For rapidly developing technologies such as app development, a new year signals a fertile ground for innovation. It also means that users can expect the trend to shift to accommodate or lead the probable improvements in technology in the coming year.
The popularity of smartphones are not expected to wane in 2019. As new technologies such as cloud computing, machine learning, and AI are getting used in the market, they are seen to be accessed or integrated into smartphones.
Here are some trends to expect in 2019:
- Widespread use of M-commerce
Online stores also knew e-commerce sites are expected to evolve into mobile stores (M-commerce). And why not? In 2017, 63% of the total US web visits are done on the mobile phones as opposed to 37% on computers. With regular release of more sophisticated smartphones, the discrepancy is seen to widen further in favor of smartphones.
This is also clearly reflected in the global mobile payments. In 2019, the figure is forecast to rise to more than double to $1.09 trillion from $450 billion in 2015. With this exponential rise in mobile transaction activity, should find ways to develop applications that will facilitate M-commerce.
Several studies back this claim. Businesses with dedicated mobile shopping apps generate 60% more business leads over mobile. Meanwhile, 44% of all sales were done using mobile apps. This trend is eyed to continue in 2019.
Companies that run M-commerce should also incorporate more secured and reliable mobile wallets. Perhaps, companies should start considering accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies for payment.
As more companies produce smart products or devices connected via the Internet of Things (IoT), businesses should start developing apps that can connect to a wider network of devices. The increase in the number of apps for smartwatches and other wearables will be expected to continue in 2019. As such, companies should create apps that can be used for a wider range of IoT applications in industries such as healthcare, energy, education, retail, intelligent agriculture, and smart cities. With the existence of cloud computing, the blockchain, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), developers can create applications that can interconnect devices.
Speaking of AI, the technology has become a buzzword that is both praised and maligned by tech personalities. But the glaring fact is AI is already used in smartphones and other high-tech devices. Knowing the fierce nature of business competition, companies need to incorporate AI technology in the apps. Now, cameras in smartphones have native software that can make the ideal adjustments to the photos. Businesses can use this AI-capability for their use. For example, companies in the restaurant industry may want to integrate calorie counters that calculate the calories just by taking a snapshot of a meal.
Another example of AI use is wider, more sophisticated use of Google Assistant, Siri and Amazon Alexa. Retailers and service providers can use find ways to connect to these chatbots for accurate transactions with minimal human interaction.
Aside from smartwatches such as Apple Watch and Fitbit, tech companies have also produced other wearable devices. These on-body scanners, smart clothes, smart jewelry, and other intelligent wearables are seen to be more widespread in 2019. As such, businesses should come up with mobile apps to communicate with these wearables. These apps can be used to monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
With cloud integration, files can be stored online on the cloud and not in your hardware. This means the lesser need for storage in the phone. Just like Google Docs and Sheets, users can input the data without worrying about how the data is saved and retrieved for future use when the device malfunction or is broken. Companies need to invest in connecting the application to a cloud service such that the files are instantly saved on the cloud without even saving it on the device.
The speed of access and connection are essential in mobile computing. Now that the accelerated pages technology is already available, smartphone users can download web pages way faster. But to achieve this speed, apps should be upgraded to access these enhanced web pages.
Adopting these technologies requires app developers to beef up security. Being constantly accessible to the cloud and the internet make apps easy prey to malware, data breaches, and theft. As such, businesses need to hire app developers that are constantly improving its security codes and more advanced measures for users’ peace of mind.
While technology is advancing at breakneck speeds, mobile apps are expected to follow suit. Luckily, many companies are always looking for ways to stand out from the fierce competition in the tech industry.
