Do you work in a company that has mobile apps? Or even a startup? Regardless of where or how you operate, it is always important to be aware of trends in the development of Mobile Apps.
An example of this is global mobile app revenues, where the projection to generate $188.9 billion through app stores and in-app advertising in 2020.
So before you start developing your next app, or even update your current apps, keep an eye out for these trends:
#Artificial Intelligence as a strategy for your Mobile Applications
The Artificial Intelligence industry is expected to grow to $ 40 billion by 2020.
The Machine Learning industry is growing at a rate of 42% per year and will reach $ 9 billion by 2022.
Apps like Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant and IRIS are no longer new for those already working with technology or even for the average user these days.
Deep Learning, when combined with AI and Machine Learning, can bring golden opportunities for mobile app development projects, thus, providing valuable data and real-time analytics for business progress.
It is possible to create integrated systems with Artificial Intelligence that can effectively learn from past experience, discover new meanings and exhibit the ability to reason.
In addition to already starting to integrate this technology to perform certain specific tasks, such as voice or handwriting recognition, computer search engines and medical diagnostics.
[Prefer Reading: “Can Artificial Intelligence Replace Humans?”]
#IoT (Internet of Things) for Mobile Applications
Almost all tech giants have started to develop applications compatible with the Internet of Things. Investment in IoT is expected to reach $120 billion by 2020 .
Applications integrated with IoT are expected to reach 50 Billion in 2020.
When we talk about devices with IoT, we immediately remember Smart Home Devices, like Amazon Echo with Alexa or Google Home with Google Assistant, but IoT can go much further than that.
An example is the use of IoT devices in the healthcare segment.
Devices such as sensors, handheld devices, equipment, health monitors and several other medical devices are configured to connect.
Today, the educated population as well as the general population is much more updated and carry deep knowledge about technology than ever before and this aims to increase IoT adoption in the medical world forever.
#Smart and Wearable Objects
It all started with GARMIN followed by the electronics giant SAMSUNG, and now even Apple is in the running. Apple recently launched a new smart watch. It is the first phase of iOS on a smart watch.
They have a new challenge to design their apps compatible with the new wearable device, and also to design something that adds a value proposition.
So far, most applications offered by developers are based mainly on health and physical activities.
But that phase is about to change, as developers looking into the future are predicting that one day the use of smartphones will be regulated by the smart wearable device market.
New devices are tested and tried every day.
#Applications based on Blockchain Technology
When we hear about Blockchain technology, concepts like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum come to mind immediately.
The global Blockchain market is growing exponentially, but not just thanks to cryptocurrencies.
Mobile applications are also targeted by cybercriminals. The main reason is that nowadays users keep a lot of private and confidential data on their mobile devices.
So how can Blockchain technology help secure mobile applications?
By default, smartphones have some weaknesses that not always installed antivirus can fix.
This is where Blockchain comes in: being a highly innovative technology, it makes it extremely difficult to alter the data stored, giving more stability to blockchain-based applications.
In addition to offering the possibility to carry out transparent and secure financial transactions, Blockchain can be used for many other aspects, namely:
- Identity Verification;
- Property and health registration;
- Anonymous searches;
- DNS / PKI
Blockchain-based mobile applications do not have to work exactly on the fundamental principles of Blockchain, only to absorb some of its functionality.
Before you start using Blockchain for mobile application security, you must decide what data you need to protect. Blockchain is a smart alternative to replacing a password, for example.
Thus, when two entities agree to carry out a transaction, payment is made through the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate and inhibits any possibility of an external breach.
On the other hand, this technology is characterized by the fact that it is a decentralized, more secure and reliable platform, and the same benefit extends to applications based on blockchain, moving the target of the brand’s infrastructure to the decentralized zone.
#Applications using Beacon technology
Can you imagine how cool it is to enter an establishment and receive personalized promotions? Information according to your interests and location? Today this is already a reality thanks to the technology known as Beacon.
Technology conceived by Apple Inc. (iBeacon technology), Beacons are geolocation devices for closed environments, that is, it is a proximity system. Therefore, Beacon allows objects such as smartphones to be located with high precision within establishments.
And how do Beacons work?
The Beacon is a small device that uses a technology called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which emits an intermittent signal of radio waves that can locate your smartphone within a certain radius.
BLE has the advantage of consuming less device power than ordinary Bluetooth. In addition, as the waves emitted are radio, the range and penetration into structures, such as concrete, is much greater.
Thus, the Beacon works as a signal emitter and the smartphone as a receiver. The receiver, in turn, can only store the information that the connection occurred, or can initiate some action on the user’s device. These actions can be simple, like sending notifications for promotions, or more complex, like checking in on social networks.
But for that to happen, Beacon cannot work alone. It is necessary that the smartphone user has downloaded an application from the establishment and that the bluetooth is turned on.
Once the requirements are met, Beacon transmits the location to the application, which checks if there are any predetermined actions for your location. If so, the user will receive an alert with a promotion, a discount coupon, among several other actions that would improve their experience at the establishment.
Final Words
The way applications were previously developed was mainly focused on creating their bases on smartphones.
The basic concept still remains the same, it is essential to go with the flow, since the development sector has never shown any signs of paralysis.
By encouraging and enhancing creativity in a modern and inspiring environment, you are able to increasingly improve your personal and professional results.