Staying unique and relevant in this competitive mobile app marketplace can be a challenge because of the deluge of new apps that flood the app stores every single day. Google Play Store pegs the number of apps it had in at the end of 2017 at 3.5 million while the Apple Store came in second at 2.1 million. Apps have become a billion-dollar industry generating revenues for businesses big and small and there have been many stories of successful enterprises that started from a great app. 2018 has seen the evolution of app development go into new frontiers such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
The giants of the tech industry have been focusing on these concepts among other things in their annual developer conferences. Microsoft started with their Build 2018 developer conference in Seattle and Google just kicked off their annual Google I/O 2018 conference with both companies emphasizing the bigger roles of AI and IoT in their respective ecosystems. Here are a few other things that have been announced that set the trend for app development in 2018 and beyond.
Smarter Assistants
Developments in AI has paved the way for even smarter voice assistants. It has enhanced mobile apps like recommendation engines, behavioural targeting, and a more personalized social experience.
Google Assistant has now developed into a more advanced AI that can understand context on many levels and have a more human-like conversation with the user. It can now call companies that do not have an online presence and converse with their representatives on behalf of the user to book a reservation or inquire about opening hours on holidays.
Cloud Computing
The introduction of cloud computing has expanded the capabilities of apps by enhancing their storage or computing potential and are no longer tied to the limitations of a smartphone. Apps like Dropbox have been around for many years providing cloud storage for both individuals and businesses alike and adding extra features like encryption and file or folder sharing.
Mobile & Desktop Synchronization
Mobile apps are supposed to replace desktop apps but sometimes the best solution is a better integration between apps and desktop operating systems. Windows 10 has announced Timeline which aims to communicate effortlessly with iOS and Android phones to give you a more seamless experience when switching from phone to desktop and vice versa. It allows you to send SMS or email and browse a shared webpage from within Windows 10.
Internet-of-Things
Internet-Of-Things (IoT) is a term that describes a system of devices that is connected to the cloud to give apps the ability to perform remote operations, automation, and monitoring. There have been many IoT products that were introduced by a variety of manufacturers including connected cameras and smart appliances.
Blockchain
The rise in popularity of bitcoin has shed light on the importance of blockchain technology, which is the backbone of cryptocurrency. Blockchain is an open, electronic ledger that is continually updated and shared with the internet community. It shows all transactions that occur with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin so that there is a public record of its movement. Its open nature ensures security from fraud and makes it an attractive option for mobile banking and e-commerce app solutions.