Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives and the mobile app market has evolved as a primary source of communication and information not only for users, but also for businesses. As we all know, mobile app development trends keep on changing according to technology and type of users.

Devices are becoming faster and intelligent with the growth of technology. Today apps are not just meant for smart phones but also for platforms like TVs, IoT-enabled devices and much more. The future for mobile apps tends to be challenging with innovative and enticing possibilities. Whether you are a business owner or an innovative app developer, you have to be aware of the new trends in mobile app development.

Let’s see which can be the major mobile app development trends in 2017.

mobile app trends

Considering the fact that use of mobiles becomes a predominant part of the contemporary lifestyle of 21st century people, mobile app development software is a trend that carries a lot of meaning. Businesses have to rely on this incessant trend since their customers spend a great chunk of their day fiddling with their device. This is why every next organization and entrepreneur is looking to add a mobile app to their online website with an aim to touch their widest customer base.

Therefore, mobile application development platforms are an undeniable necessity for businesses that need a dedicated mobile app for their customers. It is because of modern day app making software that building an app has become more cost-effective, simplified, and faster than before. So if you are a businessman trying to transform your mobile app concept into reality, you must choose the best mobile app development software.

So here is 13 best mobile app development software in 2018:

1. Appy Pie

Appy Pie

Appy Pie is a cloud based DIY mobile app creation tool that makes it simple and swift to create apps. This app maker touches several businesses. For example, you can create a commercial app for booking online appointments (for doctors, salon, spa & massage therapy centres)or alternatively you can design an introductory app with a tinge of gamification features within it.

Users who are all new to programming and coding can find it easy to use Appy Pie and build apps across Windows, Android or iOS platforms. All you need to do is to drag pages and Appy Pie will create your dream mobile app – which you can publish it on Google Play or iTunes.

The best enjoyable part about this app development software is that it has its own analytical tool that combines with Google Analytics to keep you updated about the current status of your app users.

With a clean interface and generous support options of Appy Pie, you can achieve the following:

Push notifications
Live analytics monitoring
In app add monetization
GPS Tracking

Making an app with Appy pie, however, involves multiple plans each offering varied features from basic to enterprise level. Its highest Platinum plan allows you to develop apps that are compatible with major device platforms.

2. AppMakr

AppMakr

AppMakr is a feature-rich app creation software that provides not only a gamut of custom-made templates but also offers economical pricing plans to develop apps for various businesses. Regardless of whether or not you have previous experience in the field of coding and programming, AppMakr allows you to build fascinating apps with minimal maintenance for Android and iOS devices.

General businesses that can gain maximum benefits from this user-friendly mobile app development software are: Religious institutions, restaurants, schools and formal academic establishments, and commercial shops.

It has an excellent Pro plan that removes ads, allows for highly customizable design and affords abundant features for entrepreneurs who desire to reap maximum value from one centralized app.

With AppMakr, you can enjoy:
Push notifications and messages
Ease of branding and custom design
High resolution interface/imagery
Real-time updates
Program dashboard
Splash pages and custom icons

The only drawback of using AppMakr is that it is incompatible for tablets.

3. Appery.io

Appery.io

Despite the difficulty involved in coding and programming while creating an app using Appery.io, it is still one of the significant app makers in the market. The most charming thing about this software is that it is compatible in the Window Store. It is definitely not easy, though, to create a mobile app with Appery.io as it comes with a bigger learning curve than other available app creators in the market.

How comfortable you are building apps with the software depends on where you stand in your programming skills. With that said, Appery.io can make the app development challenging or enjoyable based on your knowledge and competency. Developers should possess some experience in working with JavaScript and HTML.

The app built using Appery.io is compatible in the App Store, Google Play and Windows Store, and also with Window 10 mobile.

The eventual result of Appry.io as an app maker is wonderful since it offers great customer engagement value and better customer experience than other app makers in the list. Additionally, the app utilizes GPS sensor that helps customers easily locate your business.

In the end, if you are curious to learn more and prepared to dive deeper into the world of programming, there is a lot you can do with great control offered by Appery.io.

4. AppMachine

AppMachine

Whether you want to build an app from the ready website content or you are planning to start it from scratch, AppMachine enables you to create custom apps in the most simplified way possible. AppMachine has its inherent block-building system that offers unbelievable ease while developing a layout of your mobile app. Another enormous privilege the software gives is its numerous support options and clarity of tool identification, resulting in the short learning curve.

Some of the prominent features of AppMachine software are:

Wide range of templates
Numerous support options (blogs, tutorials, FAQs, User guide,)
Impeccable interface
Tools to engage customers
Ease of use and implementation
Lucid interface with clear features
Simplified interaction through effective navigation
Intuitive and quick upload of website content

AppMachine uses Lego imagery that helps users understand the ways to develop different features. It also allows developers to modify and play with every single element of design to get the best final outcome.

Availing the drag-and-drop facility and source code editor, you can edit and customize various app features even if you have no prior experience in heavy coding. The apps made with the software are compatible across all platforms, which saves designers a lot of time and headache.

AppMachine’s analytical tools are more productive and insightful than Google analytics in comparison, which is another merit of using the software.

The biggest con of the software is that you have to tolerate its logo – which can be removed if you are willing to pay a substantial amount of fee.

5. GoodBarber

GoodBarber

GoodBarber can be a fast friend to those beginners who don’t have a way with coding to build a great, marketable app. Similar to website creating platform, GoodBarber works well while creating iPhone and Android apps. The app development software offers great choices for Google fonts and icons that come handy while customizing your app.

It offers close to 50 professional themes and effective customization tools to create an app of your choice. It also offers excellent content creation tools and enhances the chance of better customer engagement. Some of the industries that are likely to be impacted by GoodBarber are: Non-profit organizations, Churches, restaurants, informational apps, local businesses, etc.

The best part about GoodBarber software is that it stands out from the crowd of other app builders when it comes to measuring its usability. Moreover, it also lets you eliminate its logo to add your own.

With GoodBarber, it is easy to import content from your website just by entering the URL.

The noticeable demerit of the app creator is that it doesn’t offer industry-specific themes. Also, the app builder is not compatible with Windows Store.

6. Swiftic

Swiftic

If you it is your online business you want to promote and enhance its customer base, Swiftic is a great app builder software. Swiftic is one of those mobile app making software that dwells in the category of easy-to-use and easy-to-explore interface with intuitive qualities and effortless navigation. Due to its incredibly brilliant programmer-friendly attributes, this app maker is considered to be something that any developer can depend on to create the remarkable app.

Some of its stunning pros are:

Intuitive app development process
Flawless interface and easy navigation
Attractive templates
Developer-friendly scheduling tool
Easy-to-use dashboard
Automatic import of website content
Enhanced user engagement through multimedia options
Click-to-call feature for instant business connection

The most stellar quality of Swiftic is its ability to allow for easy reflection of changes and adjustments made to your mobile app across Android and iPhone devices. This means that you can go ahead and connect your website and Facebook page to your mobile app in order to reduce design labour and accelerate the speed of app creation.

Its rich Multimedia options allow you to feature content from YouTube, Soundcloud and more, which ultimately helps you engage with many users at times.

With Swiftic, you can think of creating apps that are as simple as lifestyle or as big as organizational purpose, online store or restaurant. Its scheduling tool is a unique element that is designed to create appointment/booking apps for Spa, barber shop, guesthouse or massage centre.

Taking into account all business-centric features offered by the app, Swiftic is definitely the software that can boost your business customers in long run.

7. Bizness Apps

Bizness Apps

As the name suggests, the sole purpose of designing the Bizness Apps software is to create apps for small and medium scale businesses. It offers faster, cost effective and easier methods to design a beautiful, most functional app for varied businesses. Bizness Apps provides a platform with which one can build your own app for your business or build it for others and resell it later.

The app maker bestows on you the following pros:
Drag-and-drop interface
Custom features and appearance
Ease of coding
Content creation and marketing tools
Versatile across multiple platforms

The best part about Buziness Apps is its ability to enable simple QR code generation. The app builder is a boon to those who would want to see their business grow rapidly through in-app or on-site marketing and better customer engagement.

Using its drag and drop interface, you can choose the best of app’s features and tweak its appearance as desired. At the back end, the app creator helps with coding, making it easy for developers to build the business app. Its mobile app builder plan works well for making a sturdy app for business owners.

The app maker is truly versatile as you can work HTML5 to create a solid app that supports all platforms including iOS, Android and Windows.

8. Mobile Roadie

Mobile Roadie

This is a common app creator which allow anyone to create Android or iOS apps where you can provide almost all necessary features for your client. This software is generally used by start-ups, SMEs, agencies, enterprises etc. With almost 7 different versions on list, this platform supports categories like event schedules, maps, music streaming, photo & video galleries etc.

Features:

  • Geo-based platform that supports all media types with automatic importing of RSS
  • Saas based mobile app development platform
  • Developers can use data in different form like XML, HTML, JSON and CSV
  • This software checks the quality of the content and guides the user through the entire submission process
  • Its available in both free and paid versions and the free version has limited features

9. AppInstitute

AppInstitute

This is one of he easiest platform to make both Android and iOS mobile applications. With simple modules to build an app, this feature enables creating apps for businesses more easy and customizable.

Features:

  • Developers doesn’t require to have any knowledge in coding
  • Using existing templates you can create apps
  • Has the feature of drag and drop editor
  • This software also consist of CRM tool which allows users to track your sales, oush notifications and analytics
  • Consist of templates that can cater various business needs like medical centres, coffee shops etc.
  • Consist of almost 20 robust modules that can add flexibility and functionality to apps

10. Sencha

 Sencha

This is an online based Java script tool that is mainly used to design develop and even test enterprise based apps. The main aim of this tool is to add high-quality responsiveness to mobile app in order to generate better user experience to app users. Supporting all platforms, this tool can be used to create mobile application in all desired versions of Android, iOS and Blackberry.

Features:

  • Apps made with this tool is easy, convenient and much faster than the mobile version of certain websites
  • Can drive competitive advantage for your businesses
  • Its an open platform that integrates to you current app environment
  • This platform follows MVC pattern which separates app data, view & control code
  • Has in-built DOM manipulation interface
  • Consist of 8 in-built transition effects

11. Zoho Creator

Zoho creator

This is an online cloud software database builder that can help you create to perfect app for your business. Without any prior coding experience, Zoho creator allows developers to create Android apps anywhere, any ime and on any device.

Features:

  • Has easy drag and drop interface
  • Lets to create custom mobile application quickly
  • Define right rules for data processing
  • It can schedule tasks, automate recurring actions, receive notifications & reminders
  • Can be used for app in all major platforms
  • Collage and manage your data in the form that suits your businesses

12. Xamarin

Xamarin

This is a cross-platform app tool that is mainly used to built Android & iOS apps using visual studio. As this platform allows you to create a program using a single code base, it can save a vast amount of time. Xamarin which is an extension of Visual Studio can seamelessly port to multiple platforms without extending the development time.

  • Lets to code with C#
  • Consist of Mono .NET framework and a compiler
  • Assures a flawless user experience
  • This platform is learner friendly and the number of bugs while programming is comparitively less
  • Code reusability
  • API Intergration with open source technology
  • Has comprehensive hardware support

13. Corona 

Corona 

An ideal platform that is apt in creating applications and mobile games for desktops and mobile devices. In this you can create apps in one devices and publish it to multiple devices including iPhone, Android, Windows etc.

  • Based on open source scripting language Lua
  • Develop for crossplatforms with a single code base
  • Include interactive and graphic rich design to your application
  • Allows you monetize quickly and easily
  • Has a growing community of developers
  • Dominant APIs & Fast frame per second
  • Developers get the full right to the codes they create using Lua

How to choose the best App builder software?

When it comes to developing mobile apps, you will meet with many options available in the market. The decision as to what platform works best for you depends on your needs, features, capabilities, pricing and convenience offered by it. Your own experience with coding and the length of learning curve may strengthen your decision to choose a specific mobile app maker.

With that said, focus on the following most essential app deciding factors before you come to a final choice:

OS Compatibility
Content creation and marketing tools
Customer engagement scope
Numerous Support options

If you are a novice and first-timer, you may opt for the app builder platform that offers you great ease and comfort while coding and programming. In this case, you can select the free or basic plan which helps you on your course of learning. As soon as you are confident and have gained enough hands-on knowledge, you can switch to the subsequent plans with more capabilities and detailed features.

It hasn’t been long since businesses have started realizing that having a mobile app of their own can serve as a great platform for marketing. As a result, lots of the businesses, big and small, have jumped into the bandwagon.

But, at the same time, there are lots of myths regarding mobile app development due to which at least some businesses are hesitant to take a step forward and those who already did, are suffering from huge losses.

Here are some of the common myths, you might have come across, about mobile app development:

Myth: Mobile app development steps must be discussed in detail prior to starting it.

Truth: Customers may not have detailed knowledge about mobile app development process. Therefore, they may hesitate to approach mobile app development agencies thinking that all steps must be discussed in detail before the development actually starts. However, the truth is that the developers are creative and talented, and can easily fill in those areas you may not have much knowledge about in the mobile app development process. The tactics used for mobile app development can be discussed in advance. Even if the customer provides details about just the basic requirements, the developers will create the apps that meet the needs of the customers and provide unique user experience to the targeted audience.

Myth: It takes just few days to create a mobile app.

Truth: Mobile app development is not a simple, short term process like what it is generally thought of as. It is an ongoing process that needs to have an infallible strategy to begin with. When you approach a mobile app development company, they may give you an estimate in terms of time and effort. However, you may have the mobile app in your hands way before the estimated time or may be after that. It all depends on the process.

Myth: The mobile app development time depends on the size of the app.

Truth: People generally think that a mobile app that is small in terms of its physical size, like, the one-screen apps, is easy to create. However, the truth is that the mobile apps, irrespective of their size, take months to be built. Also, the integration of a third party plugin/support can add to the development time. From planning a mobile app development strategy to creating a mobile app, it is always a time taking process.

Myth: An aesthetically pleasing app can earn 5 star rating in the app store.

Truth: An app that looks good definitely adds to the ratings in the play store. But, it doesn’t mean that the app’s look is the only factor that contributes to the rating. An app gets a good rating only if it functions smoothly and is error free. The quality of the functioning of an app is equally important as its looks.

Myth: Your job is over once the mobile app development process is completed.

Truth: Remember, your mobile app is just one in a million that serve the same purpose. Therefore, the chances that your app may go unnoticed are high. Just like the development process, it is also important to invest time and resources to promote your app. It’s also important to have a strong marketing strategy so that all the efforts you and the mobile app developers have put into creating the app don’t go down the drain.

Myth: The mobile app development cost is all that matters.

Truth: Your job doesn’t end with creating a mobile app. You’ll have to maintain it if you want your app to stay here for long and for that, you’ll have to invest more money. It is necessary to keep the app free of bugs and other defects and enhanced depending on the technology updates.

Myth: Native apps provide the best experience compared to HTML5 apps

Truth: Every app, whether native, hybrid or mobile web (also termed as HTML5 apps), have their own pros and cons. Though native apps are generally considered to provide best experience, it is not always the best choice. It all depends on the requirements of the users. Also, tools such as Xamarin not only help cross platform development maintain the same levels as that of native app development but also in surpassing it in the near future.

Myth: Great features make an app successful.

Truth: It’s a common sight that companies often get ecstatic about having so many great features in their mobile app. However, the truth is that it’s not the features but the benefit the features provide to the users that decides the success of an app. Therefore, before adding a new feature to your app, ask these questions to yourselves:

•  How will this feature benefit my customers?
•  How will this feature help to solve the user’s problems?
•  How will this feature make things easier for the users?
•  If you don’t find a definite answer for these questions, remember, the feature is not worth it.

GO MOBILE TODAY, TOMORROW AND FUTURE
MOBILE PHONES-Hold Different, Think Different

12 Must Read Smart Quotes on Mobile
 

Mobile phones have become one of the most important.It is also playing a very big role in e-commerce.

12 Must Read Smart Quotes on Mobile

Future of mobile and mainly mobile marketing is creating solutions that customers actually need.

12 Must Read Smart Quotes on Mobile
 

Technology has changed the way humans interact with gadgets for entertainment.

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Mobile devices allow businesses to distribute learning quickly.

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Mobile devices have changed the way people consume media.

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Gone are the days when people make use of pagers to send text messages. With the powerful features available in the form of SMS, mobile phones have emerged as an ideal blend of past and future technologies.

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Sharing information have become easy with the help of technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-fi etc. More advancements would be arriving in the near future.

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Smartphones keep us up-to-date with society and media, and help us make our everyday life EASIER!

12 Must Read Smart Quotes on Mobile

Ranging from the demand and supply gap to available budget and marketing plan to sheer luck, there are many factors that contribute to the success of a mobile application.

mobile app development

Mobile app development companies should adhere to the industry’s best practices and ensure quality control standards are given necessary importance. This can make the difference between your app’s failure and success.

Here are the top reasons that concludes why mobile app development fails.

1. Absence of Purpose

absense

All apps should have a solidly defined and useful purpose first of all, in order to target its market and be successful. Be it for entertainment or staying connected, apps should address a real-world situation.

Apps like Baby Shaker is a clear waste of money and time which will only earn you defame and rejection.

2. The Complexity of Apps

complexity

Don’t design your mobile app like your website. Developing good mobile apps means you go forward with simple tasks, well written functions, minimum navigation and enough white spaces.

Do not try to solve too many problems with a single app. Stick to the priorities and give specific reasons for users to open your app. Simplicity is the key to app success.

3. Study Your Market First

study your market

One of the most common reasons that mobile app development fails are because of poor or lack of any market research and failure to understand the potential audience expectations.

When you set out to popularize your product on an over-saturated market, it is undoubted that you are going to face a lot of challenges and risks on the way.

If what you build and give is just a copy of an already popular app, you are at imminent danger. A good app will provide users with something new; like a great idea, a new perspective or a new solution to an unsolved problem.

There should be something that is interesting for the customers who have landed on your app for the first time to stay on it- something that will compel them to use it over and over again. It is important to build what people want, and not what you want them to use.

4. The Problem of Resource Scarcity

resource scarcity

Apart from the acquisition of budget, there are still many other affairs that mobile app development companies need to look into while developing your app.

The app development costs are huge and can range from $1K to 15K for basic apps. To complicate things up, finding talented workforce is a Himalayan task.

Experienced mobile app developers are too picky about the projects they wish to work with, as the market bears a high demand for their services.

When in-house developers are not available after signing up for a project, they will be forced to settle with less talented or beginner level developers.

5. Security Concerns

Monitoring whether all the security protocols are met is a headache that mobile app development companies face throughout application development. The app should be carefully tested for any security vulnerabilities and issues must be rectified.

hire mobile app developers

There is a high risk for failure, unless apps ensure a safe a secure experience for their customers. 2019 is predicted as a year when more businesses are going to adopt better security practices.

Read also:Top Emerging Trends in Mobile App Development

6. Why Customer Feedback is Valued So Much

customer feedback

It is very important to track the feedback you receive from customers and take immediate action on any grave problem.

Even if you employ the most extensive and rigorous testing procedures, it is only natural for minor bugs and errors to show up during the alpha and beta versions or when the app is finally released to the public.

So the app behavior should be monitored soon after your app is launched.

As per statistics, over 75% of mobile apps are downloaded once and then never used again. If you receive a lot of negative ratings and reviews and are still not keen on taking any corrective measures, it will eventually lead to a very low number of app downloads.

For e.g., if your app is too slow to load or is too hard to use, users will turn away and look for other faster-loading and easy to use app alternatives.

The more frequently you release updates, there are more chances for its success. It is very rare that users will give a second chance for an app. Mostly, they will only keep using it if they have no other options available.

7. Spreading the Word about Your App

spreading the word

You may be relieved after months of hard-work, dedication and testing that you’ve finally transformed your app from a bare idea in your mind into a proper money making business. But that belief is very far from reality.

What your app needs next is the right kind of exposure to keep it well ahead of competitor apps. No, your app is not alone in the market.

8. Ignoring the backend support

ignore

You need to have a robust backend support to make your app more stable. Scalability is yet another feature to consider when looking for a robust backend.

In fact, a scalable backend service will adapt according to the traffic influx over a period of time. One of the finest examples of a scalable and strong backend is Twitter.

9. Making apps so complicated for users

angry men

While enhancing the user experience, app creators usually make it a complex affair for the users. If a user cannot locate the right buttons in your app in one attempt, then definitely the app is not serving its purpose.

Nowadays, people around the world are busy. No one have the time to sit back and learn how to use your application.  If you want them to make an effort to do that, then you are certainly investing in an unsuccessful app.

You need to ensure that the design of your mobile app justifies its business value.  In order to make an app compatible with the user, you need to analyse your target audience’s intellectual understanding and their compliance towards changing trends. Design intricacies also cause mobile app development,  fails.

Read Also:Top 10 Reasons For iOS App Rejection From App Store

Conclusion

The most harmful mistake that could be made while marketing is giving your customers the impression that, “we are selling this app to you because we want your money”.

mobile app development

Even though monetary benefit is the sole and ultimate purpose behind most of the app development endeavors, it is not fit for you to openly advertise the idea.

The market is saturated, and marketing is a tough job. You can’t risk all your investment money with poor marketing efforts. The best thing to practice is make avail of every possible and available method for putting your app in the limelight. Before enter into mobile app development, aware of these reasons why they fails.

The mobile industry has metamorphosed from the first DynaTAC prototype model to wearable devices and has become part of Internet of Things (IoT) through the last four decades. It is now an integral part of our lives, on account of its usability and affordability. With the mobile app industry evolving at such a fast pace, it is an absolute requirement for a mobile app development company to keep track of the emerging trends in the industry.

User experience comes first: With large-scale competition and increasing number of smartphone users, it becomes imperative that a mobile app should be embedded with features that promote better user experience for its success. Leading mobile app development companies are continuously striving to provide our customers with unequalled user experience from all our apps.

App security: Implementing app security has called for more focus these days. A lot of sensitive information is handled during each transaction. Hackers continuously try to exploit this data. An app that promises high-end security is always a boon to your business goals.

Cloud driven development: The benefits of using the cloud technology in your mobile app development is that the apps can be accessed on multiple mobile devices with same features and functions from anywhere.

Wearable devices: There is no doubt that wearable technology promises to be the future in electronic fashion wears and tech wears and it is certain to hit the billion dollar industry in a big way. Wearable devices are supposed to be taken up by leading enterprises to improve their productivity and efficiency in 2016.

Internet of Things (IoT): Multiple devices are being used by all of us these days. There is a lot of scope in developing mobile applications that can control various electronic devices that we use in our everyday lives. IoT has already influenced healthcare, marketing and business industries. There are a lot of smart home appliances available in the market already.

In- App advertising and purchasing: The paid app download model of monetization is making way to a more practicable solution, i.e. in-app advertising. In-app advertising and purchasing are today’s feasible source for making revenue.

App analytics: Tracing your app’s performance is really crucial in all sectors, because the data is a major deciding factor for streamlining your apps. This data represents customer engagement and success of your app.

Location based apps: It’s happy times for businesses based on location apps, because they are growing fast. There are more and more apps being developed for businesses such as restaurants, real estate, home décors, sales of used products etc.

Recommended read: Why is Apple’s Swift the Future of Mobile App Development?

Location based Wi-Fi services: As data plans are becoming costlier, the prime focus for networking locally is now on Wi-Fi services. Apple has already lead the way by introducing their customers to Beacon technology. Android will follow Apple in the coming years. The advantage is that the businesses could know where there customers are concentrated and provide them with more specific content.

Mobile gaming: Beginning from 2014, the mobile game industry has been gradually shifting from developing single player games to multiplayer games. Another trend developing within mobile gaming is social media integration and cloud driven games.

Enterprise apps are growing: It is predicted that all major enterprises will be developing own apps in 2016, to boost their efficiency and performance. The demands for enterprise apps are currently huge.

Emergence of hybrid apps: Hybrid apps have successfully completed the experimental phase and are now widely being adopted. It combines both the elements of native and web apps. There will be contents that are accessible only locally as well as that are shared online.

M-commerce and Mobile payments: M-commerce and mobile payments are taken up by many users as this has given them the advantage of shopping at their convenience. Consumers can browse, and pay for their goods, all from their mobile without the need of a credit/debit card.

A mobile app development company should be keen in incorporating these trends in their development process, in order to be successful.

Smartphones and tablets have become vital technologies in today’s fast paced and tech-driven world. This is mainly due to mobile applications assisting people with their personal, work and even education commitments. By next year, the global app economy will be worth $143 billion, as projected by the App Economy Forecasts 2013-2016 report. However, the market is always changing as mobile manufacturers looking to reshape the app market produce new forms of technologies.

What revolutionary features should we expect from mobile devices next year that will be vital to app developers?

Trend 1: HTML 5 as the Main App Development Platform

HTML 5 will be a common platform used by many mobile browsers and apps due to its fast-loading feature. In the recent Sencha 6th Annual Developer Survey, it revealed that an increase in HTML 5 usage in building web apps will be evident in 2016. The platform will be relevant in building cross-platform web apps, especially since many companies are facing problems related to form factors, fragmentation, and OS compatibility. Currently, 67% of developers build apps for businesses, and an increase is expected soon as HTML5 usage and adoption increases.

Trend 2: Augmented Reality Continues

Although the craze for wearables may have subsided, anything that uses augmented and virtual reality technologies will continue to prevail in the coming years. This will be more apparent since rumors of Apple releasing a see-through handset may happen in 2016. It has been reported that the California-based mobile giant received an approval from their see-through AR display patent this year and may start its production in late 2015. Applying AR and VR features on apps will be a plus factor for developers. But, it will depend on the apps purpose and how the technology performs through the app. Remember that user experience will still be the most important factor to the success of an app in the long term.

Trend 3: Real-Time Feature is a MUST

The rise in the demand for apps with real-time features will be more apparent by next year. According to InfoWorld, we are not only talking about “real-time analytics, but real-time everything.” As people become more reliant on their mobile devices for information (traffic, GPS, work, social media, etc.), developers would have to make their next apps with real-time features. It is expected to create a fundamental shift in the business process, as all apps will be required to offer real-time updates and information.

The concept is not all new to the public. Most of the recently released iPhones from the 5c and 5s model to the newest 6s and 6s Plus are built with real-time apps like the iCloud, Facebook, and Maps. Android devices have the top Google services such as Drive, Gmail, and Maps.

Trend 4: Iris Scanning Sensor

Security will still be highly important in terms of app usage and consumption. Currently, premium smartphones are built with a two-way authentication process that involves the fingerprint scanner embedded on the Home button and pressing a 4- to 6-digit passcode. But, next year, mobile biometric security will introduce a new technology in the form of iris/retina scanning sensors. Some tech giants were already reported to be testing devices with the said security feature such as LG with their LG G5 and Samsung with their Galaxy S7. App developers will have to incorporate this new feature in their security process such as in-app s.

One of the changes and challenges that app developers would have to prepare for would be the possible market release of the phoneblok or Ara modular phone by Google. It has been pushed a couple of times, but the search giant is positive that they will be able to release the first modular smartphone sometime in 2016. It’s still not clear how apps are going to work on this new mobile device, but it’s a challenge that app developers would figure out soon.

What other mobile tech trends should app developers should expect next year? Feel free to leave a comment or tips below.

Photo Credit: FotoDB.de via Compfight cc

Exclusively submitted to RedBytes
Written by TechRomantic

Shravan Kumaran and his younger brother Sanjay Kumaran at the age of 11 and 10 developed their own mobile application.

The kids were one among the top ten designers in the world selected by the ‘Korea Herald’ newspaper in 2013.

Aged 15 and 14 now, they are the president and CEO of an app development firm- ‘GoDimensions’.

“Having developed a strong desire to launch our own company and to stand on our own at a small age itself, we were firm to launch our first mobile game application under the banner of our company even though our Dad suggested the other option. Later, our Dad carried out the processes of company registration and we released the app in ‘iTunes’, the Apple’s App Store, in January 2012”, Shravan and Sanjay said at the annual technical fest of National Institute of Technology, Calicut.

Also developed a wireless virtual reality googol that gives an in-field game experience while playing games and are developing a game for it now.

“While the available virtual reality googol is very expensive and complex, we developed it at just Rs 700 by making its hardware using our 3D printer. We just made it to explore the technology and have no plans to manufacture it as we are devoid of time and money to manufacture it,” say Sanjay and Shravan.

They also developed ‘Internet of Things’ device for their house to lock and unlock the house using a mobile app.

They have also interacted with students of several top universities and colleges like IIT Bombay, IIT Chennai, NIT Raipur, IIM Bangalore, etc.

The increasing interest in smartphones is growing the mobile app developing industry day by day. This has highly increased the value of mobile app marketing as well.

Here are 12

  1. Rapid Mobile Development

Enterprises are struggling when it comes to managing mobile apps. With increasing consumer demands, businesses are keen on launching products as early as possible. Thus, this year will see a quick development of the app and not spending much time on the development of the same. In this method, Mobile app developers are always alert about customers’ demand and produce accordingly.

  1. Cloud-Driven

You will see cloud technology playing an excellent role in developing apps this season. People these days use multiple mobile devices and this has compelled developers to focus more on the ability to integrate as well as sync them in one.

  1. App Security

Last year saw many reports and rumors regarding hacking and leaks of information. Hackers are quite smart these days and they can easily pick up those security gaps which will let them get certain confidential information. Hence, mobile app developers should focus more on the security of the device as it is quite a serious issue these days.

  1. Beacon and Location-Based Wi-Fi Services

Thanks to Beacon technology, there is hardly any difference between online and offline service apps. Apple has been successful in integrating this feature in iOS. These days, users are making good use of the internet, which has compelled operators to increase the rates of data plans. In years to come, you can use Wi-Fi for a host of things, other than just internet. In the last month, a platform called Wi-Fi Max was launched to help customers to take help of all its services and content.

  1. Wearable Tech

You can now literally wear technology in your hands, mainly thanks to wearable watches. This year, wearable watches have been highly used by people to improve the productivity of their business. This can be due to the fact that mobile app developers are focusing more on developing such technologies rather than concentrating only on smart phones and tablets.

  1. M-commerce, Banking and Mobile Payments

As per the statistics, most of the transactions and sales are to be made online using smart phones. In coming years, you will see the advent of m-commerce and its extensive use. You will also see payments being done using mobiles instead of debit or credit cards. Apple Pay and Google Wallet would gain higher importance.

  1. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet can now be connected to almost every device. Apps would adapt to this with new features. It will compel mobile app developers to go with improved services and experiences.

  1. Big Data and App Analytics

Decision makers will give more importance to app performance tracking. They will now concentrate more on big data and analytics in this year. Therefore, they will focus more on data collection methods which help them to reach their clients’ expectations.

  1. The Growth of Enterprise Apps

As per the predictions of IDC, about one-third of enterprises will stress on mobile application development so as to deploy apps across organizations. This will surely help B2B application exchanges.

  1. In- App Advertising and Purchasing

As per a recent study done by Juniper Research, in-app services on devices are going to help a lot and this will spread across all the mobile devices by 2016. There would be various new ad formats in the coming days.

  1. User Experience First

With the number of smart phones and tablets increasing manifold, app user experience is going to gain more importance over time. Stress will be put on analytics data to create excellent experiences. Hence, developers will have to keep user experience in mind during mobile app development.

  1. App Marketing

With each passing year, you can see apps evolving even more. Therefore, marketers will now focus a lot more on user engagement. App Store Optimization will gain high importance and you will get to learn a great deal from them.

With so many trends on the rise, all developers need to keep them in mind and change their development process accordingly. There would be new trends in the coming days. You need to stay on top of them to remain relevant.

As mobile app development takes the centre stage, we need to look beyond the traditional software development methodologies. Uniform packaging of application, increased time to market, issues with respect to security & integration and cost overruns are the drivers that prompt developers to adopt a mobile app development platform. The mobile app development platform provides uniform approach to develop, deploy, test and manage the application. The right choice of mobile app development platform is an important factor before beginning with mobile app development services.

So what are the characteristics one should look for when choosing Mobile App development platform?

Every platform has some pros and cons. However these are the 5 features which should be there for sure in any mobile app development platform:

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1. Multi-Multi feature

A mobile app development platform should have the capability to support all types of mobile devices including phone, tablets and phablets.  The platform should have the capability to configure the features across devices with minimal customization. If the same platform can be used to provide mobile app development services for multiple OS, it can be an added benefit as developer does not have to work on multiple development platforms.

2. Integration Adaptors

Mobile apps do not always work in silos. It has to be interfaced with multiple back end systems. The pre-configured integration adaptor helps in reducing the integration efforts. It reduces the overall development time and cost. The interface does not have to be built from scratch each time. Thus, with pre-configured integration adaptor, uniform approach can be adopted for interface development and application packaging.

3. Security

Today, the mobile applications are not restricted to any specific boundary which is the case with software applications. The software applications are meant to be used only by in-premise executives. Since mobile and tablets stores confidential information such as mails, contact lists and credit card wallet details, it is important that security is built at various levels to restrict access to such data. This includes defining security at application and user levels to ensure that there are no security breaches.

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Encryption is another important aspect of security. The data stored in app should also be encrypted. Thus mobile app development platform should provide the packages to implement security procedures. The availability of out of the box algorithms to encrypt the password or sensitive information can be an advantageous for developers.

Audit & governance

A mobile application platform should support audit (unbiased examination and evaluation) and governance. Mobile apps such as WhatsApp and Skype have become important means of communication. Therefore, mobile platforms should provide the functions and procedure to implement audit features. It should also provide the capability to enforce certain country specific restrictions.

Future Proof

A mobile application platform should be future proof.  It is necessary that the mobile app development platform should incorporate latest technologies and continue to evolve as new technologies are introduced.

Thus mobile development platforms with multi-device support, security and back-end integration capabilities significantly reduce the development efforts. This enables developers to concentrate on mobile app development services such as application design and workflow rather than on other issues.