Parse is an Open-Source BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) platform and a part of the Software Development Kit (SDK) that will enable developers to build a mobile backend for all sort of apps. These apps can run on Windows Phone 8, Windows 8, Android and iOS. Parse not only assists developers to deploy apps quickly, it can also effortlessly bring down boiler plate code when attempting to update apps with additional features.

This backend tool named Parse shares its name with Parse Inc., a company that was acquired by Facebook which later announced the closing down of its services by January 2017. Thus, if you are on the lookout for time-tested and reliable substitutes of Parse, here are 13 app development options that can be availed by you in 2018.

1. Appcelerator

If you as a mobile app developer are looking for an all-in-one platform that will become an instrument to churn out mobile API, you can check out Appcelerator. Through Appcelerator, you can not only deliver native apps but also offer real-time analytics. Tagged as a cross-platform tool, Appcelerator employs JavaScript through which developers can offer a host of features to users.

Along with push notifications, you can also stay connected with data sources and provide custom analytics which are linked to User Interface. Founded in 2006, Appcelerator is the new kid on the block of Axway; a B2B company that acquired Appcelerator.

2. Built.io

Promising integrated platforms and back-end services, Built.io helps mobile app developers come up with amazing user experiences. Launched in 2007, Built.io can be deployed on VMware vCloud Air, Amazon Web Services and IBM SoftLayer. While this is an MBaaS platform, you can also churn out content management solutions through Built.io.

Incorporating pluggable architecture that facilitates custom-made projects, it is through Built.io that you can meet your business needs. You can bank upon this back-end choice to come up with APIs that can be connected with the overall ecosystem of enterprises.

3. AnyPresence

Launched in 2010, AnyPresence is an enterprise platform facilitating digital transformation. It is through its BaaS concept that developers can come up with cross-platform applications. Allowing you to offer application programing interfaces, AnyPresence has been making its strong presence felt as a patronized enterprise-level app.

A higher-level enterprise coupled with strong customer support and developer features are the hallmark of this tool.

4. Kii

Recognized as a single-window full stack platform for all your app and smart device requirements, Kii is poised to deliver greater user experiences. You can employ the mobile backend services of Kii to deliver scalable and high-performing mobile apps that can run on multiple operating systems.

Kii is a comprehensive option which can help you develop, scale and test alongside optimize your requirements and implement them. With Kii, you can substantially cut down your mobile app development period, which in turn helps you cut down operational and developmental costs.

5. CloudMine

If you are looking to build a healthcare application in a short time without any financial hardships, then CloudMine can be your top bet. All thanks to the Micro-services and SDKs offered by CloudMine that you can not only cut down your development time but can also secure your data storage.

Tagged as a Platform-as-a-Service option, CloudMine brings to the table a host of features including advanced analytics, big data processing, data normalization, real-time streaming and self-serviced data recovery. Partnering with Apprenda, a PaaS provider, CloudMine which was launched in 2011 is a top choice for building engaging mobile apps that are driven to add value to your healthcare business.

6. Appery

Next in the list of alternatives to Parse is Appery; a choice that will help you create new RESTful APIs which require very little programming in MySQL, SAP, Oracle, SharePoint or LDAP. Identified as an Enterprise Level MBaaS platform, Appery helps you come out with secure, reliable and scalable online apps that can be seamlessly deployed across premise servers.

Proud of its state-of-the-art technologies, Appery can become your first choice to build mobile web apps and hybrid apps that promise a superior user experience. Catering to the development needs of over 300,000 global developers, Appery offers MBaaS mobile backend services along with server code, push notifications and database functions.

7. Kony

In keeping with the next-gen needs of the banking industry, Kony which was incorporated in 2007 offers digital banking experiences through its industry-specific apps. Tagged as a leading enterprise mobility company, Kony makes its strong presence felt in the sphere of mobile application development. Kony is a trusted name amongst global banking clients looking to offer custom-made digitized solutions.

While you can build multi-channel apps with Kony, you can also deliver them at a rocket speed. Mindful of agility, flexibility and security, Kony comes as a blessing to financial institutions through its unique Mobile Fabric MBaaS Integration feature.

8. Telerik

To offer modern User Interface (UI) to all its clients is the unwritten promise kept up by Telerik at all times. Through Telerik, you can build up-to-date user interface for mobile apps. Making use of JavaScript and .Net, Telerik blends the capabilities of productivity and reporting tools that are patronized by over 2.1 million developers from across the globe.

Set up with stringent security and encryption measures, Telerik can handhold enterprises eyeing to scale their operations. Global giants like Dell, Microsoft, Sony and IBM are the esteemed clients of Telerik.

9. Kumulos

If it is your dream to deliver simple yet affordable and powerful mobile apps through an effective mobile app performance platform, then Kumulos can be your top choice. Identified as a one-stop-shop to manage the performance of commercial and technical mobile apps, Kumulos helps you derive the best business results.

Through push notifications, you can assist your clients build and implement marketing campaigns that will attract the attention of new customers. Incorporating the Backend-as-a-Service concept, Kumulos is built on MBaaS technology has the support of KScript, RESTful API and Hookup as part of mobile SDK.

10. Kinvey

Another alternative that is very close to the functionalities of Parse is Kinvey; a leading mobile app development platform. Established in 2010, Kinvey can build mission-specific apps which can digitize your entire business without any hassles.

Kinvey brings a lot to your table in the form of Cloud storage, customized business logic and push notifications.

11. FireBase

Firebase comes with a plethora of benefits. With a commitment to deliver better mobile apps that will help you grow your business, FireBase keeps up this promise at all times. Built on Google infrastructure, FireBase provides databases, analytics along with crash reporting and messaging services.

For all those developers who are looking to sync their web-based and mobile apps with real-time data, Firebase comes as a top pick. Along with authentication, Firebase offers static hosting; a feature that makes it a typical replacement for Parse.

12. SkyGear

Looking to build apps on a reliable backend? Then, look no further and sign up with Skygear; an open-source SDK for web, IoT and mobile apps. Equipped with a plethora of backend functions, Skygear, an MBaaS platform simplifies the task of adding new features to your existing apps. The luxury of building apps faster makes Skygear stand out from other platforms. It is through a simple click that you can launch your application, without getting bogged down by deployment issues.

With Skygear as a perfect substitute for Parse, you can add a long list of reusable plugins and  effortlessly code chat apps along with messenger bots and social platforms.

13. Backendless

Founded in 2012, Backendless is another MBaaS platform that can substitute Parse. If you are looking to develop mobile apps backed by a powerful cloud backend, then it is time you check out the functionalities of Backendless. Offering a perfect blend of reliable and secure hosting services, Backendless delivers the best file storage solutions to its clients. With Backendless, you can not only generate dynamic content but can also store static files.

Specially designed for enterprisesrunning on venture capital, Backendless offers scalable app solutions that not only streamline but also accelerate your application development.

Closing Thoughts

It will not be an overstatement to quote that the mobile app development is a limitless domain, characterized by rapid changes. Poised for an exponential growth, this territory of mobile app development is dictated by state-of-the-art tools which will eventually push the demand for mobile apps. Since Parse is no longer an option to you, you as a developer will benefit a great deal by weighing the benefits of the above-mentioned tools that will come handy in 2018.

Technology is constantly making our lifestyle better by creating unbelievable solutions that deliver unusual, exceptional and interactive experience. Video games have become a pleasant distraction and a great leisure activity for young adults and kids. They are one of those entertainment essentials where digital technology has worked like a miracle to enhance user experience. Game-specific technology has evolved a great deal after entering into the mainstream world and brought one surprise after another for gamers who desired more excitement in their play.

The-Rise-Of-Mobile-Game-Industry (1)

In this blog, we are going to take a thrilling dive into some of the most exciting gaming technology  trends of 2018 that can define the future of gaming. Check it out:

1. Custom Avatars of human face:

Facial recognition system is one of the amazing advances in gaming technology. Using 3D scan and human face recognition, players can create their own replica in the live video games and enjoy the feel of actually fighting the game battle in real time. This inventive approach includes the process of transferring your original expressions to the digitally virtual world where your custom avatar represents you in the game play. Intel RealSense 3D camera is one remarkable innovation that helps mobile game developers design games that cleverly adapt to the human emotions by scanning 78 different points on their face.

2. Mobile Gaming Fever

Smart phones have definitely revolutionized the world of digital gaming by changing from big screen of TV or computers to a compact screen of user’s devices. Mobile games liberate users from living room trap and enable them to enjoy the similar experience even on the go. This is the reason why it is a common sight to spot every next person in your neighbourhood addicted to the digital realities and spectacles offered by mobile gaming. The trend for mobile gaming has successfully disengaged countless gamers from one-room console experience to small-screen magic.

3. Voice-controlled Gameplay

Although voice controlled gaming is not a new invention for gamers, it seems that the use of voice recognition technology in today’s games has almost touched the level of maturity now. Thanks to revolutionary progress made in this area, you can now go controller-free while playing your favourite video games. Modern advances in computing system are responsible for being able to understand different voice commands of users and process them accordingly. Using voice recognition technology, users can now control their game consoles and game play easily. Simply give a command to voice-controlled system and you can even access your social media and play your favourite tracks from media library. Incredible, isn’t it?

4. Splendid Graphics

Video games have progressed far better than the normal restrictiveness of providing 8-bit graphics for gaming. Due to cutting edge, polished and more advanced technology, gamers can immerse in the experiences of semi-realistic world combining real-world structures with fantasy dramas and actions in a high-quality imagery and graphics. The ultimate experience is so enhanced users feel as if they are right inside the game acting like a protagonist.

5. Gesture-Controlled Gaming

The technology goes beyond just voice commands and have capability to interact with gamer’s hand gestures. It is all about how enjoyable the gaming experience gets for gamers. Intel RealSense makes it possible for you to play first person shooter games by interacting with your device by means of specific hand gestures. It relies on 3D camera technology that watches 22 different points in your hand as you wave it around. Keep your movements organic and the computing system will enable a unique gaming experience you have never had before.

6. Immersion of Virtual Reality

Get ready for never before seen immersive experience as you are about to step into unseen virtual reality. The best part about VR technology is that users are guaranteed to get lost in the fantasy-like gaming world that feels surreal. VR game developers are still in the process of releasing commercial VR-based gaming consoles and headsets in the market. Once they are out, gamers will surely brag about the kind of stimulation they experience in their senses through VR headset displays.

7. HD Graphic-friendly Displays

Enter the new world of h igh resolution graphics and forge the old displays. While mobile game designers are using technically sound, spectacular graphics, they need proper display quality to support and enhance the visuals. The pricing for 4K display experience was initially higher when first launched in televisions and laptops. Over the years, the cost went down enough to be adopted for watching your best loved games. So far 1080p was supposed to be an HQ quality of pictures. But with vivid colours, vibrance and crisp visuals of 4K displays, you can take your gaming beauty to all-new extremes.

8. Invasion of Augmented Reality

Considered as a VR sibling by many, Augmented Reality is poised to keep you wallowing in your own world while putting you on the border of dreamy experience. AR can be a best reality companion to those who don’t find exclusively virtual stuff appealing. With all new perspective and interpretations, AR relieves the gamers from the boundaries of TV or computer screen. Bringing the gamers pretty close to unreal experiences, the tricky AR technology can offer gamers the kind of experience where the differences between real world and digital world fade away enough to enchant them. Users can create digital image of their house with objects that are not present in there, or convert their backyard in a playground.

9. Wearable Gaming Experience

Wearable gaming experience has unexplored potential to double the fun for gamers who love to remain discreet while they play it hard. Portable and compact, wearable smartwatches and display glasses that earlier played as fitness tracker and guide for users are now considered as potential gaming device in future. Wearable technology will no longer be restricted to serious purposes. In 2018, we are looking forward to the rise of companies that will inject entertainment and gaming elements into smart wearable devices.

10. Cloud for Gaming

The approach for the way games are built is changing as modern mobile game developers are shifting from hardware system to cloud computing services. Traditional methods of developing video games architecture involve creating a complicated hardware structure while cloud system allows developers to reduce the burden and enjoy more flexibility. Unlike conventional gaming consoles that need physical memory disc, cloud has no such limitations and enables extensive game servers where dynamic images are streamed via internet to user’s device screen.

11. e-Sports Competing With Physical Sports

e-Sports is a live video gaming events that take the shape of international tournaments which is so organized that players vie hard with competitors to defeat them and win the championship. Esports are growing international which will possibly form a trend in 2018. Based on current growth of e-Sports market and increasing love for digital sports, marker leaders firmly state that e-Sports type of games have become a true rival for real sports played physically and are slowly securing more fans than traditional games.

In Conclusion

We believe these are some of the gaming technology trends that are going to hit 2018 market. However, the pace at which the disruption arises is still not precisely predictable. A few of the hurdles that may impede the pace of gaming technology might range from security issues, government rules and user’s readiness to adapt to the changes. Nonetheless, changes and trends are happening and soon we will have users wanting more innovations to enrich their gaming realities.

What if, instead of waiting for long, you get to book tickets, order your favourite food, do shopping, get your health tips, chat, call and do much more? That’s the covetable concept behind having a mobile apps. Mobile apps have the ability to merge the virtual world with technology and thus offer businesses the chance to increase and expand customer interaction with their products.

Nowadays the thought that mobile apps are only for big brands must change as even more small businesses are following this trend. This helps them interact with customers on day to day basis and its also a solution for business to take their marketing to the next level.

Having a mobile app can help you many ways like being visible to customers 24/7, create direct marketing channel, provide more value to users, build a better brand and recognition in the industry, improve user engagement, stand out from other competitors and even help you build customer Loyalty.

Either way, a mobile app would be an essential element of any business in the coming years. So make the right choice for your business to set the right base for the future.

Now take a look at the below given info graphic and get an overview on the different purposes of creating an app!

 

The Different Purposes of Creating an App

It is indeed a daunting task for parents to constantly keep a tab on what their kids are watching on their smart phones. The internet abuzz with loads of adult content can pose a serious damage to the developing psyches of kids. While most of the kids spend time texting their friends all day, some of them love watching videos. Childproofing is the need of the hour for all parents to ensure that their kids view content that is kid-friendly. In an attempt to enable children to view only child-friendly content on your smart phone, here are some hacks that will come handy.

1. Effective Management of Adult Content in Online Videos

It is a common sight to witness young kids toying with a smart phone to watch and enjoy online cartoon shows, rhymes and funny videos. If you are the parent of a child who is glued to YouTube most of the times, it pays to steer clear of online adult content that your child can accidentally come across. All thanks to the in-built feature of YouTube that you can now restrict your kids from browsing videos that call for adult supervision. This is an effective means to manage what your kids watch via YouTube videos.

2. Allow Your Kid to Watch Age-Appropriate YouTube Videos

Make the most of YouTube’s algorithm which can successfully block inappropriate content for kids. To enable this function, you need to tap the three dots that are present on the top right side of YouTube’s home page. Then you need to select Settings, followed by the General option. After making these selections, you will see the Enable Restricted Mode. Aptly named, selecting this option will allow you to heave a sigh of relief that your kid will not accidentally browse inappropriate online content.

3. How to Make Netflix As A Child-Friendly Entertainment Platform

Netflix has caught up as a popular video streaming platform for the young and old. Featuring a host of entertaining animation videos for young kids, Netflix is a chosen interface for all such videos which do not stream on YouTube. With Netflix, you have the luxury of creating a separate profile for kids. To activate this kid-friendly viewing option, you need to navigate to the main menu on Netflix by swiping from left to right. You will then find an arrow icon on the top. You need to tap this icon which will prompt you to add a children’s profile by checking the kids’ box. This is a safety mechanism in place to ensure that your smart phone does not become an instrument of inappropriate viewing.

4. Safer Web Browsing Strategies

It is not only for entertainment that your kids pick up your smart phone. Growing kids look up for online assistance to complete their academic projects and school assignments. Your kids might need your smart phone for all such academic purposes. They will start browsing the internet to extract information in the form of educational content and images that will help them with their homework. However, they can be unmindful of the plethora of malwares that plague the online territory. Your kid can click on a malware that can harm your smart phone.

You can enable the “safe browser” settings and activate them. Another way to safeguard your smart phone is to install an anti-virus software which enables browsing features.

5. How to Play Safe While Installing Gaming Apps

Notwithstanding the fact that you can find a host of gaming apps featured on Google Play Store or the iStore, but you need to exercise some caution while installing games. While some of the games are authentic, you should be wary of many fake and unwarranted apps that not only post online content but can also damage your smart phone. Since it is impossible for a kid to identify a fake game from a real one, you as parents should ensure that your kids are not exposed to such games which contain explicit content. If you have an Android phone, you can ensure that your phone is made child-friendly by restricting inappropriate content on Google Play.

All you need to do is to go to Settings, followed by an option called “Parental Controls”. You then need to enable this option. Upon enabling it, Google prompts you to key in a 4 digit pin number. This will work as an authentication code for your kids to install genuine gaming apps.

6. Mindful of Health Hazards Caused By Smartphones

Smartphones have already turned into an addiction not only with kids but also with adults as well. Along with causing an irreparable damage to the eyes, smart phones are also leading to back problems with frequent users. Headaches and migraines are following suit.

Another precautionary measure that can be taken to protect the eyesight of your kids who browse via smartphones is to install a Safety Screen app. This is an app that sends constant reminders about the ideal distance kids should maintain between them and the phone so as to stay safe. Once your kid comes very close to the phone, a distance that is damaging to his eyes, the app blocks a part of the screen with a warning. This warning disappears once the optimum distance between your kid and the smartphone is maintained.

7. Make the Most of the Kids’ Mode

You don’t need a pair of eyes to keep a close watch on what your kids are viewing on the net; through your smartphone. Parents can check out the Kids’ or Child Mode that is made available in a number of branded smartphones. Along with Windows Phones, Android Smartphones too have this child-friendly feature which needs to be activated. Once this mode is chosen, your kids will be able to view only those apps and games that are exclusively meant for kids.

The recent announcement from Facebook that it is all set to launch a child app specifically for kids to chat with family and friends is an innovative move. Once this comes up, parents will be comfortable with their kids staying in touch with their connections through safe means.

Key Takeaways

Tech savvy kids are attracted to various online games and videos that at times contain explicit content. While you as parents can fail to keep smartphones within the reach of your kids, there is one thing that is within your circle of influence. And that is about ensuring your smartphone displays only child-friendly content to your kids.

All the above mentioned tricks can work in your best interest. However, if you find your kids outdoing the tabs you have installed for them, it is best to keep an open channel of communication with them. Allow them to speak up their concerns as and when the necessity arises so that they don’t fall prey to a host of explicit and kid-unfriendly content that is posted on various online platforms.