Although online dating has only been around for a couple of decades, the functionality these outlets can offer has evolved considerably. Dating websites have been at the forefront of many technological innovations, providing their users with so much more than lists of singles. Nowadays a variety of software solutions have been implemented that have radically altered online dating. Here are some of the ways technology has enhanced the virtual matchmaking services.
1. Technologies of user interfaces
Users can adopt a whole raft of technologies, depending on where they are accessing their favorite service, by desktop, tablet, or smartphone. A common feature that is universally popular, particularly where long text messages are being composed, is speech-to-text software. An even more basic enrichment is predictive text, taking into account common spelling errors, and suggesting the word or phrase the person probably meant to write. Touchscreen interfaces are so much more user-friendly than the traditional keyboard commands or mouse-clicking, taking on board the typical techniques employed by smartphone technology.
2. Geofencing technologies
To the uninitiated, geofencing might not seem too familiar a term. Yet this is another technology that has revolutionized the possibilities where daters are concerned, particularly with those websites aimed at the casual encounter end of the scale rather than full-blown relationships. Similar technology exists in vehicle satellite navigation hardware, allowing maps to be plotted in realtime as a journey unfolds, targeting a client’s location. This relies on GPS – a global positioning system – that will track positions using satellites in the atmosphere. Where this ties in with online dating is that programs can be employed that will input postcodes to the geofencing system, allowing a site member’s exact position to be pinpointed. Let’s say you choose a casual encounter in Raleigh, the service processes your request and finds potential partners within the radius of the city of Raleigh, and offers you a choice.
3. Integration with other services
Dating sites can integrate with a host of other services to improve user experience. At the basic level, financial transacting software is employed to process payments. While most sites offer free registration, the more functionality that is accessed, the increased likelihood a fee will be charged for utilizing this. The systems need to be robust, as they represent the lifeblood of these sites. If there are any glitches, customers will rapidly look elsewhere, severing revenue streams. Other popular services available to site members might include video chatting options. Singles can touch base with prospective partners by text, email, messaging, or online chats where the cameras within devices are activated to allow communications to be conducted visually as well as aurally. As hardware and software solutions have moved on from this, even more realistic methods of making contact are being rolled out. Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are only just coming into the equation where dating sites are concerned, but the potential for online romance is incredible. Just as gamers can now plug into an ultra-realistic fantasy world, interacting with avatars of fellow enthusiasts, so singles on dating sites can arrange liaisons in this alternate universe. Some cam sites have been employing sensory hardware for some time, allowing members to interact with models in a supremely tactile way, controlling the transmission of sensations at different ends of a computer connection. When this is merged with VR technology, virtual sexual encounters will be the next evolution.
4. Opportunities of AI in dating services
Another software solution set to overhaul what dating sites can do, predictions are that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will eventually take the place of scrolling and swiping. Computer systems will become sophisticated enough to anticipate your desires. Based on your data stored in the system, the datings site could suggest compatible individuals and eventually get round to booking your restaurant table or gig tickets. Along with any other area of web development, dating sites and apps have moved with the times, embracing new functions and tools to ensure their members have the optimum experience after they’ve signed up. With the introduction of video chatting, VR headsets, and sensory hardware, it seems those who are using these sites today will be benefitting from a whole range of improvements waiting just around the corner.