Websites that can only be properly viewed on full-size computer screens are becoming obsolete. The internet is increasingly being viewed on smart phones and mobile devices.
Businesses and website owners who want to stay competitive are using free services to build apps and mobile-friendly versions of their sites. Conduit Mobile is one such service. Here is information on several others.
1) AppsGeyser
AppsGeyser is a popular service used to create apps from any type of web content. Like Conduit Mobile and the other services discussed here, AppsGeyser is free. Users can create apps with messaging features and social sharing capability. The most important advantage of this service is how easy it is to monetize a completed app. Users can distribute their ad-supported apps over the service’s own network, or even sell their apps. The biggest disadvantage is it can only be used to create Android apps.
2) iBuildApp
The iBuildApp creators claim the service can be used to build an app in 5 minutes. Obviously, the service does not require users to have any coding ability. Widgets are available to make app building even easier, and the service can be used to build apps and mobile sites for Android and iPhone. Users who want to track download statistics will be pleased with the service’s detailed analytics. One drawback – only iBuildApp branded apps are free. White label apps cost between $10 and $80 per month.
3) MakePack
Apps created with MakePack work on Android, iPhone, Blackberry, and any device that runs Java. The service markets itself as being a fun way to create personal mobile apps. Their website features a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) preview emulator, where users can choose colors, backgrounds, icons, and more. MakePack even allows apps to be created in many different languages. However, users concerned with using their app to make money will do better with another service, as MakePack does not focus on monetization.
4) AppMakr
AppMakr is another free app creator, with two primary advantages over other services. First, it features an attractive dashboard interface that makes keeping track of multiple apps easy. Users can make updates to their apps, review messages, and post to their feeds – all from the same screen. The second advantage of AppMakr is how it allows users to send push notifications that pop up on the screen of devices that have downloaded the app, even if the app is not running. A disadvantage of using AppMakr is that it only creates iPhone apps.
5) Appy Pie
Appy Pie can be used to create apps for iPhone and iPad, Android, Windows, and Blackberry. It claims to be the fastest growing app building service today. Appy Pie is cloud-based, so there is no need for users to install or download anything to use the service. Revisions and updates to apps take effect in real time, and users have instant access to app analytics. On the downside, some users have reported having their apps rejected by the iTunes AppStore for failing to meet its strict approval policies.
Whichever alternative to Conduit Mobile you decide to use, be wary of the fact that the free services are more or less offered as a teaser. To have the service’s branding removed from your app, be prepared to pay for a premium account.