8 common challenges of wearable app development

Although people have been experimenting with wearable technology since long, it has started blooming recently. Products like FitBit, Apple Watch, Pebble, Google Glass and HoloLens have completely captivated the technology buffs and, in the near future, the segment is surely going to dominate the market.

The advent of this new technology has raised curiosity among different sectors, many of which are trying to explore its relevance and potential. Businesses are also looking forward to harness the capabilities of wearables. Keeping the ongoing trend in view, many companies have begun investing more in wearable technology and are developing efficient apps for boosting user experience, enhancing performance and making these devices even more desirable to the consumers. E2logy is one of those companies, here you can read their thoughts on wearable app development.

Although these small devices present us with some great features, the developers on the other end encounter some major challenges to augment the efficiency and functionality of wearables.

Let’s have a look at the 8 common challenges that app development companies encounter while developing apps for wearables.

User interface

Wearables have a smaller screen size compared to smartphones and tablets and therefore user interaction in the former also differs. This calls for alternate development approaches to streamline user experience. App developers must emphasize on simple and quick user interaction, passive data collection and speech focused commands. Also, wearables usually lack space for detailed navigation and flashy icons.

Tethered devices

Owing to the limited functionality and smaller screens, presently most of the wearables are tethered devices which rely on other larger devices for accessing all the features of the application. This makes them useless when the smartphones or tablets, to which the wearables are connected, stop working or have a dying battery. Wearables connected through Bluetooth are required to stay in range which often leads to tether breaking situation.

Data security

Many people still hesitate to invest in wearables due to data security and privacy concerns. Currently, these devices need opt-in- privacy settings and clear communication to improve user experience. Although the data sharing feature of wearables has its own benefits, appropriate security measures are also required to increase user confidence and to protect sensitive information.

Platform specificity

Cross platform capability of apps is must for wearables. Google Glass is a glaring example why apps developed for a particular device fail to garner popularity as compared to cross platform apps. With more options arriving for wearables every other day and increasing competition, the apps which work well on multiple devices is bound to stay ahead.

Quick updating of apps

Technology is changing at a great pace and there is continuous emergence of new wearables in the market, powered by new technology and programming languages. The apps which can be easily updated and pushed into new platforms and devices will always stay ahead in competition, ensuring long term success.

Battery life

Most wearables have a short battery life which makes its continues usage problematic.

Pebble is a prominent example in which the screen remains constantly on. App developers need to resolve the issue to enhance the efficacy of the devices.

Functionality

The two most important qualities of wearables are their ease of use and mobility. Apps must add cost effectiveness and convenience to the devices. Instead of just replicating the solutions offered by other devices, developers must focus on what the consumers desire.

Faster app development

Wearable market is flourishing at a noticeable pace, with new devices emerging and the old ones getting discontinued. This also calls for rapid development of apps to fulfill the increasing demands. Developers need to keep up with pace to present the users with innovative and efficient apps for making the products successful.

Wearable app development needs extra caution and additional considerations, as their usage and functionality vary a lot. Being a dedicated app development company, E2logy always aims to better its developmental strategies, especially for wearable devices, to match up with the continually evolving device structures. The popularity of wearable devices is heightening with time and so is the need for devising advanced strategies to develop efficient apps.