What to Watch in Mobile for 2010

Native vs. Browser-based Applications

When considering mobile application development, one should consider whether to develop natively (such as on the RIM, Windows Phone, and iPhone platforms) and/or develop the application to be web-based.

 As the battle continues to evolve between Flash and HTML5 (read: Adobe v. Apple), it’s clear that companies are still embracing the hybrid model.

Privacy

Due to the prevalence and explosive growth of Location Based Services (LBS), privacy has popped up as a major concern.  Some analyst project LBS to be a disastrous turn, opening up several doors for criminal activity—such as PleaseRobMe.  Many companies are treading carefully into these waters as a result.

Geo-Location Services

Foursquare is an amazing example of this concept—basically, the evolution of this trend builds on top of existing social media networks via a check in.  Right now, the technology is manual, but imagine where it could go once RFID sensors are added to the mix, as well as the automation of GPS-enabled updates (Facebook).

The Internet of Things

This is perhaps the most compelling concept.  We’ve spent the past decade or so developing a constantly improving Internet network.  Imagine what would happen once devices capitalize on this network via barcode scanning, auto-RFID, and proximity sensors in your phone, car, wallet, etc.  A great primer on the Internet of Things is found here.

Augmented Reality

Developing within the last year, Augmented Reality (or mediated reality) allows developers and marketers to layer pieces of visual and textual information over what’s being viewed/captured in real time.  The technology is defined as being live, interactive, combining virtual and real elements, and registers to the viewer in 3D (layers).

Mobile Commerce

Mary Meeker’s report on the Mobile Internet (previous post) heralded the notion that the mobile platform will soon revolutionize commerce.  We will experience a convergence of mobile ubiquity, advanced mobile payment systems, and a relinquishing of privacy concerns due to better technology and protection measures.  According to Taptu (a mobile search firm), mobile shopping and services sites already make up 25% of the mobile market.

The Cloud

According to a recently published study from Juniper Research, the market for cloud-based mobile apps will grow an astonishing 88% from 2009 to 2014.  Given that the market was over $400 million this past year, projections experts predict that by 2014, the market will be valued at $9.5 billion.