When it comes to mobile technology trends, the terminology is enough to leave the average person puzzled. We hear all these terms thrown around like Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, and Location Based Services, and people say them like they’re the most important things that everyone should know about. It can leave a small business owner asking, “What’s the deal with LBS?” The truth is, when it comes to mobile technology trends like location based services and apps, the deal is a big one.
2017 stands to be a year where many of these new mobile app trends will show their faces. If you are a small business owner, you need to understand what is in store for mobile in 2017. Here’s a look.
There are some significant changes in the arena of mobile apps that have opened the door for small businesses. Chief among them is the lower cost of app development, compared to what it was not long ago, and the ease and speed in which an app can be custom tailored to a business. The advancement of affordable app builders has created a boom in mobile apps.
It is predicted that 2017 will see the download of 268 billion apps which will generate $77 billion in revenue. This isn’t just something that only corporate giants like Amazon or Zynga Games get a slice of. The local mom & pop diner on the corner can jump into the mobile app game too.
One of the important mobile technology trends emerging is the internet of things or IoT. This refers to how more and more devices are becoming connected to the internet, and even forming networks. We are used to apps on our smartphones and tablets, but we are seeing them on smart TVs, our cars, appliances like refrigerators, or even kitchen gadgets like crockpots. The hub of this emerging and all-encompassing interconnectivity is the mobile app.
Location based services or LBS is another of these mobile technology trends to watch. All newer mobile devices come equipped with GPS which allows them to use geo-data to provide information about attractions, stores, restaurants, or other services in the immediate area. Smart devices make this more than a passive experience.
Let’s say someone with LBS active is out Christmas shopping, and they set an app they have to alert them if an individual item goes on sale for a specific amount off. If their device finds it within the set area, it will send the user a push notification, and a store will have just made a sale thanks to the IoT, LBS, and an app.
Some mobile technology trends have gone from gimmick to practical tool. A good example of this is Augmented Reality or AR. AR is when a current location is viewed through a device, and the device renders superimposed images onto the screen, making it look like the picture is part of the environment. This is used by some mobile games, but now it can be a reliable business tool.
Imagine seeing what a new set of clothes looks like on you before trying them on. A landscaping company or contractor can show a potential client a real-time preview of their new yard or remodeled home before the first tree is planted or wall painted. AR can not only help close the sale but assure the customer that they made the right choice because they can see the final product instead of having to rely on imagination.
Eventually, the one question everyone will ask is how secure is all this interconnectivity. It’s safe, and the companies involved in all levels of this latest tech revolution are doing their part to make sure it stays that way? That’s not to say it’s foolproof. There will always be criminals looking to exploit weaknesses, but 2017 is a year that has developers focused on security issues. Keep that in mind when you decide to have your mobile app built.
Right now, is the best time to learn how to create an app. Most small business either don’t have a mobile app or don’t plan to get one. Don’t mistake their ignorance for insight. Not taking advantage of this mobile technology trend is going to put them at a disadvantage sooner rather than later. Having a mobile app is going to be more vital than having a website ever was.
Remember that apps are a software-based tool, which means that they aren’t going to be obsolete or old news in six months, unlike devices are which are always showing new products on the market. When better hardware comes out, there is usually no real change to the app or it’s an issue that can be fixed with a simple update. Holding off on investing in an app for your small business will cost you far more than if you started now.
Apps are one of the most versatile tech tools out there because they can be custom tailored to fit most any need. However, there is one universal aspect that all commercial apps share. They place a business and customers in direct and virtually constant communication with one another. This ensures that the company will know what the customer’s needs are and that the business will also be able to let the client know how they can fulfill those needs.
Author Bio: Andrew Gazdecki is the founder and CEO of Bizness Apps — one of the best app makers, making mobile apps affordable and simple for small businesses. We’re a do-it-yourself iPhone, iPad, Android & HTML5 app platform that allows any small business to simultaneously create, edit, and manage mobile apps without any programming knowledge needed.
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