Are you in an idea to develop a new application? Pause there. This article is something that you must consider before you begin working on your idea. Applications are growing at a faster phase and yes the software updates are also quite quick. Every time when Google comes up with new software updates it is interesting and exciting to work with it.
Why no to KitKat?
But to be honest that is not the scenario in case of KitKat. Things are upside down in this particular version. But most of the people who try to develop new application feel that their app must be compatible with the KitKat 4.4 or 4.3 versions. This is completely ridiculous since it can spoil your entire development work. Here are the major reasons that prompt before developing an application with KitKat in mind.
Think of material design
Material design is something that improves the aesthetic value of your mobile application. It is the prior thing that attracts the audience at their first look. But all these parameters fall under the material design that includes depth, colors, emojis, and icons. Unfortunately, the material design isn’t available in the KitKat version. It is available only from the Android 5.0.
If you are a team of professional android developers wishing to make your app compatible with the KitKat version; then you are automatically degrading the design. Will it be good to settle with something basic when you are provided with advanced options? That too in a society where the market is highly competitive, missing out the opportunity will become the mistake of your life.
Do you want to miss out notifications?
One of the most important features of the smartphone is the notification feature. Is it possible to imagine having an extraordinary smartphone that doesn’t notify you anything? Hard to swallow; right? But the truth is that the Android 4.4 version offers worse notification solutions. In comparison to the KitKat the notification feature is much better in the Lollipop which is the younger brother of KitKat.
The notifications aren’t visible when the screen is blocked which is an undesirable one. Another frustrating thing with this version is that, suppose if anyone calls you the application you were running previously gets disrupted with the call. The phone calls cannot be handled by KitKat and you will be prevented from using the app.
Lessens efficiency
Every software release is made with an objective to increase the speed and reduce energy consumption. Although 4.4 gave better parameters when compared to its previous version still the difference between 4.4 and 5.0 is very huge. Making application to fit in the KitKat will make your app look much heavy and slow. If you don’t want to get one-star from the users then you must exempt fitting in your app into downgrading software.
Also, remind yourself about the devices that captured the first position during the release of the KitKat. The devices were of poor picture quality, front camera present in the device just for the namesake. The recognition of people was harder. Hence, always remember to create an app that improves the standard, not which falls below the line.
Be precise about your target
This is an important one. You try to fit in your application to the KitKat since there are several KitKat users in the world and by doing so you can get some additional clients to your app. but what you think is completely wrong. According to estimation, the number of KitKat users around the world is 7% of the total smartphone users. Ok, maybe the number is a decent figure you shouldn’t miss out. Magnify your lenses now. Who is that 7 % of the people?
People fond of new technology will not be using the same old models. They will definitely be upgrading themselves with the newest possible ones. Hence, the percentage of people must be the ones who don’t care about the technology changes. Almost they have zero appetites for the latest ones. In turn, they will not be interested in installing the app you come up with instead they will be settling with the old ones. Neglecting the 7% will be the wiser decision.
It’s going to cost you
Apart from all these problems, the main drawback lies in the cost. To design the app in accordance with the features in KitKat then you have spent more development time. There might be a lot of bugs and crashes that you have to deal with and clear them all to get your final product. Directly, a lot of time is to spend over and in the technology field time is money. In order to consider the few KitKat users, you must invest extra money which might go in vain.
So, what’s the solution?
In the above context, you would have got a clear picture of the hurdles that you have to overcome to design an app for KitKat. Devices are going to be upgrading further and further. If you consider the older version and design for them then you may find it much difficult when you try to update the app for the next version.
People who wish to try out new exciting applications will not stay stagnant at the same technology. There might be a change at least every 4 years in their device. So, neglect the few numbers and think of designing something extraordinary to meet success in the tough market.
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