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