As everything in terms of technology becomes more and more mobile, it’s only natural that development trends follow suit. And, due to the fact the number of people with smartphones and tablets has surpassed the computer owning population, it’s no wonder mobile apps are on the rise. So, what are the top mobile app trends of 2013 that have the wireless world buzzing?
1. Cross-Platform Apps
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The frontrunners of the smartphone race are undoubtedly iPhone and Android. And, although these two devices have a lot in common capability wise, they don’t share the same platform. This means cross-platform apps available for both iPhone’s iOS and Android’s Linux based operating systems are a major mobile app movement.
Cross-platform versions of mobile apps originally released for iPhone are already being re-released for Android and vice versa. Due to the success of this “best of both worlds” mentality, mobile app developers are taking notice, even going as far as becoming certified cross-platform developers or app developers trained in both iOS and Linux.
The popularity of cross-platform mobile app development has paved the way for Titanium, an innovative iPhone software specifically designed to build multiple platform apps. What Titanium does is allow developers to create a single set of app code that works across all iPhone, iPad, and Android devices without any further changes.
App software that allows developers to create new apps for either platform simultaneously means more cross-platform apps are on the way. This is great for smartphone fans, families, and businesses that use both iPhone and Android devices.
2. Secure Apps
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With the amount of mobile devices on the rise, security is a big issue. Not only are more viruses being created every day, information stealing is becoming an entirely new type of virtual theft. Because of this issue, mobile apps with full functioning security features are becoming commonplace in the wireless community.
Because smartphones and tablets are replacing desktops and laptops, it only makes sense that these devices have the same security features as their less mobile brethren. Full functioning security provides mobile apps with two things: all the functionality of a full-fledged website with the security features as well.
In other words, a user can check bank statements, transfer funds, pay bills, shop on the web, input credit card information, and checkout through an online shopping cart securely with full functioning mobile apps.
In addition, as apps with mobile security in mind continue to grow, so will the types of apps available. Mobile banking and online merchandise apps are the obvious shoe-ins for this type of technology trend, but online gaming apps like Spin Palace mobile casino are also getting on board by offering all the security and usability of their full website.
3. Mobile Payments
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Considering most people carry their smartphones with them everywhere they go, wireless devices will soon replace wallets as the next form of payment. Because it’s already obvious that this is the way technology is trending, mobile app developers are creating apps with mobile money in mind.
What a mobile payment allows a user to do is make purchases with their smartphone by way of stored financial data as opposed to credit card or cash. Mobile payment apps are not only able to store multiple credit and debit cards, they can also keep track of spending, upcoming payments, and daily spending totals.
Merchants are taking interest in mobile payments as well because of the obvious marketing possibilities. With mobile payments, merchants can offer discounts and promotions directly to their customers through mobile payment apps. Not only that, mobile payments improve remote business and expedite the time spent waiting in line.
With improved interfaces on the rise, mobile app developers are making it possible for mobile payment apps to work just like common forms of payment do. So, smartphone users can open a mobile money app and have their credit card information scanned or money withdrawn directly from their checking accounts as if they were paying by cash or credit.
4. Apps by Location
Image via Flickr by Joe Loong
Have you ever checked-in at a location using Facebook? If so, you’re already ahead of the trending curve in terms of location-based mobile app technology. The main idea behind location-based mobile apps is not for tracking purposes, but to offer consumers incentives based on their location and past spending trends.
Many smartphone users find location tracking intrusive, but it’s really just a way for advertisers to offer deals and promotions by location. This means location-based apps will help with making restaurant choices based off the eateries in the area, offer discounts from nearby merchandisers, and even inform users of nearby events they might be interested in.
Another advantage of location-based apps is the fact that more and more app developers are creating filter features that limit the amount of notifications a smartphone user receives based on their past trends. So, instead being overrun with offers and promotions from area merchandisers, consumers will only receive information they’re interested in.
5. Business Operation Apps
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When a waiter uses a tablet to take your order or a merchandiser checks their inventory without leaving your side by perusing their smartphone, they’re taking advantage of the benefits of business operation apps. Also known as enterprise apps, these mobile apps are specifically designed and tailored to businesses that benefit from being wireless.
In other words, restaurants use these mobile apps to take your order while notifying the kitchen staff simultaneously. They can also use the apps to tally up the bill at the end of the meal and easily create separate checks. And, when it comes to both restaurants and merchandisers, receipts are emailed directly to the customer.
As for the medical field, business operation apps allow doctors to record patient information, display interactive test results, and even show a patient their x-ray or CT scan results directly from wireless devices.
The Future?
With such endless possibilities, mobile app development is going to keep the smartphone and tablet world guessing. Luckily, current trends are at least giving everyone a glimpse of the degree of future app mobility.
