App development has come up as one of the most lucrative business ventures of the last decade, especially the second half. There are around 3.45 million apps on Google Play and 2 million on App store. Some of these are incredibly profitable like Planta, and Toomics.
Here are top 9 trends app developers in Houston have recommended to witness in 2021 and 2022:
1. SaaS-based Service Applications
Most service-based applications that you’ll now find online will now be fueled by SaaS concepts. This is the reason why SaaS is one of the fastest growing, or most commonly witnessed trends in the IT industry. A Gartner study suggests that global spending on cloud-based software will increase to $396 and $482 in 2021 and 2022.
Because most companies have now realized the benefits of remote work arrangements, they need more and more of their business applications and software programs to be on cloud and accessible globally. Considering their growing popularity, many appreneurs in Houston are investing in subscription-based SaaS applications.
2. AI and Machine Learning
Intelligent mobile applications use AI algorithms to collect and process human response and craft future results. Modern social media to food delivery applications use machine learning – a subset model of AI to personalize the app results for users.
The most common application of AI you’ll find online are the chatbots that can respond to users in a similar manner to how human customer representatives do.
3. Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology tha guarantee secure retention of private data and fraud-free financial transactions. Considering its hype and the benefits this technology offers, many app developers in Houston are integrating the same technology in mobile apps, web apps and software programs. Currently this technology is practiced through crypto wallets and trading cards for sending and receiving global payments. In addition, there are play-to-earn games like Ether Legends that vouch for the growing popularity of the technology in this region.
4. AR/VR
Augmented Reality and Virtuality Reality are technologies that create real-life scenarios in artificial environments. The technology is currently used in gaming applications, retail ecommerce stores and training programs.
In fact, research findings suggest that VR try-ons will be the next big thing in the overall retail industry. These try-ons use image recognition technology, combine it with AI and put in a VR simulation and create an in-store shopping experience for online shoppers.
5. Marketplace
Marketplace, in consideration of a mobile application, is a digital platform where online buyers and sellers meet. You’ll typically find different ecommerce stores displaying industry-related physical and digital products.
While there are standalone marketplace apps like Etsy and Amazon, the concept is integrated as a side feature in multiple mobile apps. Think of TeeMates – it is a golfing networking social media platform and has a marketplace panel where interested users can buy or sell golfing products and equipment.
6. Wearables
Wearable devices like smart watches and glasses are getting trendier with each decade. Part of this popularity also comes from the healthcare monitoring capabilities that utilize biometric features and AR/VR simulations. Because more and more end-user consumers are investing in wearable devices, app developers in Houston are creating apps that are either native, or at least compatible with these devices.
7. Big Data
Big Data refers to collection and processing of large, industry-relevant databases. when Big Data is integrated into business and consumer-side applications, appreneurs can switch their focus from number crunching to bigger analytics and strategic decision-making.
8. IoT
Internet of Things has enabled the collaborative functionality between software and hardware – especially non-computing appliances and domestic devices. Considering their growing popularity, most appliances you find now are labeled ‘smart’ and can work with AI solutions like Google Home and Alexa.
It is actually very convenient to add Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality into appliances, connect them with APIs and make those devices parts of smart homes – and more advanced: smart cities.
9. Omni-channel merchants
Considering that an average American has more than 2 debit and credit cards at any given time, app businesses are leveraging the multiple payment model as a sales and conversion tool. In such case, when a user is in the app interface and does not have the default payment gateway can still buy the product and pay through an alternate method like Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Stripe, Square etc.
While this is an additional feature integration for apps, app developers in Houston suggest appreneurs to definitely add this feature to create convenience and boost shopping experience, especially for apps that have marketplace features.
Wrapping Up…
We have already witnessed most of these trends in the first half of 2021. The most exciting part as we can predict will be in 2022 when we’ll witness the fusion of most of these technologies in healthcare, real estate, tourism, education, automotive and space missions and find examples of recombinant innovation with these technologies.
