What is the Future of Mobile App Development: Can I Be a Part of it?
“Nick D’Aloisio makes millions after selling his news-reading mobile application to Yahoo.”
“Entrepreneur sells his app to Snapchat for $54 million.”
These are just a few of the news headlines we have read on websites and newspapers that make us eager to know how these young adults became millionaires. Mobile devices are now global with two-thirds of the entire world population being connected through them.
Due to easy internet access, average city residents are able to explore new websites and applications. People are always looking out for new things, and the high usage of mobile phones and tablets has led to a high demand for mobile applications.
Exciting Developments in Mobile Applications
Mobile devices perform several tasks, from basic SMS and WhatsApp to corporate apps for project management among many others. According to a 2017 study, consumers spent nearly $90 billion on mobile applications. This is as a result of new innovation and development trends. Some of the most exciting development trends include:
AI (Artificial intelligence)
AI has led to the innovation of several exciting features in the development of mobile applications, for example, behavior targeting, recommendation engines, and custom-made experiences among others. AI has also led to the use of chatbots that prompt human conversations.
Wearable applications
Smartwatches among other wearable devices have created a new technology market. Although most of these devices provide their own features, they need mobile support. For example, the WatchOS that was developed for the Apple Watch relies on the iPhone’s network when making calls.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things is one of the newest technologies that has enabled the use of sensor technologies. The sensor technology is used in non-IT devices which are automated through intelligent control. More and more mobile app developers are opting for IoT to create apps that can control remote devices. For example, Hive. Through this application, you can control your home’s utilities using your mobile device.
Mobile payment methods
According to a recent survey, the total global mobile payments in the year 2017 alone were over $700 billion. Mobile payments have been mostly been through Google Wallet and Android Pay which are easy to use.
Cloud-based applications
More and more developers are using mobile cloud computing due to its numerous benefits. Using of mobile cloud computing in applications makes it easier to store data and also perform more complex tasks. Cloud-based mobile applications are faster, safer, and reliable.
Gestures and animations
The newer mobile phones show how great gestures can be when used in applications. Gesture-driven interfaces result in:
- Seamless interaction
- Easier navigation
- Less clutter
Mobile applications that rely on gestures have fewer buttons on the screen and this result in a more content-oriented product.
What you Should Know Before you Start your Degree in Mobile Application
With the increasing demand for smartphone applications, this field is now filled with Android, Apple, and BlackBerry mobile application developers. Each day thousands of applications that serve different purposes are published to the Apple App, Google Play, and BlackBerry World Stores. Some of these applications are social networks, games, and e-commerce applications.
As mobile usage increases and applications become more and more popular, businesses, educational institutions, and organizations will resort to using applications to improve customer relations and accessibility. However, before you can start your career as a mobile app developer, there are a few things you should know.
Your responsibilities: Your job won’t involve only developing applications, but also testing and debugging them. Because you will be working with clients directly, you may be required to develop different versions of the same application because most applications are released for both iPhone and Android platforms.
Career outlook: More businesses will need mobile app developers in the future, and this means more jobs will start popping up. Therefore, if you’re planning to join this field, now is the best time before the job market becomes oversaturated.
You’ll need a degree: Serious businesses only hire qualified experts to design and develop their applications. Therefore, you’ll need to be fluent in programming languages and have a degree. Although there are some cases of people being hired from experience alone, those are generally the exception. Not the rule.
Benefits of Earning a Degree
If you’re planning to get into mobile application development, there are several courses and resources that can equip you with the skill and knowledge you need. However, deciding how to get there isn’t easy. You will have to choose between a degree program and taking a self-taught approach. While being self-taught may have a few advantages, a degree program is well structured, has a curriculum, and it will equip you with a solid foundation of knowledge.
Are you interested in mobile app development? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development - Mobile Development Track, consider ECPI University for the education you'll need. For more information on this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Mobile Development Track – Bachelor's
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