Foldable mobile phones are a no more fictitious thing. They are all set to become mainstream in the world. In October 2019, Samsung unveiled its first foldable mobile from the prominent Galaxy series. On 24th December 2020, it will present the Fold 2 from the same series. And, it’s not just Samsung, but other brands like Huawei, LG, and Motorola are ready to appease the gadget lovers with their scintillating & quintessential foldable handsets.
It is time to delve into and imbibe with the new technology. It’s high time for mobile application developers in India to conceive the strategies for developing applications for foldable mobiles. As per the predictions made by gadget pundits, the new decade will witness foldable mobiles as trendsetters of the new era of technology. Hence, getting a bit more tech-savvy for developing more engaging applications that offer a smooth UI is essential.
best mobile app development companies in delhi and the world must emphasize practices that build a mobile application that works seamlessly, especially when the device is folded and when it is not. Undoubtedly, creating an application for foldable mobile screens is like belling a cat. But, it can become a cakewalk by considering all the important aspects. What are those aspects? Let’s take a deeper dive and understand.
The Crux of Matter- Foldable Testing
The prime aspects for designing an application for foldable mobiles are as follows:
- Multi-window mode compatibility
- Seamless different ratio facets
- Multi-screen configuration
- Prompt response as per the screen size
And now, we’ll throw light upon how the framework of an app build for a foldable mobile should be.
- Should Be Resizable
Undoubtedly, the fold-screen mobiles usually have a larger screen as compared to the usual mobile we use. Moreover, they are also bedecked with the multi-window mode. Now, as a responsible mobile application developer, it is your duty to develop an app that has compatibility with different window modes. There are different codes that can make the job smooth for you.
- Two Different Modes
Yes, that’s another necessity. The biggest and unprecedented difference between a regular handset and a foldable handset is not rocket science. It is all about its use in the folded and unfolded modes. Most of the mobile app development experts will agree that the screen mode affects the functionality of an application. Thus, it is mandatory to integrate the features for different screen modes. For example, a user gets extra room whilst using an app in the unfolded mode as compared to folded mode. Hence, the app should be designed for efficient use on both screens.
- Screen Ratio Adjustment
Although the screen size depends on the mobile manufacturer, we have mobiles with an average screen size of 6 inches. Be it Samsung, LG, or Motorola, there possess the similarity of sharing the same average size of 6 inches. However, there are other brands that like Huawei that may keep the screen smaller and less sleek. Thus, it becomes essential to test mobile applications on different screen ratios to detect the bug.
- Multi-Window Functionality
Now, this isn’t something unprecedented. Our regular smartphones crutch the multi-window feature that allows us to use different apps simultaneously. All foldable phones are equipped with this feature but in a better way. In foldable phones, using multiple apps is not a hassle as they can be used from the side face of the screen. When it is unfolded, the user can easily operate more than two apps together.
- Multi-Resume Feature
Mobile developers do not need guidance. They are mavens and understand the changing trends of the mobile world. Hence, they are focusing on the development of foldable mobile-friendly applications. The multi-resume functionality is available in the handsets with the Android version 10 as previous versions do not support the feature. The multi-resume feature allows the application, whether single or multiple, to stay in a resumed state when the device is on multi-window mode.
- Multi-Display Support
Depending on the configuration of the Android device, the multi-display function can also be incorporated into a foldable mobile. For example, one can add launchers, keyboards, and wallpapers on the second screen. An app developer requires assuring the independently drawn functionality of the second-screen. It is up to them for deciding what app should be displayed on the multi-display support feature.
Bonus Tip: Ensuring Inimitable Quality
Just as there is a huge spectrum of Android smartphones, each manufacturer is now moving ahead with its own version of a folding phone. Again, app developers must believe that the product of their apps stays sufficient, irrespective of the nature of folding on which they work. It’s recommended that you take one piece at a time. Start to figure out how many devices your app needs to operate. Analyze their ratio and resolution. Then, create an app that holds everything in mind.
More and more types of folding phones that enter the market, possess a new challenge to maintain functionality. Why? This is because nobody intends to enjoy a lot of tests on different devices, doesn’t it? Well, the world is thankful to the developers who made the emulators. Recently, following the launch of a foldable Samsung handset, Samsung has also launched an emulator for app developers.
Professionals’ Comment
Many application developers lay emphasis on running a pilot campaign before releasing the final version of an application configured for a foldable device. By performing it, the chances of major lacunae and rectify them prior to final release.
Thus, We Conclude That…
Developing applications for foldable devices is not as intimidating as it appears to be. It is only an extension of already mastered expertise that needs continuous testing for streamlined implementation and a better user experience. The key to creating effective mobile apps for folding devices with bigger displays is extensive research on user requirements, the challenges faced by customers, and confirmatory testing to obtain a good ROI.
