Author: Julian Watson

When it comes to smartphones, we always want more. We’ve witnessed phones evolved from bulky to skinny, small to huge screen display and they’re now equipped with the brightest OLED display, impressive memory capacity and batteries that can last you to up to few days more.

With the boost in mobile technology, groundbreaking changes and evolutions of smartphones are expected to continue, and are showing no signs of stopping any time soon. Brace yourself as we expect more awesome smartphone features this 2018.

So, is it time to ditch your old buddy and switch to the hottest smartphones? Check out the most anticipated mobile phones gearing up to compete for mobile users’ attention this 2018:

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (Coming this August 2018)

Galaxy 9 is expected to feature a resemblance to its Galaxy S9 predecessor but, of course with some stunning tweaks. These are the rumored upgrades you can expect if you’re a Samsung brand fan:

• In-Screen Fingerprint Sensor
• Slightly larger screen display
• More Intuitive Bixby, Samsung’s very own virtual assistant

And, if you can hardly wait, maybe Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be out this July.

• iPhone 2018 (Predicted to come this Fall 2018)

If you have the money to splurge for the incredibly expensive iPhone, well, why not? iPhone is gearing for yet another impressive smartphones, yes, not just one but three. Rumors are spreading that iPhone will release iPhone X’s sequel featuring 5.8 inch display, a 9.1 inches display iPhone 9, and 6.5 inches display iPhone X Plus. What more? Looks like Apple’s going to introduce its lower cost handsets this year to make their smartphones within the consumers’ reach.

• Google Pixel 3 (Expected this Last Quarter of 2018)

Conventional wisdoms have it that Google is preparing to surprise everyone with combo approach this year, with Pixel 3 and Pixel 3L. Both phones are expected to deliver the best camera features, the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Android chip and will be running in the latest and fastest Android, Oreo OS.

• Oppo Find X

A screen to body ratio of almost 93%? We can’t just wait for China’s Oppo Find X to impress everyone once it is out in the market. Oppo Find X is anticipated to launch later this year with awesome features including a no notch display, 3D facial recognition, Snapdragon 845 powerful processor, and an 8 GB RAM.

• Nokia 8 Sirocco

Nokia is making sure they’re back with a vengeance. We are clamoring for Nokia 8 Sirocco’s launching although there’s no definite time when it’ll be. The new phone has a charming visual display matched with impressive durability. Think IP67 dust and water resistance and up to 450 pounds pressure capabilities.

• Moto Z3 Play

Moto Z3 is anticipated to arrive come June or July. Although it’s likely not going too far out from its predecessors in order to stay in tune with the previous Moto Mod add-ons, Z3 still highlights remarkable tweaks. With expanded screen display, dual rear cameras and fun cinemagraph mode, as well as an iris scanner? Moto Z3 is one mobile phone to watch out for this year.

• LG V40

Speculations are spreading that LG V40 will lure mobile users with not just 3 or 4, but five cameras! Expected to roll out anytime the second quarter this year, LG V40 will highlight two front cameras, three rear cameras, advanced Snapdragon 845 processor, and is rumored to be following the trend of 3D unlocking and face mapping.

Mobile apps are taking the world by storm. Apart from their impacts on the consumers’ personal mobile habits, they have played important roles in today’s modern ecommerce and businesses and are becoming an integral part of our day to day systems.

App developers are faced with more pressure as the evolution of smartphones has encouraged apps to push beyond their limits. In other words, to stand out in a crowd of millions of apps, you don’t just need to have the right mobile app, you also need to keep up with the latest technologies.

Check out these trending mobile technologies you need to be aware of this 2018:

• AR Augmented Reality

This year, we can expect to see new waves of AR applications. And, they are not just going to be focused on gaming, marketing and entertainment. This time AR will shift its focus into more practical uses including navigation, user manuals, interior designs and objective measurement among many others.

• IoT Apps

We are undoubtedly in the Internet of Things era, and IoT developments are far reaching and continually evolving. With IoT users are able to control connected devices conveniently through apps and remote connections. As users become more adept to the efficiency of IoT driven apps, developers should see to it that at the very least their apps are designed to be IoT friendly.

• Blockchain Apps

Blockchain is in. And with the blockchain apps’ rapid development, it looks like they’ll be pretty much around and will be more immersive. Blockchain app integration has helped address the challenges of security that were traditionally much difficult to achieve. This app development will help eliminate malicious data hacks and offer enhanced safety for users.

• Mobile Payments

The rise of online banking and e-commerce has reshaped the way consumers shop. Mobile payments are absolutely the hottest thing in mobile technology right now. Advanced mobile payments have allowed faster and seamless bill payments, money transfers and commercial payments that provide customers with utmost convenience.

• The 5G Connectivity

Years ago, 5G was just a vision. But, finally this year the 5G technology is set to break through new heights to improve user experience providing up to 10x faster connectivity compared to the current technology. With the 5G connectivity, advanced mobile technologies are truly just easily within reach.

• Enhanced Security

It seems that the evolution of mobile technologies is accompanied by increased risks for cyber security threats and attacks. This year mobile trends will center on enhancing security and data protection. Security has become an essential component in every systems and app with more consumers becoming more critical about the protection of their personal information particularly with the boost of ecommerce platforms. Thus, developing an app that offers flawless security is definitely a must.

• Cloud-Based Apps

One of the most important trends every developer should keep in mind in developing mobile apps and technologies is integrating cloud technology. The cloud has provided solutions to various problems and offers a lot of benefits including increased storage capacities, cost reductions and enhance scalability and productivity.

Apple is making sure they stay on top as the leading advanced technology brand. This year the company is set to wow their solid Apple fans with enhancements in their pre-existing OS. Set to provide users with optimized performance in their Apple devices, iOS 12 will offer solutions to the bugs and glitches in the current and previous iOS.

Ready for Apple’s newest iOS 12 beta? Here are some of the key things you need to know about the new iOS 12 that is set to power up your iPhone and iPad gadgets later this year:

• It is easy and free to download.

You don’t need to register your device for an ID nor does it require a developer’s account. You can simply download it in a breeze at the Apple Beta Program website. As a friendly reminder, be sure to back up your device before downloading and installing iOS 12. And if you don’t want to deal with potential issues inherent in pre-released software, you may want to wait for the official software which is foreseen to be released this September.

• iOS 12 is focused on delivering smoother and faster performance.

With this latest OS you can expect to enjoy faster applications, navigation on your Apple devices should be smoother and crashes will be significantly reduced.

Even your old iPhone like the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will have a dramatically improved performance once you upgrade to iOS 12.

• A Smarter Siri.

Apple’s voice assistant will be more intuitive. Siri Shortcuts allows you to customize your tasks and commands to let Siri do more things for you such as sending a message, play a podcast or remind when you when you’re running late for an important meeting.

• Manage Your Screen Time

iOS 12 allows you to better manage and reduce the time you spend on your screen. Why? The OS comes with tools that will track how often you pick up your device, how much time you spend using different apps, and how frequent you get those notifications. When you see the numbers, you’ll probably begin to ask, am I using my time wisely here?

• Enhanced Privacy

The new OS promise to provide users with enhanced privacy with its intelligent tracking prevention system. Apple will be implementing browser innovations so that these annoying data tracking companies will find it more difficult to track your online footprints.

• Introducing Measure, an AR measurement tool.

Apple is set to boost the Augmented Reality applications with the aim to make AR more relatable and practical to the broader population.

• Group FaceTime and easier photo sharing services.

Apple will be introducing the new “For You” tab to encourage convenient photo editing and sharing. And, with group FaceTime you can already speak simultaneously to up to 32 people. It seems finally Apple has begun to notice about their already-behind video calling tools.

• Memoji.

Move over Animoji, Apple’s updated cartoon avatar Memoji is here to takeover. Memoji lets you create fun, cartoon avatars of your face. You can transform yourself into different animated emojis, ghost, and other adorable animals and you can even use your memoji face during your FaceTime conversation.