Native Apps Aren’t Dead: The 2026 Comeback Trend No One Saw Coming

Comparison chart showing native app performance metrics versus cross-platform alternatives with faster load times and lower battery usage

For years, experts predicted the death of native mobile apps. Progressive web apps and cross-platform frameworks were supposed to make platform-specific development obsolete. But something unexpected happened in 2025. According to Statista, native app downloads reached 257 billion globally, a 23% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, a 2024 MIT Technology Review study found that 68% of users prefer native apps for their speed and reliability. The tide is turning, and developers are rediscovering why native matters. In this article, you’ll learn what’s driving this comeback, why it matters for your business, and how to decide if native is right for your next project.Continue reading →

Native Apps and Wearable Tech: What Developers Should Know

Smartwatch displaying real-time health data powered by a native app

Wearable technology is no longer a niche trend—it’s becoming part of everyday life. From smartwatches and fitness bands to medical monitoring devices, wearables rely heavily on native apps to deliver fast, reliable, and secure experiences. According to a Pew Research Center survey, around 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. regularly uses a smartwatch or fitness tracker, highlighting how mainstream these devices have become. Meanwhile, studies published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that wearable-based remote monitoring can significantly improve patient outcomes in chronic care.Continue reading →

Best AI Tools for Modern Dev Workflows in 2025

Are AI coding tools safe for proprietary projects

If your development workflow still looks like 2019—manual coding, manual reviews, manual test writing—you are already behind the teams that have fully embraced AI tools for software development. In 2025, AI coding assistants, agentic AI IDEs, and smart DevOps copilots are no longer “nice to have”; they are the backbone of modern, high-velocity engineering organizations.Continue reading →

A Beginner’s Guide to Blockchain-Powered Web Development

Which programming languages are most important for blockchain web developers

Web development has evolved far beyond static pages and centralized databases. Today, we’re witnessing a new era led by blockchain web development — a technological revolution that’s reshaping how websites, apps, and digital systems operate. If you’ve heard of blockchain in cryptocurrency contexts, imagine applying the same transparency, security, and decentralization principles to the entire web.Continue reading →

Including Students in Your School Website

School websites are not only for parents and staff as they can also be a great place where students can publish their voices, strengths and ideas. Not only does including students on your school website increase engagement, but they also learn valuable digital skills and gain a sense of being part of their school community. So, this is how you can engage students with your online presence:

Student-Generated Content

Publish blogs, paintings, poems or short stories from students. Highlight student accomplishments, work or activities with weekly “Student Spotlight” features. This makes students proud of the work they are doing and encourages others to follow suit.

Digital News Teams

Create a school news team to report on school events, games or local happenings. Writers, editors, photographers and videographers can all be recruited. The hands-on element teaches teamwork, communication skills and media competence. To find out more about Websites for schools, visit a site like FSE Design who supply Websites for schools.

Student Blogs and Vlogs

Encourage speculation and personal narratives. Provide space for students to share their ideas, stories, opinions. These are the real voices that make school websites breathe and echo down corridors among peer groups, regardless of whether it is recorded in a written blog or video diary.

Creative Projects

Support digital arts/photography competitions and coding projects. Communicate the results virtually. Consider a “design the homepage banner” competition to add some fun and interactiveness!

Involving Student Councils

Allow Student Council members to post updates, surveys or initiatives directly on the site. This level of transparency is great for students as it empowers them, and also lets the community at large see how student input can influence decisions related to school life.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Create spaces where older students can provide advice on navigating school including study aids, and other tips for life. This helps to create an atmosphere of supportiveness and inclusion, fostering positive role modelling.

Digital Literacy and Safety

Have students help design content related to online safety, responsible social media behaviours or digital citizenship. It not only makes their peers aware but also motivates them from inside to be a role model.

In Conclusion

When you allow students to contribute on your school website, it can become a more enriching and exciting online platform. The students grow in confidence, learn skills and create a sense of community while the website starts to become a real snapshot of school life. Take baby steps, praise participation and see the involvement increase the school spirit too!