Mobile apps are a large part of our everyday world.  The most popular mobile apps for 2012 will have unique features that cater to the mobile environment rather than merely act as an extension of their online peers.   Mobile applications will be a highly competitive marketplace this year and those device vendors that proactively integrate innovative apps at the platform layer will have the competitive edge.

Here are a few of the cutting edge mobile application trends for 2012.

1. Location-Based Services (LBS)
Location-based services deliver features and functionality in tune with their end user’s context, taking into account user’s location, personal preference, gender, age, etc. thus offering a more intelligent user experience. An example of location-based services would be Google Maps and FourSquare.

2. Social Networking
Mobile social networking is the fast growing consumer mobile app category.  Allowing end users to share videos, photos, games, emails and instant messaging via mobile devices.

3. Mobile Payments
Although mobile payments won’t become mainstream this year, there will be an increase in the amount of apps available.  Providers still have to work through usability, ease of implementation and security for all end users to jump on board.

4. Mobile Video
Mobile phones with larger screens and tablets offer the ideal platform for video consumption. Within the last few years the use of video has grown from a few businesses occasionally including it on their website, to an essential, competitive differentiator that can streamline operations and quickly promote a brand.

5. Mobile Search
Mobile search is usually related to product or places search.  This year there will be more apps available to make purchasing products, making reservations, buying a ticket, etc easier for the end user.

Which mobile applications would you like to see in 2012?