Monday was a huge day in the tech industry. From the WWDC to E3, there’s plenty to talk about surrounding the new announcements. Spyder Trap has its share of Apple Fans. Together we spent our Monday lunch glued to the live stream of the Apple Keynote in the way others might watch (and celebrate) the Super Bowl.

During the keynote, Apple revealed some significant changes to iOS. As soon as the developer center servers came back online, I installed the beta on my iPhone 4S. So far my reactions have been similar to a sour candy. Sweet, then sour to the point I almost spit it out, followed by slow transition back to a lasting sweet.

Design changes, seen from a developer

While design is the biggest change in iOS 7, I’m not a designer. My observations are through the eyes of a developer. The new fonts and removal of UI elements make for a much cleaner lock screen. The 3d parallax effect on the home screen at first feels gimmicky, but it does reinforce the layered metaphor they’re trying to introduce through all the transparencies in the new designs.
To that point, iOS 7 uses a lot of transparency. Unless an app specifically overrides it, the keyboard background is a blurred transparency of the content underneath. Even some applications, like the phone app, have a hint of the home screen underneath them. Certain nested tables have the previous page underneath them. Transparency is everywhere.

The new font choice, and crisper icons in the top bar, leaves the clear impression this OS was designed for retina. Many non-essential UI elements are a fraction of the size they used to be. For example, the progress for a sending text message is just a pixel or two tall. The data activity spinner is noticeably thinner as well.

I’m not sold on the new icons. While I’m not a designer, I feel like the old icons could have been flattened and fit the new UI just fine. It feels like a petty move Jonny Ive made just to make sure every UI element of the OS was changed under his watch.

In addition, there’s a lot of borrowing happening. The weather app is a near clone of the Yahoo Weather app. At least they were kind enough to give them an Apple Design Award. Most system apps and menus borrow liberally from recent trends seen in Android and Windows Mobile. I’m sure they’ll cry fowl at some point, and their claim has merit, but I’ll leave that to the lawyers.

Control Center

By far, my favorite new feature is the Control Center, a quick access to music, airplane mode, do not disturb, flashlight, camera, alarms, and air play all in one convenient place. It has quickly become a feature I commonly use more than any individual app.

I’m also a fan of the new multitasking menu. I would regularly have to tell people how to switch between apps and force quit development software we are working on. It wasn’t intuitive. The icon, along with a view of the app itself, can be dragged off the screen and the app quits and disappears from RAM.

Upgraded Task Manager

Speaking of RAM, my 4S has just barely enough to provide a quality user experience. Many animations take longer, which at first lead me to believe the resources of my poor little 4S were being pushed to the limit. Since there’s no jerking, or “catching up” though, I believe these slower animations are on purpose, and I’m starting to appreciate them.

It’s a good thing they made the new task manager more user friendly though. If I get really carried away switching between apps, I can notice a small slow down. Usually there’s a bit of a speed up by the time a beta gets to the general release version, but I’m worried about what the experience will be like for regular iPhone 4 users.

That said, I hope Apple tweaks some of their UI before the general release. If you don’t have great crisp photos, the way transparencies are blurred can get annoying. Some UI changes feel like internal petty, ego-driven choices. The prevalence of white in the UI made my black iPhone seem out of place. The new UI makes me realize how much of the phone face is not screen. I find myself hoping the next iPhone is entirely screen on the front.

Bugs, as to be expected

There are still bugs. It’s beta software. While not as bad as the iOS 5 beta, I did have to reformat to get all of my previously installed apps to transfer over from my iCloud backup ok. As many apps start, the top bar looks funny. Siri, while better, is still not the personal assistant Apple tries to bill it as.

While I’m comfortable with the new design, I’m not sure other less digital-savvy users will. I’m already planning on a trip out to grandma’s this fall to help her relearn how to user her iPad. I haven’t been able to try the AirDrop functionality yet (not enabled on the 4s…), and I haven’t yet gotten around to trying the iTunes Radio, but those are really the only new “features.”
iOS 7′s success or demise depends on if you like the new design. As I was considering switching to Android just for a change of scenery, iOS 7 has me ready to stick with Apple a while longer. That’s it though. The new features are minor and will not be enough to win you over one way or the other. This one’s all looks.

Our predictions for 2012 had some gems, like one of developers nailing a gaming and tablet integration. (I’m stealing your Crystal ball Joe Barhorst!) Many outlined predictions in mobile and apps last year and 2013 are no different.

2013 Predictions

Development – We will continue to see more and more schema-free (nosql) data stores, new and innovative ways of mining said data sources and even more of a focus on an API-driven development in which RESTful web services continue to play a huge role. Front-end technologies (namely JavaScript libraries) are continuing to advance at a rapid rate so expect far more client-side interaction in 2013 as well.
Nicholas Kreidberg, Developer

Analytics – Everyone has data, but few know how to interpret it into actionable ideas that push them and their client in a new direction. We’ll see more agencies tout their data and analytics skills or partners; more data-specific shops will appear overnight and be acquired just as quickly.
Nate Knox, Search Marketer

Social Media -  Photo-sharing becomes hotly contested with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and Google all making huge strides late in 2012. This will lead to a lot of new features and changes in 2013 as each service looks to gain more users and traffic.
Steve Retka, Social Media Coordinator

Social Media - Advertising on Facebook, Twitter, etc. finally got a proper name in 2012 with Native Advertising. I expect that advancements in targeting advertising and sponsored messages through these channels will become significant this year and ad spending will grow.
Jeff Gerst, Account Supervisor

Search Marketing -  Marketing departments start seeing the advantage to content marketing and having all forms of content to be the “front door” to their business. Blogging and whitepapers will still have value, but image and video creation, layered with optimization, is what will rank and gain attention in the crowd of search results.
My Prediction – Aaron Weiche, VP

Business – As the US comes out of a recession, I predict a large number of start-ups fueled by the increase in entrepreneurs. With large acquisitions and IPO’s, there has been a bubble of geeks with good ideas who have gained the liquidity to chase their dreams. The technology sector is also swelling with new tech that came out recently and hasn’t yet been turned in to marketable products.
Perry Govier, Innovation Lead

Design – I’m predicting more experimental layouts and interfaces now that we are getting past the desktop standard (1024 x 768). You’re going to be seeing a lot more experimental design standards that are focused around touch interaction.
Shaymein Ewer, Creative Designer

Technology - Cloud convergence and integration will see strong growth. With the adoption and adaptation of cloud services, devices (mobile and otherwise) will begin moving away from local storage and start relying on the cloud for regular storage, back-ups and document sharing. This capability leads to a new breed of lightweight devices that relies less on internal storage and is packed with a ridiculous amount of processing power pushing the limits of what can be done on the web.
Travis Smith, Project Manager

Technology – I think we will see a longer hardware lifespan as costs increase and companies have more invested in a single product.
Travis Manick, Developer

Technology - App and hardware integration will continue to evolve past current devices. 2013 will be the year we’ll see a big push in devices that will monitor our activities, sleep, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. These devices will talk with our cell phones and will allow us to better monitor our successes, failures, health, etc. API’s will allow devices to open data to multiple apps.
Cory Vandenberghe, Social Media Manager

Technology - The connected living room (smart TV, media center, integrated mobile devices) will become more mainstream, but it won’t work as well as it should.  Incomplete licensing deals between content creators, content distributors and device manufacturers will continue to plague us throughout the year; people will continue to be frustrated when they can’t use the HBOGo app on their Samsung Smart TV if they are an Xfinity subscriber, for example.
Demian Brink, VP of Client Service

Mobile – With the growing popularity of local/mobile search and social activity, I expect to see businesses use geo-location services more predominantly in 2013.
Daniel Hollerung, Search Marketing Manager

Mobile – Mobile wallet like Google Wallet and mobile banking will see significant growth with mainstream acceptance.
Barb Vanags, VP of Finance

Mobile – Mobile will begin to be the first thought when a business owners wants a new website – followed by the desktop version.  This will continue the push for developers and designers to become experts as HTML5, CSS3 and Responsive.
Travis Neiderhiser, Development Team Manager

Mobile – More companies will look at mobile technology as a necessary utility to do business, across all departments, not just marketing. Custom mobile applications will serve as a foundation for supporting job functions in sales, project management customer service and operations.
Jeff Nolan, Account Executive

Mobile – Mobile commerce takes hold. Using mobile devices, it will be even easier to satisfy the desire to shop. Made popular by cutting edge grocery stores in Asia, these interactive virtual shops will start to show up everywhere and you can snap a QR/bar code and instantly purchase items through an e-commerce mobile site. And to make it even more exciting, there will be “pop-up” shops with exclusive limited-time products.
Rebecca Toth, Director of Account Services

Apps - A shift from Native apps to Web apps is here. I predict that within the next year mobile phones will pass up PC’s for use of the Internet. With this, I think we’re going to see a major shift in companies creating Native Apps and will expect to do more with their Web Apps or mobile websites. With more advances in HTML 5 & other technologies we’ll be able to design for more complex & creative interfaces.
Jeff Wagner, Creative Director

Apps – More people than ever before will become technology-motivated as mobile and tablet apps and devices continue to appify even the smallest of every day tasks. Don’t be alarmed when you find your grandma cooking a meal with step-by-step tablet instructions or that notoriously computer-illiterate family member shopping for groceries by influence of an app awarding them ‘points’ because they shopped a specific food category.
Joe Barhorst, Developer

Apps – App numbers and popularity will undoubtedly increase this year, but I think “companion apps” (apps created by manufacturers to accompany/support their products) will start to become more of the norm and a larger point of differentiation for tech saavy consumers when they’re deciding which brand to buy.
Nick Bryant, Director of Client Strategy

What’s Your Digital Future?

Do you have a prediction to add to ours for 2013 in marketing and technology? Share yours in our comments!

2011 brought a huge leap in mobile devices, mobile searches, mobile apps, and mobile websites, so much so that the predictions in mobile all center around when it will eclipse desktop Internet use.

At Spyder Trap, we’ve been deep into mobile solutions for a while and have been able to build apps and mobile websites that help you find the right wine, book a hotel room, locate a commercial property, follow a X Games gold medalist, attend a conference, find healthcare for your child and more.

Business Mobile Website & App Favorites

Our staff weighed in by sharing their favorite mobile apps and websites they use from other businesses.  This list won’t include Twitter, Instagram, Angry Birds and other mobile solutions that are services, games or content networks.

We wanted to give you a list of brick and mortar businesses that are succeeding at mobile.  Not surprising, you’ll see mobile websites and apps that make our lives easier for finances, health, dining and shopping.

Here’s Our 15 Mobile Picks:

Jimmy John’s – App
The app is almost like the delivery people … freaky fast. It saves addresses you’ve previously ordered from, the navigation to order is simple, and the checkout is quick because it saves past payment methods.

lululemon – Mobile Web
Easy and intuitive navigation of all their products.  Large product photos, detailed but simple product pages make it easy to research your next in-store purchase.  Mobile e-commerce enabled, the site offers a simple 3 step purchase process.

Walgreen’s – App
It’s awesome because you can scan the prescription bottle and it automatically sends your request to refill. It also allows you to upload images, which you can pick up as prints at your local Walgreen’s store.

Nike Golf – Mobile Web
Clean mobile website with features to browse all their golf clubs, locate a dealer and watch videos of their state-of-the-art product development facility called The Oven.

CorePower Yoga – App
CorePower Yoga Studios have a great app that is fully updated with their schedules.  I can choose locations and see what classes are when. Only downside is I can’t check my account status.

Whole Foods – App
Great filters for all types of recipes. The app allows me to add ingredients to a shopping list for my next trip.

Papa John’s – App
I like how it allows you to build your own pizza. Olives on half, pepperoni on the other half .  It also ties in promotion codes and specials to take advantage of. Lastly, it geolocates to ID closest store.

Home Depot – App
The app is great because you can search for certain SKUs within specific locations, and it even tells you what aisle to find it in.

UW Credit Union -Mobile Web
It has a great mobile website that prompts you to bookmark the site to your home screen. Great UI, cross platform, quick access to most commonly used features.

US Bank – App
Easy access to account information for mobile banking and a good branch locator as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics – App
It is simple and does exactly what I need it to do. The app gives me coupons when I am on the go and tells me the location of the nearest Jo-Ann Fabrics. I like this because I never plan my trips!

Starbucks – App
You can do mobile payments through a gift card, easily find stores and their amenities (drive-through, mobile payment, food, wireless, etc), save your favorite drink and track rewards.

Target – App & Mobile Web
Both the mobile web and app experience are very similar.  You get the weekly ad, store listings and hours, ability to shop and create shopping lists.

FlyDelta – App
The app has the ability to view upcoming trips/purchased tickets, email itineraries, check in for a flight and use your phone as your boarding pass.

Subway – Mobile Web
The site has a really clean interface and I can easily locate the nearest location for fresh sandwiches.  Great example of a big chain mobile done right.

Have A Mobile Favorite?

Do you have a mobile website or app that you engage with that belongs to a brick and mortar business?  We’d love your comments on your favorite.

Apple’s iOS5 just released and a few of us have already downloaded it. Initial reactions are, of course, that it is a great upgrade and includes some amazing new features that will surely be of importance to us and our clients.

According to Apple, iOS5 has over 200 new features. Some that we are especially excited about include:

Notifications

• Swipe from the top of any screen to view notifications in one place with Notification Center
• New notifications appear briefly at the top of the screen
• View notifications from lock screen
• Slide the notification app icon to the right on the lock screen to go directly to the app

iMessage

• Send and receive unlimited text, photo, and video messages with other iOS 5 users
• Track messages with delivery and read receipts
• Group messaging and secure encryption
• Works over cellular network and Wi-Fi*

Newsstand

• Automatically organizes magazine and newspaper subscriptions on Home Screen
• Displays the cover of the latest issue
• Background downloads of new issues

Reminders for managing to do lists

• Syncs with iCloud, iCal and Outlook
• Location-based reminders when you leave or arrive at a location for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4

Built-in support for Twitter

• Sign-in once in Settings and tweet directly from Camera, Photos, Maps, Safari and YouTube
• Add location to any tweet
• View twitter profile pictures and usernames in Contacts

Camera improvements for devices with cameras

• Double click the home button when device is asleep to bring up a camera shortcut on iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th generation)
• Volume Up button to take a picture
• Optional grid lines to line up shots
• Pinch to zoom in the preview screen
• Swipe to camera roll from preview screen
• Tap and hold to lock focus and exposure, iPad 2 and iPod touch (4th generation) only support exposure lock

Photo improvements for devices with cameras

• Crop and rotate
• Red eye removal
• One tap enhance
• Organize photos into albums

Mail improvements

• Format text using bold, italic, or underlined fonts

Indentation control

• Drag to rearrange names in address fields
• Flag messages
• Mass mark messages as flagged, read or unread
• Customize mail alert sounds
• S/MIME

Calendar improvements

• Year view on iPad and new Week view for iPhone and iPod touch
• Tap to create an event
• View and add event attachments

Game Center improvements

• Use personal photos for your Game Center account
• Compare your overall achievement scores with your friends
• Find new Game Center friends with friend recommendations and friends of friends
• Discover new games with custom game recommendations

AirPlay Mirroring for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S

Multitasking Gestures for iPad

• Use four or five fingers to pinch to the Home Screen
• Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar
• Swipe left or right to switch between apps

On-device setup, activation and configuration with Setup Assistant

Software updates available over the air without tethering

iCloud support

• iTunes in the Cloud
• Photo Stream
• Documents in the Cloud
• Apps and Books automatic download and purchase history

Backup

• Contacts, Calendar, and Mail
• Find My iPhone

Redesigned Music app for iPad

Hourly weather forecast

Real-time stock quotes

Wireless sync to iTunes

Keyboard improvements

• Split keyboard for iPad
• Improved autocorrection accuracy
• Improved Chinese and Japanese input
• New Emoji keyboard
• Personal dictionary for autocorrection
• Optionally create keyboard short cuts for frequently used words

Accessibility improvements

• Option to light LED flash on incoming calls and alerts for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
• Custom vibration patterns for incoming calls on iPhone
• New interface for using iOS with mobility-impairment input devices
• Option to speak a selection of text
• Custom element labeling for VoiceOver

Exchange ActiveSync improvements

• Wirelessly sync tasks
• Mark messages as flagged, read or unread
• Improved offline support
• Save a new contact from a GAL service

More than 1,500 new developer APIs

Bug fixes

Products compatible with this software update

• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)

If you have downloaded iOS5 already, we would love to hear your reactions.  What is your favorite new feature so far?