Smartphone Industry: What Is The Role Of Smartphones During COVID-19?

 

Besides chatting with a friend, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, and sharing memes on Facebook, the usage of smartphones has increased greatly during the pandemic.

In the times of Coronavirus, the usage of smartphones has become crucial. We have become completely reliant on our smart devices to perform various day-to-day tasks and keep a tab on all COVID-19 related updates.

Through this article, we would discuss some of the key ways in which smartphones can support in a scary situation like the viral pandemic. Here we go!

• Connecting Through Virtual Mediums

        

Social distancing is extremely important in order to flatten the curve of this deadly disease. Though we can’t hang out with our friends, with smartphones we can stay in virtual touch with our nearest and dearest. Video conferencing is a saviour in such difficult times as when we couldn’t step outside or hold social gatherings, it has helped a lot of people to combat the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Online Shopping

The usage of online e-commerce platforms has increased globally due to the fear and tension among people worried about getting exposed to this infectious disease. COVID-19 has changed the fundamental shopping habits of most people. Through smartphones, almost everyone has turned to online shopping for their essential goods and other needs rather than in-store shopping. It is easy, safe and convenient to shop online, a trend that will continue to boom even after the crisis has ended.

• Rise of Digital Payment

In order to reduce the transmission of the virus through paper, more and more people are switching to digital modes of payment. Digital payments are accessible and hassle-free. You just need to own a smartphone, internet connection, and any digital payment app like Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe etc. to just tap and pay within seconds. COVID-19 has compelled everyone to go for cashless payments and it is definitely a great way to ensure safety.

• Mobile Gaming

With the shutdown of the entire nation, people reached out for online games to overcome boredom and it will continue to do so throughout the pandemic as we move towards “Unlocking”. As per an article from the economic times, time spent in mobile gaming has increased by a great extent during lockdown. Gaming is a great way to connect and spend some fun time with our family or friends. It is also a good choice to pass the time while staying cooped inside in a safe way!

• Contact Tracing Apps

Such apps are being used to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The Government has made it mandatory for office goers and non-essential staff workers to install “Arogya Setu” app in their mobiles to detect and reduce the potential risk of infection. Countries across the world are using such Coronavirus tracking apps that may work differently but serve the same purpose. These apps are a crucial tool to track the details of the people who came in contact with a Coronavirus patient.

• Smartphone-Based COVID-19 Testing

Many scientists and researchers are working on self-testing for the novel Coronavirus that can be used through smartphones. In fact, an Indian startup has already developed COVID-19 detecting app which is now undergoing clinical trials before being made available for the general public. These apps will make it a lot easier to quickly detect and reduce the spread of the virus.

Takeaway

Without any doubt, smartphones are a form of rescue in this unfortunate situation when we are forced to stay at home. While the outbreak of Coronavirus has impacted the production of smartphones, at the same time, it has also increased the demand for them to get through this difficult time. From staying occupied to helping us stay sane and safe, smartphones will continue to play a major role throughout the crisis.

How Is Augmented Reality (AR) Helping Mobile Apps to Grow?

Having a mobile app is the latest trend of almost every type of business, be it small or midsized. On top of that, businesses are also following every current digital trend that further helps them to expand their reach.

But, what’s grabbing everyone’s attention the most is the usage of modern technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) in mobile apps, which is transforming user experience and emerging as one of the best marketing strategies today.

Are you curious to know how? Read on to find out everything that AR is offering to mobile applications. 

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is the superimposition of digital information like audio, video or image into the real world. As a result, these objects appear to be alive when you look at them through your smartphone camera. There are various types of AI that helps business to expand its reach.

One of the most used and famous apps amongst the younger generation, which has been running on AR for a long time is “Snapchat”. They’ve created filters such as a dog filter that creates ears and a nose on our face and ones that can change our voice like a baby or manly too. Isn’t it unrealistic?

AR is not limited to photo or video sharing platforms; it has already marked its presence with the immense success of games like “Pokémon Go”. If you have ever played this game or not, this game is all about catching Pokémon characters in backyards, inside player’s rooms, and beyond. Pretty interesting right?

All of this was possible due to Augmented reality, which technically tracks user locations and places Pokémon characters on their way to be caught.

There’s no doubt that AR has become a game-changer in the mobile app industry. Let’s read in detail to know how it may help your business to accelerate through mobile applications.

• AR Increases User Engagement

     

Online shopping is always troublesome for those who are unsure whether a particular product will suit them or not. Luckily, AR is breaking this barrier of online shopping and gradually easing the process from the customer point of view, as well as increasing the sales figure.

A major cosmetic brand called Sephora allows its users to try different shades of lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes etc. on their face just by downloading their mobile app. This has helped the brand to keep its customers engaged for a longer period.

• AR Enhances User Experience

Comfort is the first and foremost thing that users get attracted to and IKEA, a multinational furniture company understood this well. Their mobile app lets the users try out their furniture without the need to step out of the house.

The IKEA Place app uses the technology of Augmented reality to allow users to visualize how particular furniture will look like when it is placed in their house. With this way, the process of shopping has become comfortable and easier.

• AR Improves Brand Reliability

Offering latest technologies and experiences to your users make them believe that your business is unique and adheres ongoing trends in technology. It helps to increase customers trust and loyalty towards your business, and using mobile apps equipped with AR will help to shape your business innovatively and be distinctive in the market.

• AR Boost Sales Figure

Using AR technology can help increase the sales of your respective brand/product. Know why?

Providing your services in an innovative and entertaining way increases the customer’s will to purchase the product. The user will be more attracted towards your product because it is informative, accessible, and unique than the rest in the market.

For example, imagine you are seeing how a pair of boots will look like in your feet via a mobile app. Wouldn’t it will be a lot easier to choose from numerous shoe types? 

Also, suppose you come across an ancient building and you are curious to know every interesting historic fact related to that establishment? What if you can get all of the information and many more that you desire, just by opening the camera on a certain app? Well, thanks to AR, it’s all becoming possible.

• AR Increases Users Reach

As discussed earlier, augmented reality transforms the process of online shopping and your business can reach a wider audience. Those people who were afraid to shop online before, are now finding the process easier because they can simply try out particular products like footwear, sunglasses, or makeup products via a mobile app in their comfortable pyjamas at home.

Final Thoughts

Augmented Reality offers a wide range of benefits for every business, be it entertainment, education, retail, gaming and many others for keeping customers engaged, and fulfilling several key goals of the business.

If you really wish to stand out from the rest of your competitors, it’s highly advised to take a look at the latest technologies like AR and see how it can help your business to grow. Just remember that your AR equipped app is simple to use and is contributing to making customer’s life easier. 

All the best!