The world of software testing has come a long way from what it used to be even a decade earlier, when manual testing was by and large the prevalent norm. What really changed the dynamics of the software testing industry was the advent of automation. With automation came an all new approach to software QA that was not heard of before and which looked promising enough to revolutionize the way people looked at software testing and the expectations from it.

The implementation of automation brought in many benefits to QA teams through increased test coverage and a boost in test efficiency at the same time. This was a feat that was unheard of with manual testing. As the confidence of the people grew in automation, the demand for reliable and powerful software testing services were on the rise. This was because automation involved a different strategy and more and more organizations were out to seek help to implement the new approach to software testing in order to stay relevant in a highly competitive market.

Leading IT firms like The Digital Group, Hexaware, Thinksys and Cigniti, offer world-class software testing services to enterprises today as they help thousands of businesses across the globe achieve their product goals, through the implementation of successful software QA strategies. Software testing services are here to stay and are only going to get better with time, say experts.

There are many factors that determine the changing requirements of the software testing market. One of the primary factors is the ever growing invasion of technology in the everyday life of the common man. Today, as more and more people are using smartphones and mobiles, life is getting more and more dependent on apps, including everything from travelling to listening to music, to social media to ordering food. As technology increasingly dominates the lives of people today, the dependency is increasing and so there is the need to deliver high quality software and apps. In other words, the more complex the requirements, the more complex the app has to be, and also should be reliable as frequent breakdowns can totally ruin the experience for the users and make them stay away from the app forever.

Another key factor that one cannot miss is the short attention span of people today, which makes them get bored of “new” app features pretty soon and make them want to look for more advanced and novel features. This creates the need for frequent releases and app updates. This creates immense pressure on the software or app development team to deliver the highest quality software in the shortest time. In fact, the faster the time to market that one manages to achieve, the more frequent updates are possible. Hence, the ideal scenario is to develop and test apps in the fastest possible time. This is where advanced software testing services can save the day, by making it possible to achieve more in less time.

Last but not the least, the rising expectations of people from apps these days is another reason software testing services should be top notch to make the customers happy with the product. When it comes to software and apps, users not just want more in terms of quantity (frequent app releases bringing more features) but also more in terms of the quality of the app. So, to put it simply, users want an app that is always up and running, offers the most advanced security features to keep their data secure, as well as perform optimally across versions of operating systems (OS).

The demands made by the users are high and so the software development firms need a powerful strategy to keep the users happy, and so advanced software testing services play as important a role as powerful development strategies.

Amazon has again left its customers both impressed and surprised with its latest release of the Amazon Alexa Echo Buds. This premium quality product is available for $130 and brings forth a combination of most desired and almost unthinkable features at this price range. The oval-shaped, truly wireless buds come with an accommodating and elegant charging case that uses micro-USB port for charging. It also has an LED signal at the bottom to indicate the level of charge. Below we shall be discussing some of the remarkable aspects of this product that sets it apart from the other alternatives available.

Design and Build Quality

The design is basic yet elegant to heighten comfort and convenience. This pair of Echo earbuds is effortless and uncomplicated in both styling and operation. They are very light in weight and sits comfortably in the ear. The Echo Buds aims at providing the best fit for all the users. That is the reason that three varying sizes of ear tips and ear wings are available with the buds to fit any ear type. The ear wings, though optional, surely assist in a better fit and hold the buds more securely. Additional assistance through a fit test conducted via Alexa helps in identifying the best tip that ensures the best experience.

The make is of plastic, but the color chosen is matte black with a circular, glossy, touch-sensitive button on each bud. The buttons are meant to perform various kinds of reprogrammed operations through Alexa. Another critical aspect of the Echo Buds is that they are water and sweat resistant as they are IPX4 certified.

Sound and Performance

The sound quality of the Echo Buds is way beyond expectation, especially compared to the other products that are available at this price range. The earbuds are equipped with Knowles amateur balanced drivers that produce balanced and premium quality audio. The overall sound quality is very stable and productive. As per Amazon, the designing of the drivers is like the in-ear monitors that are used by professional musicians. The bass comes out smooth and weighty; the mids are reasonably stable, whereas the high notes are delivered very crisps and clear. Each bud also does full justice to vocals and instrumentals.

Noise Reduction

Another most important feature of the Echo Buds is that they support the excellent ANR technology of Bose. Active Noise Reduction technology does a fantastic job of reducing the surrounding and background noise. Thus, there more scope of higher concentration without any distraction for surrounding noses. Also, the echo buds come with Pass-through features that let it the necessary sounds. It is especially helpful in holding a meaningful conversation when needed.

About Alexa

Alexa does wonders to this product. The Echo Buds can smartly carry out hands-free operations through the integrated Alexa. You can request Alexa to carry out personalized functions by either double-tapping or long-pressing the smooth outer surface of assigned buds.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Echo Buds is quite impressive. With so much to do, the product can be used comfortably and generously for almost five longs hours once fully charged. The charging case can further supply additional power that can match up three full charges. So, once fully charged, be ready to enjoy all its loving features throughout the day without any tension of charge running out.

Pros of Amazon Alexa Echo Buds

Great for noise reduction
Supports Good connectivity
Superior Feature
Excellent fit and very comfortable

Cons of Amazon Alexa Echo Buds

Average Sound Quality
Impractical bud controls through touch
Low Battery Life

Thus, with such amazing features,Amazon Alexa Echo Buds are worth spending. Purchasing them will turn out to be a gaining experience when the price is compared to the excellent functions. Ideal for athletes and regular commuters, Amazon Alexa Echo Buds promises a high level of satisfaction owing to their simple designing and smooth operation.

The Importance of Mobile Apps in Today’s Market
Mobile apps are increasingly becoming a fundamental aspect of daily life. According to Statista, as of the first quarter of 2020, there were approximately 2.56 million apps available on Google Play and 1.85 million on the Apple App Store. This surge is largely driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones across various demographics, prompting businesses to engage customers through mobile apps.

A report by App Annie highlighted that the global mobile app revenue reached approximately $581 billion in 2020 and is projected to exceed $935 billion by 2023. This growth is fueled by advancements in mobile technology, including the integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Lifecycle of Lean Mobile App Development
The development of a mobile app typically follows a lifecycle similar to the software development lifecycle (SDLC), which includes several key phases:

1. Planning
This initial phase involves defining the app’s purpose, identifying the target audience, and conducting competitive analysis. Decisions regarding the platform (iOS, Android, or cross-platform) and the main features of the app are also made during this stage.

2. Designing
In this phase, UI/UX designers create a prototype to visualize the app’s design. This helps in assessing the app’s usability and gathering feedback from stakeholders to refine the design further.

3. Development
Development can be approached through various methodologies, with agile being the preferred choice for its flexibility and efficiency. This phase involves building the app iteratively, allowing for regular feedback and adjustments.

4. Testing
Comprehensive testing is conducted to ensure the app’s performance, security, and overall quality meet the standards. User Acceptance Testing (UAT), or beta testing, is also performed to gather real-user feedback.

5. Deployment
The app is launched on platforms like Google Play and the Apple App Store. It’s important to understand the different policies and fees associated with these platforms. For instance, Google Play allows free app launches, whereas Apple charges an annual fee of $99.

6. Maintenance and Optimization
Post-launch, the app requires regular updates and maintenance to enhance functionality and address user feedback. App Store Optimization (ASO) is also crucial to improve visibility and attract more users.

Choosing the Right Technology Partner

Selecting a credible technology partner is vital for successful mobile app development. Companies like Katalyst Technologies offer extensive experience in developing apps using platforms like OutSystems and can provide end-to-end solutions from ideation to maintenance.

Conclusion
For businesses aiming to thrive in the digital arena of 2020, understanding and implementing a lean mobile app development lifecycle is crucial. By partnering with experienced developers and adopting an agile approach, businesses can ensure their mobile apps are effective, efficient, and ready to meet the dynamic demands of the market.

Autodesk has released different versions of the software targeting different markets, with specialized toolsets that offer users access to different industry-focused functionalities and libraries in a single subscription. Every toolset is designed to address many of the traditional problems facing specific industry sectors including automation of tedious manual tasks. AutoCAD is getting better every year and as for the 2D drawing features, it sure has enhanced the productivity of the drafters in many ways.

With all the new releases and most software, it is highly recommended that you get the trial version to get the hang of the software. Some of the new features that have raised the bar this year are:

1. User Interface

Every other software seems to love black in recent years. This is one of the most popular themes and for all the good reasons. The dark theme can actually be better for your eyes, energy consumption and even workflow. People are already using the dark themed option available in other software and including this feature in AutoCAD was a tell-tale.

2. Quick Measurement Tool

A faster version of the measure dropdown tool is now available called “Quick Measure”. When this tool is active, the program finds measurements close to the crosshairs and automatically displays them. The measure toll is now “Quick measure”, but the previously existing subcommands are still available.

3. Improved Cloud Workflow

Autodesk had launched a built-in button to save drawings to the cloud, AutoCAD 2020 offers a few improvements. In the save and open a dialogue box, the “places” list can now support cloud services.

4. Redesigned Purge

The “Purge” feature has been redesigned for better drawing clean-up. Remove multiple unnecessary objects at once with easy selection and visual preview area. Now, you’ll be able to see what’s getting purged, or why you can’t purge an object or a group of them.

5. Blocks Palette

The tool palette is populated with pre-existing blocks that come with the program. Many users and firms have customized tool palettes with company-specific blocks. You can simply drag and drop blocks into the drawing from the current drawing, recent, or other drawing tabs. Update to the block workflow in 2020.

Another feature that will boost the productivity of professionals is the partnership among the Box, Microsoft, and AutoCAD. Partnering with Box and Microsoft paves the way for smooth and efficient workflows. Open any DWG file stored in Microsoft OneDrive and Box with the AutoCAD web app, in just a click. It also provides flexibility. This is an interesting and important new move made by AutoCAD, that can be of immense help if used properly.

In today’s fast-paced business world, professionals want to accelerate business processes and power workplace collaboration, while working with flexible, best-of-breed enterprise solutions. The faster integrations speed up getting into your files, as well as cut down collaboration time. There are also some performance enhancements like faster installation time on SSD and faster access time for Xref and blocks. Better support for 4K monitors and security enhancements in the AutoCAD file.