To impress users, your mobile app must go beyond the basics. Having a pretty design is no longer enough. With must-have features such as user-friendly menus, one-click contact functionality and privacy compliance, it’s important to implement new technologies to make your app stand out.
Let’s go over some killer technologies you should implement in your business mobile app in 2020.
1. Offline mode
Offline mode allows your users to use your app even when they are offline or lose their cellular signal. But what’s the point of having your app available offline? There are many huge benefits, such as allowing customers to access important information, view documents, or enter information that would be synced back to the app’s core database when their device reconnects to the internet.
Example: The mobile app Linguee, a popular multilingual dictionary, has perfected offline mode. Their offline mode is essential for language learners who are traveling or living abroad with spotty wi-fi connection. With offline mode, users can take advantage of the app, which lets Linguee meet their customer needs and cultivate loyalty.
2. “Try before buy” augmented reality
Everybody knows about Pokémon Go’s successful use of augmented reality (AR). But AR is also a great fit for businesses. A variety of industries – especially apparel, accessories, homeware and decoration – can utilize AR to boost sales. Imagine AR as a way to “try it out” online by offering an overlay of the product on the customer’s reality. In this way, make-up could be shown on a customer’s actual face, or a new table could be tested in a customer’s home using on-screen AR.
Example: Wayfair is one of the first implementers of “try before buy” AR. This home shopping mobile app lets you see an item in your space before you buy it. This type of AR interaction is amazing for matching customers with items they love. In turn, this translates into high conversion rates for your business.
3. Mobile payments
While mobile is now more popular than desktop for browsing, it falls behind when it comes to purchasing. 53% of eCommerce traffic comes from mobile devices, but only 32% results in revenue. One of the reasons for this “app gap” is because of the lack or low quality of mobile payments. Having a user-friendly, multi-option payment pathway is essential for converting a user from browsing to purchasing.
Example: eBanking apps are first-rate examples of the type of secure, easy-to-use mobile payments all businesses should implement. Capital One has instant purchase notification, bill payments and mobile deposits – all within one robust mobile app. Obviously not all banking features will apply to your business, but at least it shows the high bar for detailed and secure mobile payments.
Honorable mentions
The mobile app landscape is constantly changing. Some other mobile app technologies that are nice-to-haves these days include:
• Dark mode: This feature helps customers using your app early in the morning or late at night by using a dark color scheme to put less strain on their eyes.
• Multilingual: As your customer base goes global, you’ll want your mobile app to be usable in multiple languages.
• Chatbots: 24/7 customer service is now expected by users. Chatbots can cover your bases when customer service agents aren’t available. Chatbots can intelligently answer questions and guide users to solutions without the need of a real person, or help gather necessary information before transferring the user to a live agent.
Final takeaway
Whether you’re prototyping your mobile app or simply updating certain features, you should consider these important mobile app technologies. If you’re not sure how to implement them, you’re also welcome to contact us about your project.
Need more inspiration for your mobile app in the meantime? Check out some of our favorite mobile apps!
