IBM’s Watson Goes Mobile With New Class of Intelligent App Development

By Darryl K. Taft

Big data growth is accelerating as more of the world’s activity is expressed by mobile technologies. Not only is it increasing in volume, but also in speed, variety and uncertainty. Most data now comes in unstructured forms such as video, images, symbols and natural language—creating demand for a new computing model for businesses to insightfully capture, process and make sense of it to enhance and extend the expertise of humans.

As organizations work to make fact-based decisions based on data, they need advanced cognitive computing systems that are able to crunch massive amounts of structured and unstructured data and deliver insights within seconds. IBM developed the first cognitive system, Watson, to analyze massive amounts of data and provide key insights and responses.

By combining the power of cognitive computing systems like Watson with mobile technologies, we can introduce a new class of intelligent apps that can transform industries, professions and how decision-makers solve business and society’s greatest challenges.

Today, IBM is working with entrepreneurs and developers to build an ecosystem of apps infused with Watson’s cognitive computing intelligence. Several IBM partners have already begun developing mobile apps powered by Watson technology. Welltok is developing an app that will create Intelligent Health Itineraries for consumers. Consumers who use Welltok’s app—CaféWell Concierge powered by IBM Watson—will participate in conversations about their health with Watson.

To spark more innovative ideas, IBM recently launched the Watson Mobile Developer Challenge, inviting developers and entrepreneurs to build sophisticated cognitive computing apps using the power of Watson APIs. The announcement signals a significant step forward in the new era of mobile cognitive computing—an era where the power of Watson is available through a mobile device in the palm of your hand.

Over the next three months, the global challenge invites mobile developers and entrepreneurs to share their best ideas for building and developing mobile apps into prototypes. Three winners will join the Watson Ecosystem Program. The winners will work with the recently launched global consulting practice, IBM Interactive Experience, and receive design consultation and support from IBM experts to develop a viable commercial app.

Today, it is second nature for people to simply tap an app to stay connected, make a purchase or manage a bank account. The IBM Watson Mobile Developer Challenge will encourage developers around the world to build sophisticated cognitive apps that can change the way consumers and businesses interact with data on their mobile devices and, ultimately, transform organizations across industries.

The power of cognitive computing, coupled with the ability to access information through mobile devices, offers companies the opportunity to have a wealth of data and insights at their fingertips instantly. Companies that use the power of cognitive of computing to create apps that learn from experience, improve with each interaction and outcome, and answer complex questions with data-driven insights will gain a competitive advantage and deliver solutions to unmet needs in the marketplace.