Why are consumers drawn to products that have apps?
The first thing worth noting is that many consumers look specifically for everyday items to have some degree of connectivity. Whether they are looking for a simple way to control the lighting in their home or seeking solutions that can help them track fitness goals, people today want to be able to customize their experiences and make use of new technologies.
What are the benefits of creating apps to go along with everyday items?
While not all products need to have an associated app to provide value and convenience, incorporating technology into product design has many benefits. For one thing, apps can allow users to personalize their experience with a particular product or service. They can also make tasks more accessible and efficient, enhancing the overall user experience.
One thing that apps can do is add high-tech features to more traditional products that have been around for a long time. This can add a modern edge to existing items, allow consumers to get more out of their purchases, and allow businesses to reinvent a product that already exists with a new, updated version.
Another advantage of embracing apps for everyday items is that they can help businesses stay ahead of the curve and compete more effectively in their industry. By offering innovative features or supplementing their products with valuable apps, companies can remain on top of changing trends and attract a new generation of savvy consumers who are always looking for the latest and greatest technologies.
Additionally, app integrations allow manufacturers to collect and analyze data, which can help them better understand user needs and preferences and improve their products over time.
Examples of everyday items with apps
The idea of integrating technology into everyday items is nothing new, but the use of apps to enhance user experience has taken it to a whole new level. From fitness trackers to robot vacuums, these devices now have apps that make them even more powerful and user-friendly. Let's explore how apps are used to enhance user experience with some of the most popular everyday items on the market today.
Roomba
The iRobot Roomba is a popular robot vacuum that uses smart sensors to navigate around obstacles and clean floors. When it first came out, people were already impressed with the idea of a robot vacuum. But since then, technology has advanced even more.
Its accompanying app learns and maps your home, allowing users to set up cleaning schedules, areas to keep out of, and cleaning routines. It can even send users a photo of potential hazards so they can let Roomba know if it's an area to be avoided. All of this so you can come back to a freshly vacuumed home without having the added expense or hassle of a cleaning service.
Oura Ring
Another popular device that has a powerful app to go along with it is the Oura Ring. This smart ring helps users track their sleep and activity levels and provides personalized feedback to help them improve their health and well-being.
The Oura app allows users to see real-time data on things like daily activity and blood oxygen levels. It provides insights to help users understand what their bodies are trying to tell them. For example, Oura's Readiness score will tell you when to push it or take it easy in your workouts based on 20 different body signals.
Fitbit
One of the most popular connected devices on the market is Fitbit, which offers several different models that sync directly with an app for data analysis and goal tracking. Users can wear their Fitbit and use the connected app to track steps taken, distance traveled, heart rate, calories burned, activity level, and even sleep quality. The app allows users to set goals and get real-time data updates as they progress.
Nest
One of the latest innovations in home automation is Nest. This connected thermostat learns your behavior over time to keep your home at just the right temperature. No more realizing you were going to come home to a freezing cold house in the winter because you forgot to set the heat or kicking yourself because you left the air conditioner on when you're already on a plane out of state for the weekend.
The accompanying app allows you to easily control and customize your Nest from anywhere. So if you're on vacation or out of town for business, you can turn the air conditioner on or off as needed. It even provides suggestions for energy savings to help you reduce electric bills.
