In 2008, when we decided to enter the ‘mobile-app development-as-a-service’ business, little did we realize the extent to which the industry would change in less than 10 years. At launch, the App Store had just about 550 applications and a majority was paid (with most ranging from $0.99 to $9.99). The novelty factor of apps and the App Store drove the thinking behind app concepts back then. So we had apps which let out funny sounds when you waved the phone, mimicked a glass of beer and so on. Enterprises saw the benefit of getting on to the platform with news, finance and soon, e-commerce leading the way. Over the years, businesses have embraced mobile apps largely as a necessity than a fad.

It is that time of the year when we both look back, making lists and look forward, crystal ball gazing into the coming years. While no one can predict for sure the events of next year, recent category trends give a fair idea of what’s likely to come. Overall, 2014 has been a good year for us at Robosoft and the mobile app industry in general.