The transition from desktop computer to handheld device has helped shape the way we communicate, share information and complete daily tasks--but what else does mobile technology have in store for us? Here are my predictions:
- Intelligent apps will offer personalized experiences. In 2013, services helped users collect and track their interests and behaviors, from what foods they eat to the articles they like. 2014 should see companies leverage this data to make intelligent apps provide more value to both consumers and companies--like better recommendations and actionable statistics.
- Phones become coaches for a healthier lifestyle. While we already have apps that track how well people have slept, how much they exercised and the calories they consumed, this year companies will combine this information to help with better decision-making. This trend will be especially apparent when combined with the growth in smartphone sensors and wearable technology.
- Routine chores become a game. Adding entertainment to routine activities offers a successful way to motivate people, and smartphones are well-equipped to help. More services will emerge that track your progress automatically and offer creative ways to execute goals, while offering different types of incentives.
- Companies improve individualized marketing. The same data that can help companies provide users with a more personalized experience will also be used to further target promotions and advertising. Expect more mobile ads that leverage your data to provide offers that are relevant to your lifestyle.
- Wearable technology becomes mainstream. The generation of wearable devices is emerging with everything from health trackers to smart watches and glasses. In the coming year, expect to see a significant portion of the smartphone-owning population own at least one connected wearable device.
- Retail locations will utilize mobile technology. First, mobile checkouts will become more prevalent. In addition, the inclusion of new low-cost technology like Apple's iBeacons, which can communicate with phones within 50 meters, will help users determine their precise location indoors (think interactive maps within malls that offer real-time updates and notifications).
- Cars feature deeper mobile connectivity. In 2014 cars will go beyond USB charging and music playback to include more direct access to phone functionality and control directly from the car. Apple’s iOS in the Car (iOSitC) is expected this year and others should not be far behind. Phones will soon be moving from having an ad-hoc connection with the car to feeling like an actual part of the vehicle.
- The phone becomes an active controller. The disconnect between mobile phones, tablets and TVs will begin to vanish as more network programmers encourage viewers to connect in real-time on their mobile devices for a more immersive experience. Additionally, new Internet-connected TVs and video streaming boxers are supporting mobile as a powerful way to control and interact with the device and content.
- Mobile makes more inroads into education. We should start seeing more creative applications of these devices, with entire curriculums built around electronic delivery, utilizing mobile as a cornerstone.
- Augmented reality arrives; virtual reality lingers. Augmented reality (a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view) and applications in mobile have been around for years, but few services have used them beyond gimmicks or novelties. As Google’s Glass (pictured above) and other similar products start becoming affordable and more available to consumers, we’ll start seeing the new wave of apps built around augmented reality. The first virtual reality headsets should hit the market in 2014 as well, though mobile applications may be few initially.
