Staying unique and relevant in this competitive mobile app market can be challenging with the deluge of new apps flooding app stores every day. The Google Play Store pegs the number of apps it had at the end of 2017 at 3.5 million, while the Apple Store came in second with 2.1 million. Apps have become a multi-billion dollar industry that generates revenue for businesses large and small, and there have been many stories of successful companies that started with a great app. 2018 has seen the evolution of application development enter new frontiers, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Tech industry giants have focused on these concepts, among other things, at their annual developer conferences. Microsoft kicked off its Build 2018 developer conference in Seattle and Google just kicked off its annual Google I/O 2018 conference with both companies emphasizing the larger roles of AI and IoT in their respective ecosystems. Here are some other things that have been announced to set the trend for app development in 2018 and beyond.
smarter assistants
Developments in AI have paved the way for even smarter voice assistants. It has enhanced mobile apps like recommendation engines, behavioral targeting, and a more personalized social experience.
Google Assistant has now evolved into a more advanced AI that can understand context on many levels and have a more human conversation with the user. You can now call businesses that don’t have an online presence and chat with their representatives on behalf of the user to book a reservation or check opening hours on public holidays.
Cloud Computing
The introduction of cloud computing has expanded the capabilities of applications by improving their storage or computing potential and they 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 and adding additional features like encryption and file or folder sharing.
Mobile and desktop sync
Mobile apps are supposed to replace desktop apps, but sometimes the best solution is 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 smoother experience when switching from phone to desktop and back. It allows you to send SMS or email and browse a shared web page from Windows 10.
internet of things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term that describes a system of devices that are connected to the cloud to give applications the ability to perform remote operations, automation, and monitoring. There have been many IoT products that have been introduced by a variety of manufacturers, including connected cameras and smart devices.
block chain
The rise in popularity of bitcoin has shed light on the importance of blockchain technology, which is the backbone of cryptocurrencies. Blockchain is an open electronic ledger that is continuously 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 their movement. Its open nature ensures security against fraud and makes it an attractive option for e-commerce and mobile banking application solutions.