It's a question that we are constantly asked by clients - an Application or Mobile Website? At Vivo Group, we believe that the choice is company and goal specific. It is a topic of much debate, the fact that users are increasingly choosing to turn to their mobile device (be it smartphones or tablets) as the first point of call to access information. As such, we strongly believe that all information should be converted to suit the changing landscape and host information the way that clients wish to access it. That being said, it is fundamental that a mobile application, or site be developed. Therefore, once and for all, this blog will outline the respective functions and features of each to help you make your own informed decision. First off, lets start by defining each option;   Mobile Website A mobile website is similar to the normal website, however it is optimized to display on a smaller screen and interface. Mobile websites typically only display the sites most viewed information and are accessed through the devices standard web browser (i.e. Sa...

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  With all of today's hype, you probably find yourself extremely confused and don't know where to start. Fret not, Apple fans amongst the Vivo Group have been able to provide a concise wrap up of all things iPhone 5. Some feel that with the absence of Jobs, the fanaticism associated with new Apple product releases has significantly declined. Fewer leaks meant new features, when unveiled, were a surprise - rather than a clarification of rumours, resulting in a rather ho-hum launch.   Nonetheless, there are still some noteworthy updates and upgrades; Aesthetics New 'Lightning' charger Earphone connectivity at the bottom of the device New earphones Lighter (20%) Thinner (18%) Longer Bigger screen ...

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It was once said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but perhaps in this new media age, a picture is worth a thousand followers. Instagram (an acquisition of Facebook) is strictly a mobile based, photo sharing application that allows users to apply filters to photos and post or share them accordingly. A recent study by Simply Measured found that 40% of Interbrands top 100 global brands, have employed Instagram in building their social presence among the applications 80 million registered users. Collectively, these 100 brands have 3 million Instagram followers with a rate of 96% engagement. With this statistic in mind, it is surprising that more brands are not joining in on the fun. Further, with the ever increasing presence of social media, paired with the prerequisite of built in cameras in mobile devices, the interaction levels are expanding exponentially. As a free applica...

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It’s common knowledge that web-enabled mobile devices have transformed the way we interact with technology and information. Today, more than ever, users are searching the Web, purchasing products and networking with their peers on smart phones and tablets. However, most businesses don’t prioritise creating a mobile presence to equal their Web presence. This represents a missed opportunity to harness the ever-growing mobile market. As more consumers wake up to the idea of mobile connectivity, businesses also need to evolve and adapt by providing a new connection to users with mobile communication needs. It’s time to give your website a mobile makeover. But the question remains; create a mobile website or a mobile application?   Mobile website v mobile application The two most prevalent means of reaching consumers on mobile devices are mobile websites and mobile applications. Both apps and mobile websites can be accessed on a handheld device such as an iPhone, Android or Blackberry, however the simil...

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We all know that iPad apps can be a major distraction. But, believe it or not, there are thousands of apps that will help, not hinder your productivity. So we’ve undertaken the mammoth task of sifting through Apple’s catalogue of apps to bring you our top five applications for the web design and development niche that inspire, boost productivity and organise ideas. These apps are guaranteed to help you get the job done.   iMockups The must-have mobile wireframing and mockupp app for your web, iPhone and iPad projects. Draft wireframes in one easy-to-use interface with intuitive functionality and a multitude of colour options, text styles, borders and backgrounds. Better still, iMockup allows you to export your work via email.   Adobe Ideas 1.0 This app will become your digital sketchbook, allowing you to capture and explore your inspiration on the go with vector-based drawing tools, zoom control, brushes and layers. The ideal companion for the Adobe desktop suite, the app allows you to save your files as PDF, vector or raster file formats to edit in Illustrator or Photoshop later.   Air Di...

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At Vivo Group, we've noticed a distinct technology trend emerging this year, one that is blurring the lines between our physical and online worlds, and evident in gamification, face recognition and NFC technology. It's called Augmented Reality, which describes how our real world is being enriched with the virtual; where the use of technology provides knowledge and tools to enhance the capacity of people to perform ‘real world’ tasks. One of the most widely used forms of augmented reality is evident in QR codes - which are connecting users to digital content when they’re away from their PC (but still have access to a smart phone).   What is a QR code? A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional matrix code, designed to be read by a QR Reader application on an iPhone, Android or other camera-enabled smart phone. Once the image has been scanned, the software deciphers the encrypted information to activate a response in your device, such as opening email, sending an SMS or...

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Flash. Isn't that what streakers do on the cricket pitch mid-game?  Well, yes, but we're referring to a vector animation software that facilities rich, interactive content including video, games, presentations and advertisements in multimedia design that just aren't possible with HTML alone.   In fact, you've probably encountered it before. Ever seen an animated, online advertisement or played a game in your browser? That's Adobe Flash, and it has spawned a whole new generation of fast, interactive websites and mobile applications.   Who uses Flash? Flash is predominantly used by professional website designers to create high quality and lightweight animations, images and layouts to increase the visual appeal and interactiv...

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I've just become the Mayor. Of Vivo Group, that is. I didn't have to run for parliament, and I didn't have to convince my peers that I was the right person for the job. In fact, all I had to do was 'check-in'. This phenomenon is called 'gamification' and it is increasingly becoming our reality.   What is Gamification? Gamification is a trend in social networking, or the use of game-play mechanics for non-gaming products and services. Today, companies are actively integrating gamification into their user engagement and networking strategies by offering challenges, leader boards, achievement badges and physical rewards for participation in real-world tasks. Basically, the gaming engine comes first, and the social platform second...

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For the past week, Twitter has been engulfed by those who are attending SXSW (South by South West); a film, music and interactive festival held in Austin, Texas.  Attracting super sized crowds, the SXSW interactive festival is where the leaders of new and innovative technology join to discuss and swoon over the ‘next big thing.’ Whilst no one from Vivo Group was able to go over to SXSW, with thanks to some of our lucky Twitter friends, we were kept up-to-date.  Speaking of Twitter and its usefulness, Twitter was the talk of the conference three years ago where it won the SXSW Web Award!  It wasn’t until later that it took off in mainstream media, but the early adopters were introduced to the tool at this festival.  Social technologies have evolv...

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