Mobile apps: how do they work and what are the benefits for users
What is a Mobile App?
Amobile appis designed to work on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. It is usually downloaded from an application platform from an online store such as Google Play for Android users, or the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad users.
How do mobile apps work?
In principle, themobile appswork like any othersoftware, but they are designed to provide a specific user experience on a mobile device. Apps are often designed to work offline or with a slow internet connection.
They can exploit specific features of a smartphone or tablet such as GPS, camera, microphone, accelerometer and other sensors. Mobile apps also take advantage of platform-specific features, such as Apple Pay for iOS and Google Assistant for Android.
The benefits of mobile applications for users
THEmobile appsoffer users many advantages, such as:
- A user experience optimized for mobile devices, with an easy-to-use user interface and features adapted to touch screens
- Access to specific features of a smartphone or tablet, such as the camera, microphone, accelerometer and GPS
- The possibility of using the application even without an Internet connection or with a slow connection
- Push notifications to receive alerts or important updates in real time
- The ability to customize app settings and preferences to suit your needs
- Access to free or paid applications that may offer unique benefits such as rewards and cash back
The different types of mobile applications
Reference mobile apps
THEbenchmark mobile appsprovide information on a specific topic. For example, a medical reference app might provide information about symptoms, illnesses, and medications, while a numismatic reference app might provide information about ancient coins.
Some reference mobile application examples include Wikipedia, Google Translate, and Google Maps.
Mobile productivity apps
THEmobile productivity appshelp accomplish specific tasks. For example, a word processor app is for writing documents, while a task manager app is for organizing your schedule.
Common examples of mobile productivity apps include Microsoft Office, Trello, and Evernote.
Entertainment Mobile Apps
THEentertainment mobile appsare designed to provide recreation and entertainment. For example, a gaming app helps to play games, while a video streaming app helps to watch movies and TV shows.
Examples of entertainment mobile apps include Netflix, Spotify, and Candy Crush.
E-commerce mobile apps
THEe-commerce mobile appsallow users to purchase products online and manage their accounts. For example, an e-commerce application for an online retailer allows users to browse products, add items to cart, and place orders.
Common examples of mobile e-commerce applications include Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.
The most popular brands of mobile applications
Google is the largest provider ofsoftwarefor mobile devices, with its Android platform powering around 80% of smartphones worldwide. Google also provides several popular mobile apps, such as Gmail, Maps, and Drive.
Apple
Apple is one of the leading providers ofsmartphonesand tablets, with its iOS operating system powering iPhones and iPads. Apple also provides severalappspopular mobiles such as iMessage, Apple Music and Apple Pay.
Facebook is one of the largest social networks in the world and also provides several popular mobile applications such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Conclusion
THEmobile appshave become an essential part of everyday life for smartphone and tablet users. Whether it’s getting information, completing tasks, or just having fun, there’s a mobile app for every need. With brands such as Google, Apple and Facebook dominating themarketmobile applications, there is a reference for each user.
