Mobile Devices and Applications: Mobile Development and Emerging Standards - Literature review Example

Mobile Devices and Applications: Mobile Development and Emerging Standards Table of Contents TASK 3 0 Introduction 32.0 Detailed Observations 3 2.1 Mobile Design and HCI Techniques 3 2.2 4G Technologies 4 2.3 Mobile Sensors and Utilization 6 2.4 Applications and Future Directions 6 TASK 2: 7 3.0 Case 7 3.1 Purpose: 8 3.2 Intended audience: 8 4.0 Design Requirements: 8 5.0 Design Considerations: 8 6.0 Interfaces 9 6.1 Web application interface: 9 6.2 Modularization of web app: 10 6.3 User interface: 10 6.4 Architecture of Proposed App 11 6.5 Mobile application: 11 6.5 Database Model: 12 TASK 3: 12 7.0 Testing 12 7.1 Purpose 12 7.2 Testing Checklist 13 Mobile Devices and Applications: Mobile Development and Emerging Standards TASK 1 1.0 Introduction With the recent advances in mobile technologies and standards as well as the growing population of mobile users has generated tremendous interests in the development of robust mobile designs and computing applications. However, the emerging nature of mobile computing has placed uncertainties and concerns on designers and enterprises regarding the integration between mobile technologies and the existing IT environment including the infrastructure and applications. Preliminary investigations reveal that emerging technologies tend to exhibit unique characteristics including unpredictable values and adoption rate uncertainties, network effect uncertainties, as well as unobvious cost and impact characteristics. We expect mobile computing technologies to exhibit the same characteristics. This paper explores the status of mobile development and emerging standards. In particular, we examine mobile design and HCI techniques, 4 Generation technologies, the concept of mobile sensors and technology utilization, as well as trends on mobile applications and possible future directions in their development. The main objective is to identify discernable trends in mobile computing technologies and develop insights on how Emerging Technology Group can promote mobile development projects run by ECC-Mobile Ltd using established development techniques and methodologies. 2.0 Detailed Observations This section discusses the main trends in mobile computing technologies. The main objective in this section is to underpin current state of mobile technology. 2.1 Mobile Design and HCI Techniques Human-commuter interaction (HCI) designs aims to develop creative interactions that maximize user experience. Creating interactive HCI for mobile devices is an open problem attempting to create powerful mobile computing services and resources via small interfaces. The main challenges in designing HCI for mobile devices relate to both hardware and software challenges. Hardware challenges relate to the limitations in size and weight of mobile devices in consideration of portability purpose of such devices (Huang, 2009). Challenges for hardware interaction design for mobile devices include the problem of limited input facilities, limited output features and designing for mobility (Huang, 2009). Currently, mobile devices use three primary input facilities: keyboard, touch screen stylus, and scroll wheel. The challenge with mobile device keyboards emanates from the limited space for key installation. While stylus and touch screen are good alternatives in smartphones, if the screen is small users’ finger can occlude graphical phone elements. Lastly, scroll wheel provides a suitable solution to the problem of input facilities in smartphones (Huang, 2009). Software challenges for designing HCI for mobile devices include the problem of designing hierarchical menus to allow users to select menu items than can open submenus. Similarly, navigation and browsing pose challenges in designing interactive schemes for mobile phones that have small screens (Huang, 2009). In addition, although images and icons serve as popular types of data visualization, their use in mobile devices is restricted in terms of displaying graphical representations such as logos, maps, diagrams and other images (Huang, 2009). 2.2 4G Technologies Generally, mobile technology enables cellular communication. Over the last two decade, the mobile code division multiple access (CDMA) has evolved significantly. The standard mobile device has transformed from a mere two-way pager to a sophisticated mobile phone embedded with GPS navigation, embedded Web service, game consoles and instant messaging. In the future, experts expect computer technology to rest on mobile computing at a time when wireless communication networks have become pervasive perhaps due to advances in the fourth generation mobile communications. Unlike the previous mobile computing devices such as 3G, the 4G exploits IP packet switched networks to provide high bandwidths. The 4G mobile communication has four main requirements: broadband communications, low cost, wide service area, and diversified services and ease of use (Umeda et al. 2004). With regard to broadband communications, the traffic current carried by mobile communication systems relies mainly on voice communications. The 2G system and the PDC system have made Internet access an essential service, which has also contributed to growth in electronic commerce and other data communications via mobile phones (Umeda et al. 2004). The increasing popularity of broadband services such as fiber optic cable access systems, asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and hone LANs will likely contribute to future demand for comparable services in mobile platform. However, in order to make broadband services accessible and available for mobile device users, the charges (cost) must be affordable. In particular, 4G system requires economical rates in terms of bit cost (Umeda et al. 2004). The key features of 3G include multi-antennae and multi-user (MIMO) spectral efficiency, Frequency domain equalization such as OFDM, statistical multiplexing, and turbo principle error-correcting codes designed to reduce required SNR at the reception (Patil et al., 2012). Other features include link adaptation and channel-dependent scheduling designed at using time-varying channel. Umeda et al. (2004) has identified various design objectives in meeting the requirements of 4G system. These design objectives relate to new services exploiting new capabilities such as rapid/easy deployment of services, enhanced service performance via seamless connections, information bit rate of 100 Mbits/s in peak rate environment, enhanced system capacity, low cost and lower transmission delays (Umeda et al. 2004). 2.3 Mobile Sensors and Utilization Recently, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as an important tool for advancing mobility. Mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) have become important tools in which mobility enhances the execution of apps. According to Rezazadeh et al. (2012), part of this growth emanates from the decreasing costs, increasing capabilities and growing utilization of mobile sensors. Generally, mobile sensor networks falls into one of three types of layer network architectures: one layer architecture where all devices communicate over the same network, two-layer architecture, which consists of stationary and mobile nodes, and three-layer architecture characterized by stationary sensor nodes that pass data to mobile devices (Rezazadeh et al., 2012). Since most sensor networks tend to be application specific, design objectives focus on creating small node sizes to facilitate deployment and the emphasis on low node cost in order to reduce the cost of sensor nodes for network (Singh et al., 2010). Other design considerations include low cost power considerations in order to prolong sensor node lifetime, scalability to different network sizes, and reliability in terms of proving error control for sensor networks. Other design features include self-configurability, security, adaptability, and channel utilization of bandwidths (Singh et al., 2010). 2.4 Applications and Future Directions Currently, mobile technologies and wireless systems cover two main areas: mobility and computing. The improvement of wireless technology and mobile systems in the recent past has led to improved convenience and affordability of mobile devices and other wireless devices. Mobile devices have become standards for communication today (Giessmann et al., 2012). Many smart mobile devices feature Web browsers that help in transmitting content based on device capabilities. Mobile devices use apps designed to help users personalize content. The 2nd generation of mobile apps based on smartphone has changed the development, distribution and consumption of mobile software (Giessmann et al., 2012). The market for mobile applications such as Google Android market and Apple’s App Store has recorded significant growth in the recent past along with the emergence and growth of a black market for apps. Mobile device designers and manufacturers rely on app trends to develop user-friendly devices. Traditionally, mobile ecosystems targeted masses of end consumers. In the future, device manufacturers will focus on functionality of devices in terms of developing usable security. An emerging trend is that IT managers plan to create new mobile apps. The new demand, particularly for Mobile Enterprise Applications (MEA) provides impetus for enterprise software developers albeit with challenges for device designers (Giessmann et al., 2012). TASK 2: 3.0 Case The client provides services for buying, selling and renting properties in Greenwich and environs. Most of the client’s customers come from referrals from existing clients, local advertisements and company website. Currently, the company plans to extend their business and target new customers. In order to achieve this, they seek a mobile app. 3.1 Purpose: The purpose of this task is to design suitable mobile app called ECMOB app that will enable the company to project its presence and services on offer. The proposed application (ECMOB) will consist of business, user experience and data layers. 3.2 Intended audience: ECC Mobile Limited Company employees and business managers/supervisors All customers and prospects Project team members All other stakeholders interested in the project from time to time 4.0 Design Requirements: At a minimum, ECMOB app must meet the following minimum requirements: Simple but professional mobile interface System link to pages Display welcome message and give brief company and product/service background Specific areas for buying, renting or selling properties Visual representation of services Contact area Visual/audial prompt to draw customers on special offerings Touch screen event handling capabilities An option of user engagement and business marketing via a game 5.0 Design Considerations: Consider communication and protection of sensitive data Consider different devices and mechanisms for authentication/authorization over the air, Bluetooth connection and local SD card settings Caching locations and formats Configuration management to allow restore state after resetting Provide data access for intermitted connectivity 6.0 Interfaces The external interfaces of ECMOB will comprise of a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) to allow for the creation of observation events and to facilitate monitoring. The essence of the GUI will be to receive and record events. 6.1 Web application interface: In order to comply with best practices in W3C recommendations, ECMOB app will utilize user-friendly Web application interface based on jQuery framework-CSS, JavaScript and HTML. Figure 1 below illustrates the sketch for the Web app user interface Figure 1: Illustration of ECMOB’s Web user interface 6.2 Modularization of web app: We envisage each user of ECMOB to have specific permissions/role such that a controller loads the display view with a side menu and main content 6.3 User interface: The user interface will feature the standard Android graphical user interface with design focus on user-friendliness and intuitiveness. We propose to use XML to create fixed interface component and Java to create run-time components. Figure two below shows sketch of the user login view of ECMOB. The login view will change according to user actions Figure 2: ECMOB Login View 6.4 Architecture of Proposed App Conceptual design: the general architecture of ECMOB will feature three main components: a database, a Web application and then the mobile application. 6.5 Mobile application: We propose to use MVC to create the mobile app. The Mobile App will feature five main components or modules: controller, XML parser module, Model View, Security Module and Communication Module. Figure 3 below illustrates these components. The View component (GUI) will help represent data in a simple manner. It will feature XML layout files, which define elements for implementing the interface. The Controller element will receive input from GUI and issue appropriate instructions. The Model will manage data separate from GUI and the Controller. The Security Module will implement appropriate security protocols to ensure secure communications. The Communication Module will allow communication through the Web application while utilizing the security implementations. On the other hand, the XML Parser Module will parse XML files. Figure 3: Model for the ECMOB Mobile Application 6.5 Database Model: The proposed database model for ECMOB will feature four modules: the admin, customer module, observer module and initiator. The Admin Module will consist of an Admin component and an authentication component for user control. For users to login, they must have an account. Customer Module contains detailed representations of content. TASK 3: 7.0 Testing 7.1 Purpose This task involves testing the mobile app using appropriate technologies. Testing is an essential process of the SDLC (Nigam et al., 2012). The main purpose of testing the application is to reduce navigational bugs and ensure enhanced path coverage. In particular, test will help in detecting errors, establishing functional requirements, usability, integration, consistency as well as layout; style and accessibility of the mobile app. Preliminary investigations reveal many methodologies and tools for testing mobiles apps when they are already developed. Overall, the table 1 below shows the checklist for testing the mobile app. for the purposes of this work; the checklist involves four interrelated fields: Device specific characteristics Network specific characteristics App and app user interface checks Store checks 7.2 Testing Checklist Description Yes/No Remarks Mobile Device-specific checks App can be installed on the device(s) App performs desired function with charger disconnected, sleeping mode or with an incoming call, All buttons behave as expected Touch screen works normally Network-Specific Checks App works properly with Internet/Wi-Fi connection App works properly in both 2G &3G app executes update transactions properly App switches correctly through 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi App and app user interface checks App allows users to navigate between pages using back button App has table viewer for minimizing user actions User cannot store files locally App provides search option for scrollable data Store-specific checks app does not use non-public APIs (testing tool http://www.chimpstudios.com/appscanner/) App cannot control device programs other than the target packages App grants user permissions when accessing user information on the device Table 1: Testing checklist References Giessmann, A. Stanoevska-Slabeva, K. & de Visser, B. 2012. Mobile enterprise applications-current state and future directions. Hawaii International Conference on System Science, IEEE Computer Society, 1363-1372. Huang, K. 2009. Challenges in human-computer interaction design for mobile devices. Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, October, 20-11, San Francisco, U.S.A. Nigam, A. Nigam, B. & Vatsa, D. K. 2012. Generating all navigational test cases using cyclomatic complexity from design documents for mobile application. International Journal of Computer Applications, 40(12), 40-44 Patil, C.S Karhe, R. R. & Aher, M. A. 2012. Development of mobile technology: a survey. International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, 1(5), 374-379 Rezazadeh, J. Moradi, M. & Ismail, A. 2012. Mobile wireless sensor networks overview. International journal of Computer Communications and Networks, 2(1), 17-22 Singh, S. K. Singh, M. P. & Singh, D. K. 2010. Routing protocols in wireless sensor networks-a survey. International Journal of Computer Science and Engineering Survey, 1(2), 63-83 Umeda, N. Otsu, T. & Masamura, T. 2004. Overview of the fourth-generation mobile communication system. NTT Technical Review, 2(9), 12-47 Read More