When it comes to mobile app development and the features that modern apps bring to the consumers, AI and machine learning can greatly streamline the process while enhancing the in-app user experience. Let's put that into perspective and take a look at how these technologies are changing mobile app development, just in time for your next app development project in 2023.

Here's what you need to know.

Enhancing the DevOps process

DevOps is a comprehensive term used to describe the numerous tools, tactics, and processes used for efficient and effective software development, but its foundational pillars can be applied to numerous other departments and sectors. In mobile app development, the DevOps principles and way of thinking can be invaluable in driving down costs while aligning IT teams with operations and other departments in an organization.

You can apply DevOps principles and methodologies in android and iOS app development in the fields of automation, collaboration between teams, continuous testing and optimization, as well as ensuring you're making constant daily progress. It's also important to note that AI and machine learning play a vital role in maximizing the potential of every DevOps project.

AI and machine learning are primarily tasked with providing automated, daily testing of software to ensure everything is working properly, but in a separate sandbox environment so that the teams can continue working on the product at the same time. Quality assurance is a big part of AI implementation here, and it helps to develop a mobile app faster all the while ensuring that all features are working as intended.

Detecting malicious behavior and profanity

When it comes to in-app functionalities and ensuring complete data protection and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning systems are becoming indispensable to software engineers and the end users. During the app development process, AI systems can conduct regular pen testing and security probing to uncover potential weaknesses, while the deep learning systems can continue to improve cybersecurity measures and create meaningful insights.

After launch, artificial intelligence can be used alongside a profanity filter that automatically spots and flags suspicious behavior in the chat, such as bullying, criminal activity, sexual advances, bigotry, and more. The system can keep learning to not only detect these keywords, but to spot potential malicious or criminal activity ahead of time.

These features can bring the end user much-needed peace of mind, knowing that the app itself is safe and that the chat functionality is smart enough to automatically protect them in various conversations and potentially harmful situations.

Automating chat functionalities

Speaking of chat, we also need to recognize that in-app chat functions have become ubiquitous to modern mobile apps, as they facilitate brand-user communication and communication between users. A good chat function helps develop your brand's community, but it also allows you to deliver exceptional customer service on a moment's notice right there in the app.

Modern mobile apps are heavily banking on chatbot marketing as well, allowing the brand to communicate directly with the user in the app by sending direct messages and push notifications. Artificial intelligence comes in when it starts providing smart, timely support along with personalized offers and interactions in the DMs.

Programming AI-driven chatbots and intuitive chat functionalities during the development process is therefore an essential element of good UX and a great way to ensure user satisfaction in the long term.

Building automated self-help desks

The in-app experience is becoming increasingly complex and all-encompassing, but that should come as no surprise. There's nothing that modern users hate more than having to venture outside the app to get an answer to a question or to complete a certain action. Every time they exit the app because they have to and not because they want to, you risk them going to the competitors.

That's why software developers are working heavily to create a closed loop of in-app experiences that will keep the user from closing the app while perusing products or services.

When it comes to customer service, a user should be able to reach a support agent directly in the app through a CPaaS (Communications Platform as a Service) system, or if they don't want to talk to anyone, they should have access to an in-app information desk. Building an intuitive, AI-driven self-help desk functionality and complementing it with an in-app support tool is a great way to keep the users in the app.

Better predictive analytics and personalization

Artificial intelligence can collect and collate vast amounts of industry and user data, and it can help the app development process by generating insights fast for the dev teams. On the other hand, machine learning can support ongoing improvement and app personalization for specific customer segments and target groups.

Some of the best SaaS ideas are born from artificial intelligence and the reports and industry insights it creates, allowing business leaders to identify the biggest gaps in the market and make the right investment. Even if the idea for the app is nothing new to the consumer, AI can still uncover the best ways to make the app better and more unique than what the competitor's are offering.

Wrapping up

Mobile app developers are always looking for more efficient and effective ways to get their products finished faster without sacrificing quality, while ensuring high customer satisfaction. Getting everything ready in time for the rollout is one thing, but integrating all the features the modern users need while ensuring next-level functionality and security can be a difficult challenge.

That's why leveraging low-code AI along with machine learning is becoming an integral and a necessary part of the process. Make sure to implement these technologies in 2023 to shorten your development cycle in 2023 and bring amazing new apps to the market.

The post How AI and Chatbots are Changing the Development Landscape appeared first on Datafloq.

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks. 2G launched in the 1990s and increased bandwidth, and 3G enhanced the ability to surf the web in the 2000s. By 2015, 4G better integrated social networks and streaming services. Now, 5G is speeding forward into the future.

Because 5G promises a faster and more integrated system, the previous generations like 3G are fading away. Discover how you may be affected and what to expect in the coming years of 5G dominance.

The Meteoric Rise of 5G

As time steadily chugs through the 2020s, significant improvements in interconnectivity are on their way. Luckily, 5G is there to do some heavy lifting for a more efficient and convenient life.

For one, 5G is incredibly fast. Downloading large files or PDFs will be easier than ever as experts predict 5G to download at one gigabit per second (Gbps). Overall, 5G also could download 100 times more Gbps than the current favorite, 4G. Imagine a movie downloaded in 3.6 seconds-this is the true might of 5G speed.

5G can also navigate enormous amounts of data. From connecting Internet-of-Things (IoT) to downloading and sending large files, 5G can do it all. Known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution of full digital integration, IoT powered by 5G is the future of robotics in manufacturing and smart sensors to keep workers in safer environments.

Furthermore, 5G is paving the way for a sustainable future. Smart energy grids that power cities could rely on the heavy-lifting power of 5G, and aid scientists to monitor climate change risks. Advanced IoT sensors monitor soil quality, water pollution and smog levels in different regions.

Timelines for Phasing Out 3G

In our digital history, 2G and 3G were essential for building digital infrastructure and powering IoT, but newer generations are much more robust. In Europe, 2G and 3G are expected to be phased out by 2025.

In the United States, many large network carriers already shut down 3G in their policies:

• AT&T ended in February 2022
• Sprint stopped in May 2022

However, some carriers are still moving toward their shutdown:

• Version's last day with 3G is December 31st, 2022
• US Cellular plans to shut down 3G by 2024

If a person's device is affected by the shutdown, these carriers will contact the customer and offer a new device equipped with 4G or 5G.

What About 4G?

3G is coming to a close as 5G rises, but 4G is still hanging on. Many 5G networks rely on 4G in order to establish initial connections. Furthermore, 5G is not available in many rural areas yet, making it difficult for those users to consider switching networks just yet.

Carriers now have the option to either integrate 4G and 5G or establish 5G as a stand-alone powerhouse.

Who is Affected by the End of 3G?

Thankfully, only 9% of wireless connections are 2G or 3G in the United States. All smartphones launched after 2014 will not be affected, including all Apple phones after the iPhone 6. Those with flip phones launched after 2017 will also continue without a hitch.

To double-check the status of a phone, turn off Wi-Fi and check if it says 4G LTE or 5G. If it says either of these phrases, your phone will continue as normal. If it does not say this, contact your carrier to discover carry-over plans for current 3G customers.

Home Security, Medical Devices and Cars

Home security systems may be at risk with the rise of 5G. Automatic alert systems to call emergency services or store security footage may be lost or inoperable if they run on 3G. Contact your service provider and ask about the status of your system. If it needs upgrading, a technician will replace the primary box.

The same advice extends to those with medical devices. Ask your care physician about the status of your device as soon as possible to ensure your safety.

In cars, this may affect features like the crash notification or the SOS button, but many manufacturers are sending out over-the-air updates before the shutdown. Some upgrades may come at the cost of new equipment, however.

The Promise of a Faster Future

5G networks at the future of a fast and integrated digital landscape. Its ability to download in seconds, connect systems and devices with ease and prepare the world for a more efficient future is unparalleled.

The shutdown of 3G marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a better future for everyone.

The post What You Need to Know About the End of 3G and Rise of 5G appeared first on Datafloq.

In the past, you had to choose whether your app would be mobile or desktop, universal or native. The native ones performed better as they were written in separate code for each platform.

This made them expensive, taking more time to develop, and hiring a team of developers specialized in each platform was still necessary. However, Flutter, based on the Dart language and created by Google, in 2017, changed this scenario.

What is flutter anyway?

Flutter is an open-source development kit with which you can develop interfaces for various platforms for apps, websites and portals.

With it, it is possible to create mobile, desktop and web projects with a single code, making the application development process easier and more optimized. That's because Flutter, in addition to being cross-platform, is a native application.

A native application is developed based on the operating system on which it will work and uses features of the device, such as the camera and GPS.

Advantages of a native app

• Faster, as it needs less processing
• More development quality and fewer bugs
• Improves user experience as it utilizes mobile device hardware and software
• More usage modes, as it can be used with a slower connection or even offline
• More security, as it does not need intermediaries, being a very stable application

In addition to all these advantages, Flutter also helps when developing versions for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and all other operating systems. Its programming language is Dart, very similar to JavaScript.

Another feature of Flutter is that the structural elements, such as menus, layouts, buttons and others, are widgets, so they can be used from packages already ready in the framework or create them from scratch.

As one of the most complete platforms at the moment, large corporations use Flutter for application development.

Main features of Flutter

By combining the quality of native applications with the flexibility of cross-platform application development, the framework brings many advantages and benefits to application building.

Flutter contains everything needed to create the best user interfaces (UI), enabling designers to easily render operating systems.

Regarding the user experience, Flutter works in the User Interface (UI) layer of applications, without intermediaries between devices. As a result, native applications developed in Flutter have better performance and fluidity, benefiting user interaction.

See Flutter's architecture

Flutter is a great choice for companies that need quality application development and a great user experience, but have a tight budget. Precisely by having the same code base for all platforms, the code process is much faster.

In other words, using a slightly more technical explanation, let's assume that your business is developing a cross-platform application using Flutter's MaterialApp widget.

This widget, for example, builds several other useful widgets at the root of your application, including a browser. This browser manages a stack of widgets, called strings and known in Flutter as routes. In this way, the browser allows you to move smoothly between application screens.

How has Flutter changed app development?

Now that we have a better understanding of what Flutter is and how the framework works, let's understand how it positively impacts mobile app development processes.

Less development time

Undoubtedly, the time factor is one of the most requested and taken into account when hiring an application development team. Big businesses and companies aim to develop the highest quality app as quickly as possible.

Because of Hot Reload, creating applications in Flutter allows for more agile development, as the developer can instantly see the changes made to the code while programming. With this, he can iterate and optimize the test procedure quickly.

In this way, the development team saves time, as problems are identified and resolved at the same time the programming is done.

It even happened with one of the apps developed in Flutter, the Hamilton App, which takes the experience of the American Broadway musical beyond the theatre, as the team had to develop the app in less than three months and still had to make a big change in the code. the night before it was released in stores.

Flutter apps are more budget-friendly

The quality offered by the applications developed in Flutter has an excellent cost-benefit for all the usability and loading speed that the framework provides.

It is a perfect option for testing MVPs, allowing you to test prototypes quickly. The cost of Flutter is generally lower when compared to different frameworks to develop the application on each platform. Not to mention that you don't need a specific team to develop the application for Android and another team specialized in iOS, further reducing costs.

Google and Community Support

Because it was created by Google, obviously, the development team also has the official support of the technology giant.

With this, you guarantee your application a higher quality, always updated documentation and the security that this framework will not fall into disuse, with the risk of losing your application.

In addition, Flutter is also a free and open-source framework, providing all the necessary documentation to be analyzed further. It also offers external consultations to resolve any issues that may arise in the future.

More current and longer-lived apps

Another very interesting point about Flutter is that it makes the app's lifespan longer by always offering the same widgets for all platforms. With it, there is no problem of changing the aesthetics of older devices, requiring fewer interface updates or constant layout adjustments.

Also, because these widgets are part of the application code developed in Flutter, without intermediaries, there are much less incompatibilities in the different versions of each operating system. That is, your branded app will continue to work on newer versions of more modern mobile devices.

The post What is Flutter: check out the advantages of Google’s framework appeared first on Datafloq.

These are some numbers related to mobile app security:

• According to a survey conducted by Verizon in 2020, 43% of organizations have compromised their mobile app security.
• As per a report by McAfee, malicious apps were the primary cause of mobile application security threats in the last couple of years.
• According to a mobile security report 2021 by Checkpoint, 40% of the world's mobile devices are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

All these numbers indicate the need to know more about mobile app security risks or threats. So, let's explore 15 of the most significant risks to mobile app security.

1. Fragile Server Side Settings

As you know, any communication between the user and application happens through a server. So, many hackers tried to attack the server to breach the mobile app's security. In this scenario, if you have a fragile server-side setting in place, you're risking the app's security. Therefore, you need to consider the fundamental server-side security; otherwise, it could be a total disaster.

2. Absence of Binary Protection

Binary protection is one of the techniques that security experts implement to fix your mobile application's vulnerability. However, if you have no binary protection, the attacker can reverse engineer your application code to inject any malicious code. This can result in serious data theft, fraud, trust damage, and revenue loss for any organization across the globe.

3. Lack of Data Storage Security

When you're accessing any mobile application, you're dealing with a lot of important business data. That's why it becomes essential to protect those data, and the firms that don't give importance to this aspect invite the risk of a cyberattack. The attacker can easily access and manipulate this data and cause identity theft, reputation damage, and external policy violation.

4. Insecure Transport Layer

The transport layer is one of the most critical components for establishing communication between the app and the user. So, if the transport layer hasn't had sufficient protection, the outside can intrude into that layer and access sensitive information. Nowadays, organizations use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to plugin these gaps.

5. Data Leakage

Data leakage is one of the most significant issues mobile app developers face in today's day and age. Here, we're referring to the unintentional data leakage that happens due to data storage in a location that is easily accessible to an outsider. This will result in a breach of user privacy, leading to unauthorized access of the data, which is a real danger sign for all users.

6. Substandard Authentication and Authorization

Authentication and authorization are some of the most fundamental elements of any mobile app security. If you make this basic mistake of not ensuring your application, it will give attackers a freeway to access your backend server. In addition to this, you should prioritize offline authentication and authorization as all mobile devices are not always connected to the internet.

7. Error in Cryptography Implementation

Most mobile app development services nowadays utilize cryptography to secure their application data and code. However, if there is an error in implementing cryptography, it can invite some serious security threats. Any missing link in the cryptography implementation gives a chance to the attacker to view and manipulate your precious data, which can be catastrophic.

8. Improper Handling of Session

Session handling is one of the most critical aspects of any mobile application development. If you stretch a particular session for a very long period even when the user is not accessing your app, it can invite malicious attacks. Keeping the session short and sharp is essential for security purposes, and that's why you will see most banking sites following these practices.

9. Code Injection

Code injection is a technique of gaining unauthorized access to your application by adding malicious code to your database. This can result in massive issues like denial of access, data loss or corruption, and in some cases, a total takeover. However, the biggest fear for mobile app developers is that these attacks are not that difficult to execute and don't require any expertise.

10. Absence of API Protection

In today's day and age, you must have seen many mobile applications providing you complex functionalities with utmost ease, and APIs have a role to play in it. However, the issue with APIs is that they contain complex structures and are very difficult to perform security testing. So, when unprotected APIs are in play, there's a chance of a security breach or a significant threat.

11. Remote Working Vulnerabilities

We're living in the era of globalization where you're working with people located across the globe. Each team member will access the database or any code via remote access in this remote working culture. This can create a chance for security breaches as multiple people access the same data from different locations. In addition, attackers can easily change the data.

12. Continuing with Vulnerable Components

You must know about forums or open-source channels that publish security threats if you're someone from the mobile app development industry. Now, you know one of such vulnerabilities in your application, but continue using the same version. This kind of scenario can invite unauthorized access that can exploit the mobile application's sensitive data.

13. Cross-Side Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Side Scripting (XSS) happens when an attacker places a snippet of code in the public pages of your website or web application. Through this script, the hacker can access your app and make changes like modifying sensitive data or redirecting users to malicious websites. Creating multiple levels of validation for the user inputs is one of the best ways to deal with it.

14. Improper Platform Usage

Before starting the app development process, each mobile app developer needs to know the platform, i.e., iOS, Android, or Windows. If this is not the case and you start the app development process, you have no idea about security implementations. This means you're losing out on the battle even before starting the fight against security threats.

15. Network Spoofing

Network spoofing means the hacker sets up fake access points that free wi-fi access to ordinary users. The hacker will also keep a name like ”'free airport wi-fi”
or ”'enjoy free access”
that invites more and more users into the network and traps them. In this manner, they can access mobile devices and churn out users' critical information, which can cause significant damage.

Conclusion

Achieving mobile app security in this day and age is becoming more and more difficult for developers. There can't be a fully secure application in this day and age with the rise of new threats on a day-to-day basis. However, you can make sure that you have knowledge about which things can cause major security threats. Here, we have discussed 15 of those security threats, which will help you a lot.

The post 15 Biggest Threats to Mobile Apps Security appeared first on Datafloq.

Many businesses are pursuing the solution of deploying their custom mobile applications.

With such a wide range of mobile devices, too many operating systems, as well as sizes of display and device capabilities of handling the applications, it becomes challenging to develop mobile apps which suit all.

However, as mobile devices evolve, so does the technology for building apps; as a result, there is now a list of Low-Code development platforms available to help developers to create mobile applications that meet their business objectives.

So, let's see what Low-Code development is.

Low-Code

Low-code is a software development strategy that allows applications to be delivered more quickly and with less coding.

Low-code platforms are a set of technologies (Tools) that allow the visual creation of programs using the modeling and a graphical user interface which makes it easy for someone with less knowledge of programming, it also speeds up the process of getting an app to production.

The approach to Low-Code application is evolving with time, but it is critical to grasp the notion of low-code, the composition of low-code platforms, and the challenges that low-code answers.

It is a technology that allows for the visual development and delivery of whole applications.

The essence of low-code platforms is a drag-and-drop interface.

Instead of developing complicated code and terminology, you can utilize low-code to rapidly and graphically develop full apps with advanced user interfaces, software solutions, databases, and analytics.

Benefits Of Low-Code

The demand for IT firms to provide new solutions is increasing. Only a limited number of successful firms have the financial and personnel resources to satisfy the market need for speed and better development.

Most businesses are plagued by massive shortages, and unable to find suitably skilled employees, and are always pushed to accomplish more with less.

Low-code platforms, on the other hand, have drastically decreased the complexity of application development.

It increases the value of programmers by allowing effective approaches to build on their knowledge of how to produce and maintain high-quality websites and apps while also broadening their skills by experimenting with new technologies.

Low-code allows developers to accomplish more. They may spend more time developing and less time on repetitive tasks using low-code.

Drawback Of Low-Code

• The truth of low-code is that most low-code systems are conceptual, necessitating a significant amount of effort to be automated.
• When it comes time to expand, interface with existing programs, the low-code application may lead to the collapse of functional and non – functional criteria.
• If a low-code application needs to be updated for technological development it becomes difficult or nearly impossible to do.

Top 5 Low-Code Platforms

1. Visual LANSA

Visual LANSA is a low-code, Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows you to build mobile, responsive web or desktop applications (Windows, browser, mobile devices) for cloud (AWS, Azure) or on-premises (Windows, IBM i, Linux).

2. GeneXus

GeneXus is a cross-platform, knowledge-representation-based development tool aimed primarily at enterprise-class applications for online applications, smart devices, and the Microsoft Windows platform. GeneXus generates native code for a variety of contexts mostly using declarative language.

3. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a cloud software that allows you to develop custom applications without any prior coding knowledge. The drag-and-drop interface of Zoho Creator allows you to develop customized business apps easily.

4. Creatio

Creatio is a low-code SaaS (software as a service) solution for process management and CRM (customer relationship management). It may be used to automate corporate activities, set up rules, and create third-party connections.

5. Appian

Appian is a low-code development platform for companies of all sizes. Users can use it to create business process management (BPM) applications.

Final Remark

As you've gathered enough knowledge on what Low-Code is, how it works, and, more significantly, its advantages and disadvantages.

Low-Code platforms will play an essential role in the rapid creation of mobile apps. However, as explained in this blog, it may be unable to create applications that complement current technology.

And this is where low-code app development differs from the standard, with the majority of businesses still opting for the traditional development approach.

The post What Is Low Code Mobile Application Development? appeared first on Datafloq.

Drones in and of themselves are not necessarily an IoT technology, but IoT connectivity takes them further. The introduction of connected sensors to these devices has expanded their functionality, leading to rising adoption in the commercial sector. Shipments of IoT-connected drones surpassed 351,000 in 2019, and experts predict they'll pass one million by 2023.

As IoT drone adoption continues to rise, new use cases emerge. Thanks to the mobile IoT, drone technology is disrupting multiple industries.

Remote Monitoring and Security

By far, the largest use case for IoT-connected drones is remote monitoring, especially in the construction industry. Construction monitoring accounted for more than 141,000 drone shipments, almost half of the total across all industries. It‘s easy to understand why, too, given construction's high risks and expenses.

Construction work is equally dangerous and time-sensitive, so worksite monitoring is crucial. With flight times as high as 90 minutes, IoT drones let stakeholders inspect or monitor projects without being physically present. As a result, these technologies help construction companies ensure safety and productivity while minimizing travel, saving money and promoting efficiency.

IoT drones' success in the construction industry will likely spur other sectors to employ them as well. Companies could use drones to patrol buildings, supplementing their security teams. Autonomous, connected security drones have already emerged in the consumer sector, so their use in commercial settings is imminent.

Drones for Scientific Research

IoT connectivity has also made drones more fit for research applications. Effective research relies on efficient data collection, and the IoT's primary benefit is its ability to gather and send data remotely. Combining this connectivity with remotely or even self-guided vehicles lets researchers investigate remote or hazardous settings safely.

Collecting measurements at sea, for example, can cost hundreds of millions of dollars between fuel and crew expenses. Rough conditions like high waves and strong currents can also make in-person research expeditions dangerous. Some researchers have started using wind-powered oceanic drones to gather data at sea instead, saving money and staying safe.

Drones can also make it easier for scientists to observe animals in the wild. These devices are far smaller and easier to camouflage than people, so they're less likely to scare skittish species away. IoT connectivity lets researchers control them and gather data from further away, too, helping them access remote areas.

Efficient, Transparent Deliveries

Outside of drone technology, one of the most familiar instances of mobile IoT is supply chain tracking. While telematics sensors themselves may not be mobile, they move with shipments, providing needed visibility into logistics operations. Drones can take this a step further through expanding options for last-mile deliveries.

Drones can take packages to their destination to conserve truck space and shorten drivers' routes. IoT connectivity could enable customers to track the location of the drone carrying their delivery in real-time, leading to higher customer satisfaction. As online ordering soars and logistics companies grow increasingly busy, these benefits are hard to ignore.

At least three companies, including Amazon and UPS, have already received FAA approval for operating delivery drones. As more companies embrace these technologies, e-commerce deliveries as a whole will become faster and more transparent. Further IoT implementation in these devices could enable predictive maintenance schedules, making these drone investments even more cost-effective.

The IoT Is Reaching New Heights

IoT technologies are making drones more versatile and valuable than ever before. Consequently, as more companies employ these devices, the IoT itself is growing, seeing use in a broader range of applications. IoT drone technology is already disrupting multiple industries, and there are plenty of opportunities still ahead.

The post Mobile IoT Developing Drone Technology appeared first on Datafloq.

Technology is making this essential system even easier to navigate and manage. How are new technologies working to transform online retail?

Interactive Shopping with VR and AR

Virtual and augmented reality may have started in the gaming industry, but it quickly appears nearly everywhere. The online retail space has become a valuable tool for helping shoppers determine how a piece of furniture might look in their home or how an outfit might look on their frame before it ever arrives at their front door.

Virtual reality gives sellers the option to create online showrooms that buyers can explore at their leisure. It might not be as good as seeing the real thing in person, but for shoppers both individual and commercial that are seeking to make a large purchase, it can be an invaluable tool.

Moving From Web to Mobile

For many years, online retail was relegated to desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices might have been able to access the internet, but most websites weren't designed for use on mobile, and shopping from your phone or mobile device wasn't an option. As technology changes and cell phones became less like house phones and more like a pocket computer, many shopping shifted from web to mobile. Mobile compatibility testing is essential for anyone trying to sell online.

Improving eWallets

Digital currency, contained in eWallets, is becoming more popular by the year. Contactless payment options took off during the 2020 pandemic because they reduced the risk of picking up the virus from an oft-used point of sale keypad. Even vendors that didn't offer contactless payment quickly adopted the technology to help keep their customers safe. As they become an even more significant part of our daily lives, eWallet technology will continue to evolve, making these devices easier to use and, perhaps more importantly, secure enough to use without worrying about hackers or thieves.

Going Green

Consumers as a collective rarely agree on anything, but if there is one thing they can all get behind, it's that we need to start making changes to reduce our impact on the planet. Green technology is becoming more affordable and accessible than ever, but even still, consumers are happy to spend more to get products from a brand that is actively working to reduce their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Leveraging Social Media

It is impossible to succeed in the modern online retail world without a solid and interactive social media presence. Leveraging social media can be one of the best and often one of the most overlooked tools in a marketer's arsenal. One study found that upwards of 90% of people buy from brands that they follow on social media. Take the time to build a social media presence and a team that will interact with your customers.

Utilizing Voice Search

Voice to text might have been a recipe for disaster in previous years, but the push toward natural language processing in things like Google‘s search algorithm means that voice search has become a valuable tool for many. It still has a long way to go before it can guarantee that you'll get the results you're looking for every time, but it continues to evolve and will likely remain an essential part of online retail.

The Ever-changing Face of Online Retail

Online retail has changed dramatically in the last couple of decades, and it will likely continue to change and evolve as we move forward and new technologies emerge. All of these things aim to make it easier for people to shop online from the comfort of their homes or from the mobile devices that populate the marketplace.

The post How Technology is Transforming Online Retail appeared first on Datafloq.

Today, this risk has increased with telecom companies exploring the idea of online onboarding for new customers. Customer can now apply for SIM cards online without visiting stores in person. While this is convenient and customer-friendly, it puts the company at risk of dealing with people using stolen identities or other fraudsters.

There's no doubt that digitization is the future and hence, telcos need to pay special attention to building a robust security framework. This is where identity verification becomes vital.

Types of Fraud that Mobile Services Need to Protect Themselves From

With customers using their phones for communication, monetary transactions, work, social media, and more, and the vast amounts of personal information stored on mobile accounts; it isn't hard to see why mobile services are a key target for fraudsters. There are many different types of fraud prevalent across the telecom industry but some have a larger impact than others.

Identity Theft

Fraudsters may steal a customer's personal information and use the data to impersonate them when making e-commerce purchases, monetary transactions, etc. Identity theft could be the result of malware activity, un-secure internet activity, data breaches, etc. Stolen identities can be also used to commit more serious crimes like money laundering and terrorist activity.

SMS Phishing

This is another common method used by fraudsters to steal a customer's identification details and personal information. Customers unwittingly click on links in SMS texts, which direct them to fake websites where they are tricked into revealing personal information. In many cases, it could be several weeks before the customer realizes what has happened.

SIM Swapping

SIM swapping is a legitimate service that allows customers to replace their existing SIM card with a new one. However, fraudsters may misuse it to gain access to authentication messages for financial transaction, one-time passwords and other such details linked to the SIM card. The damage can range from email account access to exposing banking information. In 2019, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's account was taken over by hackers as a result of SIM swapping.

Carrier Data Breach

Fraudsters who gain access to the company's database may target the mobile service provider directly and steal customer information, takeover accounts, etc. A few years ago, hackers accessed the T-Mobile network and accessed personal information belonging to 3% of the company's customers.

How Does Fraud Affect Mobile Operators?

Mobile fraud is continuously growing and its effect on mobile service providers is both tangible and intangible. Irrespective of the type of fraud – phishing attacks, robocalling, subscription fraud, etc., the impact is experienced not just by customers but also by the telecom industry.

Financial Losses

In 2019, mobile operators faced losses to the tune of over $28.3 billion. In such situations, customers may hold the mobile service provider liable for monetary losses.

Customer Turnover Rate

If a customer becomes a victim of online fraud they aren't likely to have the confidence to use remote mobile services again. As a result, the telecom company could lose a customer. When this happens to multiple customers, it translates to a loss in revenue and market position.

Loss of Trust

Similarly, when a customer sets up a mobile connection, they trust the company to offer good service and to keep their data safe. Cases where fraudsters target the telecom databases to steal customer's personal information reduce the trust people have in the service provider. Existing customers may leave and potential customers may think twice about using the company's services.

It takes years for a company to build a reputation and fraud can bring that reputation crashing down in an instant. Thus, telecom companies must be proactive about using technology and other tools to give their customers a secure service.

What Is Identity Verification?

Identity verification is a process wherein the company can verify whether the customer is who they claim to be.

Telecom companies may ask the customer to upload a copy of identity documentation or use biometric facial recognition when onboarding a customer online. By partnering with an identity verification service, the company can compare the documentation provided with data from a reliable third-party database to validate the same.

For example, customers who are onboarded digitally may upload a selfie with relevant identity documents and the system could scan the photo to check whether the selfie matches the photograph on the document. The system could also check the details in the documentation provided against databases such as voter records or driving license databases to ensure that it is correct and valid.

This is a real-time check and does not cause any lags or delays in the onboarding process.

How Does Identity Verification help Prevent Fraud?

Whether a customer is being onboarded in-person or digitally, Identity Verification can be pivotal in preventing fraud that puts the company and its customers at risk. Being able to verify a customer's identity allows mobile service providers to meet Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and validate who the customer is.

They can also conduct background checks on the customer to ensure they are not on sanction lists, people who have been previously associated with identity theft, terrorism, etc. Thus, makes it empowers mobile companies to onboard only genuine customers while maintaining a quick and seamless onboarding experience.

In Conclusion

Without accurate identity verification, even otherwise reliable security measures like two-factor authentication can become outdated. Thus, along with educating customers about precautionary measures to be taken to protect their identities, mobile service providers need to put stringent identity verification measures into place. This helps the company ensure that their customers are safe and their reputations are protected.

The post Recognizing The Need For Identity Verification In The Telecom Industry appeared first on Datafloq.

Rather, Fintech (Finance + Technology) has opened up a plethora of options for the financial firms to understand their customers and devise products as per what they want and expect from the industry. Artificial Intelligence has been at the forefront of this evolution.

The ever increasing banking apps with their easy accessibility, banking websites providing ease of internet banking, insurance companies offering customized products, online platforms providing financial services at low service costs; are few widely used examples of this evolving business space.

Scope of Artificial Intelligence in managing Finances

The sector has been witnessing unprecedented growth in terms of sales as well as investments. The global Fintech market was valued at $111,240.5 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% to nearly $158,014.3 million by 2023. As per a Statista report, the value of an investment in Fintech companies amounted to approximately 136 billion US dollars in 2019. Let us now analyze the reasons behind this record-breaking growth:

1. Automation

Since technology and its empowered tools have been part of our lives, humans have tried to develop gadgets that will be able to think and decide like human minds and do stuff autonomously. This exactly is what Artificial Intelligence aims to achieve.

For Instance: All Indian Citizens are touted to have their own personal CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited ) score which in fact is a 3-digit numeric summary of a consumer's credit history and a reflection of the person‘s credit profile. It is on this score that individuals further receive loans, bank investment offers, etc. But do you think that this score is calculated by individuals sitting within the organization? No, my dear! It is again an Artificial Intelligence based algorithm and software tool that crunches requisite data to provide exact solutions in terms of numbers.

The time of individuals standing in queues in banks, post offices, etc. for investments of their funds have long passed. Now, they simply need to open up the requisite website or mobile app and get the job done instantly. Be it a car loan or a car insurance, everything can be sorted through autonomous fintech platforms. AI has generally taken over all the mundane and repetitive tasks of the industry including filing and analyzing credit, loans and cards applications, etc. This helps to significantly reduce user acquisition costs and customer onboarding time, leading to better customer experience and the hired professionals too can make better use of their time, sorting out higher-end issues, that still seems to require human intervention.

2. Security

The rise and rise of fintech has been one of the reasons for the surge in the numbers of fraudsters out there who are always on a lookout for some user vulnerabilities to dupe them by stealing money from their financial accounts. Hacking of user cards, bank accounts, etc. are examples of this growing menace. These security issues can also escalate a business's app maintenance cost in the long run . The good part is that the solution to these issues too lies with technology. As Artificial Intelligence based algorithms can train software to analyze user data, it can also be utilized to zero in on spurious activities, suspicious transactions and fraud-centric patterns. This enables faster detection of irregularities, leading to the concerned IT teams and professionals to take instant actions.

There also has been an evolution of technologies like Blockchain (under the purview of AI) that enables transactions (be it data or funds!) in a very secured manner on a real-time basis.

3. Evolution of Products and Services

Artificial Intelligence basically is the underlying technology of making hardware and software smart‘. So, when mobile apps, websites, data platforms, surveys, etc. collect and store eons of data in the form of Big Data (a technology under the purview of AI) and then analyze them with AI algorithms; it helps businesses to understand user requirements and expectations. As financial assets like investment funds, etc are directly based upon user choices and discretion for success; the collected data and its analysis helps financial institutions to build these products. For instance: When financial institutions gained data about the growth of user trust in gold' as an asset; it led to the development of various gold-investments related products.

Basically, cognitive technology and Artificial Intelligence has been boosting the overall digital presence of banks as well as assisting them to remain competitive and viable in this era of never-ending competition.

4. Chatbots for CRM

The pandemic era has made us all well aware of the limitations of humans and their availability in challenging times. With less manpower at hand, businesses the world over saw the inclusion of AI-based chatbots in various industries (in mostly all websites and apps!) and financial app developers were no different. With zero lapse time and instant resolution of user issues, they have been helping financial firms stay abreast of the CRM(Customer relationship management) ballgame, with or without customer support executives. In fact, chatbots that are becoming smarter by the day and they seem to multiply user experience and customer satisfaction manifolds.

5. Trading

Markets and financial firms just do not work on current investor sentiments and inclinations. In fact, future trends and analysis are of utmost importance to these companies that tend to trade on different market aspects and gain from their volatilities. Artificial Intelligence helps these financial firms to ensure returns to a certain degree in wake of market patterns and company graphs that they analyze with years of data. These software tools can also be utilized by Governments for more effective policy-making.

6. Mitigating Risks

We are all well aware that all financial decisions, both for the financial firms as well as users involve risks. But, as AI tends to crunch scores of data patterns and overall digital footprints of consumers, they can help in significantly reducing these risks, especially for financial firms. For instance, when a user applies for a loan or a credit card; these algorithms can track their previous records to analyze if the risk is worth to be taken or not. Moreover, there are now AI-based startups like Wallet‘ that analyze user patterns and advise them on investments that would help reduce their overall financial risks and increase returns.

Ai Is The New Backbone Of Financial Decisions

The debate of inclusion or exclusion of AI in finance is long over (though AI's inclusion had many critics!). The technology has transformed the industry into a well-oiled machine that feeds on insightful data and its analysis and trustworthy patterns. It is here to stay and its evolving usage stated in the above pointers is ample proof.

The post 6 Ways AI is Transforming the Finance Industry appeared first on Datafloq.

The pandemic coincides with a drastic increase in technology usage. Businesses and individuals rely on it now more than ever. With versatile applications and power, AI can revolutionize the health of office employees.

Streamlining the Office

Working in an office comes with many responsibilities and tasks. From scheduling meetings to cleaning conference rooms, the workplace involves countless people with various roles. The bigger the company, the more people there will be working inside either now or when it's officially safe to work in person again. Artificial intelligence, which is projected to reach a value of $190.6 billion by 2025, enables powerful platforms to cover these responsibilities and keep people safe and healthy.

AI-enabled systems can take care of the basics. A system can schedule a conference room automatically for a certain date and time based on who's in the office. When the room is free, the system can automatically notify employees that it requires cleaning and sanitation.

Platforms like IBM‘s Emerge Starter bring recovery-based initiatives to the office. Employees can use Watson or a range of IBM‘s other AI apps to transfer or access data and documents in the cloud. They can also contact AI chatbots that answer questions about COVID-19 and raise awareness of necessary protocols.

One of the most critical aspects of returning to the office is slowing the spread of the virus or any other illness. Contact tracing apps are ideal for understanding who may be at risk and keeping everyone healthy.

Maintaining Health

Contact tracing and AI scheduling must go hand-in-hand with social distancing. Throughout the pandemic, maintaining social distancing has been one of the key guidelines to follow. Now, AI is making it a more practical option in the office.

A platform like PredictMedix uses AI to screen employees and check their temperatures. DatakaLab has developed a tool that some cities and buildings are using to ensure people wear masks and wear them correctly. A tool like LandingAI can analyze the space between people and make sure they maintain adequate distance. The office can integrate these innovations to enforce social distancing as a priority.

However, it's vital for the office to understand how the building itself can affect health. For instance, poor air quality and ventilation can worsen long-term illnesses like asthma. Again, AI is the solution for a healthier environment. Using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI can track air quality and report it in real-time to mobile devices. Then, all employees can see how clean the air is and make the necessary adjustments.

Adopting Wearables

Wearable technology has transformed itself from luxury accessories into a necessity for some. Upon initial release, devices like the Fitbit and Apple Watch measured exercise and standard health factors like heart rate. However, with significant changes, these devices are now critical for monitoring overall health and certain conditions.

Newer wearable technology can now detect illnesses, which includes COVID-19. A study found that smartwatches can detect these illnesses even before symptoms show up. Participants wore Fitbits, Apple Watches and Garmin devices primarily. Though these devices are not yet FDA-approved for symptom detection, the study concluded they effectively predicted COVID-19 carriers.

Using these devices in the office will put an extra emphasis on tracking and monitoring health. The AI in certain wearables offers real-time tracking of health statuses. Some can even notify health care professionals in instances of injury or emergency.

With AI, the office can ensure everyone is taking proactive steps to maintain health, alongside social distancing, contact tracing and scheduling efforts. Each step stems from AI and keeps the workplace as healthy as possible.

The AI Office

With these AI-based innovations in place, working at the office takes on new life. Responsibilities become smoother and more efficient while employees keep themselves and others safe. This technology can protect people from contracting or spreading the virus and limit infections of all kinds. Overall, public health will thrive.

The post How AI Can Improve the Health of Office Spaces appeared first on Datafloq.