dailyO
Technology

How a techie would review Narendra Modi app

Advertisement
Javed Anwer
Javed AnwerJun 18, 2015 | 15:38

How a techie would review Narendra Modi app

On June 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi - we are talking about the app - went live on Google's Play store. This is the official app of PM Narendra Modi, available on almost any Android phone that runs Android 4.0 or a higher version.

screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092430.png
 

Technically, it is a very slick app, and easily miles ahead of those the Indian government and other politicians have released. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into designing the app - it follows the material design guidelines that Google had introduced with Android Lollipop - with phones like Nexus 5, which run the unmodified version of the Lollipop. 

Advertisement

The app feels right at home. It doesn't have bloated components, ugly buttons or flashy animations. Instead, it uses a flat user interface along with subtle blue, yellow and red shades - often found in Google apps - to display various options to users. Similarly, it makes full use of layered interface, which Google encourages in Android apps.

screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092538.png
 

The overall result is an app that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.

It is also remarkably light and fast. With a size of just 4.5 MB - it takes around ten to 15 seconds to be dowloaded on a good 3G network - and it installs in a jiffy. The performance is good, even when you are streaming Mann Ki Baat, which is a pleasant surprise.

For now, content in two languages - Hindi and English - is available. Once the app is installed, it asks for registration, which can be completed using Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or by furnishing fresh details for an independent account. However, one thing that the PM's office could have avoided was asking for the email and phone number of anyone planning to use the app. Even if you decide to log into the app using your Facebook or Google account details, you will have to supply your date of birth, email address, name and phone number before you can access the content.

Advertisement
screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092556.png
 

Technically, as I noted earlier, the new app from Modi's office is an impressive effort. What is not so clear is the intent behind the app.

It is an official app from India's prime minister, but in terms of content it comes across as more of a personal app that puts PM Narendra Modi in the left, right and centre.

screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092620.png
 

The "news" in the app chronicles travels, the inbox gets show messages, and Mann Ki Baat airs the talks and the recent developments that cover the PM's public talks. The app also chronicles all the interviews and speeches Modi has given. It shows what he is saying on Twitter and Facebook, lists his global recognition and even offers a biography of the prime minister - detailing his "evolution from the quintessential organisation man of the BJP to one of India's finest practitioners of the art of governance (that) tells a story of grit and determination".

The app also allows people to connect with PM Modi. Although if you want to suggest some new ideas or wish to write to PM, the app opens links connected to PMO website and MyGov.in. Apparently, for now, there is no mechanism to connect to the PMO from within the app.

Advertisement

Another interesting feature of the app is badges with a section called To-Do Tasks. Here app users will get tasks assigned to them from the PM. For example, new users are asked to go through some ebooks that have information on Modi's visits to Canada and Germany. Once these "tasks" have been completed, users earn points and get virtual badges.

screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092637.png
 

There is no doubt that the PM's app is a unique and noble effort. But it also seems like an exercise that is aimed at selective promotion of PM Modi's "achievements" instead of a tool that would help mobile users connect with the office of the PMO in a meaningful way. The content part specially seems weak on substance. It resembles the kind of content that rulers of Middle East host on their official sites and official newspapers. While it offers some content under the governance part, even that is not properly fleshed out and is not adequately informative.

screenshot_2015-06-1_061815092658.png
 

That said, it is worth repeating that, technically, PM Modi's app is a delightful app. It is easy to use, has an understated but classy design that is in line with Google's slick material design. Possibly, as more people start using the app, the PM's office will add a few more meaningful features to it instead of just pushing information related to his foreign travels.

Last updated: June 18, 2015 | 15:38
IN THIS STORY
Please log in
I agree with DailyO's privacy policy