Technology moves the world forward. Like an unstoppable invisible force, it drives people towards a higher plane of functionality.
Going from post to email was an application of technology. So was trading cell phones with smartphones. Any new framework that simplifies an existing process is driven from a firm technological base.
Even now, we are only at the nascent stage of new technologies changing our world forever.
One such new technology is IoT. If you’re the type who doesn’t take an active interest in new technological trends, you probably have only heard of IoT being mentioned as a passing reference.
This piece provides a brief overview of IoT and the deep impact it will have on a sphere of technology we are very familiar with, mobile apps.
The Internet of Things – What is IoT?
IoT or Internet of Things refers to the process of connecting everyday physical devices to the internet.
Look around your home and spot devices that are not connected to the internet in any way. From your oven to window curtains, a whole range of everyday objects can fall under the purview of IoT.
A good question to ask here is this- why would someone want to connect an oven or window curtains to the internet?
Imagine you’re sitting at the far end of your living room and want to draw your curtains aside to allow the sun to come through. Normally, you’d have to get up and draw the curtains yourself. With IoT integration, you can draw the curtains automatically with a dedicated mobile app for the same.
Let’s consider another example. You’re trying to bake a cake and already have one in the oven. What if you could check on the cake with a mobile app? What if you could change the temperature or some other feature without getting up and checking on it? IoT can allow you to do this as well.
The purpose of every new technology is to make an existing process simpler. IoT can ensure the same.
The examples above are only a small example of how deep an impact IoT could have in the future. From automating vehicles to conducting scientific experiments, there is no saying how much things could change with IoT in the future.
Where do mobile apps come in?
A technology as game-changing as IoT would arrive and change things forever. However, the speed at which people adapt to these changes will vary.
Here is a question – what is the best way to launch a new technological innovation in this day and age and reach?
Mobile apps are the clear winner here. They are the most ubiquitous digital platform of our times. Any new technology can reach millions of people with the help of mobile apps. Even someone using an Android app builder for WooCommerce can understand this simple fact.
The following sections explain how the mobile app market will witness a sea change thanks to mobile apps.
Rise of IoT apps
Think of the examples mentioned earlier. How would you control window curtains connected over the internet?
Answer: mobile apps.
Mobile apps will allow users to control various physical objects through their smartphones without the need for any physical contact.
The only way more and more people will gravitate towards IoT is by making the devices controllable with mobile apps. People understand mobile apps and smartphones at a deeper level than possibly any other digital device they use.
Thus, mobile apps will significantly shorten the learning curve of an average consumer when we consider IoT.
Increased emphasis on app security
IoT will open up a barrage of new physical devices to the online world. This opening will naturally create an opportunity for malicious hackers.
Cybersecurity is largely a practice of safeguarding entry-points. An explosion of IoT in the market will be met with an exponential increase in potential entry points a hacker can target.
Thus, IoT will gravely increase the risk of cyberattacks.
What is the solution?
IoT as a technology has too much potential to be ignored due to security concerns. The job of making IoT apps more secure will fall upon app developers.
This also brings in to light the need to use trusted app builders. Not every company out there hires a development agency. Some use app builders and try to convert WordPress website to Android app.
For such companies, it is vital to choose a trusted app builder.
Multi-function apps
Let’s say your home is powered by an entire range of IoT devices. From your kitchen appliances to air conditioner, everything is controllable with a mobile app.
Would you like to have a separate mobile app for each physical device? Is it wise to have an entire native app only to control window curtains alone?
The rise of IoT will also bring about a parallel rise in centralized apps. We will have mobile apps that will allow users to control most of their home devices through a single centralized app.
This will significantly improve the IoT user experience of an average consumer. Centralized apps are the only way people will be able to control a significant number of devices with their mobile apps.
Such a prospect represents a great app idea for many entrepreneurs out there. As IoT is yet to become ubiquitous, a centralized app could monopolize the market in the next few years. Thus, IoT apps represent a solid business opportunity as well.
In conclusion
If you’re trying to build your own app and create the next billion-dollar startup, IoT is a promising field to start in. It will entrench our connection with digital devices and make everyday life much easier.
This piece provides a brief overview of IoT and its impact on the mobile app market. When this new technology actually becomes mainstream, its impact on mobile apps would possibly be much deeper than the points covered here.
Readers can still get a decent idea about the scale of changes they should expect in the coming years.
