9 Trends of Mobile Applications

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Ellee Parker. If you would like to contribute too, please contact me.

As the number of people using mobile device increases at a rapid rate, the development of mobile apps is also keeping pace. Here are some of the current top trends in mobile app development.

1. Mobile Search

Research has shown that most people using search on mobile devices are looking expressly for locations to do business. For example, someone searching for the key phrase “ice cream” is most likely looking for a nearby ice cream shop to visit in the near future if not immediately. With mobile search the focus is more on the location of the user.

For devices with GPS technology, accurate current information on the location of the user is available. Thus, a company can target specifically people who are searching within a certain radius of the business location.

2. Location-based Networking

Location technology is also increasingly used for social networking apps. For example, if a person is at an ice cream shop, they can update their Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites with a posting that will include a map showing the business location. The update might also show other friends that are currently at the same site.

Social media photos can also be “geo-tagged” so that interested friends can easily find the location included in the image. Many location-based apps are also event-based. For example, if you are going to a concert, an app can show you how many of your friends are at the same event in real-time.

3. Live Video Chatting/Conferencing

With the advent of fast 4G Internet speeds, mobile phones are increasingly used with live video communication technology. Previously, slow connections required that users be near a Wi-Fi hotspot for high quality video chatting. With 4G speeds, users can use live video from any location with 4G access.

4. Tactile Apps

The increasing number of cell phones with tactile touch screens (i.e. Android phones in the market today) has spawned an array of tactile applications. The tactile touch screen allows you feel feedback from the screen. For example, when you click something on a webpage you may feel a sensation similar to pressing a button. As tactile technology improves, the range of tactile applications will broaden as a result.

5. Mobile Browsing

Higher Internet speeds and larger displays mean more people are browsing the web from their mobile devices. Some of the new apps developed for browsing include social browsing applications that allow you to communicate with friends while browsing and to display screenshots, images and other items on their screens.

6. Mobile Television

Depending on the country, digital television is available through broadcast and/or managed dedicated server hosting. Larger, high-definition screens will make mobile television more popular in the future.

7. Mobile Payments

New applications allow mobile device users to make payments or purchases from their device. Most apps require credit cards but expect greater flexibility in the future for making payments through ATM cards, PayPal, bank transfers and other related methods.

8. Business Store Apps

With mobile payments becoming increasingly popular, businesses are looking for apps that can create stores specifically for mobile users. In the past, businesses looking to attract customers focused on keywords with a specific topic focus. For example, a company offering business web hosting services can opt to search for downloads of some Business Store Apps.

9. Security Apps

As the number of people using mobile devices increases, security is becoming an growing concern. The ability to conduct mobile financial transactions has only heightened the need for improved security apps. Many of the new apps focus on stronger encryption and authentication technologies.

Guest post: Ellee Parker hails from the west coast, loves anime and the eastern culture in general. She could sit for hours surfing the net and also writes web hosting reviews and guide. You can follow her at @elleeparker.