Today’s mobile users are always on the move. They often prefer to access their content and services from their smartphones or tablets over desktop PCs. Smartphones are the most popular type of mobile device among users, while tablets have come a long way in the past few years and now account for nearly one-third of all mobile device usage (source: Statista). The current trends in mobile technologies can help you understand what is coming next and how to prepare your business accordingly. Here are some of the key trends you should keep an eye on shortly:
Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality
The success of mobile virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) depends on how seamless they are with existing technologies. If the combination of these technologies spills beyond the smartphone, it can revolutionize the way we communicate, shop, and learn. Already, the integration of these technologies has led to several intriguing applications, including home improvement and healthcare. At the same time, they are constrained by the lack of standardization and the need for specific hardware and software. AR and VR technologies have become increasingly prominent in the media and technology sectors. AR applications were cited as the top trend in the app stores from 2016 to 2018, and VR applications were among the highest-grossing apps across all categories. These technologies are likely to become more accessible with the release of affordable handsets for both Android and iOS users. Additionally, the new generation of Android and iOS operating systems are highly optimized for AR and VR.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has become commonplace in many sectors, such as e-commerce, marketing, and cybersecurity. This trend has been driven by the exponential increase in computing power, affordable cloud-based services, and the emergence of next-generation hardware. AI and machine learning have strong potential to transform the way we do certain tasks, such as language translation and voice recognition. They can also help improve the user experience by highlighting relevant content. However, these technologies have not been widely adopted by businesses due to their high costs and limited scalability. Furthermore, the adoption of AI and ML is still a function of the skill set of the people involved, and they can be easily replaced. Therefore, businesses should focus on training their employees and developing new skills that enable them to leverage the power of AI and ML.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things has seen phenomenal growth over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. According to a report by Experian Marketing Intelligence, there are nearly 2.5 billion devices connected to the Internet. While many of these devices are connected to the Internet to maintain a functioning business, a significant number are also used for personal purposes, like monitoring health and fitness, or entertainment, such as using smart light bulbs. The growth of IoT has been driven by the low cost of hardware, the increasing number of smartphone users, and the need for a more connected lifestyle. In the future, the trend of IoT is expected to continue, as more advanced technologies are expected to make their way into smart devices. For example, machine learning and advanced battery technology will allow IoT gadgets to perform more functions autonomously, while the increase in network speed will facilitate remote control.
5G Network & Blockchain
5G is a key trend in mobile networking that will help increase the speed, quality, and security of Internet connections. It is expected to create a better user experience, facilitate the implementation of the Internet of Things, and help curb data usage. However, the deployment of 5G is not expected to be smooth in every country. Therefore, businesses should start preparing for this trend now. The success of 5G will depend largely on how it is implemented in the context of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Increasing the bandwidth of devices will create a scenario where AI and ML can be implemented more effectively. Also, the availability of 5G will help businesses adopt blockchain technologies, which are expected to become increasingly popular in the future.
Bottom line
No matter how much you plan for the future, it is impossible to predict what will happen. The trends discussed above are expected to shape the future of mobile experiences. However, it is important to note that not all of them will materialize, and you can use this information to plan for the current and future trends in mobile technology.