Leica revolutionizes photography with seamless connection of camera and smartphone
State-of-the-Art Companion App
about Leica
Leica: Pioneer of photography with a global reputation
It is the concentration on the essential that creates the myth: Leica products are meant to be tools for special visual experiences that expand the natural limits of perception.
CUSTOMER VOICE
“For the camera app with the best user experience on the market, we needed a partner who would support us in this vision for the long term. grandcentrix has successfully provided an agile product team for over 100 sprints, which monitors and improves our product in an extremely customer-oriented manner and creates innovative user experiences,”
Nico Köhler
Head of Product Experience – Leica Camera AG
In search of the perfect workflow between camera and smartphone
Since 2016, Leica Camera AG has found such a competent partner in grandcentrix and is driving forward the topic of the “networked camera” within the framework of a far-reaching strategic partnership. The tangible result of this cooperation for customers is an app called “Leica FOTOS” for Android and iOS.
Highlights
Wireless connection: The best of Bluetooth and WiFi
Depending on the camera model, the camera connects to the smartphone or tablet via cable, WiFi, Bluetooth, or a combination of multiple transmission technologies. This technically complex approach ensures high transfer speeds and the best possible user experience.
Key features include transferring images from the camera to the smartphone in a digital gallery, integrating third-party applications such as Adobe Lightroom, connecting to social networks, remote camera control with thumbnails (tethering), and simplified installation of firmware updates.
Cross-platform interface: The Leica Camera Software Development Kit (SDK)
The Leica Camera Software Development Kit (SDK) was initially developed to support the full range of 25 cameras, which differ significantly in terms of functionality, communication protocol and transmission technology, with a single app.
The SDK provides a standardized interface through which the Leica FOTOS app for iOS and Android can communicate with each supported camera. This approach not only minimizes development costs, but also enables a consistent user interface for all camera models from a single source.
“Leica FOTOS” - Modern smartphone app in iconic Leica style
One of Leica's key characteristics is to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on the essential. The app is simple and intuitive to use and a useful addition to the hardware. It is perceived as an enrichment that extends the range of functions and intensifies the interaction with the devices. The app thus also contributes to brand loyalty.
Scaled Scrum system: orchestration of development teams from different specialist areas
The specialists at grandcentrix have been supporting Leica for 7 years now. The longstanding cooperation has built up mutual trust and the necessary confidentiality in the development of new models, so that today they work together as a well-rehearsed team - the division between client and contractor is hardly noticeable in the daily work.
Different agile teams from the areas of camera firmware, SDK and app implement the ideas of product management and user experience experts. Everyone involved thinks and works holistically - always with the customer's needs in mind.
Continuous development in over 100 sprints
The use of Amplitude Analytics has also created the opportunity to identify and resolve unexpected issues that may arise during live operations, such as smartphone updates, before they have a widespread impact. A dashboard of key performance indicators (KPIs) has been developed for this purpose. This allows performance data from live operations to be used for continuous improvement of the app and to inform product design and development decisions on a daily basis.