In the world of mobile app development, there are two major eras. Long before the iPhone was introduced as the new mobile computing paradigm, mobile apps were developed for utility and functionality. After the iPhone launched in 2007, a new dimension of development emerged with amenities and user experience at its heart. At this time, we are entering a new era of development that is still focused on delivering a solid digital experience, but with a stronger focus on creating smarter apps.
What business owners and brand managers should know about the new wave of smart mobile apps is that they are already reshaping the digital experience, and this can be attributed to the following technologies:
Voice-Activated Mobile Apps
Gone are the days of having to train virtual assistants to understand your voice. With the current advancements in artificial intelligence, specifically with regard to natural language processing (NLP), mobile apps can be developed with an advanced speech recognition functionality that will work upon first launch. Voice interactions feel more natural and intuitive than tapping and swiping, especially for complex tasks or in hands-free situations such as driving. There’s also the advantage of nuanced accessibility; voice commands make apps more accessible to people with visual impairments or certain limitations that cause them to struggle with touchscreens.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
As smart home automation becomes more widespread, smartphones are becoming their new hubs. Just about all new IoT devices for smart home networks come with a proprietary mobile app, but more manufacturers are opening their application programming interfaces (APIs) to third-party developers; this is expanding the ecosystem, and you now have mobile apps that deliver hub functionality on the go. Mobile apps paired with IoT devices or smart home networks can learn your living habits; if they are paired with medical IoT devices, they can provide remote monitoring of patients. Although IoT technology does not make as many headlines as the others cited herein, it is growing quite rapidly.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
There is no question that AI and ML have been getting all the news media spotlight in recent years, and we have already seen what advanced chatbots can do, but there’s a more exciting future that is just getting started in the mobile app development arena. AI-powered virtual assistants get smarter through ML routines, and they are being developed to do more than just follow voice commands.
Virtual assistant mobile apps are being developed to learn your preferences, anticipate your needs, and proactively manage tasks across your connected devices. Imagine a digital assistant that automatically adjusts your thermostat based on your daily routine and real-time weather data; this is an example of AI learning to interact with IoT-connected smart home devices. In a few years, virtual assistants will be the only apps that synchronize with your car’s infotainment system; they will be smart enough to manage other apps supported by the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity protocols, and they will bridge your connected experiences at home and on the road.
Published by: Holy Minoza
