The 7 Hottest Trends in Android Development for 2020
With no doubt, Android app development is one of the fastest-growing sectors of web development. An array of smart technologies available open almost unlimited possibilities to both end-users and software developers. This, in turn, results in a high competition level in the industry. To survive in this highly competitive environment one needs to keep up with the latest trends. Let’s review the seven hottest trends in Android app development for the year 2020.
Instant Applications
The concept of instant apps is great: users are allowed to try the application before downloading. As evidenced in practice, this results in a higher installation rate. When choosing between two similar apps, users tend to opt for the one they have already tested. This is especially true for mobile games; however, the solution can be of use for business applications as well. An example is the Crossword app offered by the New York Times, which is available in an instant mode, i.e. without downloading.
From the point of view of a regular user, instant apps have some very attractive advantages.
- They use less traffic if compared to conventional apps.
- They help save storage space on the device.
- They are compatible with most Android-powered devices.
- They let us use all the app’s features without the need to install it.
Most instant apps provide great user experience, thanks to their thought-out UI. They run smoothly in a usual mobile web-browser.
From the point of view of a developer, the creation of an instant app is almost as easy as the creation of a conventional application. The source code and API are the same. Moreover, one can make an existing application instant.
Flutter by Google
The Flutter technology is a special framework, which lets developers create multi-platform native apps. It adds a lot of flexibility and saves time, as you need to develop only one app compatible with both Android and iOS, instead of two separate products. There are at least three reasons to use this tool.
- Flutter lets use native elements of both iOS and Android elements to make the user experience more comfortable. It can modify the functionality of particular native widgets. Thanks to that, an app looks and feels like an original OS’s application.
- Flutter is a convenient option for creating MPV products, as it helps to cut off the development time.
- Flutter is easy to use. Google provides a generous set of detailed instructions, manuals, and video classes that explain how to use the technology.
Many popular apps, such as Google Ads and Alibaba, are created with the use of the Flutter technology. Experts believe its popularity will only grow. Without a doubt, it is one of the hottest trends in Android development.
AI and Machine Learning
AI and ML are intensively used in app development. They help make an application more flexible and customizable. An AI-based app learns the user’s behavior patterns to bring interaction to a new level. A constant analysis of the user’s interests and inquiries lets create unique smart suggestions for him and predict his actions. Artificial Intelligence is also a powerful marketing tool, as it lets make targeted, more precise suggestions to potential customers. Thanks to it, a mobile application can turn into a powerful marketing channel.
Examples of well-known AI- and ML-based applications include Google Maps, LinkedIn, Tinder, Netflix, and others. If you have ever used these apps, you’ve definitely had a chance to appreciate their convenience and a lot of smart features.
Chatbots
Chatbots are widely used in the B2B sector. While they can’t be considered cutting-edge technology, they remain one of the hottest trends in 2020, thanks to their effectiveness and ease of use. A chatbot is a great alternative for a live operator of a customer support service. Unlike a live operator, it can work 24/7 without being tired and helps avoid mistakes caused by a human factor. Another great advantage of a chatbox is fasts responses. Some major brands, such as Starbucks, have already made use of this smart solution.
Android Jetpack
This is a complex developer kit that includes multiple tools and libraries, which let create top-notch apps from the scratch. Thanks to the detailed guides offered by Google, the suite is easy to start with. Basically, it consists of 4 key components:
- Foundation, which helps in programming and testing.
- Architecture, which includes components needed for creating reliable apps for Android.
- Behavior, which is responsible for the implementation of various services, such as in-app notifications.
- User interface components, which are used for making the app UI convenient and user-friendly.
On-Demand Applications
On-demand applications use smart technologies for tracking user location and behavior. Based on the information collected, they offer the most relevant services. It helps solve everyday tasks faster and more effectively.
One can implement the on-demand functionality in almost any app – taxi services, food delivery, travel apps, and so on. The stellar examples of on-demand apps are Uber and Google Maps, which track user location and instantly offer the needed services on the user’s demand. This functionality is quite easy to implement, and it can be rightfully considered one of the leading trends of 2020.
Internet of Things
Internet of Things seems to be one of the most promising trends, thanks to the consistent growth of smart Internet-enabled devices around. Just some of the most obvious spheres of application of the IoT technology are healthcare, fitness, and education. For example, some independent devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can collect information about a user’s health condition and send it to medical centers without human participation.
The technology is applied in the sphere of education. Just some examples of popular IoT-based apps are Edmodo, Nymi, and C-Pen. They open a broad spectrum of opportunities to users, such as sharing important educational materials, remote control of students’ progress, the collaboration of tutors, parents, and pupils, and so on.
Final Thoughts
The year 2020 offers a lot of great opportunities for Android app developers. But, if you want to create really competitive products, you need to be aware of the latest trends in the industry and try to apply them in the development process. We’ve reviewed seven hot trends, which seem to have the largest potential. However, you shouldn’t stop here, as there are some other great tools to consider, for example, Augmented Reality, which can provide a really unique user experience. Be creative and use thee right tools depending on your business specifics. After all, an ability to use a non-standard approach and estimate the project from a long-term perspective is a key to success.
Author’s bio
Vitaly Kuprenko is a writer for Cleveroad. It’s a web and mobile app development company with headquarters in Ukraine. He enjoys writing about technology and digital marketing.
