These are the Friday “High Five” stories in the digital product innovation space during the week of 3/19/2016 to 3/25/2016 we noticed were trending.
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1) Apple’s Special Event
On Monday, Apple held a special event to announce new products and updates for their vast product line. It was a short event, but Apple made some major announcements, including:
- The new iPhone SE
- The new iOS 9.3 software update
- The new 9.7 inch iPad Pro
- The new pricing for their product line
- And much more
Critics say the iPhone SE is nothing new, but the fact is it holds much more potential than it’s given credit for. For example, the new iPhone has an A9 chip for faster, more reliable performance. It’s known as the “most powerful 4-inch phone ever” by Apple. Although it offers much that the iPhone 6s does, it truly is a “special edition” product.
The other new products and software Apple announced are of great benefit to users, but the iOS software update presents an especially significant opportunity for businesses, too.
- If you’re trying to incorporate your business offerings with motorists, Apple’s new CarPlay features could present a chance to reach them.
- If you’re in the healthcare and wellness industry, Apple’s new updates to their Health app could help you reach your prospects and assist existing customers.
Although some say Apple’s event was nothing special, the potential for business growth is still present. Companies can use these new products and updates to their advantage by taking their own place in the mobile app development industry.
Stuzo can help businesses take part in this ever-growing industry, giving them the chance to take this opportunity and use it to their advantage. Contact us today to see how we can help you grow your business with a beneficial return on investment.
2) Virtual Reality’s Business Impact
There’s no denying that virtual reality is going through a huge development boom. More and more VR systems are hitting the market, and each of them present an opportunity for businesses.
In an article by ReadWrite, the author lists 12 ways that virtual reality will impact business. The main point of the article is to say that businesses can no longer ignore the advancements and potential of virtual reality.
Some of the key points from the article include:
- Businesses can use VR to increase brand loyalty
- VR will increase business reach through teleconferencing
- E-commerce will see increased sales by offering visual representations of products via VR
With virtual reality’s huge burst in development, businesses cannot resist the opportunity it presents. It’s your chance to reach your target audience in a new, powerful way. It’s the future of the remote shopping experience, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
3) Apple’s CareKit Announcement
During Apple’s special event on Monday, they announced their new CareKit program. It is an open-source offering that allows developers to make health apps for Apple’s mobile products.
Although not yet available to the public (Apple will release it in April), the new program is already getting significant attention by the healthcare industry. It gives companies a chance to create apps that will help them reach their target audience as well as build loyalty among existing customers.
CareKit branches off of Apple’s existing ResearchKit program, which has been a huge hit so far. Apple defines both programs as:
- ResearchKit: a software framework for apps that lets researchers gather robust and meaningful data
- CareKit: a software framework for apps that lets you better understand and manage your medical conditions
In summary, ResearchKit supports the backend of app use while CareKit supports the end user.
For businesses, CareKit is your chance to bring customer service to a whole new level. When you build a custom app for this framework, you’re able to reach your clients in a personal way. That’s how things work these days. People want to be treated like people, and custom apps that support your patients will help you see success.
Stuzo creates apps for enterprise and startups to help them reach their audience in modern, effective ways. We can help you build an app that your audience will love to use, so contact us now to learn more.
4) Samsung’s New Smartwatch
There’s the Apple Watch. There’s the Fitbit Blaze. There’s the Pebble Smartwatch…
The list goes on.
Smartwatches are here, and the list of choices is getting longer. Which smartwatch has the most potential?
The answer is clear: Samsung’s Gear S2 is hands-down the leader of smartwatch development.
Unlike all the other smartwatches, Samsung’s new smartwatch doesn’t rely on a phone to work. It is an independent device that lets you do everything the other devices offer but without the need for your phone.
Some of the key features of this revolutionary device include:
- 3G connectivity for receiving notifications and making calls or sending messages, even when you’re not near your phone
- Compatible with most Android phones
- Built-in wireless charging
- Supported GPS navigation
- And more…
The biggest opportunity for businesses though is the ability to incorporate your own app for the watch. Samsung partners with other app developers to make their watch better, so this is your chance to participate.
Are you in the health and wellness industry? Do you have an idea for a health app that smartwatch wearers can benefit from? Samsung’s Gear S2 is ideal for this type of app. They offer to add news and productivity apps, but the biggest category for this watch is health tracking.
Do you want to build an app for the Samsung Gear S2? Now is the best time to hop onboard, and Stuzo can help you take full advantage. We specialize in mobile app development, so contact us today to get started.
5) Google’s Android Pay Launch in the UK
Google is bringing its mobile payments platform, Android Pay, to the United Kingdom. By doing so, it’s going head-to-head with Apple’s own mobile payments system.
In a few months, Android Pay will be available for all near-field communications (NFC)-enabled smartphones running Android 4.4 or higher. It will also be accepted on London’s transportation systems.
Along with competing with Apple Pay, Google’s Android Pay will soon be facing another competitor: Samsung Pay.
In a CNBC article, the author explains more about how Google’s Android Pay will face off with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. It’s a battle to keep an eye on.
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To conclude, these are just 5 trends for this week, but each topic is more expansive than what was covered here. Learn more about how your business can get involved with app development by contacting Stuzo today. We can bring you to the front of the line with our digital product innovation services. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. Get started today.
