App-Scoop

​Digital transformation is a process which organizations undergo to bring about change in the use of digital technology and its impact on the lives of people, work and society. It is more than just providing online and mobile functionality and is now considered one of the primary elements for survival of businesses in every industry in the world. 

The digital movement has affected organizations’ traditional methods of conducting business and has raised the customer expectations regarding the end product and services offered. Today’s consumers compare their experiences with competitors and it is imperative to meetthese new customer demands and expectations to attract and retain clients.
​
Digital Transformation in Banking
The financial sector is not free from the repercussions felt by the global digital wave. The first digital value add was SMS banking in 1999. After nearly two decades, the following services are now offered:

• SMS Alerts
• Account information
• Loan applications
• Payments
• Investments
• Customer support

Consumers expect their banks to act and provide solutions like top technology brands in the market. Now more than ever it is important for banks to provide a customised and tailored experience to draw in customers and retain old ones.
Digital disruption is occurring at every level in the banking industry, from new technology to heightened customer expectations leaving incumbent banks vulnerable and hence these financial institutions need to find a way to deliver novelty in their customer experience.

Advantages of Digital Transformation in Banking
Most consumers are now ready for a higher level of digital engagement from their banks as they interact with the digital channels regularly. Globally, branches and ATMs are being used more infrequently by all demographics. This should be considered as an opportunity for banks to improve their digital offerings and increase customer engagement.

New Customer Segment
Millennials today are the largest segment of smartphone users. Approximately 92% of them use smartphones. This allows them to appreciate the ease and efficiency of mobile apps, when it comes to daily tasks. Apart from the older client base, the new generation from 18-35 years would be an ideal target audience for a mobile wallet or a digital bank.
Source:http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/05/02/millennials-stand-out-for-their-technology-use-but-older-generations-also-embrace-digital-life/

Customer Engagement and Enhanced Customer Experience
Digital transformation allows banks to offer customised and tailored alerts to clients based on their spending and usage. It is a more proactive approach to ensure client satisfaction and engagement.

Troubleshooting
Addressing queries and troubleshooting problems has never been easier with the digital revolution. Customers get their issues handled on priority via an app whenever and wherever they may be.

Increased Security
In case of any fraudulent or suspicious behaviour, technology today has made it possible for any transaction to be frozen or verified via the mobile. Using tools like biometric passwords and PINs offers a higher level of security for online transactions. 

While the banking industry is usually known for conservative approaches to change, the customer demands are evolving faster and hence the speed for innovation also needs to hasten. Many companies are tackling this problem head on and banks need to do the same or risk becoming a mere back-office utility.
​
Accelerating Digital Transformation
The number of people using mobile phones, in Canada alone, is said to increase to 28.6 million by the year 2021. Based on this, it is safe to say the number of online banking users will also increase and hence banks need to implement a digital agenda which enables them to be relevant at all times and consistent in fulfilling of customer experiences.
Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/3529/mobile-usage-in-canada/

​While many banks are falling behind, those leading the way are accelerating the transformation by leveraging platform technologies to rapidly add a layer of agility to systems, empower employees and enhance the customer experience.
There is a need for change in the interactions between a customer and their bank. Keeping in mind some of the advantages of using the banks apps, many customers expect this kind of connect with their bank as one of their trusted confidants.
The banking and financial markets need to change to fit the evolving society and the demands of its customers. Traditional banking providers will need to combine digital speed and convenience with human interactions to provide innovation and thoughtful caring at crucial moments in the customer’s journey. 

In the coming years, bank branches, ATMs, online portals and mobile apps would probably have different aspects and different functions. Some channels of interaction would gain more popularity over others. For example, customers use the mobile app to solve their queries and problems, thus reducing the need for a call centre.
Human interactions of course are important for milestone decisions and for more intricate problems. However, digital alteration makes it possible for personalizing a customers’ day-to-day interactions, thus building an emotional connect with the bank.
Globally banks are realizing that investment in digital technologies benefits customer acquisition and satisfaction. People no longer want to wait in lines and actually go to a bank for any work or queries. Banks now receive more deposits from mobile channels than from the physical branches.
Banks are no longer competing with others in the financial sector alone. They are also competing with other tech companies which offer digital services.
For example:

• Apple
• Amazon
• Google

Customers connect with these brands and invariably have higher expectations from their banks as a result. In order to keep up, banks need to engineer a digital experience which ultimately could translate into more clientele.

Wrapping It Up
The main aim of any business is ensuring customer satisfaction. With the intention of gaining their trust and ensuring they stay loyal, banks will certainly need to accelerate their digital transformation to serve their customers efficiently. This is one of the only ways to retain customers, strengthen their emotional ties with the bank and also reduce any friction they might have faced earlier.
In order to drive a holistic digital engagement and integration, banks will have to restructure their systems around the customers’ interactions at various stages. Banks would also need to expand their focus beyond increasing digital service offerings to ensure they convert into a truly effective digital organization.
New technology trends are disrupting the traditional banking systems and many organizations are in danger of being crushed if they do not embrace the digital transformation quickly. Most financial institutions believe that digital will fundamentally change banking and completely transform the industry’s competitive landscape.
If you would like to further discuss your digital banking transformation, you can contact App Scoop mobile app development team on: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  
 

​In contemporary society, it is safe to say people use their mobile phones “all the time”. Smartphone usage in the past decade has seen an exponential boom. Everything is now available on a user’s finger tips and that is mainly thanks to the wave of digitization sweeping the world.

​Practically 25.5 million people, 70% of the population, in Canada is currently using a Smartphone and this number is said to increase to 32.5 million by the year 2020. 
Source: http://mediaincanada.com/2018/01/23/canadas-prolific-smartphone-market-skews-to-ios-study/
Around 1995, when websites were just gaining popularity, it was a common question to ask if your company needed a website or not. Now it seems silly to even question if a brand needs web presence. 20 years ago a brand did not need the internet like they do today. It is a norm now and back then they were only ideas. And this is where we stand today with mobile apps.

Growing Popularity of Apps
Smartphone users spend about 90% of their time on various apps, making payments, shopping, socializing, making bookings and even surfing for the latest updates. Mobile friendly websites are helpful, but they do not offer the same user experience. Also limitations from the mobile browser could even lead to a negative brand impression. 

​The increased use of mobile phones has made it possible for companies to target their customers and offerhyper-personalised services and immediate solutions. It is possible for brands to interact with their clients anytime and from any place thus increasing customer satisfaction and retaining customers. Considering the amount of time spent on mobile phones, it is safe to say that mobile experiences play a huge role in how a brand is perceived by customers. 

An app is not only important as a distribution medium, but if used effectively, it is a communication channel for brands to adapt to what their customers want at the same time as meeting their own business objectives. Last year, following were the number of apps available on popular app stores:

• 2.1 million – Google Play
• 2 million – Apple’s App Store

By 2020, it is believed there will be an estimated 194 billion global app downloads. Keeping in mind these numbers, it is safe to say apps are starting to become a necessity to succeed in todays’ economy.
Source: www.statistica.com

Benefits of Apps for Businesses
Websites have been around for a while now leading businesses to feel they are sufficient and there is no need to have an app as well. For example, the website will not be able to notify customers regarding products available nearby, thanks to geo-location, which is possible on the app. Let us have a look at a few key benefits for businesses which have an app:

Increase Brand Visibility
When a user unlocks and goes through their device, the brand app being noticed would be a benefit for the brand. The design of the app, image or name registers in the subconscious and brand awareness gets triggered. Thus providing the brand with an additional marketing avenue.

Build Brand Recognition
The mobile app acts as a billboard sign, which can be designed as the brand desires. Apps can be created with features specifically targeting the core audience which not only attracts more customers but also makes them come back for more. The more often customers visit the app, the more products and services they will be likely to purchase.
​
Boost Customer Engagement and Revenue
No matter what services or products are being offered, a brand needs to provide a pathway for customer-brand relationship. An app is one of the first steps in this process, since it makes it possible for customers to reach out when they face issues or have queries. It also makes troubleshooting a quick and less time consuming experience.
Special in-app promotions will ensure users return for more deals and increase conversions. Strengthening the customer-brand relationship also leads to a positive and memorable brand reputation. Helping a customer engage takes minimal effort if the app is designed keeping the users’ needs in mind. 

Enhance Experience and Cultivate Loyalty
Main goal for a business is to enhance the overall user experience and cultivate customer loyalty. The immense advertising around impacts the clientele and the only way to ensure the client returns is by making a sincere connection with them.
Customers need to be a loyal lover of the products and services being offered and this is possible by just a few clicks on the apps.

Competitive Edge
Developing an app makes it possible for a brand to stand out amongst its competition as customers recognize evolving brands and appreciate their aim to provide a smooth customer experience.

Signs your Brand Needs an App
Does your brand need an app? This is a vital question regardless of the niche or vertical of business the brand offers. Most functions are possible via a mobile site however they will not be as seamless and feasible.
An app which gains traction with customers is a significant way to boost business and a solid number of active users helps determine the value add an app has to the overall business. Given below are a few markers which indicate that a website is no longer sufficient and the business would benefit from an app:

Website Traffic
If a brand website is receiving a lot of mobile traffic, it is certainly time to consider mobile app development. Brands can identify where customers are digitally interacting and if it is on the mobile website, the brand can assist customers by developing apps which offer personalized mobile experiences.

Customer Demographic
Millennials’ use their phones and apps for everything from grocery shopping to bank transactions. If the brand caters to a younger demographic, an app would be ideal and beneficial. Anyone from 18 years to 35 years would be looking for a satisfactory mobile experience and they would judge the brand based on this interaction.

E-commerce Based Company
E-commerce websites and portals might generate satisfactory sales and yet it would be time to consider mobile shoppers. Mobile apps would help boost profitability with special discounts and push notifications. Customer loyalty programs can be initiated, offering the loyal customers richer shopping experiences.

Physical Store
If the brand has a physical store, it will no longer need to depend heavily on marketing to showcase new products or offers. An app allows the business to reach all its target audience which is more effective. More clients will also show up at the store to avail of special in-store discounts and the brand gets to drive up in store sales.

Does the Competitor Have an App?
Digitization of a company’s business process and functionality helps it get an advantage over its competition. If the competition already has an app, it is certainly time to develop one. In this way it is also possible to create an app which is unique by creating an app which offers more or a different experience than the competition.
Customers nowadays demand convenience and mobile apps offer quick services and solutions as required. They are always looking for an extra step or a wow-factor in any brand they endorse. Customers expect their experiences to be personalized and relevant.
Finally, it is important to note that simply developing an app is not enough. The business and developer would need to focus on delivering tangible benefits to the customers while generating revenue. A mobile app is a standard component of any future business and making the choice to develop an app today sets the foundation for the brands future.
​
Websites offer countless benefits for a customer experience, but undoubtedly, it would not be sufficient in 2019 to strengthen a brands hold on the market. If you would like assistance on making a decision regarding developing an app, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.
 

We live in a digital age, where our phones serve a higher purpose than only making calls. Nowadays, everything is done via the click of a button on a smartphone. Complicated and sometimes guileless processes are accomplished within seconds with the help of various apps like banking, investments, payments, booking services, travel planning, ordering food and even reading a newspaper.
The number of smartphone users in 2018 was 2.58 billion, worldwide. This number is going to increase and by 2022, Canada alone will have approximately 30 million smartphone users.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/467190/forecast-of-smartphone-users-in-canada/

Today, there are various platforms on which smartphones run and the largest competitors in this market are the iPhone and Android phone. Each smartphone has a different operating system. For example:

• iPhone – iOS
• Android- Google Inc.
• Nokia – Symbian OS

​Building of mobile apps has become a lucrative business and a top priority for many companies. By the year 2020, the mobile app market would be worth approximately $189 billion US dollars.
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/269025/worldwide-mobile-app-revenue-forecast/
There are various types of apps which can be created for use on smartphones like native, hybrid and web. It is often difficult to choose a development approach as the lines between various options are starting to blur. ​

What is a Native App?
An application, written for a particular device or platform is a native mobile app. These apps are developed keeping in mind and, at the same time, taking advantage of the device operating systems features and its software.
For example,

• iPhone apps are written in Obj-C or Swift
• Android apps are written in Java or Kotlin

Since native apps are developed for particular operating systems, users can access them from the dedicated app stores like Google play for Android and App Store for iPhone. Some platforms provide app developers their own developmental tools and interface elements to create the necessary native apps.
Why Choose Native Apps?
Native app development gives the app developers more control over providing their users with the ultimate experience. If a business intends to use the app for interacting with customers it will need to provide a satisfactory user experience, leading to the continued use of the app. Hence using a native app is beneficial as it does not sacrifice the design elements and is still unique to each platform.
As mobile software is becoming a necessity for companies, it is imperious they are aware about the pros and cons of a particular developmental approach.  Most companies invest in native mobile app development because of the significant benefits which come with it. Let us have a look at some key benefits of native mobile app development:

Optimum Speed and Performance
Patience is waning thin in today’s mobile users, where they expect everything instantly. Their expectation from the apps they use is no different.A smartphone allows a native app to leverage a devices processing speed, leading to a quicker load time since the content and visual elements are already on the phone.
Since a native app is created and customised for a specific platform, it shows a high level of performance and efficiency. These apps can directly access the device hardware and are created using the core programming language and API, thus providing a faster execution and fewer hic-ups.

Higher Security
Being developed with the high end language of a specific platform, native apps offer users higher levels of security. Non-native apps are said to have more security issues as they depend on browsers, other core technologies and are subject to their non-standard behaviour.
For example, web apps are said to rely on underlying technologies like JavaScript, CSS and HTML5, which have non-standard nature and hence will lead to more security and performance issues. On the other hand, native apps have the added benefit of remote access and data can be erased remotely if necessary.
This is why developing a native app is a great way to ensure reliable users data protection as they receive more proactive security and upgrades of the platform itself.

More Interactive and Intuitive Apps
Native apps run a lot smoother where users get to experience a seamless operation with the additional benefit of the operating systems interfaces. Since these apps are made for a particular system, a user gets the feel that the app is part of the device.
While web apps are made to look like native apps, they do not perform like them. The flow of the native app is more natural as it has specific UI standards, which allowing the user to interact with the app using gestures and actions they are familiar with, eliminating the learning curve.

Complete Access to All the Features of the App
Native apps allow the developers to get access to all the features of the operating system. Hence, the developer can take full advantage of the platforms software. The apps can also access the hardware of the device like:

• GPS facility
• Camera
• Microphone
• Push notifications

Accessing these functions could be challenging from non-native apps, but native apps have full access and the functions are carried out just as they would on the platform. This helps in executing the app faster and ultimately leads to an enhanced user experience. Non-native apps often have to access the hardware through a bridge leading to slow development and a frustrating user experience.

Fewer Bugs During Development
Native apps make it possible to have fewer discrepancies, limiting the chances of bugs and the developer is not relying on a cross-platform tool like Xamarin or Cordova. Developers would find it challenging to manage two different applications in one codebase in comparison to managing the same in two codebases. This is where native app wins the battle.

New Features
​

Things are constantly evolving in this digital age. With the advent of new trends, features and technology, native apps can add the same with ease and are set up to use all available functionality of the platform. Other apps would require time and effort to access the native APIs which might not come.
This problem is more prominent when new versions of the platform are released. Native app developers have easy access to the new software developmental kits (SDK) to build or modify their apps with the latest features which is beneficial to the app and the clients business. Non-native approaches however would need to wait till the latest version is updated before gaining access to the platforms new features.

Working Offline
​Web apps only work when they are connected to the internet, which can pose a problem if the user is on the go or at a remote location. Native apps on the other hand can function independently without the internet. This is a major advantage and the app can even function in the offline mode if needed.

It is safe to say the main aim of any business is ensuring customer satisfaction and increased user engagement. There are a number of apps which flood the market every day and these apps push the bar of what users are accustomed to.
People may debate that the cost of native apps is higher than that of hybrid and web apps. Yes, initial costs may be higher but this is a one-time investment which will benefit the business in the long run. Whichever approach is chosen by the business, the app must be quick, receptive and dependable.
Users are demanding more from their mobile experiences and in order to meet their expectations, hence it is imperative to deliver a high performance product. By offering a vital and more personalized user experience, better performance and benefits of the device features, the native mobile app will result in higher customer retention and boost customer loyalty.
If you would like to know more about mobile app development, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

The mobile application market is growing at an exponential rate. Thousands of new applications are added to the market every single day. The apps downloaded today entertain the user, help them connect and socialize with people in the vicinity and also share details about their lives and photos online.

These applications allow us to do everything from mobile banking, shopping to controlling automated home technology. In 2018, nearly 200 billion apps were downloaded worldwide. By 2020, it is said the apps industry alone will generate about $190 billion, if not more.
Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/1002/mobile-app-usage/
​
Everything is done online and unfortunately this technological upgrade means a lot of personal user activity and information is vulnerable. Data like a user’s address, contact number and sometimes even location apart from banking information and credit card details are within the apps.
A single lapse in security and all this information is available to the cybercriminals and hackers. Ensuring this data’s security is key and the responsibility of the same must be taken by the app development company. ​

Why is App Security Important?
Data exploitation is a serious concern with the growing use of mobile apps. Businesses today have realized that they need to protect their user’s data and safeguard it against associated risks in order to ensure continued business productivity.
App security is a bare necessity and must not be treated like a bonus feature offered to the users. Users want safe environments as they are more aware of the threats and risks that come with using these apps. Hence it is safe to say the success of the app depends on the security it has.
One breach could end up losing the company money, but more importantly their users trust. This is why security must be a priority from the moment the developer starts writing the code.

How to Build a Secure App?
As apps are being used is a variety of ways, developers need to come up with equally different ways to defend the same. Keeping in mind the nature and sensitivity of user information, everything that can be done, must be done to help protect the clients. Given below are a few ways developers can build security into their apps:

Write a Secure Code
If the code has bugs and vulnerabilities, attackers can break into any application at the starting point itself. Research has shown that malicious code affects over 11.6 million mobile devices at any given time.
(Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/mobile-malware-infects-millions-lte-spurs-growth/)
The developer needs to reinforce the code from day one so it cannot be reverse engineered. Repeated tests must be carried out and the code must be easy to update and patch. An agile code makes it possible to update rectifications at a user’s end, post a breach.

Code Obfuscation
Obfuscation is the act of deliberately creating a code which is difficult for hackers to understand and hence cannot be reverse engineered. A developer can use this to hide the codes purpose, logic and values rooted in it. This can be done manually by the developer or by a machine.
Some examples of code obfuscation include:

• Renaming obfuscation: Altering the names of the methods and makes the source harder for a hacker to find or understand. Name obfuscation is a transformation used by most like .NET, iOS, Java and Android obfuscators.
• Control flow obfuscation: This yields non-deterministic semantic results when decompiled as it synthesizes conditional, branching and iterative constructs which produce an executable logic.
• Instruction pattern transformation: The constructs become less obvious as common instructions are converted by this technique.
• Dummy code insertion:A code which does not affect the logic of the program, is inserted, to make the reverse engineered code more difficult to analyse.
• Unused code and metadata removal: Removing debugging information and used code from the application makes them smaller and also reduces the information available to a hacker.
• Binary linking or merging: Combining multiple libraries and executables into one or more output binaries makes the application smaller and simplifies deployment scenarios.
• Opaque predicate insertion: potentially incorrect code or conditional branches are added which evaluate to known results which cannot be determined via static analysis.
• Anti–tamper: A self-protection application can be injected into the source code which helps verify if the application has been tampered with in anyway. In case tampering is detected, the app can shut itself down or even limit functionality.

​Data Encryption
All data exchanged via the app must be encrypted to ensure, even if it is stolen, the criminals cannot read it. An algorithm is used to turn text into jumbled code thus ensuring the apps security. I.e. it is a jumble of non-coherent alphabets to anyone who tries to read it without the necessary key.
For example,

• HTTP is unencrypted and verifiable communication and can be read by any hackerand even be modified.
• HTTPS guarantees a secure version of HTTP. This protocol was designed for secure communication over the internet and it is encrypted by Transport Layer Security (TLS). These cryptographic protocols ensure privacy, data integrity, validate a server’s identity, ensure messages are not modified and verify the authenticity of communication. 

Key management is crucial to ensure encryption efforts pay off. The key must be secured in a container which is not on the same device. Encryption protects sensitive data at all times and can be used to protect data on servers, databases, communication channels and emails as well.

Awareness and Precautions Against Possible Threats
There are different types of attacks which can be expected in this world of cybercrime. Some attackers hack systems, while some might use the phishing form of social engineering. In this type of attack, a hacker learns the user information, login credentials and passwords by pretending to be a reputable entity via email or other communication channels and installs malware through a link or attachment.
Man-in-the-middle or MITM attack intercepts communication between two parties and allows the attacker to eavesdrop and even manipulate the communications. For example, the communication between a mobile app and the database which stores the information can be tampered with.
Extra precaution needs to be taken when using third party libraries and the codes must be thoroughly tested before being used in the app. For example, iOS systems use closed libraries, unlike android, hence hackers find it close to impossible to get source code from iOS libraries. If a libraries source code is public, then necessary precautions would need to be taken like code obfuscation to protect the data.

Cache
The cache exists to preserve temporary data and must be emptied periodically to free up space and avoid problems due to corrupt cache data. A devices cache stored elements of apps so they can load quickly. This includes sensitive user information and login details.
Invalid and outdated information can be stored in cache causing some apps to show errors and hence it is important to clear an apps cache during the testing phase to avoid bugs. Android systems manage cache effectively and there is no longer a need to manually clear the cache.

Data Storage
A device stores its data like media files and settings files locally until the settings are manually changed by the user. For example, Whatsapp stores photos and files sent by or received by users.
Steps need to be taken to secure the stored data to prevent unauthorized access, corruption or destruction. If the data is not protected it can be easily hacked and any stored data will be vulnerable. Following steps can be taken to ensure stored data is protected:

• Locally stored data is encrypted by means of a key
• Keys are stored on the server side and not client side
• Secret keys can be stored within the app if there is no server
• Sensitive data must not be stored on devices
• Secret keys are necessary to identify that someone is an authorized user

High-Level Authentication
Authentication refers to passwords and other personal identifiers which act as a barrier to entry. As a developer it is possible to encourage users to create more case sensitive passwords for authentication. For example,

• Alphanumeric passwords
• Multi-factor authentication
• One time password (OTP)
• Biometric authentication

​

Modern users are acutely aware of the threats surrounding them virtually and are rightfully concerned about the security of the apps they use. Smartphones are being used now more than ever and any breaches and access to data not correctly secured by the app can have a detrimental effect on the future of the organization.
​
App owners and developers need to accept that it does not matter which platform, Android or iOS, the app is being developed for, the workload for security testing must not be taken lightly. Even an iOS platform is not completely secure and hackers will continue trying to get through its code.
All the above mentioned techniques enable a successful app development with the necessary mobile application security practices to help safeguard the app and the data within. For more details you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

The internet has played a colossal role in this era, whether it’s related to personal lives or business lives. We are existing in a digital world where digital services are part of our daily lives from ordering food, booking transport, trading stocks and even banking.

“Mobile devices, high-speed data communication, and online commerce are creating expectations that convenient, secure, real-time payment and banking capabilities should be available whenever and wherever they are needed.” – Jerome Powell (Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA)

Banking services are being digitized for identification of customers, providing customized services, automate minor tasks as well as prevent fraud and theft. In order to do so, digital banking has used pins, passwords and has now turned to biometric technology, which has become an integral part of online and mobile banking.

One of the main concerns of digitization is the security threat which comes with it. Malicious software, spyware and viruses are said to have increased by 54% which threaten not just laptops but mobile phones as well.
Source:https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-emerging-threats-10-facts-about-todays-cybersecurity-landscape-that-you-should-know.html

Unfortunately in today’s world, a strong and almost infallible authentication tool is a must especially in a sector like banking where finances are involved and daily transactions are in the trillions, if not more. With the increase in fraud, most financial institutions have had to take stricter measures to prevent security breaches and biometrics technology has helped the banking industry by doing so and gaining them the customers trust.
​
What is Biometric Technology?
Biometrics is an authentication tool and a cutting edge technology, which earlier was seen only in science fiction movies but is now used to unlock a smart phone as well. This technology is a form of identification and verification of physical characteristics or traits which are unique for every individual.

Mobile phones and apps use this technology through their in-built sensors and most banks around the globe are already taking advantage of the same. Let us take a look at some biometric identification methods being used today:
​

• Finger print scan:

This is currently the most popular method and is available on almost all devices worldwide.

• Facial recognition:

This identification method is said to be slightly less effective as it depends on the user’s environment like lighting, angle and position of the users face. In the case of financial transactions, this would require a back-up verification process as well.

• Iris scan:

This process has been seen in popular movies where hi-tech security is needed and biometric experts actually believe this to be the most reliable way of verification.

• Voice recognition:

Similar to facial recognition, this works best when paired with other authentication tools as it would depend on the user’s environment.

• Vein pattern authentication:

This method identifies the person using the pattern on veins on the palm and fingers of the individual. These patterns are said to be as unique as fingerprints and harder to replicate.

Why is Biometric Authentication Needed?
Since time immemorial, it is safe to say that money and all things related to money need security. Banking systems have changed forever with the introduction of mobile banking and billions of people are now using the digital platform for their banking needs.
Unfortunately digitization in banking systems has also lead to an increase in cybercrime and this increase in fraud has led to the rise in restructuring mobile security, which has directed to the growth of biometric authentication for mobile apps.
Financial institutions are aware that security questions, passwords and pins are no longer the safest measures against theft.This has led to a rise in the concept of biometric authenticationas banking institutions are accepting the demand for additional security, in the recent years, and adopting the same.

How is Biometric Authentication the Future of Security for Mobile Banking?
Banks can enjoy several benefits if they look at biometric security as an investment and not an added expense. This technology provides the highest method of authentication ensuring unauthorised personnel cannot access the sensitive banking information of its users while protecting the identity of its users.
This technology also makes it possible for the bank to monitor and track their customer activities allowing them to provide secure, accurate and efficient customer services. Given below are a few benefits and reasons of why biometric authentication is anticipated to reach nearly 2.6 billion users, if not more, in the next few years:

• Passwords and PINs become obsolete:

Biometric technology is slowly replacing passwords and pin based access for financial transactions. According to most analysts the PIN number will soon be obsolete and banks will need to adopt additional methods of security, namely biometric authentication.
 
Some analysts argue that PINs cannot be done away with completely and banks will need to adopt multifactor authentication where the customer would need a PIN as well as a biometric modality to proceed with transactions.

• Devices with biometric technical capabilities:

The number of mobile users with biometric integrations is rapidly growing and nearly 70% of mobile users, had smart phones with finger print authentication capabilities in 2018. Companies such as Microsoft and Intel have also recognized the need for next level security and have built biometric authentication systems in their products.
 
Apple and Samsung smartphones have fingerprint recognition software which has made it possible for banks to adopt Touch ID for their mobile app authentication. Thus providing an added layer of security beyond just a password.
 
Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/522058/global-smartphone-fingerprint-penetration/

• Convenience for customers:

One of the main reasons why customers prefer biometric modalities is because there is no need to remember passwords or pins. This also means there is no chance the account will be frozen in case of wrong entries, enhancing the customers experience and interaction with the banks mobile platform.
 
Banks are using these facilities to improve the services offered and ensure better security and protection of the clients and their assets. It can be used in a variety of banking scenarios including withdrawing or depositing cash at the ATM. Since it reduces the possibility of fraud, customers have less to worry about and with the new technology users are left with an enriched user experience with greater security and convenience.
Apart from these reasons, the banking industry needs to provide secure and convenient banking to its customers to ensure they are loyal and continue to trust the bank. Biometric technology allows the bank to incorporate an incomparable security system, which benefits the bank as well as the client. 

While biometrics is still in the developmental stages and has some shortcomings which need to be ironed out, financial institutions have the opportunity to optimize this technology. Incorporating this technology into the mobile banking strategy will help provide the users with a value added experience of lesser unfortunate security breaches, improved user experience and a more sophisticated interaction with less friction.
If you wish to know more about biometric scanning and security, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app development team: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html.  

Why Digital Transformation?

Today’s customer is digital-savvy and likes to be served on the device of their choice, from anywhere expecting round the clock responses. To meet the needs of these new age customers, companies are transforming their ways of doing business. Like any other revolution, digital revolution is comes with many challenges and tremendous opportunities. Are you ready to win or even survive in this new digital age?

No company is immune to this change as we have seen diverse industries being disrupted at an unprecedented pace by companies like Tesla, Airbnb and Amazon. Today every company needs to embrace digital transformation to become a tech company. Digital revolution is unstoppable. The only questions remaining are:

• What stage of maturity are you at with digital transformation?
• What is your digital transformation roadmap?

 
“More than 90% people start with online search before they make a buying decision…Going digital provides you an opportunity to get in front of these people who are planning to buy something that you may be selling”
Source: https://www.insightssuccess.in/why-businesses-need-to-go-digital/
 
“89% of enterprises have plans to adopt or have already adopted a digital-first business strategy with Services (95%), Financial Services (93%) and Healthcare (92%) leading all industries. Education, high-tech, manufacturing, retail, and government are also quickly adopting digital-first strategies to improve process efficiencies and meet and exceed customer expectations.” 
Source:https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2018/04/22/the-state-of-digital-business-transformation-2018/#3ec3c9cd5883 

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital Transformation has many definitions. App-scoop defines it as a process of making a giant leap in business effectiveness by incorporating today’s cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Smart devices, Internet of Things, Augmented Reality, Blockchain and so on.  
​

​Banking is the one industry known for their limited hours of operation. This would be wearisome as formerly, it would be necessary to go to the bank for something as simple as checking the account balance. The unending lines, long wait for information and sometimes being given the run-around by staff.
In today’s world, with all the digital advancement, customers do not need to physically go to a bank to complete transactions anymore. This is a boon as it saves time and transactions can be completed, bank statements checked, money transferred and more, all with the click of buttons. 

The world of banking has gone mobile and most people complete all transactions using their banking apps on mobile devices. This trend has been on the rise and the banking industry needs to adapt and advance to deliver a smooth and satisfactory experience to the customers they no longer interact with.

​Nearly 68% of Canadians use mobile banking on a weekly basis and only 16% are said to actually visit banks. The Canadian banking industry would needs to take appropriate steps to ensure customer needs and demands are met. They would need to adopt digital transformation programs, focusing on mobile app enhancement and development to provide a seamless banking experience.
Source: https://www.greedyrates.ca/blog/need-know-online-banking-canada/

​The primary focus of most banks was to create a mobile app of their own just to enter the digital fray and not loose clients. However some banking apps still only allow people to check their balance statements, transaction history and paid bills. For any further transactions, people would need to call the bank and speak to a representative.
This approach may have worked initially, but now the clients demand more from their apps. Banks need to recognize this user saturation as a reality and turn their attention to enhancing the mobile banking experience in order to engage and retain clients.
Given below are a few points on how the app can be enriched for the banks benefit:

Customer Driven App
Mobile and digital services offer banks the opportunity to reduce operational costs but they must be designed and developed keeping in mind the customer’s needs. One of the main reasons people today use banking apps is because it is speedy, efficient and hassle-free. To ensure this, the app needs to be bug free and should have minimum downtime especially while transactions are in process.
The app is mainly being used by a tech-savvy millennial but there are a lot of clients who are 55-years and above, who can benefit from an easy-to-use app. This also attracts new customers who do not wish to deal with complex apps, prefer natural language commands and transparent offerings.
If the mobile app does not simplify the lives of its customers, it would be difficult to survive in the market. For example, a customer does not need to scroll through the entire transaction history, they can simply enter the date or name of the transaction and identify the specific transaction.
Banks needs to realise that they will need to proactively use their apps digital platform, to interact with and engage customers. In order to do so, they will need to know their demographic and accordingly create a mobile banking app which aligns the business goals and customer needs.

Security
Mobile banking is growing rapidly as are the security threats which come with online transactions. Sensitive information is being handled along with a customer’s finances and it is imperative that the data be protected.
Customers rely on the organization and trust their electronic information is safe. In order to do so, documents need to be password protected and data encrypted. Biometric logins, activation and deactivation of credit and debit cards if lost are also a plus point in terms of security.
​
Personalized and AI Driven Banking
Banking driven by artificial intelligence improves how users experience new streamlined features launched by the bank. Mobile apps offer banks customer specific data and usage patterns, which helps the bank with predictive analysis of the customer’s needs, for instance, bill payment reminders.
Giving personalized offers to customers is crucial as the needs of a college student and that of a retired profession would be different. This information can be leveraged, knowing the customers financial history and what offers would be best suited for them.
Thanks to AI there is now a bigger chance to cater to the individual. This kind of banking also reduces the need for clients to speak to bank representatives as they can self-manage their accounts and carry out actions themselves, which earlier needed bank employee’s assistance. However, the personalized experiences offered also ensure the highest level of customer engagement and satisfaction.

Invest in your Delivery Model
Keeping pace with the changing times and needs of the client is as important as delivering the innovative products to the client in a timely fashion. Innovation would be a slow process in a large organization and changes would take time to go through the necessary approval stages.
Implementing an agile development process would be beneficial in competitive markets where competitors try to poach clients. A continuous delivery model may be difficult to scale but the use of agile coaches and customized approaches have led to successful implementations.
Change is inevitable and adapting to the change while focusing on the customer experience is necessary to ensure they are satisfied and help give the company a competitive advantage.

What Does the Customer Want?
Earlier communications were only via phone conversations or face-to-face exchanges and now the customer’s interaction is with the organizations technology not staff. This means the app needs to be able to deliver and be what the customer needs at any given point.
The world of mobile banking might make the face to face interactions obsolete, but customers still demand assistance, which will help plan their retirement, secure their financial futures and manage money. Providing the clients with tools via the mobile app to actually carry out these functions shows they are looked after as individuals not just statistics.
Apart from the continued focus on adapting and innovating, to offer the clients the best product and services, the app also needs to ensure ease of user experience. Even a millennial would jump ship if they has to deal with extremely complex systems. Around one-third of the leading mobile apps are phasing out the older versions and functions despite new add-ins, in a bid to streamline user experience.
Source: https://www.maparesearch.com/
​
In conclusion, we can see that the days when banking apps could do as little as show account balances and transactions are over. Over the last decade mobile banking has proved itself to be a vital part of customer-focused banking and research shows that these apps enable customer loyalty while reducing operational costs. Today,  a financial marketer’s approach must be centred on consumers and quite simply the mobile banking app must provide a personalized experiences. If you need any further information on improving the mobile app banking experience, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers: https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html
 

Imagine having to take time out during a busy day, to go stand in line to buy tickets to an event. Now imagine that after standing in line for nearly an hour just when it is your turn the tickets are sold out. All that time and energy wasted plus the added disappointment of a failed attempt to book tickets.

Advent of the digital age has seen a revolutionary change in the trend of making bookings. Now, there is no need for people to stand in line and wait for their turn to book any kind of tickets or services. The advancement of technology has made it possible to book, cancel and reschedule things with just a few simple clicks of the button.

Revenue generated from event tickets alone will see an increase of 9.3%, which amounts to north of $100,000 million by 2023. The reason for this tremendous increase is the simplicity of the task right from finding the desired event to making the booking and payment.

Source: www.statistica.com

The demand for ticket distribution systems will keep rising as the number of users keeps increasing as well. Given below are a few platforms which help event promoters optimize and sell tickets globally:

• Ticketfly: Said to have sold over $200 million worth of tickets in one year 
• Eventbrite: Powered over 3 million events in one year
• Ticketmaster: Estimated annual revenue of $7.2 billion

Source: www.statistica.com

​As any business entity, the aim of a ticket distribution platform, is lucrative viability. In order to do this, they need to provide simple and easy-to-use tools to event creators, which ensures smooth dealings, between the event goer and event creator.

Creation of a Web/Mobile Platform for Ticket Distribution
To develop a web/mobile platform which promotes, markets and sells tickets, a collaboration with an event creator would be imperative. This way the platform has to focus solely on the flexibility of the app or website for customer interaction. It would be the event creators responsibility to plan and market events.
The tools offered by ticket platforms helps promote upcoming events, reducing the need for hiring event managers, saving event creators funds. Saving resources allows for more funds to be investedin the show and artist or even to reduce ticket costs to increase audience numbers.

What Makes a Ticket Distribution Platform Successful?
Not all business models are successful. Some do well in certain areas but not in others. This is true for all businesses and organizations. In such an unpredictable market, how can does one ensure their ticket distribution platform will be popular? Given below are some critical features, which can help give the platform an edge and an added advantage over its competitors. 

Time Saver
One of the primary reasons clients choose to make bookings online is because of the time and energy saved with the easy steps involved. It is imperative that registration and managing accounts should be easy for event creators as well as audiences.
This also means that the website and servers need to be speedy with minimum downtime. Bugs need to be fixed and addressed on priority to avoid loss of potential clients.

Easy Payment Solutions
Online payments have steadily been increasing since 2014. Online wallets are now being used to make insurance payments, mobile recharges, grocery purchases and even for public transport. The platform must have the necessary features to process payments immediately or to deny requests as needed.
Confirming a payment once booking process has started needs to be a timed affair. This helps ensure there are no double or over bookings. For example, a customer needs to confirm the booking by completing the formalities within a stipulated amount of time, say 15 minutes.
All the rules and regulations that need to be followed must be clearly outlined and accepted by the users prior to completing purchase to avoid complications at a later date.
In the event a refund needs to be processed or denied, the platform must have the necessary tools to make it a smooth process with minimum to no follow-up needed by the client.
​
Transparency with Regards to Detail
Availability of tickets, which slots are filled, vacancies and rate at which the seats are selling can be shown clearly on ticket platforms. This aides customers in knowing how long they have to complete the booking or finalize their plans.
Offering various discounts, like on bulk bookings or limited time offers, make the platform popular as most customers prefer good deals. A wait-list system ensures there are no discrepancies and if tickets are returned or refunds are issued, people still get to attend the show as per the numbers.
Seat mapping feature allows people to choose and know which zone they are booking seats for. This feature also helps event organizers plan zones more efficiently.

Customer Engagement and Marketing
Clienteles need to know more about upcoming events, deals and have a place where they can address their queries or grievances. An open channel of communication offering real-time replies would make this possible and increase traffic to the platform.
Descriptions of upcoming events, along with audio-visual marketing tools would help entice more customers. Branded tickets with unique QR codes make the check-in and entry process suave.
The platform must also offer features which allow audiences to get routed, from other event pages and external links, to book tickets on the app or online. For example, a Facebook events page routed to another site for ticket purchasing.
Similar to using social media and other external pages to increase sales, various marketing tools like e-mailers, newsletters and social media advertisements will also ensure a good turnout for the event.For the ticket distribution platform, to also sell branded apparel, accessories and posters would be a value-added service for the event creators as well as the customers.
One of the most important factor in a successful platform is knowing your customer and ensuring they are repeat customers. This is only possible if they have the necessary tools to create a proper database and all interactions are tracked and monitored.
A sales analysis is an imperative tool for building reports, showing projections and creating strategy. This data would be crucial for an accurate assessment and report for the platform as well as event creator. For example, maximum type of tickets sold, period of maximum sales and so on. This would help future planning of events and necessary tweaks can be made to maximize profits.

Event Cancellation
Worst case scenarios are an eventuality which are not in organizers control and must always be prepared for. There needs to be a fail-safe plan where users can be instantly notified in such an event.
​
Fraud Reports
The organization would need a strategy to deal with fraudulent event companies, to protect themselves as well as their customers. Users need to be allowed to report events for reasons like infringement, copyright, cancellation and so on, which can be looked into on priority to avoid mishaps later. Ideally a risk management team would be required to assist in handling any and all issues related to fraud. 

On the whole, online booking of tickets has great potential as it is helping simplify the lives of people and increasing their lifestyle standards. By opening a whole new world of possibilities for customers all on one platform it improves user experience and also streamlines the process.
If you need any further information on how to create a web/mobile app platform for ticket distribution, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers:  https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

​“The only constant in life is change” – Heraclitus
In today’s day and age, business scenes are constantly evolving to keep up with the dynamic changes, in the environment. We can see digital technologies are changing the facade of business at an exponential rate. Organizations need to keep up with these changes in order to survive and grow. An organizations IT strategy is vital to its business strategynow more than ever. 
Digital technology has reached a point of omnipresence and it is no longer optional for a company to be digital or not. The world has had over 4 billion internet users in 2018 alone. Studies have shown that there will be a growth of nearly 800% in mobile data usage in the next year or two. 

In such scenarios, a digital transformation is paramount in the company’s vision for its future and growth.
​
What is a digital transformation?
​
 “The way out of these difficult times is not cost cutting. It is to innovate and embrace digital transformation.” – Steve Jobs (Apple Co-founder).
Digital transformation is integrating digital technology, into all areas of business, which fundamentally changes how you operate and deliver value to customers. Digital transformation, in other words business transformation, is driven by technology innovation, customer behaviour, demand and satisfaction and external environmental factors. 

In order to have a smooth transition, organizations would have to keep in mind external factors like

• Volatile economy
• Changing laws
• Ups and downs in the market
• Partner demands
• Customer expectations

The focus of business leaders would need to be on results, innovative methods of problem solving and scope of continuous improvement. A digital transformation allows these business activities and processes to fully leverage the changes brought about by digital technologies. This process is about how the changes are implemented with least disruption to the original flow of business.
The main challenge is change management as this metamorphosis affects all echelons of the organization. The aim and final goal of every business is to deliver a superlative customer experience. Hence the business leaders would need to challenge and push their companies to get the most out of this transformation.
Let us take a look at why companies need to embrace digital transformation in order to remain relevant in today’s economic ecosystem.

Competitive Advantage:
Initially, change can be cumbersome and take a toll on the employees, managers as well as company costs. However on the upside, it gives a company the advantage to cut out the competition. Any company not going through or not adopting digital transformation risks becoming obsolete and risks commercial oblivion as its competitors evolve to encounter the new actuality.

Global Reach:
New markets have now opened up to the world as location is no longer a barrier, thanks to the internet. These new markets are a great opportunity for all businesses which have the means and technology required to tap into them. The new communication and transaction tools available have made it possible for companies based in remote places to carry out their business internationally.

Streamlined Operations:
Implementation of new ideas, products and services gets easier as the digital technology makes feedback faster and more accurate. Catching and correcting flaws becomes possible at half the time it would take earlier thus reducing damages and increasing profits.

Employee Benefits and Growth:
A company’s vital asset is the personnel. This cliché has been true over the decades and has not changed even now. In order to make a company grow, the employees must thrive as well. If the employees are happy, they will ensure the customers are happy, which is beneficial for every organization.
The digital age has increased expectations of customers as well as of employees. In order to retain the best employees and keep turnover to a minimum, it is imperative for companies to give workforces the chance to develop and flourish. For example,
​

• Communication: Effective digital transformation includes a more decentralized communication system, which leads to lesser issues, more unity and smoother operations.
• Core Functions: Manual functions like finance, HR and payroll can be automated. Allowing employees a chance to focus on wider business opportunities.
• Workplace flexibility: It is now possible for people to work from remote locations as long as they have access to the internet. For stay-at-home parents this is a great opportunity to continue work without having to physically be present at the office. Necessary meetings can also be attended virtually. 

This flexibility is beneficial to the company as well as the employee. It helps keep up employee morale and this gives the company’s bottom-line the perks of an efficient workforce.
Allowing employees this freedom also shows a sense of trust in the person which makes them strive to be an asset to the organization. It also attracts suitable and qualified candidates to apply and desire to be a part of the company.

Customer Experience and Customer Retention:
Nowadays customer’s interaction with a company is more online or via a mobile app as opposed to face to face. For example, even when you call a toll free number, problems can be solved via automated phone calls. It is important to ensure that this experience is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Digitally transformed businesses can make the most of VR recordings to check and maintain quality, solve complaints and look into feedback. The data and information from these tools help companies know exactly what the customers’ needs and expectations are. Accordingly the steps can be taken to ensure a great user experience and a loyal customer.
If a company is not digitally savvy, all that data and information, which would help a company grow, would not get its due diligence. Keeping in mind the competitive markets, these companies would be left behind by the organizations who made the most of customer insights.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Artificial intelligence is said to be a game changer as an increasing number of everyday tasks are being automated. For a company, this means staff gets more free time to tackle other work and more serious issues. In the next few years, most problems will be solved by AI and only escalated in dire scenarios. As with the data and information, the company with AI developments will have a strategic and competitive advantage in their respective fields.

Cloud Services:
After digital transformation, the next step would be a progression to cloud services. Cloud is central to digital transformation as it offers businesses the space needed to grow their data necessities. A cloud platform along with the data analysed information allows the business to lay its foundation for growth and prosperity. 

Cyber Security:

The advent of the digital age also brought malicious cyber-attacks and crimes against organizations. This increased the need for cyber vigilance and security. Businesses would need to proactively protect the company’s interests and this would only be possible by improving their cyber security infrastructure. Failing to do so would leave the company open to security and privacy violations.
From the above, we see the importance of digital transformation for companies and how it affects all interconnected aspects of business i.e. its functions, processes, work models and daily activities. The main aim of digital transformation, apart from increasing revenues at reduced costs, would be to improve the customer’s experience.
If you need any further information on the importance of digital transformations, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers : https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html

Mobile app development has been on the rise for a decade now. As opposed to what was assumed, it was not a dream which fizzled out, but a trend which shattered the glass ceiling. According to Statistica, there were 2.1 billion smartphone users in the world (in 2016) and the revenue generated by mobile apps was about 60 billion dollars. By the year 2019, it is believed that the number of smartphone users will be 2.5 billion if not more.

Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/1002/mobile-app-usage/

Mobile app culture is something all smartphone users have got accustomed to, from their wide range of virtual or augmented reality to location based services. They are used on a daily basis for something as simple as ordering groceries to booking cabs to even planning vacations. These apps are not only efficient but also customize preferences as per each user. ​

The past year alone is said to have witnessed about 27 billion mobile app downloads. This upward trend of mobile apps has made the developers come up with renewed novelties to keep up with the current trend and user’s interests.
The year 2019 will witness innovation of existing apps, going a notch higher and giving the mobile developers more mobility to focus on app niceties. Let us take a look at which mobile app development trends will enrich the realm and directly impact the industry in the following year:

Native Vs. Hybrid App
What is a native/hybrid App? A native app is a smartphone application created for a specific mobile operating system. A hybrid on the other hand would work on all systems. They are said to be web apps in native paper.
For example: In 2010, the user experience for Uber app was different for an android user and different for an iOS system user.
Some iOS experts believe that native apps will dominate the market and grow as opposed to hybrid technologies. There are some ‘native only’ features which are added by companies like Apple and Google to their respective operating systems. This limits the technical entry points (like fixing bugs) for hybrid apps.
User experience could suffer with hybrid apps as they cannot offer all the features due to software compatibility issues. But native mobile apps are created for a specific platform and would not face this problem as they are augmented using the systems core programming and application performance interface (API).
Is a native app preferred over a hybrid app? This deliberation will likely see a leaning towards native apps as it will provide the ultimate user experience among other things.

Importance of Marketing
Marketing campaigns play a significant role in the success of any product and it is the same with regards to mobile apps. Most developers focus only on app features, making sure it’s unique and appeals to the key demographic. They do not pay as much heed to a marketing campaign to promote the app and unfortunately this would work negatively in the apps favour.
In such cases a user might try a new app but might not be a repeat user i.e. will only use the app once. It is possible that the app might be used for a short period but when the novelty wears off, the user, will move on to other apps. The value for a mobile app is not only in finding new users but also in retaining old ones. Marketing companies will play a chief role to ensure the same.
Some experts believe that there will be more investment in mobile engagement campaigns and this will be a prime strategy in 2019. Engagement platforms will help to include and absorb old users and will also ensure additional in-app purchases.

Role of “Moment-Marketing”
We have grasped the important role played by marketing for mobile apps in the points above. However getting the right message in front of the right consumer at the right time is also a crucial factor in any campaign. Personalization of the web or mobile experience has been seen for the past decade. This element is critical as it helps users receive more specific and not generic communications. 
​​

In order to engage users, marketers have to react to key customer moments driven by offline triggers like TV and so on i.e. Micro-moments (term coined by Google in 2015). Real world customer intent is yoked with mobile as a natural gateway.  More and more companies are going for specific contexts to interact with users, vibrant offers, and coupon redemptions.
2019 is said to be the year, where new steps will be taken in targeting specific personalized campaigns to certain audiences based on the user’s daily habits and choices.

OTT (Over the top) Development
Over the top (OTT) content includes audio, video and other media content broadcasted or streamed over the internet. Globally the OTT market has seen a huge swell of users which is expected to reach over 300 million by 2019.
Some examples OTT apps are:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime
• Hulu
• HBO Go
• Viewster

The mobile app development market already has the necessary infrastructure in place to harness OTT and reap the benefits. All a user would require is WiFi, TV, smartphone or a tablet. Analytical companies are looking into targeting features which will be more refined and tailored as per the user. Marketers will pay more attention to their users’ needs and understand their desires before creating messages specific to them.
Using OTT marketing means having access and being able to tap a larger audience. Any mobile app developer who would want to succeed in the coming year would need to evolve with the markets requirement and can do so by developing this strategy.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology has grown exponentially in the past few years. Mobile enterprises have even developed their own software and apps in hopes that it will benefit their own companies. For example:

• Apple has created ARKit
• Google has created ARCore

Apples goal is to be recognized as the leader in AR and ensure its benefits are spread across all iOS devices. Wearable devices like the Apple watch is a prime example for what these apps can do! It is not only the fitness industry which is using the wearable devices, but also the healthcare industry.
Pokemon Go is one of the best examples of an app using AR and VR to engage its users. Developers predict that the revenue generated by these creations could be well over 200 billion dollars in the next few years. Social media apps offer AR integrated filters which can be used to digitally enhance or change the user’s image.
Developers are constantly creating more apps which benefit from this technology and it will certainly help the users practically not just digitally. This software makes it possible to edit photos, design 3D presentations, and study the solar system and so on. Some mobile applications already using these technologies are Google Arts and Culture, SketchAR, GoPro VR and so on.
​
Apart from the points mentioned above, cloud technology (back-up), low-power sensors, location mapping (GPS), smart objects (watches or shoes with sensors), artificial intelligence (Siri and Alexa) are some of the age old apps which would also be tweaked and improved in the upcoming year. Mobile app developers will be creating new ways for users to have a more custom-made, real-time involvement where they can share their experiences and use the apps as seamlessly as possible.
As the New Year comes in we can look forward to the new and improved mobile apps created by some of the finest developers. If you need any more information on the rapidly growing industry of mobile app development and the expected trends in 2019, you can contact the App Scoop mobile app developers : https://app-scoop.com/contact-us.html