Key Mobile Trends for 2017

Key Mobile Trends for 2017

Forecasts are suggesting that smartphone users will reach approximately 44.9 million by 2017, in the UK. With such increase in the use of smartphones, spotting key mobile trends for developers is paramount to the future success of their companies.

Introduction of 5G & Wi-Fi-first

One of the hot topics that is continuously talked about in the development of mobiles is the introduction of 5G and the effect this will have on end users. UK Government experts suggest that in the UK, 4G network ranks only 54th in the world in terms of coverage.

With the introduction of 5G, it is stated simply that this ‘must improve’. Even though the development of this will be a much talked about topic over 2017, it is unlikely that 5G will be widespread until 2020. The aim of 5G is to help facilitate the Internet of Things (IoT) so all smart home devices can talk to each other and coordinate.

Wi-Fi-first networks, like Google’s Project Fi and Republic Wireless, could become more mainstream in 2017 thanks to the debut of a Wi-Fi-first network from cable giant Comcast. These networks use a combination of cellular coverage and local Wi-Fi networks to provide inexpensive wireless internet connectivity.

Mobile’s role in the Internet of Things

A key mobile trend that is continually monitored is the mobile’s role in the Internet of Things (IoT). According to Gartner, there may be as many as 20 billion connected devices by 2020. Many devices will be controllable and customisable via hybrid applications, meant for smartphones and tablets. The Internet of Things is the differentiation factor for many competitive mobile development markets and a growing trend to ensure mobiles accommodate for the changes. The Internet of Things will further accelerate mobile opportunity in 2017 and transform how people and our economy interact with the many tools of modern life.

Big Data

Big data is a growing challenge for all organisations and with the growing use of smartphones and tablets being used across businesses, users are expecting more from their mobiles. Mobile applications are backed up by a wealth of data and have extraordinary potential to deliver valuable information to end users. The use of applications for business is a growing trend for 2017 with hybrid app development being inherently more comprehensive, more accurate in filtering though data and more precise with delivering key information to end users. By the start of 2017, all developers for mobiles will very likely have at least one foot dipped in the ‘Big Data Ocean’.

Wearable Devices

As enterprise mobility continues its upswing into 2017, it’s possible that more wearables will be introduced to the workplaces under Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies in companies. This may add greater impetus for wearable technology to become a business tool. Currently the focus is still on android app development  and iOS application development, but it wouldn’t be surprising if we see smart watches and smart glasses solidifying a bigger role in the enterprise by the end of 2017.

Mobile Apps

A recent Gallup poll indicates that 72 percent of Americans check their phones at least once an hour. The overwhelming majority of that time, up to 90 percent, is using apps. The competition in the mobile app development market is growing rapidly. However, mobile app developers not only need to focus on smartphones, there is a need for wearables, smart cars, IoT-enabled devices as well. Cloud based apps are allowing users to share and sync data in real time, whilst on the move, this is something that will improve throughout the upcoming year.

Augmented reality, for both iOS apps and android apps, is the new trend, even though it is at its early stages, it is something that is being monitored closely by entertainment organisations and mobile developers.

Hybrid app development is growing trend in 2017. More businesses are requiring both android apps and iOS apps for their employees, with the growing number of tablets that are now available in the marketplace.

Personalisation

A large focus for mobile developers, in 2017, is the personalisation of what is being offered to end users. Location based marketing is an advanced type of personalisation that is becoming key in development of mobiles and apps. There is a focus on giving users what they need and being there for them at the right time with the right answer for their searches/requirements. Location-based marketing and the technology that drives it are expected to grow in 2017, driven by adoption from big brands and heavier investments.

Voice Search

Mobile users are using voice search more often than ever before, with learning algorithms becoming a big part in the development of mobiles. According to Google, 20 percent of searches on mobile apps and on Android devices are voice searches. New devices like Alexa (Amazon Echo) and Google Home are bringing voice search to the everyday consumer’s home. It is important that the development of voice search on mobiles, develop in paramount with new products like these.

Mobile Security

The most important factor in the development of mobiles in 2017 is mobile security. As the limitations with what can be done on mobiles become non-existent, it is important that every single mobile innovation takes place in step with cyber security. Part of the problem with standard smartphones is that they do so much and there is a constant race to add more capabilities, which means that security often tends to lag behind. Throughout this year we can expect to see a major development in the security of mobiles and hybrid applications.

RSK Business Solutions is an IT consultancy based in UK which can assist you in developing any mobile application which targets either iOS, Android, Cross-Platform, Hybrid or Windows platform. You can find further information on our mobile application development capability on http://www.rsk-bsl.co.uk/mobile-apps/

References; https://www.statista.com/statistics/270821/smartphone-user-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/ , http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38304254 , https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/seven-mobile-trends-to-look-for-in-2017/ , http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3165317 , http://mobilefuture.org/issues/internet-of-things/ , <http://www.gruvygraphicdesign.com/single-post/2016/11/30/4-Mobile-Marketing-Trends-to-Focus-on-in-2017 , https://searchenginewatch.com/2016/05/31/the-continuing-rise-of-voice-search-and-how-you-can-adapt-to-it/ , https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-weu-d1-028fbbb74845eac29d136a0625a160bd/views/imgpsh_fullsize