The Modern Architect #5 - Staying Current

Stack: Mobile

Welcome to the #2 edition of The Modern Architect.  I will be sharing some strategies for keeping up with and staying ahead of mobile industry changes.  The mobile industry moves fast and these strategies will be key for mobile developers, architects, managers or directors.

Platform Updates

These links will have the news straight from the horses mouth as it were for the platform vendors themselves.

Software

• https://developer.apple.com/news/

• https://developer.apple.com/news/releases/

• https://developer.apple.com/news/upcoming-requirements/

• https://developer.apple.com/news/site-updates/

• https://developer.android.com/about

• https://www.android.com/what-is-android/

Hardware

• https://www.apple.com/newsroom/

• https://blog.google/products/devices-services/

• https://news.samsung.com/us/category/product/product-mobile/

Developer Conferences

Both Apple & Google have annual conferences where you can learn about the latest operating system, feature updates, development strategies, developor tooling, language updates and best practices.

• Apple WWDC - 4-5 day annual conference usually in June. Click here to access my post listing all the WWDC keynotes available on YouTube that you can watch anytime. Watching the keynote is a great way to get a summary of the major changes announced at the conference.

• Google IO - 2-3 day annual conference. Click here to access my post listing all the Google IO keynotes available on YouTube that you can watch anytime. Watching the keynote is a great way to get a summary of the major changes announced at the conference.

Beta Programs

It’s important as part of your mobile testing strategy to test your applications against upcoming mobile operating systems for compatibility. This is especially true for Apple’s iOS platform which releases a major version every year with wide adoption.

• Apple Developer Program & Developer Betas

• Apple Public Beta Program

• Google Android

Newsletters

Newsletters are a great way to get regular updates direct to your inbox.

• https://iosdevweekly.com

• https://developer.android.com/newsletter/

• https://androidweekly.net

• https://www.kodeco.com/newsletter - kodeco.com Weekly (formerly raywenderlich.com)

Podcasts

If you rather listen than read, then podcasts are a great way to get a a feel of the latest things happening in the mobile industry with commentary and insights.

Apple iOS

• Accidental Tech Podcast - “Three nerds discussing tech, Apple, programming, and loosely related matters”

• Swift by Sundell - “Articles, podcasts and news about Swift development, by John Sundell”

Google Android

• Android Developers Backstage (by Google) - Welcome to Android Developers Backstage - “Welcome to Android Developers Backstage, a podcast by and for Android developers. Hosted by developers from the Android platform team, this show covers topics of interest to Android programmers, with in-depth discussions and interviews with engineers on the Android team at Google.”

• Now in Android (by Google) - “This show gives listeners a quick run-down on things that the Android team has done recently that developers may want to check out. It covers library and platform releases, articles, videos, podcasts, samples, codelabs - whatever seems relevant and interesting for Android developers. Android’s a big platform and there are many things being released all the time; listen to this podcast to stay up to date on what those things are.”

• Apps, Games, & Insights Podcast (by Google) - “For developers, business decision makers, and enthusiasts in the apps and games industry the Apps, Games, & Insights podcast series brings the latest insights, stories, and discussion from industry experts. Episodes cover topics from responsible engagement, through advice from mergers and acquisitions and venture capital experts, to how to build quality apps with Firebase and go from PC to mobile gaming. Also hear discussions on hot topics such as privacy, accessibility, product inclusivity, and around critical areas such as app-based learning and pivoting in times of crisis, and raising awareness of climate change in gaming, and much more. Stay tuned and follow us for the latest episodes.”

• Fragmented - “A Software Developer Podcast hosted by Donn Felker and Kaushik Gopal”

Meetups

A great way to stay up to date and connect with peers is to find local meetup groups for mobile developers. There are usually great places to connect local developers with people hiring full time or for side projects.

• iOS Development Meetups

• Android Development Meetups

Wrapping Up

This edition barely scratched the surface but should be sufficient to get you started on your journey to staying current with the mobile industry.

Please leave a comment if you have any feedback or suggestions. If you liked my post and feel it was of value, please share it.