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New Technology Trends Driving the Mobile App Sector

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Mobile apps were originally developed to execute the same tasks that computer software applications could do. The difference lies in the nature of the device. Never changing mobile app trends will eventually destroys the mobile app sectors in UK.

Designed to improve productivity, the app development segment is a key component of the software industry that has grown at a phenomenal pace.

It has also changed how people manage their professional and personal lives quite dramatically. Companies in this field are constantly trying to bring in new products to the UK market and offer upgrades on their existing range at the same time by applying new mobile app trends.

There is no denying the disruptive influence of technology in every sphere – and this is evident even in the app development field. With so much disruption taking place, there are some pertinent questions that need answering:

How do app developers do their jobs properly?
What technologies are driving the change?
How do companies stay competitive?

Leaders in the mobile app field are offering users a holistic experience, leveraging the intensely personal nature of the mobile platform.

Apps are not just the mobile version of a website anymore – they now make it an experience-driven and engaging environment for customers.

Apps not only have a strong presence on the mobile platform but also promote a better level of interaction with the target audience.

Read Also: Technology Trends in Java – What to Expect in 2019

How Apps Have Changed the Way People Engage?

The infographic below offers an idea of how apps have reshaped the way people work and live. Since competition even in this area is stiff, app development companies are always working on figuring out how to improve on app related functions, required resources to develop it and what mobile app trends should be used to develop it.

Just like the apps, the technology used to develop them is also evolving rapidly and cross-platform progression is the norm.

Not just that, computer chips are also getting faster and lighter in weight which is pushing software development allowing it to keep up with physical technology.

One of the reasons app developers prefer cross-platform development is that it allows them to write code and tweak it slightly to work on multiple platforms with minimal or no effort at all.

Such advanced work does fall under the expensive side and budget is a major consideration for many organizations when it comes to app development.

Hybrid app development is usually a good idea but addressing the following questions will help clarify the way forward:

What platform is your main target?
Would you use app stores to market your products?
What is your team’s capacity/capability? Are they technically advanced?
Does a one-size-fits-approach work for you?

Other than the availability of newer and better software to develop mobile apps at a faster pace, technological changes are -transforming the mobile app development sector and challenging it at the same time.

Here is a look at some expected mobile app trends for 2019 which will have a huge impact on developers and businesses in UK.

1) Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence:

Even though AI has been around for years now, the impact of the technology has been only felt in the last few years. App developers can harness changes shaped by AI like machine learning to build real good applications.

They will be able to deliver a user-friendly experience with an intuitive feel in the form of chatbots. Siri is a prime example of AI and machine learning in one package. Experts predict that.

75% of the workforce using ERP will now be able to leverage AI capabilities to improve productivity.

2) IoT:

The IoT technology is powering many devices including smart lights and appliances.

Add a network of many physical objects which have sensors and software, and they can be programmed to connect over a mobile platform.

Devices and apps like Fitbit can offer personalized programs to users and track their activities. App developers are also branching out to bring us technology like Echo, Alexa and Google Home – devices which connect to appliances within a space.

Read Also: How IoT Applications Are Transforming Industries?

3) Block-chain:

This technology forms the backbone of cryptocurrency and can be used to power other industries as well. In 2019, we can expect to see Blockchain technology used more often to develop mobile apps which are decentralized in nature.

What makes this special is that it cannot be shut down as it is not owned by a single company or individual.

4) Self-driving:

Automated driving related technology has already had a huge impact on the automobile industry.

Not only is technology being developed to keep people safe in their vehicles via sensor use, but also to improve vehicle performance over time.

Driverless cars are already in the deployment stage – who knows what else will be developed in this sector?

5) AR & VR:

Artificial reality and virtual reality are terms which sound contradictory in themselves, but this technology has been around for ages as well.

Even though a lot of the software has been available, hardware capability is finally catching up. A lot of gadgets are now available which will not limit AR to just gaming.

We can expect to see AR’s impact in areas such as marketing, healthcare, and even manufacturing.

6) Beacons:

Beacons have been in use for a while now and their use is expected to get broader from 2019 onwards. Combined with IoT, their impact will be highest in the retail sector.

Consumers can have easy access to information on sales and promos, make mobile payments and even see its use in automated machine learning.

Read Also: How Businesses Are Benefited with IBeacon Technology

7) Cloud technology:

This is one element which has completely changed business investment models. Many companies have saved a lot of money by outsourcing storage due to reduced costs to host, better load capacity etc.

Many digital security related issues are also being addressed effectively as cloud technology has made app development more secure, reliable and very fast.

8) Mobile wallets:

The adoption of mobile wallets has gone up significantly with a shift towards a cashless society. Friction less payment methods are -the rage with consumers in different parts of the world.

With integrated gateways for payment, mobile wallets currently have high levels of encryption. There are over 2 billion users of this technology around the world and numbers are expected to rise.

According to KPMG’s study on the changing landscape of disruptive technologies, the most popular global apps and their categories are as follows:

This report also offers a lot of insights into other areas and how industries will be transformed by implementing the trends in mobile app sectors.

Industry leaders fully expect sectors such as healthcare, transportation, median and the consumer goods markets to have the biggest impact from disruptive technologies in the next five years.

Constraints on growth and innovation at the present time are restrictions from most government.

24% of leaders expect regulations to hamper growth
22% are of the opinion that there is a shortage in expertise and talent for different sectors.
21% are frustrated with a lack of uniform tech standards across the globe
21% struggle as they must deal with legacy infrastructure

Beyond 2019

It is quite surprising to see how fast technology is evolving – where it concerns app developers and disruptive technologies, we can expect to see a lot more changes in the trends of mobile app in UK.

In fact, the fourth Industrial Revolution is underway. The rapid expansion and availability of innovations means that the only thing we can be certain of is change.

There is no way to predict the effect and impact of such rapid progress. Developers will have to keep up with new technologies and be flexible enough to innovate or a struggle is inevitable.

Though apps are becoming very common and an integral part of daily life, they are being used to simplify everything.

Ordering food, watching movies, tracking health related statistics, making payments online – these are just a few aspects of how technology has not only disrupted the mobile app development process, it will continue for years to come. For the app developer, it is an exciting time.

How are businesses benefited with iBeacon Technology?

Posted on March 15, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

The biggest challenge any business would ever face is to stay on top of the competition by staying relevant to customers. Other bigger challenges also include earning customer loyalty, building innovative strategies and keeping up with upcoming trends and updates of emerging technologies.

Embracing latest technological solutions is the best way to overcome all these challenges and achieve business advantages in the frenetic market

Since technologies are injecting new advancements and trends in our lives, including them in your business marketing strategy is the only way to adapt to changing customers.

Beacons especially stand out as a beneficent for reaching existing customers with effective product marketing content and customized recommendations.

iBeacon technology in particular shows huge potential for businesses across various industries including retail, entertainment, sports, hospitality and more in UK.

Here you will get to know how businesses can benefit most from adopting iBeacon technology in UK.

Read Also: The Future of Biometric Authentication in Mobile Banking

What is iBeacon technology?

As a business owner, haven’t you ever thought of automatically sending alerts and notifications about special offers to mobile screen of people stepping into your store?

Did you ever envision a technology that pulls in data-driven analysis on all of the people inside your shop? Well, Apple’s iBeacon is here to address these business fantasies

iBeacon is Apple’s technological endeavor that revolutionizes the ways businesses interact with their customers (or vice-a-versa) by connecting with the iOS device of users.

The technology detects the presence of an iOS device of users as they appear within the detectable distance from iBeacon transmitters in UK.

in UK, Based on the Bluetooth Wireless Technology, the iBeacon implementation requires two basic elements:

Bluetooth based iBeacon device
An iOS device with the brand’s app

The iBeacon device works as a Broadcaster which generates and sends signals to customer’s iOS devices (receiver) soon as they come in its proximity. The receiver then responds accordingly

How does iBeacon Technology work for your business in UK?

Imagine a person strolling to the food market with an iPhone device and comes near local food outlets. In a moment or two, he sees Starbucks app generating certain alerts, suggesting directions to nearest Starbucks coffee shop in, say, 50 meters of distance. He follows the guide and appear at the coffee shop

This is when iBeacon technology detects the customer’s presence through his iPhone app. The app then shows unique suggestions and recommendations about ongoing promotional offers.

The customer feels ecstatic and is tempted to place the order and makes payment within the app.

Easy to implement and set up

In UK, setting up an iBeacon technology to start using its services is affordable and easy. You need a few iBeacon transmitters (3 to 4) that will be connected as hardware to your business app.

The process of setting up a beacon hardware is quite simple and straightforward and be wrapped up with a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier). Once this is accomplished, you can commence implementing the strategic actions, messages and tags.

Setting up an iBeacon technology to start using its services is affordable and easy. You need a few iBeacon transmitters (3 to 4) that will be connected as hardware to your business app.

Read Also: New Technology Trends Driving The Mobile App Sector

Personalized recommendations

iBeacon majorly revolves around personalizing the ways customers choose to interact with brands. The world of mobile commerce has already experienced the power of personalization in terms of enhancing brand value and customer loyalty.

With iBeacon solutions, personalization becomes integral as the technology makes offer coupons and product recommendations quite compatible to consumer’s specific lifestyle and expectations.

Thus, beacons can help retailers send personalized, more targeted, efficacious notifications to recommend quality products for consumers to consider.

Hudson’s Bay department stores rolled out beacons at many Lord and Taylor stores across North America in 2014 with an aim to send shoppers location-specific notifications, targeted content and personalized offers.

Cost effective operations

When iBeacon and NFC are both compared for their overall cost efficiency, beacon seems to overshadow NFC. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range communication solution whose range lasts only up to a few centimeters.

In UK, iBeacons on the other hand can stretch its power up to 50 meters, which means installing NFC in your retail shop would levy higher cost than beacon technology. As discussed, the hardware part (transmitters) used in iBeacon-enabled Broadcast device also appears economic and facilitates low-cost installation.

Improved Sales and Customer Loyalty

Integrating iBeacon technology in your device paves way for better and more relevant push notifications that lure customers into buying custom products or offers in UK. The strategy yields increase number of sales, enhanced revenues and improved level of customer loyalty.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) witnessed more than double fans in 2014 as they rolled out iBeacons in 28 ballparks and started promoting merchandise coupons and seat upgrades via MLB app.

With iBeacons located at fan entry and exit points of MLB ballparks, iPhone users could tap into their MLB app and check-in to receive special offers and personalized content

In-store engagement with data-driven retailing

Merchants can tailor the novel shopping experience for in-store customers using iBeacon apps, which eventually reflects in larger footfalls and bulk sales.

Adopting creative user engagement methods on special holiday seasons, iBeacon broadcasters can smartly lure new customers inside their stores by tracking their in-store movements with data-driven retailing.

For example, Macy’s launched beacons in nearly 800 stores partnering with Shopkick which is a location-based coupon distribution app used by leading retailers.

Macy’s found an unusual way to deliver offline data-driven retail experience in which beacon tech is implemented to track customer movements in store. Based on this data, shoppers receive notifications on special discount and recommendations.

The promise of unflawed customer experience

iBeacon not only delivers well-crafted notification suited to consumers’ private tastes, but it also supports cashless payment, a facility that enables customers to purchase anything anytime without hassle of tangible money.

Aside from this, Hotel and hospitality industry can especially benefit to a great extent when it comes to transforming customer experience.

For example, Starwood Hotels & Resorts leverages iBeacon technology in its hotels that helps concierges make greetings more natural and personal, improves check-in process and keeps housekeeping services tuned to guests’ needs.

The most exemplary guest service at the two of Starwood U.S. hotels will have guests skipping the entire check-in process, entering their room, and using keyless entrance open the room doors.

The guests have a partner app installed on their smartphone and can simply open the room by tapping or gesturing the device.

Lower Advertising Cost

Without employing dedicated service professional such as advertising agency or greetings, iBeacon apps take care of building custom notifications, welcome greetings and offers at the time of check in.

These apps will save a lot of cost rather spent on advertising efforts so that businesses can think of enhancing their existing service quality with more iBeacons inside the store.

More iBeacons translate into more efficient connectivity with customers’ app. Moreover, merchants can target more customers at times with user-controlled, non-obtrusive ad notifications, reducing the overall advertising cost.

Read Also : Technology Trends in Java – What to Expect in 2019

Conclusion

Businesses can unanimously agree that iBeacon technology seems to work wonders by shaping a distinguished method of mobile marketing and reaching customers.

With iBeacons in place, merchants can present users with interesting offers and personalized products on their iPhone device.

Retails shops especially have a lot to gain from installing iBeacon hardware since the technology drives tremendous sales to retail industry.

Businesses are most likely to see immense influence of beacon on customer engagement, retention, purchases and experience at beacon-equipped premises.

In a way the technology also guarantees a competitive advantage over those who are still unaware of its power. The possibilities you explore using iBeacon powered apps are unlimited.

It is therefore time for merchants to boost their marketing capabilities by adopting iBeacon apps in everyday engagements.

Technology Trends in Java – What to Expect in 2023

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Redbytes UK SEO

Java has been ruling the virtual world of programming language and digital applications with over 10 billion devices carrying its power and also dominating the programming trends and maintaining it’s legacy from years now.

The language supports almost any system its used for, which is due to the exceptional platform-agnostic Java Virtual Machine.

Thanks to myriad innovations and updates, the technology has evolved to an incredible extent and grown more compatible, scalable and easy-to-use than before.

The past year saw tremendous boost in Java’s advancement as a technology and the evolution will hugely impact the Java developers’ community.

This year, Java is predicted to inject more innovative, polished and user-friendly trends into the mobile app development market. These new trends in Java and changes will further place profound influence on the application development process in UK (2023).

From open-source and peer-to-peer to wireless apps and Juxtapose, popular Java is set to surprise and add immense power to the world of application development.

Java dominates the top coding languages, as it’s trends have been among the fastest-growing and most commonly used for years now in UK.

When comparing the most popular languages that developers were learning year over year, we found that developers were learning JavaScript at the most rapid rate.

In 2018, 73% of developers said they knew JavaScript, up from 67% in 2017. This also makes JavaScript 2018’s most well-known language, compared to 2017.

In UK, Here is the trends to expect in Java technology in 2023:

1) The new evolved Java SE 10 release

The reason why Java as a programming language is fondly preferred by more than 12 million developers for mobile and cross platform app development is due to its ability to offer extensive libraries.

The rich libraries with many open-source tools and components help build powerful apps for enterprises and gamers.

The release of SE 10 version, which is created with collaborative efforts of OpenJDK community, contains a few great added features ready to revamp enterprise app development experience.

Due to its constant emphasis on innovative approach, with 21 billion cloud-connected JVMs, Java is effortlessly crowned as #1 choice among cloud-using developers.

2) RTSJ for embedded systems

James Gosling, the Java Creator, has couched innovative embedded Java application systems as the new frontier in mobile app development.

He promotes the idea of real-time Java apps where predictable execution of apps will precede over system’s speed, bandwidth and load-carrying capacity.

The embedded use thus will have real-time specifications for Java applications. RTSJ helps developers solve development-oriented issues such as run-time.

3) Changed subscription model

As Eclipse Foundation renamed itself to Eclipse Jakarta last year, expect significant changes in Oracle’s new subscription model that will cast some big impact on Java life in 2023.

This may come down a little rigorous, but the new anticipation around Java-powered Android and iOS app development infers that Oracle will no longer favor distributing free bug fixes and security patches unless it is for the latest version of OpenJDK.

Read also : App Development Cost- Design, Development, Deployment

According to the Gartner Analyst, Oracle will release new versions every 6 months now. She pointed out that users who want fixes and patches for applications running on Java 8 must purchase Oracle’s Java subscription.

Alternatively, they can try alternate distributors such as AdoptOpenJDK, Red Hat, Amazon, Azul or IBM.

Due to high annual subscription cost (which may touch $1 million), she anticipates that the new subscription model is likely to see organizations resort to alternate distributions, and opting for Java 11 or beyond will be rare.

4) Project Juxtapose effect

Project JXTA is Sun’s sensational open-source platform that has been generously embraced by Java developers. In future, Project Juxtapose is likely to influence development standards that will control web services development process.

When it comes to Java mobile app development, Java developers will thus be able to contribute the best of their potential for application development.

5) Influence on Scripting Languages

Jython and many other scripting languages are coded in Java. Jython, as the name hints, stems from original Python language. The changes in Java updates are going to affect these languages.

This is why Python, Perl and PHP have risen to top and become more compelling than ever, and more pressing.

6) Cloud computing gives new technical directions

The past year IBM’s feat of Red Hat acquisition triggered much anticipation around how cloud computing will play some role in changing enterprise mobile app development. Michael Remijan,

Senior enterprise Java developer and systems architect at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, suggested that 2023 will witness unique effect of enterprise-level adoption of cloud computing.

With IBM trying to gain some market chunk in cloud computing, the competitors Amazon, Google and Microsoft also strive fiercely in the similar space. Amazon, though, seems to dominate the field.

As cloud computing emerges to grow mainstream and tech leaders attempt to offer competitive cloud services, there will be a demand for vendor-specific iOS and Android app development skills that may challenge generic industry standards.

With this Michael goes to indicate that tech service companies will seek Amazon, Microsoft or IBM developers and not Jakarta EE developers.

7) Wireless Applications gain momentum

Since Nokia, one of the world’s largest mobile device makers, is determined to use open-source Symbian OS to build its future handsets, the concept of wireless Java application development is beginning to attract great attention especially because of its open-source offerings.

Usually, both Local and Network apps of Wireless Java mobile app development seem challenging as they are developed on single platform like Solaris or MS windows, and deployed on cell phone or PDA platform.

Here the real predicament strikes to developers at times when they go beyond the comfortable testing environment of emulators and attempt to test and evaluate their applications in a completely different environment enabled by a live wireless network. Now this is getting easier in future.

8) Demand for Java developers will burgeon

Java is a simple, static scripting language with fast and easy-to-maintain coding with little bugs. The language is also compatible with backward old versions, which means the old updates will still run and respond perfectly in the existing system even when new versions are released.

This is the greatest pro for businesses who feel relived at the idea of not having to rewrite the code after the introduction of its new version.

Read also : The Future of Biometric Authentication in Mobile Banking

Additionally, iOS and Android app development buffs appreciate its portability. With so much to gain from one language, Java developers will be high in demand and receive awesome perks for years to come.

9) The adoption of New Java versions will accelerate

According to Ivar Grimstad, a Java Champion and Principal Consultant at Cybercom Group in Sweden, the development industry is predicted to embrace the latest Java implementation of faster release cadence to a higher degree in 2023.

Ivar said that most organizations were startled a little as the new cadence was introduced and showed reluctance instead of direct acceptance wishing for corporate standard VM version.

But as container technology usage picks up, there will be more organizations flexing their requirements for mobile app development and embracing upcoming Java versions at rapid pace.

10) Java and IoT

The latest tech trends in Java mobile app development is the development IoT solutions since Java is powerful enough to foster IoT apps and promises bright future in this domain in UK.

Java offers ME platform for vendors to build secure enterprise IoT mobile applications using a language supported by Intel IoT platform.

Mike Milincovich at Eclipse Jakarta carries his strong belief that Oracle will help developers build a secure end-to-end data storage solution in 2023.

Final note

With advanced features and evolving mobile app development standard, Java continues to flourish in technology market. In the world of software programming language, Java has undeniably seized the top spot.

From the release of JDK 11 and Eclipse Foundation’s decision to encourage enterprise Java and rename it Eclipse Jakarta to Java’s IoT support and Wireless applications, technology trends in, and due to, Java are anticipated to grow in 2023.

The strong decision making from leaders and architect working inside the core Java system will have definitive impact on Java-enabled mobile application development process.

We are hoping to keep our eyes open for transformative effect of new Java trends on app development capabilities and agility in UK.