Thoughts on AI in Mobile Apps

Looking back not even 30 years and you would’ve said that robots mimicking humans are just the stuff of science fiction. But they have become commonplace. Starting from chatbots to predictive analytics, organizations and developers are investigating innovative approaches to use Artificial Intelligence in mobile application development to deliver better client services, new items, and reconsider business processes. AI and machine learning, both are causing extraordinary change in the way engineers, organizations, and clients consider communications via applications.

The pandemic of 2020 has caused an unprecedented stir across global economies. With the lockdown situation across countries, apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, HouseParty etc. have witnessed remarkable growth in the first two quarters of 2020. And as more people are turning to digital platforms for communication, entertainment etc. there is the added need for personalization. AI based personalization in mobile apps has picked pace, with more organizations realizing the edge AI brings to the table.

There are several ways AI is enhancing mobile applications. While its benefits are plenty, it’s advisable to consider all factors, prepare and adopt an AI backed mobile application strategy.

What is Artificial Intelligence in mobile applications?

AI in mobile applications makes it ‘smart.’ Advanced technologies like machine learning, image recognition, NLP, computer vision and others, helps in learning about the user for better decision making.

Let’s consider the example of Gmail to understand how AI works in mobile applications. Gmail uses AI tools, namely NLP, to categorize emails for its users, so that they do not have to. Similarly, other applications use AI algorithms to understand patterns in data, interpret them, draw insights and do more.

Benefits of AI in mobile applications

If it wasn’t difficult enough for businesses to decide whether to build an Android or iOS app first, there’s now the added challenge of making apps smart.

The impact of Artificial Intelligence on the mobile economy has been immense. Engaging user experiences, better data and insights, heightened customer support (chatbots), improved conversions, make AI based apps the preferred option for all.

1.Complete mundane tasks easily

When considering how AI impacts mobile app technology, a major advantage of having apps with Artificial Intelligence is their capacity to perform tedious jobs that would have been exhausting, in a jiffy. The end of mundane jobs from human workload gives time to developers to deal with more vital issues.

2.Daily application

AI has found use in our daily lives. In travel, AI can be utilized to detect areas effortlessly by utilizing augmented reality. Augmented reality superimposes computer-generated pictures on the real world view of the client, enhancing his/her view of the surrounding. This is being utilized in museums for creating vigorous client experiences.

Likewise AI can be utilized for predictive composition and revision of human spelling. In the posting on photos via social networking sites, AI programming can recognize and identify a man’s face and can correctly tag the person (eg. Facebook makes recommendations).

In short, from healthcare, to banking, telecom, retail, transportation or any other, the applications of AI technology in everyday life cannot be ignored or even missed.

3.Fewer errors

AI machines are particularly imperative in fields that require a high level of exactness and accuracy. One such area is space exploration. In this, there is no space for errors and any wrongly set number could demolish the whole procedure. So, AI can turn out to be exceptionally useful in such cases

The role of AI in mobile app development in FinTech and Banking applications is also gaining popularity. Users can conduct end-to-end transactions, get statements, see notifications, receive product recommendations and do even more. Integration of AI with other technologies like RPA and Blockchain further supports quicker completion of rule-based tasks (eg. form fills) with minimal errors.

4. Interesting use cases for smart robots

AI has tremendous significance in medications. Smart robots can be utilized in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. They can also help in informing doctors about the side effects of specific medications. Additionally, they can be useful in artificial surgery simulators.

Smart robots can also be utilized for fuel investigation and other mining processes. These robots are built so that they can perform difficult jobs without tiring rapidly.

Things to consider when implementing AI technology in mobile apps

The advantages of Artificial Intelligence in iOS and Android apps are many. But that does not mean that the technology has not been criticized. While some criticisms hold ground, others can be argued upon. Stated below are some of the concerns that have been raised with respect to the technology:

1.The concern about originality and creativity

When it comes to imagination and creativity, humans can do it better. AI machines are able to help in designing and creating but the brilliance of the human mind can think cognitively. Moreover, the AI devices do not have the sensitivity found in humans, mostly (OK, let’s not think of Baymax from Big Hero 6 at the moment).

Truth is, AI is developing. At Day One Technologies, as a top mobile application development company, it is not unusual for us to help our clients understand the specific role of AI and humans. For instance, an AI powered chatbot can usually answer most queries that users will have, however can answer only questions to which they can find an answer in the database.

2. Loss of employment: Man vs Machine

There is news that Microsoft is replacing its journalists (MSN news production team) with AI (as of May-June 2020). This is not the first instance of AI taking up jobs, and not surprisingly this is one of the main drawbacks of AI. Of course, there is the counter argument that AI and cognitive technology only assist in bringing agility to mundane tasks, with cognitive roles being left for human intervention.

Often low-skilled employment has been lost because of replacement by smart machines. A good example is the assembly line system in organizations. An assembly line that would have offered employment to 30-50 individuals can now be automated to such an extent that only 5 individuals will be required for observing and supervision.

Technology and innovation will happen. Organizations will adopt technology and it is unlikely that humans will be replaceable. With new technology, the role of humans in organizations will evolve, grow and discover newer ways to add value.

3. Cost of AI development

Another concern of AI-driven application development is its cost. True, building an AI powered app is expensive and requires maintenance and upgrade. But when the benefits of the end product are weighed, it balances the expenses. AI implementation should be considered as a long-term investment and not a short term one.

Consider the example of requesting a refund for an overpriced or wrongly charged ride (commuting app). AI can take the request, validate it, update the customer and initiate the refund process in seconds. Setting up this technology costs. But it costs less than having a physical person attending a call, taking down details, validating, and initiating the process.

4.The absence of judgment calls

No matter how smart an AI robot is, it will always lack the capacity to make decisions related to people and based on feelings. There are times when judgment is vital and decisions cannot be based on calculations and algorithms.

5.No change in experience

In human beings, learning comes after experience. But, this isn’t so with AI software in mobile applications. Obviously, they can store a lot of data; however, they can’t access/analyze this data in a similar way as humans do, i.e. they cannot adjust their responses and reactions as per the changing environment.

There are a lot of factors to consider before using AI with your mobile app. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? As an AI service provider we believe it does.

Consumers are changing and so are their needs. What is good for the market today will be obsolete tomorrow. AI has already transformed mobile app development into a smart system, and the smart organizations would adopt the ways of the new world.

At Day One Technologies, we can be your technology partner and help you in your path to digital transformation. If you are seeking consultation on your AI project or have an idea for building the next billion-dollar app, let’s connect and discuss!