Mobile technology has been one of the most impressive areas in terms of evolution, with smartphones booming to prominence in 2011 and surpassing everyone’s expectations in the twelve years since then. Smartphones have become such an enormous part of daily life that it can often feel impossible to survive without one, as they act as a gateway to the world and help to keep people connected. Even though the smartphone industry has achieved impressive feats, it’s constantly striving to make them more powerful, which is why we’re here to discuss the latest trends in mobile phone technology.
5G Mobile Technology
5G is the next generation of mobile connectivity, and it’s already begun rolling out across the UK. The 5G network boasts mobile speeds that you’ve never experienced before, with up to 100x more efficiency than 4G. Additionally, there’s a significantly lower latency rating, meaning a smoother user experience.
At the moment, the 5G evolution is at the heart of mobile technology trends, as the network needs to improve if innovative techs like IoT, AI, AR, and other recent are to be integrated smoothly into newer smartphone models.
Blockchain Technology in Mobile
Blockchain, which is the decentralised ledger tech behind cryptocurrencies and smart contracts, has exploded in popularity over recent years. What started with simple digital currencies has evolved its use cases into apps and solutions all built over blockchain, giving power back to the people and eliminating the middleman. The use cases for blockchain tech go far beyond what anyone imagined just over a decade ago, and it’s still being developed further.
When it comes to smartphones, blockchain is taking shape as apps and hardware. For example, the HTC Exodus 1 and the FINNEY phone merge the security of blockchain and the practicality of smartphones, allowing the phone to act as a digital wallet and so much more. When it comes to apps, several gaming projects like Tamadoge are gearing up to release intuitive mobile apps that will cause the value of each token to explode.
Camera Phone Technology Upgrades
Smartphone users are constantly searching for the best models, and one of the most desired features is a maximum screen-to-bezel ratio – with zero bezels being optimal. This has led manufacturers to come up with many different ideas to hide the front-facing camera, including having it retract into the phone. In some cases, manufacturers have removed the front camera in the face and swapped it out for a drone, which hovers in front of the user and takes pictures.
This type of technology is still in development, but it shows the direction the smartphone market is heading in terms of camera phone technology.
Cloud-Based Services
The operation of ground-breaking technologies like IoT, AI, and machine learning (ML) all require massive amounts of data, which can’t physically fit on a smartphone – there’d be zero space left for anything else. Therefore, as technology advances, the demand for servers is increasing, which allows developers to store data and grant access through cloud technology.
In 2023 and beyond, there’s going to be increasing demand for cloud-based services and storage solutions. The clear advancements in the cloud space pave the way for greater smartphone storage, streamlined operations, extremely secure functionality, and boost user retention.
Mobile AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded into the mainstream, with its power being harnessed for all types of things including writing, content design, web design, and everything else under the sun. Since the early days of basic AI-driven assistants like Siri, it’s safe to say AI has come a long way.
Advancements in smartphone technology are allowing AI to be integrated into so many more ways, including:
- Medical diagnostic tools.
- Personalised shopping experiences.
- Facial recognition.
- Financial management.
- In-app VR and AR.
- Camara enhancements.
Mobile Shopping
The eCommerce industry has been growing exponentially for some years now, but the forefront of this growth now lies advancements in mobile shopping. This clear trend is the reason why there’s a growing number of financial solutions including mobile banking, mobile payment solutions, and so much more.
The mobile shopping space was accelerated by the global pandemic, which forced the world to interact digitally. Now, even after restrictions have lifted and life has returned to a relatively normal pace, people primarily rely on their smartphones to interact with the world of retail and anything else involving payments.
Internet of Things (IoT) Apps
The IoT isn’t exactly new technology, but it’s only recently started making waves in the mainstream market. IoT is having a positive impact on countless different industries including healthcare and agriculture. When it comes to commercial usage, it allows smart devices to be controlled using mobile phones.
Without even knowing it, the majority of households will have IoT devices. In 2023, advancement in IoT is about improving the tech and turning it into an industry standard, especially when it comes to new build home designs.
Super Apps
Android phones have an enormous scope for interoperability, which has paved the way for an elevated user experience. With the technology there, super apps have emerged, which can be accredited to the Chinese. In particular, they developed an app called WeChat, which facilitates typical communication as well as gaming, payments, and other online interactions.
When it comes to the Western world, services like Facebook are striving to catch up with the quality of said Super Apps.
Social Media Commerce
When the likes of Instagram and Facebook emerged, they were solely designed for sharing life updates and photos, but their uses have evolved far beyond what anyone anticipated back then. In 2023, social platforms often include a marketplace, allowing users to sell pre-loved items and bag a bargain. Additionally, customers can easily connect with businesses – many of which host virtual stores through social media platforms.
Social media commerce is already underway, but it’s going to continue taking hold through the remainder of 2023 and beyond. If you think about it, it’s pretty difficult to picture a successful business that doesn’t have a social media presence, so it’s only logical that it’ll tap into its audience here to sell its products and services.
Wearable Tech Tracking
Wearable tech has become all the rage these days, and smartphones make them much more accessible. The most popular emerging wearables are smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart glasses. Additionally, the healthcare industry has created devices for monitoring vitals remotely.
The popularity of wearables is directly tied to smartphones, as they make it easier to carry out daily tasks. For example, with a smartwatch, you can communicate with friends, pay for products, listen to music, and so much more without the need for a mobile phone. Additionally, such technology allows people to get competitive when it comes to fitness, as they accurately measure various metrics.
There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to wearable technology, and we’re only at the beginning of the evolutionary journey. Eventually, we may live in a world where smart glasses are commonplace, with technology like AR following us around.
Mobile technology trends are driving forwards to make life easier by integrating the latest technology including AI, AR, IoT, and other innovations. Much of the technology discussed above isn’t exactly new, but it’s only just being affordably installed into smartphones, which increases demand and leads to the market expecting more.