The use of mobile technology is increasing at an exponential rate such that the number of mobile devices has now surpassed the global human population. With its ability to function as so many different tools, the mobile device is becoming our 24/7 personal companions.
Let’s see what 2016 has in store for us:
1. Becoming Mobile First
Never before have companies been able to interact with customers anywhere at any time and start a meaningful dialog with them. Businesses are adapting to new marketing approaches that are centered around the mobile experience. Basically, brands, products and even content providers have to create a mobile strategy that best servers their users’ needs. Considering that more and more consumers AND employees are using their mobile device as their primary communications device, application design will take into account UI/UX, but how to directly engage with consumers in the most meaningful way.
2. Adopting Mobile in Business
While mobile is a powerful, and will continue to be a powerful way to reach their customers, mobile is also another way for businesses to allow employees to work anywhere, anytime. According to Gartner, by 2018, 50% of team coordination and communication will occur via mobile group and collaboration apps. With more employees working remotely and the overall speed of business becoming faster, old tools do not support a mobile workforce. In order to stay ahead of the game, and not lose their market position as a result of “digital business incompetence”, enterprises are adopting new platforms for the digital workplace that include expanding and upgrading collaboration and communication tools.
3. Mobile-Centric Customer Experiences
Mobile users who find your business online have a conversion percentage nearly three times higher than the same search done on a desktop or laptop. Users browsing from their smartphone are usually searching a product or service with a specific intent in mind, in other words mobile searchers are buyers. Businesses that have resisted in investing in mobile-centric platforms will have to rethink their approach, in addition to integrating desktop/laptop technologies with that of their mobile counterparts.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things trend will continue into 2016 with apps that “live” across multiple endpoints, from wearables to smartphones, tablets and web applications. Users will be able to seamlessly move from one device to the next without much effort on their part. Moreover, mobility will peak with new facets that will enable handsets to link to a plethora of gadgets, vehicles and personal electronic equipment. By 2020, the number of devices connected to the Internet is expected to exceed 40 billion. Businesses that keep these facts in mind will have a huge advantage over the competition.
Given this explosion of mobile technology, it also comes with its’ challenges, such as security. Unfortunately, most users are not protected against threats such as identity theft, and other privacy issues.
In fact, according to the Verizon Protected Health Information Data Breach Report, over 90 percent of industries, not just healthcare, has suffered from a security breach. With mobile apps having such direct access to individual and corporate data, including sensitive and confidential information, it’s important to keep app standards in mind, including those best practices concerning security. This is especially true for enterprise apps who have specific security and regulatory requirements.
The mobile revolution is no doubt exciting, and we’re curious how these new mobile trends will develop in the next year.