Top trends on mobile apps in 2012

Gartner, an information technology research firm based in US has revealed the trends of mobile apps in 2012. This article highlights the top trends that are evolving currently.

Location-based service

Gartner estimates the total user base of these location based services to cross 1.4 billion by 2014. The context aware services are becoming a key trend in the case of mobile apps and the location is the key element.

Social networking

The mobile based social networking is growing quite rapidly and the websites are becoming the major source of messaging, videos, photos, e-mail traffic, commerce and games.

Mobile Search

The product search and visual search are inter-related to find out the price comparisons and the check the product information. In order to bring the mobile search to the step ahead, the apps will allow the users to make call or reservation, place an order and so on.

Mobile commerce

This is an extension of e-commerce but offers a small and streamlined experience. Gartner expects new functionalities in the next couple of years.

Mobile payment

The Near Field Communication are in the high end smartphones right from 2011 but Gartner predicts that they will become mainstream only in 2015. In order to draw the attention of more consumers, the providers must implement easy to use process without compromising on the security.

Mobile instant messaging (MIM)

The mobile instant messaging is getting more and more consumers and there are many options like Skype and What’s app to avail this facility. These are actually threatening the traditional communication service providers on revenues.

Mobile e-mail

The smartphones have kindled the mobile e-mail feature by including the low-cost mobile extensions to the existing email services. The users of this across the world will increase to 713 million in 2014 as compared to 354 million in 2009.

Mobile video

Currently the smartphones and tablets are the best ones for video consumption. The content providers and carriers will be able to drive the mobile video usage in the next few years.