Looking for the best mobile applications development and design trends that are going to rule the roost in 2019? Indeed, mobile application development has come a long way since the first iPhone made its grand debut way back in 2007. And who can forget the 2008 Android smartphone revolution kick-starting with the HTC Dream? Since then, Android has celebrated its 10th anniversary and iOS is struggling to keep pace with the powerful Apple device hardware.
Over the last decade, users have seen the rise and fall of many mobile app development and design trends. While some failed miserably, many inevitably saw the light of day and left an indelible mark shaping present and future trends. Here’s a list of all the top mobile tech trends to watch out for in 2019.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The first one comes as no surprise. The AI and ML duo will have a huge impact on mobile app development in the coming years. Data collection and analysis is made possible with Machine Learning algorithms. This will enable companies to provide a highly personalized experience to app users. Automated add-on tools such as chatbots also help increase convenience.
Some of the most popular and well-known software around includes Alexa, Cortana, Siri, and the Google Assistant. With voice recognition software, AI is attempting to bridge the gaps in translation. By understanding the user’s voice, marketers and developers can learn more about their targeted customer groups.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality apps are all the rage right now. By incorporating the real world with mobile applications, AR apps like PokemonGo are wildly successful among users. More and more companies are trying to use augmented reality apps to increase downloads, drive engagement and ultimately generate high ROI for their businesses.
The Rise of the Chatbots
By 2025, the global chatbot market is projected to grow to 1250 million US dollars. Chatbots are a major part of digital reality now. They act as virtual assistants in mobile applications. Due to AI advancements, the integration of chatbots within apps is possible without having to resort to intricate coding.
https://youtu.be/JGIFN9HHl04
Mobile Wallets and Payment Gateways
Customers nowadays demand frictionless payment methods. There has been a gradual but significant shift in the way users prefer to shop. This ranges from cash to credit and debit cards, to mobile wallets and finally digital currency. Indeed, mobile commerce has become the preferred mode of shopping. The integration of mobile wallets and payment gateways providing secure encryption have become a staple, thanks to tech giants such as Google Wallet, Amazon Pay, PayPal and many more.
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Demand for IoT and Wearable Devices
With wearable technology becoming increasingly popular, businesses are rushing to capitalize on this trend that won’t die down anytime soon. From smartwatches and fitness bracelets to healthcare monitors and glasses, the list of wearable tech continues to grow. With apps like Fitbit, users can easily track their health and fitness journey. By comparing data over the course of days, weeks, months and even years, users can track their number of steps, heart rate and other trackable information.
Faster Mobile Pages: AMP and EMM
In 2016, AMP or application performance management listings were integrated into Google search. Developers use this for better UX such as Facebook’s instant articles. Monitoring tools and metrics such as these can help resolve bottlenecks and enhance overall performance.
Cloud Integrated Mobile Applications
The possibilities offered by cloud computing and integration are endless. Some of the advantages of developing apps around the world include the streamlining of operations, reduced hosting costs, increased user attention, as well as better loading capacity and storage.
SEE ALSO: Human-AI Interaction and Experience Design
Mobile App Security
With security and hacking concerns making headlines worldwide, app developers are looking to increase their investment in cybersecurity. After Uber accepted its hacking scandal, and Google and Facebook admitted to security lapses, data privacy and protection laws are becoming more stringent with the introduction of GDPR and other regulations.
Instant, On-Demand Mobile Apps
Mobile app development is now the future. Android instant apps are on the rise. The native apps don’t require installation and run instantly. On-demand apps for food delivery or cab booking are a big hit with users due to the ease of use and prompt services rendered by such apps.
Additionally, location-based services are trending in the market. Apps like Uber, Lyft and food delivery apps require the user’s location in order to know where exactly the customer is located. Even companies that don’t require the user’s location request for it to improve marketing efforts.
https://youtu.be/7LHH7Oog2Wg
Predictive Analytics
Mobile apps have moved from being just utilities to becoming an integral part of users’ workflow. Tech giants such as Apple, Facebook and Google are already employing AI to use predictive analytics to improve the customer journey across the UX and UI of apps and will continue to do so in the coming year.
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Best Android/ Apple Apps in 2019
Here’s a list of the top ten Android apps that were among the most popular apps in 2018 and will continue to rule the roost this year.
1. Netflix: Video-streaming service
2. Hulu: Movies and TV show subscription service
3. Spotify: Music-streaming service
4. Soundcloud: Music-streaming service
5. Google Play Music: Music-streaming service
6. Apple Music: Music-streaming service
7. HBO Now/ HBO Go: Streaming HBO content
8. YouTube: Video-sharing site
9. Strava: Tracking app
10. Headspace: Meditation app
11. Duolingo: Language learning app
12. Google Pay: Mobile payment app
13. Daily Yoga: Yoga app
14. Runtastic: Tracking app
15. Language Navi: Language translation app
In a Nutshell
Smartphones are inevitable the future and this fact can’t be stressed upon enough. Trends in mobile app development have captivated users across the globe in the last few years. By 2020, mobile apps are expected to generate almost $190 billion in global revenue. With the lightning-fast 5G network all set to make its grand debut in the coming year, mobile app developers will have more room for innovations from augmented reality, virtual reality and much more.
SEE ALSO: Adaptive Learning Technology: The Future of Education
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