How App Development Is Being Impacted By IoT

The Internet of Things (commonly referred to as “IoT”) is a big deal today and a topic that’s bound to pop-up even in the most rudimentary discussions on technology. The IoT has influenced a lot of things and one such area is app development.

You see, apps and the IoT are deeply connected. So, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise when one influences the other. Mobile applications today connect people to their devices.

A good example would be fitness bands that help users out with their health-related goals and tasks. How do these bands work? By connecting and syncing data with an app on your phone.

But, it doesn’t just end there.

Today, apps connect us to everything from our car to the refrigerator at home. They are all part of a single network, in which, they transmit data back and forth. This is exactly what we refer to as the IoT – a mass network of connected devices that seamlessly integrate with each other to provide the user with control of everything.

Now, as some of you might have deduced, the IoT cannot exist without mobile applications. In fact, the mobile app is what laid the foundation for IoT. So, it’s only natural that, as the IoT continues to evolve or become more prevalent, it will start to play a greater role in the development of mobile applications.

Well, that’s exactly what we are here to discuss. We’re going to take a brief look at the various ways in which IoT is influencing mobile app development.

Apps Need To Be More Skilled Than Ever

We all know how important it is for us to learn new skills in order to adapt to changing work environments. It’s no different for the average mobile application, especially with IoT on the horizon. Developers will have to start prioritizing adaptability if they intend to keep their application relevant.

To give you an example, the IoT era app must be able to detect a device and connect almost intuitively.
However, for this to happen, developers must themselves become adaptable. They must focus on developing their knowledge and skills.

Apps Need To Be More Function-Oriented

Up until now, when apps were developed, the focus was always on the what the app’s functions were. However, with IoT, the focus must also be directed towards the functions of the device that’s being connected. To put it simply, developers need to acquire a thorough knowledge of the “things” they want their app to integrate with.

Aspects such as data transference, mode of connection, and seamless interaction are some of the areas that need to be prioritized.
This includes understanding merged functionality as well. Merged functionality refers to the functional aspects of multiple devices that connect with the application. To put it simply, developers will have to focus on how multiple devices connected to the app deliver the intended results. So, not only do developers have to acquire expertise on a single device, they have to seek out expertise on every device that is likely to connect to the app.

A Greater Focus On Security

The greatest feature of IoT is that it’s ubiquitous. In other words, it’s going to be everywhere and you’re going to have every device on the planet connected to some app or the other. Now, this might sound great. However, it does come with a few drawbacks, the greatest of them being the increased risk of security breaches.

Cybercriminals depend on endpoints to hack into devices and systems. With IoT, you’re going to have more endpoints than you’ve ever had. So, developers and programmers will have to prioritize security by including it within the core of the application they’re developing.

So, yes, as an app developer, you will have to start bolstering your cyber-security skills. The cyber-security landscape is going to evolve on a massive scale and it’s best to start playing catch up right now.

More Niche Apps

At present, most of the app development is focused on platforms like iOS, Windows, and Android etc. However, with the spread of IoT, there’s bound to be an increase in niche apps. So, the ongoing trend of focusing on specific platforms will have to change. You can’t stick to just one developer for all your requirements.

Businesses will have to begin looking for developers that are skilled in the IoT arena and there’s not a lot of time left to do this.

At The End Of The Day…

IoT is starting to establish the foundation for several new businesses. In fact, some of the businesses that we already know of couldn’t have entered the scene without IoT. As mobile users continue to grow and spend more time on their devices, it’s becoming clear that apps will play a significant role in the IoT era.

Uber is a good example of a company that thrives on IoT. Its success has a lot to do with the fact that it is able to quickly provide its customers with important information by collecting data from all those who use the proprietary app.

Uber practically led the way for app-based cab services by offering a top-notch service that does everything from tracking drivers to estimating the distance between the customer and the cab.

The proliferation of the mobile app has a lot to do with how functional and easy to use they are, and now with IoT offering seamless connectivity, apps are only going to end up playing a central role.

More people are adopting the use of digital devices and by doing so, they’re all becoming a part of the IoT. This has created all sorts of requirements and app developers are already responding appropriately, thereby ensuring that the IoT is secure and trustworthy.

There aren’t many things that can be credited with changing the face of mobile app development. IoT, however, happens to be one of those few things. But, the best part is that the IoT revolution has only just begun and as time passes, we will start seeing it impact app development even more. In fact, the symbiotic relationship between the two is only going to get stronger.

About Crafted

It’s clear from what’s been discussed so far that we’re approaching a critical period in app development. So, it would be wise to find yourself a partner who can adapt to the changing landscape. Crafted is a leading app development firm in New York City that’s been playing the game for quite some time.

At Crafted, we understand the importance of staying relevant in an ever-evolving market and that means we can develop apps that meet all your demands. Whether it’s IoT or whatever new technological revolution that’s heading your way, Crafted is here to offer the support and assistance you need.