Quick start your mobile app with Ionic

1. Prepare environment
Read here to install ionic tools. Below is summary
+Install Note.js 4 (Note.js 5 doesn't work)
+Install Ionic by command: $ npm install -g cordova ionic
+Install Ionic lab
+Install bower by command: $ npm install -g bower
+Install VS Code

2. Start a project
2.1 Use command line:
You can create a project with a template as the following:
$ ionic start <<app>>  <<template>>

In which:
<<app>>: your app name
<<template>>: a template of ionic, it can be:

• blank: blank project
• maps: project using Google Maps and a side menu
• tabs: project using a simple tabbed interface
• sidemenu: project using a side menu with navigation in the content area
• salesforce: project using for Salesforce
• tests: a test project with different kinds of page navigation
• complex-list: project using a complex list

2.2 Use Ionic Creator
Let signup an account on Ionic Creator, then create an app.

After designing your app, click cloud icon to export the code:

There are some ways to export the code as above screen. I prefer IONIC CLI export. When you go there, you will see a command line for you getting code from Ionic Creator to your local pc. Let copy the second command, for example:
$ ionic start [appName] creator:xxxxxxxx

Let replace [appName] by your app name wanted.You may be required to login, key:
$ ionic login
Then provide your user name and password to login Ionic Creator.

3. Edit, run and debug
To open the code in Visual Studio Code (VSC), go to the folder created by the command in step 2. (above), then right click select Open with Code (Windows PC) OR open VSC then open the created folder on Mac or Linux.

A Ionic project will have a structure like below:

+www: main folder containing source code

+www/index.html: index html file where the code start

+js: JavaScript folder

+js/app.js: Ionic Starter App (angular starter module)

+js/router.js: AngularUI Router

+templates: folder containing html templates

Open a html template, you can see many ion- elements, for example <ion-view>. These are custom directives that are part of the Ionic Framework and these directives allow AngularJS to attach behaviour to them. Read more about the Ionic custom directives in the API documentation.

To run your app on the browser, in the folder of your app, run the command:
$ ionic serve

To see what it looks like on iOS and Android, use command:
$ ionic serve --lab

Another way is you can use Ionic Lab application to load your app then run and see.

Ionic Lab basically is built on top of Chrome which supports LiveReload. So it can help you run and debug your app.

Hope this article can help you start coding with ionic.
Any comment is welcome!

Modify Headers Add-on: testing your website on Firefox like mobile device

There are some add-ons for Firefox which can simulate data sent to servers to make it seem as if the user agent is browsing on a mobile device, even when they’re not. One of them is Modify Headers addon.

Here is its quick start: http://www.garethhunt.com/modifyheaders/help/quickstart/

Here is the list of iPhone User-Agent: http://enterpriseios.com/wiki/Complete_List_of_iOS_User_Agent_Strings

Here is the other User-Agent profile: http://w3development.de/rdf/uaprof_repository/

Here is iPad UA:
Mozilla/5.0(iPad; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/531.21.10 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.4 Mobile/7B314 Safari/531.21.10

For Google Chrome, you can try out the User-Agent Switcher extension.

Happy testing :)

Joomla mobile template

Some Joomla templates support mobile devices. It's the easiest way to create a mobile template for Joomla.


But if you built a template, you can use some extension to present your website on various mobile device types. Mobile Joomla might be one of the first plug-ins recommendations.

You can read this article to know more about Joomla mobile solution.

For concepts of mobile template,  read this article may be helpful for you, too.

The New Consumer Engagement

(by Heather Reid on March 29, 2012)

The way we market to consumers has changed. Consumers want experiences that encompass mobile technology and create a unique experience. Sooner or later, Some retailers and brands are still reluctant to embrace technology as a new method of communication. However, more retailers are starting to bridge the gap between virtual and brick and mortar. The verdict is still out on many of these programs, but the mavericks are paving the way.
Krispy Kreme offers an Android app which incorporates geo-fencing. This helps donut lovers find the closest Krispy Kreme location, but also alerts them when fresh donuts are hot from the oven. The customer can control the alert settings, so it does not infringe on the retailer/consumer relationship. This app is a great consumer engagement tool that delivers a unique customer experience. More importantly, it drives sales.
A genius relationship was announced last week - Walmart has partnered with Angry Birds. For those of you living under a rock, Angry Birds is a game that swept the nation last year. This app invites Walmart shoppers and Facebook fans to scour the store to find clues that unlock bonus levels in the new Angry Birds Space game. Consumers can find the clues on a variety of Angry Birds licensed merchandise in Walmart stores. This demonstrates ground breaking innovation, as the retailer has gamified the shopping experience. While it is yet to be seen if this is a money maker for Walmart, my hunch is that this consumer experience will be a huge success and other retailers will follow their lead.
Ritz crackers just launched a mobile banner ad that encourages consumers to click and save. This targeted mobile banner ad redirects to a mobile landing page featuring a new product coupon. This new method of couponing will eventually replace traditional coupons. Ritz is one of the first brands to debut the concept. Mobile coupons are a great way for a brand to promote consideration for a new product purchase. Say goodbye to the hassle of cutting coupons. Now you can just use your handy smart phone to save.
Imagine walking into a department store and receiving a text message that welcomes you. You are asked if you would like VIP customer services such as a stylist pulling formal dresses in your size.  Neiman Marcus is testing this new mobile concept, this spring in San Francisco and Palo Alto stores. In addition shoppers can also check out new fashion trends or get product details. Once again, the customer controls the relationship by signing up for the app. Upon entering Neiman Marcus he or she is greeted and can elect to receive the red carpet consumer experience or pass and shop hassle free. This mobile app makes the customer feel important and allows sales associates the opportunity up-sell their customers.
How are you bridging the gap between mobile technology and the brick and mortar store? Your strategy need to match your demographic, and it should create a unique consumer experience this will drive sales, create brand loyalty, and if done right, create market buzz.