AppBooster

We struggle to get app noticed and downloaded, while most smartphone users ignore the whole concept of app stores. Comscore claims that 65% of people don`t download apps at all, and 42% of people spend their time in one app.

Pretty scary, huh?

And it`s about to get worse. Jamie Carter in Techradar speculate whether mobile apps will be replaced by digital assistants in the nearest future. Smart agents and virtual personal assistants (like Siri) will handle all mobile interactions, using suggestions and user preferences. This assistance won't be based on one device, rather cloud and combined devices.

With IoT and cloud-based technologies, it may be better to create one single-codebase website than several native apps. Plus Google index apps and letting users stream apps that they do not have installed on their smartphones. This means even less installs then now.

How do you think this mobile app ecosystem will change?

mobilemarketer2012

Good post, thanks for the insight.

I agree that apps really only serve specific niches. The debate goes on in this forum as to whether small businesses should have an app especially since you can do most things with a mobile site or web app. I am surprised to see that 65% of people don't download apps at all but it doesn't surprise me to see that 42% spend time in one app i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc...

I can certainly see how digital assistants will be able to replace content based apps using information from the cloud. Even further, there has been little discussion on here about the mobile wallet and how mobile passes are essentially mini apps capable of sending coupons, doing ecommerce, or using geo notifications with beacons. Passes could easily replace most apps now.

Having said all that I think we are slow to change and that apps currently provide a convenience and familiarity we like. If an app has some usefullness to the consumer such as a utility function, quick info, loyalty program, etc.. then I think the average consumer will stick with them until it becomes blatantly apparent that there is something better out there.

AppBooster

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

I think that you`re right regarding useful apps - if app provide unique value for customers, it will live. Otherwise, they will need massive marketing effort in order to stay afloat (but still - with low retention rate, it won`t be long).

Silentkiller1

Nice post. It is pretty scary but if the app is useful I don't think that it will be much affected . Also I don't think Google would stream your app without your permission.

AUKev

There will always be a market for apps that provide value. Value can mean many things, money (coupons, discounts), time (locate something faster, make me more efficient), entertainment (help me release tension and stress or help me pass the time).

More than ever, do not limit yourself to a single niche. Any 'app only' providers will eventually become outdated. Diversify or you could become like Blockbuster video or a fax machine repairman, both of which at their peak, were valuable money making endeavors.