Today it is easier than ever to get access to the Internet through mobile data or Wi-Fi, so you might think applications must be built upon the principle of network connectivity. However, sometimes you may find yourself in situations where is not possible to get online such as being in another country, being about to finish your mobile data plan or just for privacy reasons.
Most Android apps can be used offline, enabling its entire functionality without a connection, as they are initially stored in the cache memory of your device. Then, all reference data is downloaded during initialization to be synchronized later to the back-end application. Â
Why is this important?
What this essentially means is that it gives a better experience to the users, and can even be a key factor for them in order to retain or uninstall your application. Let’s remember, for example, that when Super Mario Run was released to the market many people found two main disadvantages about Nintendo´s first smartphone game: its high price and the inability to play it without internet connection. Â
That is why developers should think about end users all the time. It´s just like Instructor Noé Branagan told us when we discussed App development best practices: “Developers must act like good citizens and visualize the app in situations when connectivity is not available”.
Besides the obvious advantages that allow people being hooked to your product without  network connectivity issues, such as improving user experience and app performance,  some other benefits include faster loading times and conserving battery life.
Those are Important aspects users are definitely looking for when choosing the right app to download and can determine whether they keep yours over others options.
Tell us, What other benefits do you consider valuable from offline Android apps?
