Why Apple's Developer Conference Matters to You

LANSING, Mich. - July 25, 2016 - PRLog -- Apple used the 2016 annual Worldwide Developer Conference to focus on the updates coming to the iPhone, Apple Watch, and the Mac. This event showcased the tech industry's shift from desktop and laptops computers to mobile technologies such as the Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, wearables such as the Apple Watch, as well as more robust messaging similar to SnapChat and Facebook Messaging.

Over the last four years having worked with large and small companies in the Lansing area, I have seen that trend towards mobile technology continue at BrightDigit, http://www.brightdigit.com. Think about how the device in your pocket has improved. It has a better video camera, faster internet, helps you find your location cheaper than anything a decade ago. It is no wonder then that a majority of internet traffic comes from folks who only use their smartphone for online access. Both business and education are starting to take note.

David Smith, who has run Capital Macintosh on Michigan Ave. for over ten years, has also seen the growth of mobile technology and how those technologies have moved to the Mac. One such feature mentioned at WWDC was iCloud. This year, Apple introduced "Optimized Storage" which will use file storage on the cloud to help make sure users do not fill their own computer's space. "Utilizing a Cloud service to back up and/or host documents and data is going to continue to grow," says David. "I am still amazed, 20 years into the computer business, at the number of people who do not backup their data."

Along with iCloud is the announcement of Siri, Apple's voice-operated assistant coming to the Mac. With the success of Amazon Echo, Siri's competitor, the growth of such artificial intelligence services will continue. Siri on the Mac will allow users to ask questions as well as search for things likes files and photos.

Another technology highlighted was the Apple Watch. While sales have been decent, the principal complaint has been the slow speed of apps on the device. The new software update watchOS 3 will finally fix this issue by allowing apps more access to the device's battery and processing power.

Lastly is the growth of more sophisticated messaging services which allow for more context, interactivity, and animations. The next version of iMessage will include these features to help it compete with other messaging platforms.

As Apple continues to open features like Siri, Maps, and Messaging to developers, businesses continue to clamor for more help integrating mobile into their business. Eduardo Suniga, who is the Director of Computer Information Technologies and Program Innovation at Lansing Community College has seen this first hand. "Over four years ago, LCC's Computer Information Technology (CIT) Program was faced with demands from business and students to create a mobile-focused curriculum to address the growing demand for mobile application developers in the iOS and Android spaces." In response to the demand, the Mobile Application Developer Certificate of Achievement was launched. Afterward, students can then get the Computer Programmer/Analyst, Associate in Business Degree. "Since the creation of this certificate, there has been a steady increase in students taking mobile app development courses."

Apple and Google continue to respond to growing consumer demand for mobile by investing hundreds of millions of dollars into their mobile platforms. That is why on September 26th at the East Lansing TIC, Mobile Monday Lansing will present on the upcoming updates to both platforms. "As mobile/wireless technologies have continued to evolve and become more complex, we at the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan have found that residents in Michigan have become more dependent on our Mobile Monday Michigan chapters in their local communities. We are so glad that the Lansing chapter is going to bring in subject matter experts to discuss the content of this year's Google and Apple developer conferences, it is imperative that we keep our Michigan developers up-to-speed on all the latest technologies so Michigan can continue to be a national leader in the field.", says Linda Daichendt, CEO, Mobile Technology Association of Michigan.

You can RSVP for the September 26th event at http://www.meetup.com/MoMoLansing/events/231040415.  Dinner will be served courtesy of our sponsor, Recruitment Management Consultants (RMC).