While no one can look into their crystal ball and predict the future, experts are able to make educated guesses about the development of their industry in the upcoming year. The field of mobile development isn’t immune to this trend, as more and more businesses begin to incorporate greater mobile technologies into their communication structures. In addition, IT job agencies are looking to attract professionals who are poised to contribute to the developing trends.
The integration of mobile devices will rise
The mobile market will continue to expand as more Americans begin to adopt the use of smartphone and tablet technologies. In 2002, the standard telephone was overtaken by mobile phones – by 2013 the number of internet-connected mobile devices is expected to surpass the number of desktop and laptop personal computers, reports The Economist.
As of August-September 2012, 85 percent of American adults owned a cell phone, 45 percent had a smartphone and 25 percent had a tablet computer, according to Pew Internet. In addition, 58 percent have a desktop computer, 61 percent posses a laptop and 18 percent own an e-reader.
The proliferation of mobile devices in Americans’ everyday lives is expected to bring great changes to the way people conduct business and how companies hope to communicate to the masses or an individual. Already, mobile developers are predicting that in 2013, every smartphone user will also own a tablet and that almost every individual will own a smart-enabled device other than a tablet and a smartphone as well, according to The Economist.
This trend will have encompassing consequences for technology companies who struggle to develop the latest brand of mobile technology. For example, Apple is considered supreme in the tablet industry by many for its iPad, so much so that the company is considered one of the world’s most valuable corporations.
Mass release of mobile apps will grow
There seemed to be a constant stream of new mobile applications available for download in 2012. This trend will continue well into 2013 and is even expected to pick up the pace. While it may seem like a simple thing to point out, mobile developers will have to watch out for competitors more than ever. Gaining consumers’ attention will take greater marketing prowess, and as a result developers will have to ensure their applications are bug-free and have a user-friendly interface.
Mobile wallet technologies are here and will thrive
In the name of convenience, mobile developers for some of the largest technology companies are working to combine the average consumers’ wallet and his or her smartphone. Never again will men and women have to pat their pockets or search their bags while saying the keys, wallet and cell phone mantra.
Mobile developers are working on using near field communication technology (NFC) to power payment systems that will allow a smartphone to act as a debit or credit card. The NFC capabilities are incorporated into the cell phone with a special chip that is able to send signals to other NFC-equipped devices within approximately one inch proximity. According to experts, the short range of the signal is intended to reduce security or false payment issues.
The system is expended to be even more secure than a standard debit or credit card because when a smartphone is tapped against a payment receiver at a store or restaurant, your information is transferred securely and a passcode will be required to authorize the purchase.
Devices are already reflecting this trend, as companies are incorporating the use of this latest technology into their products. Android is leading the pack, while Google Wallet has emerged as the forerunner for virtual wallet technology. Smart wallets are expected to grow in popularity in 2013 as more individuals become both more accustom to the concept.
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