The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people do business and go about their daily lives. After this crisis ends, you can expect that not all things will return to pre-pandemic norms. Take technology, for instance. The pandemic has forced many businesses to suspend or reduce their daily operations. To adapt to the challenges, these businesses have turned to mobile apps and other innovations that automate processes, reduce human-to-human interaction, and boost productivity among remote workers.
These emerging technologies that have helped many businesses stay afloat amid a pandemic are here to stay—even in the post-pandemic world. Plus, other developments can shape how businesses run in a few years. If you own or manage a business and you don’t want to be left behind, check out these emerging mobile apps and other digital trends and keep them on your radar.
Cloud Computing
Cloud-based mobile applications were already gaining popularity before the pandemic. But these have been proven to be even more beneficial throughout the pandemic as they allow remote access and let users store large amounts of data without compromising device storage. Since work-from-home setups won’t end anytime soon, expect cloud computing to improve and upgrade its many functions continuously.
If you want to maximize the benefits of cloud computing, make sure that implementation is done properly. It’s better to have a reliable IT team to lead the implementation across the entire company. If you don’t have an in-house IT department and have employees in different time zones, consider outsourcing services from an IT company specializing in cloud migration, management, backup, and security.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in the digital world for several years now. But there’s another reason AI will be extra valuable for businesses in the post-pandemic era. Again, not all things would go back to pre-pandemic norms, and those include consumer behaviors. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the popularity of online shopping. After the crisis subsides, consumers will likely continue to purchase goods online, and AI can help businesses provide quality services to them.
Through machine learning and data analytics, AI will help companies discover new purchasing patterns. AI tools can analyze large amounts of data, recognize human speech, and enable computer systems to make human-like decisions based on data-driven predictions. In turn, businesses can deliver a better and more personalized experience to each of their customers.
Augmented Reality
Many apps like Google Maps are using augmented reality (AR) to boost their performance. With Google Maps, for instance, users can see a live view of what’s currently happening in specific areas in the United States.
This AR trend can easily be adopted through different business apps. For example, AR apps will likely be more used in the real estate industry as buyers will likely continue to follow social distancing measures and inquire online. Other companies have started to emphasize the use of AR to give their remote employees training and help their marketing staff and sales team to boost their creativity and productivity.
If you haven’t explored the power of AR, now is the time to give it a try. See if your company can benefit from apps that champion augmented reality to improve functions and deliver a better experience to consumers. This could give you an edge as you compete in the post-pandemic world.
Voice-Activated Apps
At the height of the pandemic, touchless technologies have become popular. After all, consumers are constantly reminded to wash and sanitize their hands after touching surfaces, including mobile devices. To use the power of touchless technology, many mobile apps have adopted voice activation and recognition. This trend will likely continue after the pandemic ends since people will probably stick to the habit of not touching surfaces and sanitizing their hands when they do touch doorknobs and handles.
Expect voice-activated technology to extend to other components and appliances that can be used in homes and commercial buildings. Think of voice-activated light switches, alarm systems, and bathroom taps. So, if you’re planning for your entire team to go back to the office, consider these voice-activated apps and fixtures to ensure the safety of your staff against COVID-19-like diseases in the future.
Like other global crises, the COVID-19 pandemic will greatly shape how the world works in the years to come. It can accelerate digital trends that were already in progress before the pandemic. By staying up-to-date with these trends and other emerging technologies, you can position your business well in the post-pandemic era. You can continue adjusting to changing consumer behaviors and foster business growth.
