Interactive fashion label CutieCircuit created interactive jackets for rock band U2.

The digital revolution began in the 1950s with the transformation and transposition of analog and mechanical activities to digital ones.  Today, the reverse tendency is becoming more apparent as virtual technology merges with the physical world. It’s resulted in a new word: phygital.

Phygital is about creating an ecosystem between the brand and consumer across physical and digital spaces, then drawing on the best from both in order to expand beyond a one-dimensional brand communication. There are already many technology-driven phygital devices that users can interact with such as QR codes, augmented reality, 3D, Sixth Sense, Google Glass, Apple Watch.

Tesco’s Virtual Store

For example, consumers in South Korea can order their groceries while standing on a subway platform by interacting with “shop-like�?display walls that emulate the real world shopping experience.  Consumers scan the QR code of the product they’d like, the item is automatically added to an online shopping cart, and, after paying, shoppers will find a bag of groceries on their doorstep.  Tesco’s Homeplus pioneered this virtual supermarket and saw an increase of 76% in online shoppers and 135% in online sales.

Phygital storefronts like Homeplus�?bring a whole world of opportunities to businesses.  Digital stores enable companies to set up in unconventional locations because they do not require significant real estate.  Temporary pop-up stores are easy to set up, tear down, and transport.  They need no inventory or staffing (except for the periodic technical support).  And stores with a physical presence can continue selling products even after business hours.

But phygital isn’t just about marketing and retail.  Wearable technology like Google Glass and Apple Watch allow people to bring their technology with them wherever they go.  Zombies, Run! is an immersive smartphone running game that attempts makes exercising more fun.  The creative, apocalyptic tale tells a story of zombies chasing after the listener, motivating the exerciser to run away from the flesh-eating undead.

Street Eraser
Source: Street Eraser

Phygital technology can also add a new dimension to visual and performance art.  In spring of 2014, two artists stuck giant “Street Erasers�?(Adobe-inspired grey-and-white-checkerboard shapes that resemble the eraser tool in Adobe Photoshop) to London’s urban environment to reveal a blank Photoshop canvas under the surface of everyday objects.

In the summer of that year, London’s Barbican Centre opened the Digital Revolution exhibit as an exploration of humankind’s digital achievements.  Exhibit attendees can interact with a 3D laser light field, see the future of wearable tech, or revisit classic video games.

The world of phygital is endless and so are the opportunities it presents.  By blending storytelling, entertainment, fun, and utility into a device or activity, consumers can become a part of the phygital experience itself.

Looking for more examples of phygital technology? Check out these links:

• “Connect�? interactive billboards
• PERCH, a customized digital display for shoppers
• Real-time Facebook ‘likes’ displayed on Brazilian fashion retailer’s clothes racks
• Facebook birthday powered by 1-800-FLOWERS
• Angry birds live
• Billboard that talks to passerbys
• Interactive fashion that include wearable technology

Make Phygital Work For You

The bridging between the physical and digital worlds is becoming more common and the possibilities are endless. Logic Solutions can help you make your dream become a phygital reality. Let us create the innovative mobile apps, websites, eCommerce, or healthcare solutions you need to stand out.

Find your perfect solution

Jennifer Pan is a marketing coordinator at Logic Solutions. If you want to get her attention, try talking to her about d20s, (board) games, sci-fi and geeky references, or cute animal videos…or all of them at once. Just don’t bring up her uncanny ability to roll natural 1s.

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If you missed the live streaming, don’t worry! Here is a rundown and highlights of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Source: Apple

There are two two iPhone models – the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.  Both have a larger screen size (iPhone 6 has a 4.7″ display, iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5″ display) than the iPhone 5S (4″) and are slimmer too.  The iPhone 5S was 7.6mm thick, whereas the iPhone 6 is merely 6.9mm and the iPhone 6 Plus is just a smidge more at 7.1mm.  Both feature HD resolution, with the iPhone 6 having a resolution of 1334 x 750 px and the iPhone 6 Plus with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 px.  Aside from these size differences, these smartphones are essentially the same.

Both iPhones have longer battery lives than their predecessors, a more efficient A8 processor that offers greater CPU and GPU processing speeds, and an 8-megapixel camera with speedier autofocus and image stabilization.  Additionally, the new motion coprocessor, in addition to aiding in image stabilization, aids fitness apps by gathering information from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.  Plus, the iPhone 6 and iPhone6 Plus’ new barometer detector can sense elevation changes, including when you’re traversing up and down stairs.

The iPhone 6 goes on sale Friday, September 19th starting at $200 (with a two-year contract).  The iPhone 6 Plus starts at $100 more.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay
Source: WIRED

Apple Pay joins Google Wallet, PayPal, and other mobile payment systems as alternatives to carrying around wallets stuffed thick with credit cards, loyalty cards, coupons, and more.   Paying for your purchases will be as easy as holding your iPhone (or even Apple Watch) up to a reader.  It isn’t just a way to pay for stuff at stores like Target, Walgreens, and Macy’s.  Apple Pay can also be used to pay for online services, such as Uber, or in online transactions like Amazon.

Apple Pay aims to solve consumers’ worry about physical and electronic credit card theft by offering this app (already built in to the new iPhones) with security features such as NFC, Touch ID, and a secure chip Apple calls the Secure Element.  You add a card by taking a photo of it and, after getting verification from your bank, you’re ready to go.  During a transaction, a unique device number, rather than the actual credit card information (number, name, etc), is given to the merchant along with a dynamic security code.

For those concerned that the tech giant will be collecting your data, Apple reassures customers that the company won’t collect any information from your transaction – not your credit card information, what you purchased, where you purchased it, or how much you paid for it.  Additionally, if you lose your phone, you can deactivate all payments and payment information remotely without needing to cancel your actual credit card.

Apple Pay will launch in the U.S. in October.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch
Source: Apple

Apple has officially joined the wearables industry.  What makes this smartwatch different from other smartwatches in the industry is its UI – Apple was clear to state that the Watch is not an iPhone interface on a smaller screen.  Instead, users will use the watch’s “digital crown” to scroll, zoom, return to the Home screen, and navigate the watch. When turning the digital crown, the watch translates the movement into digital data.  This is accompanied by onscreen taps and swipes.

Customizable features include three different Watch editions ( Apple Watch, Watch Sport, and Watch Edition ), interchangeable strap designs (from leather to stainless steel to mesh chain loops), two different watch face sizes, and a customizable clock display.

Additionally, the Apple Watch has four sapphire lenses on the back of the device which hold LEDs and photo sensors for detecting heart rate.  This pairs with the Watch’s health and fitness-tracking apps to record your daily activity levels and aids you in taking steps to achieve a healthier lifestyle.  For example, its “Stand” display reminds you to stand for at least a minute every hour for 12 hours.  Every accomplishment you achieve fills a “progress bar” a little more, ultimately motivating the wearer to fill up their daily exercise progress bars.  It does need to be paired with an iPhone to track your distance traveled via GPS or wifi though.

Other apps on the Apple Watch include maps, third-party apps, a drawing tool, a simple messaging system, Apple Pay, and more.

The Apple Watch is expected to go on sale in early 2015, starting at $350.

No matter what your opinions are of these new products, it is clear that the tech giant is, once again, changing the way consumers will interact with their devices, the way competing companies will market their new products, and the how mobile developers will utilize the new functions and toys these new platforms provide.  Developers will now have a completely new device – the smartwatch – and products to write apps for, and it will be interesting to see what kinds of apps will take advantage of Apple Watch’s health and fitness features.

Does your awesome business want an awesome app?

Logic Solutions can create one just for you!
From the coding to the design to assistance with the distribution to enhancements and maintenance, the awesome people at Logic will help you with your mobile game plan.

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Create your mobile app today!

Jennifer Pan is a marketing coordinator and The New Recruit at Logic Solutions. If you want to get her attention, try talking to her about d20s, (board) games, sci-fi and geeky references, or cute animal videos…or all of them at once. Just don’t bring up her uncanny ability to roll natural 1s.

The post Apple’s New Gadgets: iPhone 6, Apple Pay, Apple Watch appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

Image Credit: Conversion Pipline

1. What types of apps have they developed?

We assume you will do the due diligence to find out whether prospective developers HAVE built apps, but you should also consider what types of apps they’ve created. Were they games? Consumer tools? Productivity boosters? Business or Enterprise apps?

Understanding the ins and outs of a high-performance video game does not necessarily translate into the ability to smoothly deliver, say, a sales force automation tool with secure data requirements. Developers should and can be versatile, but like any other field there are definite specializations.

2. What types of industries do they serve?

We won’t completely pass up a developer who hasn’t worked in our field, but it is certainly a bonus when one is familiar with the particulars of your industry. For example, if your app needs to be HIPAA-compliant, or adhere to stringent financial regulations, it’s much easier to work with developers who have previously satisfied those requirements.

3. What platforms do they know?

Delivering an app across multiple device types is certainly getting easier with the proliferation of cross-platform development, but it’s still important to ask a developer about their expertise. You might find you have a whiz at iOS programming, but a beginner at Android.

4. Do they perform the design work?

Graphic design and UI/UX (user interface and user experience) are CRITICAL for mobile apps. Users will permanently abandon a downloaded app in seconds if it provides a poor user experience. Development firms may offer design and usability services in-house, or work with outside firms. Some developers require you to deliver finished designs before the programming can start. Either methodology can be successful, and you should choose what makes sense for your project, corporate branding standards, or personal sanity.

5. Do they understand how to work with your users and data?

Many times apps involve grabbing data from an outside source, obtaining data from users, or both. You many need to use APIs, web services, and interact with the device itself to pull everything together seamlessly. If that’s the case, having a developer with expertise in data integration can save you a lot of headaches when trying to get information to and from sources.

6. Can they help you with deployment?

Maybe you want your app on public markets like the App Store and Google Play. Submitting your apps for sale involves an application process with code uploads, app review, possible contractual obligations, and more. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, you’ll want to make sure your developer can assist you.

If you’re creating an app for internal use by your employees, there are private distribution concerns to address. Do you need to control your devices with a Mobile Device Management tool? Do you have a BYOD policy, and what does it entail?

7. Are they asking the right things?

Good developers ask tons of questions. They want to know your goals for the app (brand recognition, customer loyalty, revenue generation, mCommerce, process improvement, all of the above, etc.), what devices you’re targeting, who will use the app, how you’re monetizing the app, what other apps do you like, if your tool needs an internet connection, where your current data exists, what security concerns you have, and so much more. They’re considering functionality, best practices, and optimal usability, while looking to avoid technical traps and App Store rejections.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Mobile App Development Checklist

Now that you know what to look for when hiring mobile developers, here is a handy checklist to help facilitate conversations with your developer!

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Angela Kujava is the Director of Innovation and Chief Smoothie Officer at Logic Solutions. She is an ardent supporter the Oxford comma, and will challenge you to a duel if you believe the contrary. Should you find yourself about to duel Angela, it is valuable to know that her kryptonite is Doritos. She cannot avoid their salty, orange siren song.

The post 7 Things CEOs Should Consider When Hiring A Mobile Developer appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

Look closely and you’ll see wearables everywhere: on a commuter’s wrist boarding a train, around an athlete’s chest at the gym and so on. If you haven’t seen them yet, you’re about to see a lot more of them.

Download this wearable devices price chart >>

 

 

With the impending release of Apple’s iWatch, Morgan Stanley predicts the company to sell between 30 and 60 million iWatches in the first year alone.

So, just what are wearables? Okay, I’m sorry for this, but I went to Wikipedia for a concise definition: “Wearable technology, tech togs, or fashion electronics are clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.�?/p>

Popular examples include Fitbit, a fitness band users wear on their wrist to track calories spent, steps, distance walked, etc. Google Glass, an eyeglass-like device, has been grabbing headlines for not only its robust functionality but also the public’s skepticism. You can download our PDF for a brief snapshot of other wearables on the market and their prices.

Wearables still are a technology for early adopters, which means there are plenty of detractors. Some question privacy concerns, bars in San Francisco banned Google Glass, while others can question safety concerns, pointing to the million Fitbits that were recently recalled for causing rashes.

Despite these obstacles, it doesn’t look like much will slow the march of wearable tech. Juniper research predicted the market to jump from its current $2 billion value to $19 billion by 2018. Some doctors are experimenting with Google Glass in the operating room, and even the best-selling author David Sedaris can’t help but gush about his Fitbit.

The market and the technology are evolving so fast that it’s hard to truly know what the landscape will be like in six months, let alone 2018. For example, Pebble Steel sold like hot cakes earlier this year, but the introduction Android Wear has many users considering bolting for Android-powered devices. Is there another groundbreaking technology around the corner that could flip the wearables market its head? It’s definitely possible in such a young field. For now, approach wearables with caution for the present but allow yourself to be wildly optimistic for the future.

FREE DOWNLOAD: A Guide to Mobile App Development Platforms

Compare the pros and possible limitations of top six mobile development tools on the market.

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Pierce Courchaine is a marketing coordinator at Logic Solutions. When he’s not in the office, he’s rumbling around the country in a 1996 Honda Civic he lovingly named Martha. Martha’s air conditioning doesn’t work anymore, her power locks failed, her back left window doesn’t open and her 106 horsepower has made for some heart-pounding races against Vespas. For some reason, he’s the only one who can see what’s special about her.

The post What the Heck are Wearables? [Infographic] appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.