Why Small Businesses Need Mobile Apps

Usha Bhavani

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June 6, 2016

Mobile apps are the craze these days and all types of small businesses are jumping in to reach their customers through their smartphones.

The shift has happened and the Thumb has taken over. For the first time ever, mobile traffic exceeded that of desktop users in 2015. This opens up a whole new world and avenues to pursue for businesses and reach more people using mobile apps.

Having a web presence alone is not enough anymore. Statistics clearly indicate that online activity is shifting to mobile and there is need to include mobile in business strategies. It won’t be wrong to say that creating apps can take businesses to the pockets of customers.

Embedding their offerings onto a smartphone means a business is only a few key strokes away from an interaction or a sale. Not just that, mobile apps can also provide valuable data about customers’ needs and preferences.

If you are a small business owner and your business does not yet have mobile apps, you need to develop one, in order to stay competitive.

Creating Mobile Apps

But isn’t creating an app tedious and expensive? It certainly was very expensive and time-taking previously, but advanced software simplified the mobile app development process.

It is now possible for even coding amateurs to create a fully-functional mobile app with the least expense.

The ease of development and affordability encourages all sorts of businesses to create their own mobile apps.

Types of Businesses Using Mobile Apps

For a long time now, hotels/restaurants, travel/flight operators, hospitals and fitness centres have been creating their own apps and they were lapped up by the customers.

A 2015 survey revealed that others like plumbing companies, golf courses, hospitals/clinics, electric companies and all sorts of businesses are coming up with their own apps.

Every business wants to put their brand name directly in front of smartphone uses, and improve their engagement and sales.

A perfect example is that of a pet food supplier who encouraged people to upload funny pictures of their pets to win a prize. A product owner with something for new mothers, who arranged meet ups and formed a community. A real estate agent who offered comparisons of local property prices.

As the ease of building mobile apps increases, so does the functionality.

Mobile Apps as a Key Marketing Tool

The fact is, consumers are engaging with brands on social media more than ever before. Businesses can capitalize on consumer desires and need for interaction by developing engaging and entertaining mobile apps.

According to ContractIQ, a firm that researches mobile development trends, businesses use mobile apps for various purposes.

Support and Engagement: 50%
Revenue: 30%
Branding: 20%

Mobile apps boost engagement with customers and increase repeat visits. They permit a wide range of online transactions: bookings, file uploads, showing videos, newsletters, deliver vouchers and coupons, support, information portals, announcements and everything that builds sales.

Mobile users are said to spend 174 minutes on an average on mobile devices each day and 90 percent of that time is spent using mobile apps. The so-called Thumb generation make most of their purchases online.

Why Small Businesses Shy Away from Developing Apps

They think building apps is too complicated and expensive. They worry about the need to build different apps to reach customers on various platforms – Windows, BlackBerry, Android and iOS.

And the fact is that most business owners don’t have the expertise in building apps.

But the process is simplified today. There are many companies offering great mobile app building tools at reasonable prices.

For example, Bizness Apps is a company in San Francisco that provides small business owners templates with a wide-range of features to build mobile apps in just an hour.

Yet another San Francisco based company MyCrowd QA can help with the bug-testing process for the app, for a few dollars.

With several such businesses offering mobile app tools, whatever the size of your business, it is time for you to build your mobile apps, thus improving engagement with your customers, building a brand and encouraging sales.

WhatsApp Launches First Ever Native Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac

Usha Bhavani

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May 16, 2016

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WhatsApp Launches First Ever Native Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac

WhatsApp finally addresses the gap that needed to be filled, by launching the Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac. With more than 1 billion active users, the most popular messaging application has, from the beginning, focused entirely on mobile phones.

On Wednesday, WhatsApp launched its first ever native desktop apps for Windows 8 and above, and Mac OS 10.9 (Mavericks) and above.

WhatsApp Desktop Apps for Windows and Mac

This comes 16 months after WhatsApp Web, the web browser version of the app was made available. That service was launched in January 2015 for Windows and Android phone users, later adding support for iOS users as well.

The difference between WhatsApp Web and the new desktop apps is that the latter offers several new features. The desktop app syncs with your mobile app, runs natively on your desktop, supports native desktop notifications, messages open in a separate window and you have access to many keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl (on a Mac) + Shift + M to mute a conversation.

Syncs with your Phone

The company said, “Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.”

This means, the new desktop app works only when you have the mobile app running on your phone, close to your desktop computer.

Acquired by Facebook for more than US$19 billion in February 2014, WhatsApp crossed the billion user mark as of February. It has constantly been making improvements to the app, including offering users enhanced privacy by rolling out end-to-end encryption on its mobile app.

This move of bringing WhatsApp to the desktops is sure to steer more users its way.

If you’re someone who spends most of your time on a desktop, the following step-by-step instructions will guide you in downloading, installing and using WhatsApp Desktop Apps on your Windows or Mac.

Download WhatsApp Desktop Apps Free

Step 1: Download the app here: https://www.whatsapp.com/download using a desktop browser.

Step 2: You’ll be prompted to “Download for Windows” or “Download for Mac” based on whether you’re using Windows or Mac. Click the download button.

Step 3: After downloading, “Install” the application. You’ll be asked to Scan using a QR code. You can do this by opening WhatsApp on your mobile and going to WhatsApp Web. This will open a scanner, where you scan the QR code present on your Windows or Mac screens.

Step 4: Your WhatsApp Desktop App now syncs with your mobile. You can start using it without taking out your phone.

Note: For WhatsApp Desktop Apps to work on your Windows and Mac, both your computer and mobile should be connected to the Internet.

iOS 9.1 ‘Jailbreak Release Date’: iOS 9.2 Beta 4 Features, News, Beta 5 and iPhone 7 Rumors

iOS
News

Sharang Sharma

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December 4, 2015

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iOS 9.1 ‘Jailbreak Release Date’: iOS 9.2 Beta 4 Features, News, Beta 5 and iPhone 7 Rumors

Apple recently released the new iOS 9.2 beta 4 for its users around the world, and it’s the second major update to iOS 9. You can now download and install iOS 9.2 beta 4 if you have opted to Apple’s beta testing program. If you are not registered as a developer or beta tester, you can sign-up through this link. However, if you do not want to sign-up as a developer or a tester, but want to try the new update, you can download it directly from iModZone Downloads through this link. Please do bare in mind that once you upgrade from iOS 9.1 to iOS 9.2 beta, you may not be able to downgrade back to iOS 9.1,

AT&T NumberSync: This new feature is only applicable to AT&T users, and it will basically allow iPads and Macs act like a smartphone without requiring the iPhone associated with that phone number to be around, so you can receive and make calls with your other Apple devices after adding the device with NumberSync to an AT&T Mobile sharing plan.

Arabic Support In Siri: iOS 9.2 will feature support for the Arabic language in Siri.

3D Touch Effects Update: It was reported by users that the iPhone 6s featured a smoother 3D Touch experience compared to iPhone 6s Plus, due to bigger screen that holds larger pixel count. This new update could resolve the issue and level our both new iPhone 6s models in terms of 3D Touch experience.

App Switcher Update for iPad Air 2: It was reported by users that the iPad Air 2’s App Switcher feature was somehow did not operate as smooth as the previous iPad models, and this seems to have been improved with iOS 9.2 and therefore should be as good as the previous iPad models.

Faster Swipe on Safari: Safari’s hidden feature enables you to swipe the top-left to go back and swipe the top-right to go forward, however users reported that this feature lags when you tried the same movement more than 2 times, however, the new update seems to have solved this problem too.

Bug Fixes: Several bugs will be fixed in the update, such as issues with the iCloud Keychain, Apple Watch synching and the quality of audio streamed through stereos.

Is there a Jailbreak release date for iOS 9.1 or 9.2?

We recently reported that ‘Springtomize’ jailbreak for iOS 9 was released, which is very popular in the jailbreak scene, as it comes packed with a ton of different tweaks in a single app which can give you all the freedom to customisation to suit your needs. No current dates have surfaced for iOS 9.1 jailbreak release, however developers are likely targeting the next release: iOS 9.2. As you may already be aware , Pangu team were the first to jailbreak iOS 9 using their latest Pangu 9 jailbreak tool and they claim to have a new jailbreak tool, Pangu 9.2, which keeps you connected to Cydia iOS 9.2 jailbreak updates directly on your device without having to jailbreak it.

There are no official dates for public iOS 9.2 release, however, company has never gone beyond a beta 5 and we wouldn’t expect that to change with iOS 9.2. iOS 9 beta 4 is pretty impressive , so we could be seeing the final release coming soon without GM for a point release – it may go from beta to release version.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 7 Episode 8 Spoilers and Rumors

News

Sharang Sharma

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November 22, 2015

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‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 7 Episode 8 Spoilers and Rumors

The upcoming episode of hit series “The Vampire Diaries” is expected to bring Julian to focus.

It was reported that episode 8 of “The Vampire Diaries” season 7 will showcase the brothers Stefan, played by Paul Wesley, and Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, in their attempts to stop Julian, played by Todd Lasance.

The trailer for the upcoming episode showed Stefan and Damon helpless under Julian’s doings. There are speculations that the brothers’ actions will have the Heretics threatening their lives.

The upcoming episode will see Julian and Lily, played by Annie Wersching, hosting a party that celebrates Mary Louise, played by Teressa Liane, and Nora’s, played by Scarlett Byrne, anniversary. However, not all will be festive as Julian is expected to put his evil plan into play.

Titled “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” episode 8 is expected to bring some action. From the synopsis provided by Comic Book Movie, it is expected that Stefan and Damon will do their best to shut down Julian’s plan.

However, it was hinted that not all will go smoothly. Their actions might result to more danger to everyone. Because of that, Lily will have be forced to intervene.

Meanwhile, they will not be the only ones experiencing trouble during the party. It was reported that Caroline, played by Candice Accola, will be distressed because she found out that Stefan is the father of Valerie’s child. With that, she will start to question her relationship with Stefan.

According to Carter Matt, the synopsis reads, “As Julian (guest star Todd Lasance) and Lily (guest star Annie Wersching) throw a party to celebrate Mary Louise (guest star Teressa Liane) and Nora’s (guest star Scarlett Byrne) anniversary, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) set in motion a risky plan to eliminate a new threat posed by Julian. Meanwhile, following a major revelation uncovered by Valerie (guest star Elizabeth Blackmore), Caroline (Candice King) is forced to face her new reality, even as it threatens to destroy her relationship with Stefan.”

“The Vampire Diaries” season 7 episode 8 is expected to air this Dec. 3.

‘Downton Abbey’ Season 6 Finale Spoilers: Main Character Makes a Return for Last Episode

News

Sharang Sharma

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November 22, 2015

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‘Downton Abbey’ Season 6 Finale Spoilers: Main Character Makes a Return for Last Episode

“Downton Abbey’s” Season 6 finale will see the return of one of the show’s key characters as the series winds down to its swan song.

With the final season of British period drama, “Downton Abbey,” expected to air before the end of the year, the show is bringing back one of its major characters, Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James) who will be reappearing in the series’ Christmas episode, which will also be its Season 6 finale.

Lady Rose will be joined by her Jewish husband, Atticus Aldrige (Matt Barber), as well as her father, Shrimpie (Peter Egan).

James initially joined the cast in the third season, just after the death of Lady Sybil Crawley (Jessica Brown Findlay), taking up where the notorious Lady Sybil left off. Falling in love with an African-American jazz singer and giving “Downton Abbey” audiences a taste of an interracial love story, naïve and headstrong Lady Rose would have pursued the romance if not for the musician leaving to prevent a dangerous situation of a member of the peerage falling for a person of the “wrong” color.

Her near-miss romance didn’t stop Lady Rose from falling in love again and marrying a Jewish man either and audiences thought it would be the last they would see of Lady Rose MacClare after she acquired her happily-ever-after.

Despite Lady Rose’s return for the final episode of the show, audiences will still have to deal with Lady Mary Crawley’s (Michelle Dockery) frustrated efforts to reconcile with her sister, Lady Edith (Laura Carmicheal), while the latter appears to be suffering from her secret.

Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode) and the stern butler, Carson (Jim Carter), will be dealing with several significant changes in their lives as well.

“Downton Abbey’s” Season 6 finale is expected to air its Christmas episode on December 25 in the UK and on PBS in the US on January 3, 2016.

‘The Blacklist’ Season 3 News: Rumors, Cast and ‘Spoilers’

News

Sharang Sharma

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November 22, 2015

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‘The Blacklist’ Season 3 News: Rumors, Cast and ‘Spoilers’

“The Blacklist” has just finished airing its season 3 midseason finale. The surprsing turn of events led to Samar being fired from her job in the FBI. Viewers now wonder where they can expect the story to pick up when the series returns.

Executive producer Jon Bokenkamp recently revealed with Entertainment Weekly that Samar may end up teaming up with Red. Bokenkamp shares, “In the back half of the season, she’s not working with Ressler and the team. That would leave her open and available to potentially have some back-channeling with Reddington.” He also adds more insight on the kind of dynamics Samar and Red share, “Those two have a very unusual and very mysterious relationship. I would think it might be likely to see Red and Samar perhaps teaming up in some capacity.”

Furthermore, Liz’s arrest remains a big question to most, especially on what awaits her after this surprising plot twist. Bokenkamp assures fans that rescuing Liz is high priority for Ressler and Tom Keen, with Tom more than dedicated to the mission. He further states in another interview, “Tom, who will do anything possible to save and exonerate Liz, will find himself aligned in a completely unexpected way with Ressler, and these two guys hate each other.”

At this point, however, fans wonder how Ressler and Keen will find a way to work together, and Bokenkamp says it isn’t entirely surprising that they would join forces to save Liz. The EP goes on how “there’s no love lost between those two guys.” With that, it can be said that the possibility of working together, especially for Liz, has always been in the cards, as Bokenkamp teases, “I would expect to see them perhaps unite in some sort of way to help Liz. It kills them both to have to do it. What happens when they recognize that they have the same agenda?”

Samsung Android flip phone with two screens named W2016

Android
News

Sharang Sharma

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November 21, 2015

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Samsung Android flip phone with two screens named W2016

The clamshell smartphone design was one that seemed like it had disappeared into the archives of technology history, but surprisingly, at the tail-end of 2015, it’s resurfaced. We learned a few days ago that Samsung likely had something like this in the works because of a TENAA certification posting, but now the W2016 Android flip phonebeen officially unveiled as a swanky-looking bit of kit.

In a frame that looks like it was at least partly inspired by the screen-happy folks in that classic Xhibit hosted TV show, the Samsung W2016 packs not just one 3.9-inch, 1,280 x 768-pixel screen on the interior of its flip-phone design, but a second one on the exterior, too. In the first of several promo shots, that exterior display is used to show a few different clock designs, though presumably more useful data could be put there, too.

Unlike the clamshell designs of old, this one also folds flat to offer a more typical brick phone design, though it does, of course, feature the traditional mechanical keypad, too. It’s something that we haven’t seen since touchscreens began dominating as the smartphone input method of choice.

Internally we know that the W2016 features Samsung’s own Exynos 7420 processor running at 2.1GHz, paired off with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space. Although powerful, this won’t be likely to win any performance awards, but it should mean that when combined with the lower resolution displays and the 2,000mAh battery, time between charges may be surprisingly lengthy, as per PhoneArena.

HP Elite x2 tablet for business professionals available for $899

News
Reviews

Sharang Sharma

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November 21, 2015

0

HP Elite x2 tablet for business professionals available for $899

HP thinks that business IT departments will appreciate that they can work on the Elite X2, something we’d bet many of our readers would find interesting, too. HP has also equipped the Elite X2 with USB Type-C ports that carry USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 signals, a trick that not even Microsoft’s pricey Surface Book has.

Buyers can option the machine with Intel vPro processor if wanted. The machine, which includes a 12-inch HD LED display, is available with the Windows 10 Pro 64 or Windows Home 64 operating system. The stylus has integrated pressure sensors to help control the width of lines when writing or drawing onscreen. The Elite x2 was created to be very portable and thin measuring in at 8.1mm thick and fewer than two pounds. Starting at $899, Elite x2 comes with the detachable HP Travel Keyboard and HP Active Pen with App Launch.

It has a built-in kickstand with 150 degrees of adjustability, allowing a user to set the device upright for viewing and keyboard typing or laying it back for on-screen typing. The Elite x2 is built to pass MIL-STD testing to meet the rigors of rough business use, while its display is covered with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for durability. HP says that this is the same keyboard hardware as used in its EliteBook Folio 1020 enterprise-class laptop. Fixed storage is provided by a built-in SSD and the tablet also features a 4G LTE modem, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Noise Reduction software plus Bang & Olufsen speakers, front and rear cameras, dual array microphones, and a variety of modern connector ports (including Thunderbolt 3/USB-C and USB-A). The machine has BIOS-level security with HP SureStart tech. The system is created to be easier to upgrade and fix, with simpler parts replacement and disassembly procedures, according to HP.

The HP travel keyboard offers users a thinner keyboard solution, adding 395 grams in weight while delivering a full 1.5mm keyboard travel and a clickpad for productivity.

5 Best alternatives to ‘FaceTime on Android’

Android
News

Sharang Sharma

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November 7, 2015

0

5 Best alternatives to ‘FaceTime on Android’

FaceTime is Apple’s video calling system, and when it was introduced Apple promised to make it open source. We’re still waiting. One day, we hope, we’ll be able to tell you how to get Apple FaceTime for Android. But until that day comes, we’ll keep you posted with all the alternatives on offer.

There’s a famous technology problem described as “the only fax machine in the world”: if you’re the only person who owns a fax machine, there’s nobody for you to send faxes to or receive them from (if you don’t know what a fax machine is, it’s a nearly obsolete technology that scans letters, sends them over the phone and then prints them out slowly and badly at the other end. People thought faxes were pretty damn futuristic in the 1980s).

You get the point: whether it’s a social network or a chat app, the more people that use it, the more useful it becomes and the more people want to use it. We’ve seen it with Gmail, with Facebook, with WhatsApp and with Instagram. And in 2010 we thought we’d see it with FaceTime too

FaceTime: what is it, and what does it want?

FaceTime was unveiled by Apple in 2010 with the iPhone 4, and it promised high quality video calling (and more recently, voice over IP calling too) between iPhone users. So far so ”meh” as far as Android users are concerned, but Steve Jobs said that Apple would immediately start working with various standards bodies to make FaceTime an “open industry standard” that could be used by other firms to bring FaceTime to other platforms, such as Android. The process should have been simple, because FaceTime was built on standards: H.264 for video, AAC for audio and so on.

Five years on, and FaceTime is still Apple-only.

messengerbig — There’s no FaceTime, but you could always Facebook. / © Facebook

Why isn’t FaceTime on Android yet?

As far as the technology is concerned, there are two key reasons why FaceTime never made it to other platforms. The first is that FaceTime uses digital certificates to prevent automated spam calls and telemarketing, and those certificates appear to be Apple-specific. The second reason is that Apple uses a range of additional techniques to improve performance, but those techniques have a knock-on effect on FaceTime’s compatibility with other systems that are based on the same standards.

Of course, there’s another possible explanation, which is that Apple no longer gives a stuff about bringing FaceTime to anybody else: it’s got so many people using FaceTime on iOS and OS X devices that it doesn’t need to reach non-iOS users any more.

It’s possible that FaceTime will come to Android one day, but then it’s possible that your uncle Frank is a space alien from the planet Zog. It’s possible, but it really isn’t very likely.

Then again, who cares? There are plenty of Android FaceTime alternatives, and some of them are brilliant.

AndroidPIT WhatsApp alternatives — There are plenty of Android instant messenger apps, but which do video calls? / © ANDROIDPIT

Which Android apps do FaceTime better than FaceTime?

We’re glad you asked. There’s Google Hangouts, of course, but there are lots of other apps to choose from.

The big one is Skype, which we use here at AndroidPIT for our own internal communications. It’s been around since the internet was powered by mice on treadmills, and it’s free to use unless you want to call telephones like people used to do. You do need a Skype ID to use it, but most people you know probably have one already. If they adon’t, getting one’s just a matter of getting the app and entering a few details.

Skype – free IM & video calls – Download

There’s also Facebook’s all-conquering Messenger, which has just got video calls: with more than 1 million Messenger video calls made in the first two days, it looks like it’s going to be a hit. As you’d expect you need your friends, family or colleagues to be on Facebook in order to use it, but let’s face it: everybody’s on Facebook, whether they want to be or not.

Messenger – Download

It isn’t here yet, but WhatsApp video calls are coming. Facebook may have bought it and used it to power its Messenger app, but it’s not going to shut down such a popular service or let it decline. We know video’s coming. We just don’t know when it’ll arrive.

WhatsApp Messenger – Download

Last but not least, there’s Viber. In the case of Viber, making a video call means making a voice call first. Select your contact, tap the Free Call button, and wait for the call to connect. Once it connects, you’ll need to tap the Video Call button to move into video calling mode, and the person you’re calling needs to activate it too or you won’t be able to see him, her or them.

Viber – Download

This article was published and owned by Android Pit

Top 5 Best iPhone 6s Cases and Covers

Categories

Sharang Sharma

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November 1, 2015

0

Some smartphone owners often choose to take the risks that come associated with using a device with no case or protective shell, but if you want to protect your investment, then carry on reading for a run down of the best cases available for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

BookBook

Twelve South’s BookBook case for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is undoubtedly one of the more unique case offerings out there. The all-new product is a wallet case, hands-free stand, and removable case all wrapped up in one little vintage book-themed leather shell.

BookBook is available directly from twelvesouth.com, comes in either black or brown options and retails for $59.99 with free US shipping.

Apple Leather Case

No official Apple introduction of a new iPhone would be complete without some accompanying accessories. The unveiling of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus handsets was no different. Apple’s premium leather cases are officially made with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus in mind, and are offered in Midnight Blue, Saddle Brown, Rose Gray, Brown, or Black.

The Apple Leather Cases are available direct from the apple.com/shop accessory pages, and retail for $45.00 for the 6s version, or $49.00 for the larger 6s Plus option.

Apple Silicon Case

If you want to offer some official Apple branded protection to your iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus but leather is a little over the top for you needs, then it’s always worthwhile considering Apple’s official Silicon Case option. Cases are offered in White, Charcoal Gray, Stone, Antique White, Blue, Turquoise, Midnight Blue, Lavender, Pink, Orange, or Red.

Apple’s official silicon cases are available to purchase directly from the accessory section ofapple.com/shop, and cost $35.00 for the 6s version, or $39.00 for the larger 6s Plus.

Caseology Skyfall

The Skyfall series from Caseology offers a shock-absorbing bumper around the outside of the iPhone, as well as a crystal clear scratch resistant back cover. That protection is nicely wrapped up in an attractive premium TPU polycarbonate case that should offer a fairly high level of protection for a relatively low price.

Caseology are offering the Skyfall case via Amazon for $12.99 in Gold, Silver, Charcoal Black, or Sepia Gold color for both 6s and 6s Plus.

Yousave Accessories iPhone 6s / Plus Case Clear Silicone Gel Cover

The Yousave clear soft silicone cover pretty much lives up to its name. The extremely cheap and affordable offering comes with a clear screen protector and microfibre cloth as well as a TPU gel protective skin that should provide a small additional layer of added protection for the mounted iPhone.

This particular case is available via Amazon for both 6s and 6s Plus, and costs just $5.99. It’s perfect for minimalists.

Caudate Veil iPhone 6s / Plus Premium Ultra Thin Case

The Veil case for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is likely one of the thinnest cases that you’ll be able to get your hands on, at just 0.35mm. This form factor will undeniably appeal to those individuals who want to protect the device but maintain the iPhone’s tiny form factor as best possible. Caudabe is also offering a no-hassle, one year warranty with the case.

Available via Amazon in Wisp Black or Frost for $15.88 (6s Plus) and $14.95 (6s).

OBLIQ Premium Slim Fit Thin Armor Polycarbonate Titanium Case

The OBLIQ premium fit shock resistant case offers a premium look and feel for a relatively tiny price-tag. The perfectly engineered fit is designed to offer the best level of protection to the iPhone contained within, and it’s even airbrushed with a modern, stylish design that makes it look a lot more expensive that the underlying price.

The OBLIQ is available directly from Amazon in a range of colors for a very agreeable $11.99.

Spigen Neo Hybrid Carbon Case for Apple iPhone 6s / Plus

The Spigen Neo Hybrid Carbon Case for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is not only extremely beautiful to look at, but it also has a reinforced frame for more durability and an extremely snug and tight fit on the device inside. The two-piece construction serves up a hard PC frame with a shock-absorbing TPU accompaniment.

The Spigen is available directly from Amazon for $18.99 (6s) and $23.99 (6s Plus).

Speck CandyShell Inked Case

The Speck CandyShell cases are always extremely popular, and the company’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus variants are proving no different. The scratch-resistant hard coating keeps the vibrant colors of the shell pristine while protecting the iPhone underneath. There’s also the addition of a raised rim around the outside of the case to protect the screen of the device.

Speck are offering the CandyShell in six different colors for the iPhone 6s, and three colors for the iPhone 6s Plus directly through Amazon for $39.95.

Jstyle by iLuv – Leather Wallet Case

In a similar fashion to the BookBook by Twelve South, the Jstyle by iLuv is about more than just being a protective case. The product is crafted from genuine leather with a Saffiano finish and has space for the owner to store up to eight credit or debit cards. Protection for the actual iPhone is provided by a durable polycarbonate cradle that holds and “cradles” the hardware.

The Jstyle is offered in a black finish for the iPhone 6s for $39.99. iPhone 6s Plus owners can choose from either black ($49.99), or Pink ($39.99). All options are available via Amazon.

Spigen Tough Armor Case

If a Spigen case is what you’re after, but you want to offer the best possible protection, then the Spigen Tough Armor case could be the solution. The product comes with MIL-STD 810G 516.6 protection certification and is built with Air Cushion technology to give the maximum possible protection against drops.

The Spigen tough Armor case is available directly from Amazon starting from $19.99 (6s Plus) and $18.99 (6s) for the TA Gunmetal option.

Tech21 Evo Mesh Sport Case

Purchasing directly from Apple can often give consumers piece of mind about the level of quality that they will be receiving. If you fall into that category, then you may wish to check out the Tech21 Evo Mesh Sport Case for Apple’s 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch devices. The product comes with “intelligent impact protection”, and has been designed to try and stand up to all use cases, whatever the activity. It’s super-lightweight, ultra-thin and comes with FlexShock technology.

The Tech21 Evo Mesh Sport Case is available directly from Apple’s Online Store, starting from $39.95.