How IoT Influences Mobile App Development

Posted by Parija Rangnekar On Filed under Internet Of Things (IoT), Mobile App Development 2 Comments
How IoT Influences Mobile App Development
IoT App Development
IoT or The Internet of Things is a remarkable technology that connects the physical world to the virtual world. The IoT market has gained immense popularity in the past few years. The power of IoT has been harnessed by various industrial domains as well as consumers around the globe. A report published by Statista in 2020, predicts that the number of IoT devices installed across the globe is going to rise from 8.74 billion in 2020 to over 25.4 billion by 2030.
IoT App Developers
So, looking at the statistics, one can easily infer that IoT technology is progressing at a fast pace. IoT comprises a network of physical devices, gadgets, and sensors connected over the internet; that collect, analyze and transmit data. And as IoT implementation continues to accelerate, it has been noticed that this technology is being integrated with mobile apps as well for gaining optimum benefits and such mobile apps have proved highly convenient for IoT users. Thus, IoT has influenced mobile app development to a great extent. An IoT based mobile application is the latest trend and diverse industries are leveraging them for getting real-time monitoring, tracking workflows, automating tasks, data extraction for making business decisions, time and money-saving, etc.
So, this blog provides useful insights on IoT mobile app development. Read along to know how IoT is influencing mobile app development.

Influence of IoT in mobile app development

1. Increase in the Prevalence of Enterprise IoT Apps

IoT devices gather crucial data that prove extremely profitable for enterprises. Have a look at the commonest use-cases of IoT-powered applications:
  • Introduction of wearables in the supply chain for tracking physical movement, productivity, employee health, and many more such aspects.
  • Office automation for monitoring and controlling the lighting and temperature.
  • Usage of internet-enabled vehicles that provide logistics-related data like fuel usage, delays, speed, etc.
The aforesaid commercial IoT implementations enable the collection of vital data that assist executives to make flawless decisions based on their organizational strategy. Owing to these advantages, IoT-empowered devices are becoming universally accepted by businesses around the world. As such, the demand for IoT app development continues to rise.

2. Usage of IoT Application Development Frameworks

Usage of any available app development framework is not advisable for crafting top-grade IoT-powered mobile apps. One should employ an IoT application development framework for this purpose. These frameworks help in several important tasks like coping with a high volume of data, easing out the difficult process like dealing with the software components and devices, resolving the complexities of system technologies, designing an app architecture, implementing it in a program, code writing for validating the app, and lastly, deploying the app.
A plethora of IoT frameworks are available for accomplishing such processes. Each one ushers in unique advantages and are tailored to suit the specific needs of the IoT based Mobile Applications. So, the programmers should choose the IoT mobile app development framework, as per the software they intend to use as well as their cyber security objectives.

3. Personalization of Mobile Apps

IoT networks are capable of sending information to mobile solutions in real-time. This user-centric information gathered via IoT devices facilitate the personalization of a user’s in-app experience. To cite an example, smart kitchen devices like the smart meat thermometer displayed below can deliver individualized data to dieting or cooking apps.
IoT applications
Thus, the dynamic flow of personalized data to the smartphones of customers is making IoT apps a part and parcel of the daily lives of users.
But IoT mobile developers must make sure that the mobile apps architected are capable of analyzing the user data and making changes in the functionality accordingly. As such, the degree of personalization of an app is directly proportional to the amount of data gathered.

4. Prioritizing Security in IoT Mobile Apps

SSecurity has always been a cause of prime concern for IoT powered devices. As the IoT devices are connected to the internet they can become a soft target for hackers and other forms of security breaches. Additionally, their pairing with mobile devices aggravates this risk further.
Enterprise IoT devices collect confidential data like employee particulars, transaction history, and various other sensitive information. For instance, a smart printer can pass on sensitive data from confidential documents to a smartphone device.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many known cyber security practices to protect IoT devices. Furthermore, installing security measures in mobile devices is far more complex as compared to desktops. Hence, mobile app development companies should ensure that their clients are well versed with the security threats associated with IoT devices before they launch their IoT mobile solution.

5. Risk of Losing Accessibility in IoT Powered Apps

IoT empowered apps must be programmed with care, or else the complexity of integrating IoT features could impact the application’s functionality.
IoT App Developers will have to pay thorough attention to the security of the connected devices and their ability to connect with a greater number of IoT devices in the coming years. So, while integrating additional devices, the developers should prioritize the interface and user experience of the IoT solution. This is because the lesser “new learning” a user needs to go through post downloading an IoT empowered app, the more engaged they will be. Needless to say, user experience matters the most to the IoT app solution providers.

6. IoT-Enabled Apps Possess Potential for Innovation

Clutch Mobile
The augmented features of IoT-enabled apps open up myriad possibilities for innovation in user interaction. Data collected from IoT devices can be presented in diverse new-fangled ways, and it can inform other features of the mobile app. Also, there are opportunities to incorporate machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) into the solutions. The developers must approach the app development process with an open mind if they want to take full advantage of the opportunities an IoT connection will bring.

7. IoT Has the Power to Enhance Mobile Apps

When mobile apps connect to IoT devices, they can become more complex but much more useful. Such an app can benefit your business strategy and increase the amount of personalization you provide your customers. However, incorporating IoT can also bring security risks and the potential for a less-friendly UX.

Final Verdict

Leveraging forward-thinking IoT app development solutions and developing feature-rich IoT-powered mobile apps will definitely benefit your business to a great extent. It will also give a competitive edge to your business. The right IoT mobile app development company will identify and seize the endless opportunities for innovation that IoT brings to mobile apps.

All you need to know about Android 11!

Posted by Parija Rangnekar On Filed under Android App Development, Mobile App Development No Comments
All you need to know about Android 11!
“Android continues to remain the most widely-used mobile operating system across the globe with a market share of 72.92%” statesa report published in October 2020 by the popular online research portal Statista.
Android versions have garnered popularity because of their numerous goodies like the availability of multiple features, the flexibility of usage, freedom of choice, etc. Furthermore, the dedicated Android team at Google keeps releasing updated versions at regular intervals to complement the latest technological innovations. The most recent Android OS version, Android 11, was released on September 8, 2020. Although this version is not as major an update as compared to the earlier version, Android 10; it introduces new-age features that will enhance the convenience quotient of Android users. Thus, comprehensive knowledge about Android 11 is important for users, Android app developers as well as Mobile app development companies.
This article gives you a peek into the striking new features and enhancements in Android 11.

Android 11: Facts

Although, beta release of Android 11was delayed by Google, we now have a stable build based on their timeline. This update would be available to devices such as Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Nokia, Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, etc.

Android 11: The notable Enhancements and Add-ons

Check out the new add-ons as well as enhanced features of Android 11!

Revamped notification functionality

Android 11 has brought about the following changes in the notification functionality.
  • Notification messages are sorted into relevant categories – conversations, alerting notifications and silent notifications – to enhance readability and save time. Out of these, conversations have been given priority.
  • The user can separate high-priority messages from the unimportant ones by categorizing them based on the sender’s thread. Once categorized all future messages received from similar threads will automatically get segregated as desired by the user. Users can also silence notifications coming from specific apps.
  • Every notification received is saved under the notification history for 24 hours so that users can retrieve certain notifications that they have accidentally swiped off.
  • The users can reply to notification messages that pop up, by tapping on it and can even send picture messages while replying from the notifications tab.
  • All notifications are muted during audio or video recording so that users enjoy an uninterrupted recording session.

Bubbly Conversations

Direct conversations are displayed at the top of the notification shade and are segregated from alerts concerning shopping, news, etc. Some conversations can be converted into bubbles. These bubbles appear in the form of round floating buttons and one can maximize or minimize the chat within a floating window by tapping on these buttons.

Add-ons in the Media Playback Widget

The erstwhile Media Playback Widget has some new changes and additions! In Android 11 the media player widget is available from the drop-down menu of the quick settings section. The new media player widget offers a background with matching colors to the album called art and provides a spectacular ripple animation whenever the users use ‘play’ and ‘pause’ button.

In-built Screen recording

Android 11 comes with an in-built screen recorder that captures the internal audio of a device while screen recording. This was not possible with earlier versions as third-party screen recorders had to be installed. To use this new screen recorder, one has to just tap the ‘screen record’ option available in quick settings.

Screenshot Visuals

Android 11 also introduces an iPhone-like feature. The screenshot taken is displayed within a small thumbnail at a corner below the display screen, for easy viewing. The ‘share’ and ‘edit’ buttons are available for hassle-free sharing. In case the user wishes to dismiss the screenshot the option ‘X’ needs to be clicked.

Updates pertaining to privacy and security

  • When a device automatically reboots post a system update, the apps by default resume and retrieve access to the credential-encrypted storage without the need for authentication.
  • External apps can only access files created by them that exists in the device’s external storage within app-specific directories. For accessing any other file, user intervention is needed.
  • Android 11 has removed the permission of setting a third-party camera as the default one; so that malicious apps cannot capture the users’ location. Hence, in case of camera usage requests by an app, the pre-installed camera of the app is used. However, cameras of apps like Snapchat can still be used and shortcuts for third-party apps can be also set.

Other noteworthy Updates

  • GPay shortcuts and smart home buttons appear when the power button is long pressed. The new smart home control functionality enables users to operate their smart home devices easily and speedily.
  • Android 11 empowers the users to schedule as well as automate the dark mode feature that was introduced in Android 10. Not only can the users switch on/off the dark mode manually, but also select default options that will automatically activate it at sunset and deactivate it at sunrise.
  • A new feature – Google’s voice access – enables users to perform tasks like composing messages, viewing photos, etc. by giving simple voice commands to the Android handset.
  • As many as 117 new emojis have been added. Some of the notable ones are Pinched Fingers, Smiling Face with Tear, Ninja, Disguised Face, Bubble Tea, anatomically perfect lungs and heart, etc.

Final Takeaway

The Google team has loaded Android 11 with futuristic features and has taken generous efforts to ensure the security and privacy of users. Therefore, upgrading to Android 11 is advisable for all the users to whom this version is available.
Planning to create a profitable mobile application for your business? Well then, reach out to the highly skilled and experienced Mobile app developers of Biz4Solutions, a reputed mobile app development company that excels in providing premium services to clients around the globe.