, added setting dials, LCD panel on top in addition to the rear LCD, and sensor size (this is not the megapixels, but the actual physical size of the sensor).

When you get your new camera, you will be surprised at how easy it is to get great photos. You can set your dial on Auto and start shooting. The intelligent software will do all the dirty work for you. It will decide what settings will create the best looking photo for the light that is available.

Want to get more "professional" by using some of those dials and buttons? No problem. Almost every DSLR camera for beginners now has some kind of feature guide that lets you know what the camera will do with the setting you just selected. Some models have a very detailed description that gives you hints. For instance, it will let you know that if you set the Aperture value to a lower number, the background will be blurry. This is wonderful news for those who want to learn while taking pictures instead of taking time to read a dry, boring manual.

Another great benefit of the newer models is that they all now have an excellent video component. If you want to tape your child's sporting event or recital, you don't have to haul two separate photography bags, one for still photos and one for video. You can do it all with one.

All this is great news, but the best part about owning a mid-range DSLR camera for beginners is being able to switch lenses. The lens is just as important as the unit it is attached to, and having several lenses for different photography situations makes owning one of these awesome units well worth the price.

Looking For a New DSLR Camera?

The process of finding a new DSLR camera can be pretty hectic. Where to start? There are many brand- names out there, but all time favorites are Nikon and Canon Cameras and Sony too. Simply due to their reputation of quality and durability.

Nikon or Canon? When it comes to choosing a camera from a particular brand it always comes down to personal preferences, budget and what are you looking to do with your DSLR camera. Not all cameras are equal, some are too advance for one good so choose carefully. If you have friends or you know someone who has a Nikon then go for Nikon, that way you will get to save money by exchanging the different lenses with them and vice versa if your know someone who has a Canon. Of course there are many models and some can have close price range and features, one of the best way that I found to sort this dilemma out is to head out to your local electronic stores and get a feel of the different models.

Remember this is something most likely you are going to carry around quite often, so consider your physical options, weight, size and color. It's almost like shopping for a dog or a purse, you have to consider all your views and even if it match your jacket or not.

Where to Buy? The INTERNET is a great place to start shopping, but some of the best places to look at is your local camera shops, like WOLF CAMERAS or RITZ CAMERAS. Usually they have great deals on the weekends, good luck and shop wise.

How To Take Great Photos Using Your New DSLR Camera

Got a new high end Digital SLR camera? Feeling disappointed about the results of your first new set of photos? Well if that's the case know that there is probably nothing wrong with your camera. If I said you just need to improve on your subject targeting skills and also on the way you handle it, would you agree with me? Just because you didn't get it right doesn't mean that you can't learn and get it right; after all even the most famous photographers started out just like you. They got their first camera and took time to learn the skills required to take great photographs so I am here to help you get those images you want from your new DSLR camera or that camera that has been piling up dust just waiting for you to pick it up.

First things first, lets talk about your camera. Your DSLR camera is not like most compact digital cameras that are on sale. This hardy camera was designed and built for photographers who want to take photos of different subjects from people, stationary items to animals and anything else in between. The camera is also designed in a way that different stock lenses can be fitted giving it flexibility when it comes to usage. In summary your DSLR camera was built to capture high quality, resolution pictures.

Now how does one take great images using a Digital SLR camera? Your camera may be an expensive one but that does not guarantee great quality images every time you "shoot" as capturing a great image is not just an issue of pointing the camera towards a subject, but one requires time, practice and dedication to this art form. So here are a few tips:

1. Practice - learn your camera. Before you start taking pictures get familiar with your camera features by going through its manual and taking pictures afterwards. Initially your pictures may not be award winning but you know what you're learning and that's what's important. As you use your take pictures of things you like you will be amazed in a short while you will be more comfortable with your camera and the quality of your pictures will keep on improving.

2. Learn The Basics. So you are more familiar with your camera what next? Now its time to learn the basics which include lighting, exposure, the right posture, how to use a tripod and how to do minor edits. Learn photography basics is one of the biggest steps you will take. Many give up at this stage as to master them, one requires to not only be dedicated but to give time and often months of practice.

3. Have Fun. Your photographs reflect your creativity and imagination so have fun! You cannot get it perfect in one day so do not put too much pressure on yourself. Photography classes can be most helpful as they will not only help you learn, but you will interact with other beginners creating a support system of people who are at the same level, have the same love and interest in photography.

If you are interested in taking a beginner's course, please free to check out some of the one's I

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Cheapest Digital Camera Shopping? Read This First

Buying A Cheap Digital Camera

When shopping for the cheapest digital camera you can expect to spend less that a $100 and yes you will still be able to get some really nice photos. When just starting out in digital photography this may well be a price range to shop in. Many of the names you have heard of in photo technology can be bought in this price range. Some will offer upgrade features, but if you are just starting out it may be best to stay in a pre-set price target. These low cost digital cameras still offer high value and are especially designed for the beginner and allows the user to experience some of the great moments that digital photography can capture. Keep in mind also that the "cheapest digital cameras" offers you quality that only a few years ago was offered only the higher priced models. That means higher mega pixels, zoom features, audio clips, and some even have underwater features. Not bad for digital photography for under $100.00 and that what makes some of them a top digital camera for your, or your families use.

When shopping for some of digital cameras best deals it would be difficult to find a market more vast that the Internet. The net really gives you the ability to shop some of the very best prices in the world, but also beware, the net also allows you to be sucked into some really nasty shopping sites which promote 2nd rated goods, copy cat brand names, and well just all sorts of methods to take your money in return for a nothing product. That being said. Please, when shopping the net, try to stay with sites that refer you to companies and products you know, and trust. When you see trustworthy name you will typically recognize it from personal experience, advertisements you have seen, business reports, or from conversations with friends, and family. These names offer you confidence in your purchase, and typically offer returns and true satisfaction guarantees. If you see a too good to believe price from Jimmy's "Cheapest Digital Camera" Shop you may want to shop on.

Where to find your Digital Cameras Best Deal:

The internet offers some great shopping sites, and allows you to shop the world over. This of course puts just a whole wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, but at the same time opens the doors to stacks of confusion. When you have done all of your shopping, all of your pricing, and made all of your notes please go to a site you know and trust. This bit of advice should be heeded if you are spending $50 a $100 or even a $1000. We have found that after shopping the net you will normally find that prices are very close when shopping yes, for even the cheapest digital camera. Many times you will also get free shipping, be allowed to use coupon specials and even get additional discounts by shopping and purchasing additional items while on that same vendor site. If you take nothing else from this article please take with you the importance of placing your order for your digital cameras best deal at a trusted internet site, and not at Jimmy' Shop.

We are working on a separate article that will go in to some specific areas to consider. But, let us leave you with the knowledge that some of the names best associated with digital photography offer you digital cameras that fit into the cheapest digital camera basket. I am talking names like Nikon, Samsung, and others. You do not have to spend a lot of money to get started in the hobby of digital photography. We have said it before...start small and let the hobby become a part of you. You do not need to spend big money to have a lot of fun while collecting memories that will last a life time. We will see you soon with more information to consider.