Where does the word app come from what do you use mobile

A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on desktop computers, and web applications which run in mobile web browsers rather than directly on the mobile device.

Apps were originally intended for productivity assistance such as email, calendar, and contact databases, but the public demand for apps caused rapid expansion into other areas such as mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services, order-tracking, and ticket purchases, so that there are now millions of apps available. Many apps require Internet access. Apps are generally downloaded from app stores, which are a type of digital distribution platforms.

The term «app», short for «application», has since become very popular; in 2010, it was listed as «Word of the Year» by the American Dialect Society.^[1]

Apps are broadly classified into three types: native apps, hybrid and web apps. Native applications are designed specifically for a mobile operating system, typically iOS or Android. Web apps are written in HTML5 or CSS and typically run through a browser. Hybrid apps are built using web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5 and function like web apps disguised in a native container.^[2]

Overview

Most mobile devices are sold with several apps bundled as pre-installed software, such as a web browser, email client, calendar, mapping program, and an app for buying music, other media, or more apps. Some pre-installed apps can be removed by an ordinary uninstall process, thus leaving more storage space for desired ones. Where the software does not allow this, some devices can be rooted to eliminate the undesired apps.

Apps that are not preinstalled are usually available through distribution platforms called app stores. These may operated by the owner of the device’s mobile operating system, such as the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store; by the device manufacturers, such as the Galaxy Store and Huawei AppGallery; or by third parties, such as the Amazon Appstore and F-Droid.

Usually, they are downloaded from the platform to a target device, but sometimes they can be downloaded to laptops or desktop computers. Apps can also be installed manually, for example by running an Android application package on Android devices.

Some apps are freeware, while others have a price, which can be upfront or a subscription. Some apps also include microtransactions and/or advertising. In any case, the revenue is usually split between the application’s creator and the app store.^[3] The same app can, therefore, cost a different price depending on the mobile platform.

Mobile apps were originally offered for general productivity and information retrieval, including email, calendar, contacts, the stock market and weather information. However, public demand and the availability of developer tools drove rapid expansion into other categories, such as those handled by desktop application software packages. As with other software, the explosion in number and variety of apps made discovery a challenge, which in turn led to the creation of a wide range of review, recommendation, and curation sources, including blogs, magazines, and dedicated online app-discovery services. In 2014 government regulatory agencies began trying to regulate and curate apps, particularly medical apps.^[4] Some companies offer apps as an alternative method to deliver content with certain advantages over an official website.

With a growing number of mobile applications available at app stores and the improved capabilities of smartphones, people are downloading more applications to their devices.^[5] Usage of mobile apps has become increasingly prevalent across mobile phone users.^[6] A May 2012 comScore study reported that during the previous quarter, more mobile subscribers used apps than browsed the web on their devices: 51.1% vs. 49.8% respectively.^[7] Researchers found that usage of mobile apps strongly correlates with user context and depends on user’s location and time of the day.^[8] Mobile apps are playing an ever-increasing role within healthcare and when designed and integrated correctly can yield many benefits.^[9][10]

Market research firm Gartner predicted that 102 billion apps would be downloaded in 2013 (91% of them free), which would generate $26 billion in the US, up 44.4% on 2012’s US$18 billion.^[11] By Q2 2015, the Google Play and Apple stores alone generated $5 billion. An analyst report estimates that the app economy creates revenues of more than €10 billion per year within the European Union, while over 529,000 jobs have been created in 28 EU states due to the growth of the app market.^[12]

Types

Mobile applications may be classified by numerous methods. A common scheme is to distinguish native, web-based, and hybrid apps.

Native app

All apps targeted toward a particular mobile platform are known as native apps. Therefore, an app intended for Apple device does not run in Android devices. As a result, most businesses develop apps for multiple platforms.

While developing native apps, professionals incorporate best-in-class user interface modules. This accounts for better performance, consistency and good user experience. Users also benefit from wider access to application programming interfaces and make limitless use of all apps from the particular device. Further, they also switch over from one app to another effortlessly.

The main purpose for creating such apps is to ensure best performance for a specific mobile operating system.

Web-based app

A web-based app is implemented with the standard web technologies of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Internet access is typically required for proper behavior or being able to use all features compared to offline usage. Most, if not all, user data is stored in the cloud.

The performance of these apps is similar to a web application running in a browser, which can be noticeably slower than the equivalent native app. It also may not have the same level of features as the native app.

Hybrid app

The concept of the hybrid app is a mix of native and web-based apps. Apps developed using Apache Cordova, Flutter, Xamarin, React Native, Sencha Touch, and other frameworks fall into this category.

These are made to support web and native technologies across multiple platforms. Moreover, these apps are easier and faster to develop. It involves use of single codebase which works in multiple mobile operating systems.^{[citation needed]}

Despite such advantages, hybrid apps exhibit lower performance. Often, apps fail to bear the same look-and-feel in different mobile operating systems.^{[citation needed]}

Development

Developing apps for mobile devices requires considering the constraints and features of these devices. Mobile devices run on battery and have less powerful processors than personal computers and also have more features such as location detection and cameras. Developers also have to consider a wide array of screen sizes, hardware specifications and configurations because of intense competition in mobile software and changes within each of the platforms (although these issues can be overcome with mobile device detection).

Mobile application development requires the use of specialized integrated development environments. Mobile apps are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to field testing. Emulators provide an inexpensive way to test applications on mobile phones to which developers may not have physical access.^[13][14]

Mobile user interface (UI) Design is also essential. Mobile UI considers constraints and contexts, screen, input and mobility as outlines for design. The user is often the focus of interaction with their device, and the interface entails components of both hardware and software. User input allows for the users to manipulate a system, and device’s output allows the system to indicate the effects of the users’ manipulation. Mobile UI design constraints include limited attention and form factors, such as a mobile device’s screen size for a user’s hand. Mobile UI contexts signal cues from user activity, such as location and scheduling that can be shown from user interactions within a mobile application. Overall, mobile UI design’s goal is primarily for an understandable, user-friendly interface.

Mobile UIs, or front-ends, rely on mobile back-ends to support access to enterprise systems. The mobile back-end facilitates data routing, security, authentication, authorization, working off-line, and service orchestration. This functionality is supported by a mix of middleware components including mobile app servers, Mobile Backend as a service (MBaaS), and SOA infrastructure.

Conversational interfaces display the computer interface and present interactions through text instead of graphic elements. They emulate conversations with real humans.^[15] There are two main types of conversational interfaces: voice assistants (like the Amazon Echo) and chatbots.^[15]

Conversational interfaces are growing particularly practical as users are starting to feel overwhelmed with mobile apps (a term known as «app fatigue»).^[16][17]

David Limp, Amazon’s senior vice president of devices, says in an interview with Bloomberg, «We believe the next big platform is voice.»^[18]

Distribution

The three biggest app stores are Google Play for Android, App Store for iOS, and Microsoft Store for Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, and Xbox One.

Google Play

Google Play (formerly known as the Android Market) is an international online software store developed by Google for Android devices. It opened in October 2008.^[19] In July 2013, the number of apps downloaded via the Google Play Store surpassed 50 billion, of the over 1 million apps available.^[20] As of September 2016, according to Statista the number of apps available exceeded 2.4 million. Over 80% of apps in the Google Play Store are free to download.^[21] The store generated a revenue of 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.

App Store

Apple’s App Store for iOS and iPadOS was not the first app distribution service, but it ignited the mobile revolution and was opened on July 10, 2008, and as of September 2016, reported over 140 billion downloads. The original AppStore was first demonstrated to Steve Jobs in 1993 by Jesse Tayler at NeXTWorld Expo^[22] As of June 6, 2011, there were 425,000 apps available, which had been downloaded by 200 million iOS users.^[23][24] During Apple’s 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference, CEO Tim Cook announced that the App Store has 650,000 available apps to download as well as 30 billion apps downloaded from the app store until that date.^[25] From an alternative perspective, figures seen in July 2013 by the BBC from tracking service Adeven indicate over two-thirds of apps in the store are «zombies», barely ever installed by consumers.^[26]

Microsoft Store

Microsoft Store (formerly known as the Windows Store) was introduced by Microsoft in 2012 for its Windows 8 and Windows RT platforms. While it can also carry listings for traditional desktop programs certified for compatibility with Windows 8, it is primarily used to distribute «Windows Store apps»—which are primarily built for use on tablets and other touch-based devices (but can still be used with a keyboard and mouse, and on desktop computers and laptops).^[27][28]

Others

• Amazon Appstore is an alternative application store for the Android operating system. It was opened in March 2011 and as of June 2015, the app store has nearly 334,000 apps.^[29] The Amazon Appstore’s Android Apps can also be installed and run on BlackBerry 10 devices.
• BlackBerry World is the application store for BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry OS devices. It opened in April 2009 as BlackBerry App World.
• Ovi (Nokia) for Nokia phones was launched internationally in May 2009. In May 2011, Nokia announced plans to rebrand its Ovi product line under the Nokia brand^[30] and Ovi Store was renamed Nokia Store in October 2011.^[31] Nokia Store will no longer allow developers to publish new apps or app updates for its legacy Symbian and MeeGo operating systems from January 2014.^[32]
• Windows Phone Store was introduced by Microsoft for its Windows Phone platform, which was launched in October 2010. As of October 2012, it has over 120,000 apps available.^[33]
• Samsung Apps was introduced in September 2009.^[34] As of October 2011, Samsung Apps reached 10 million downloads. The store is available in 125 countries and it offers apps for Windows Mobile, Android and Bada platforms.
• The Electronic AppWrapper was the first electronic distribution service to collectively provide encryption and purchasing electronically^[35]
• F-Droid — Free and open Source Android app repository.
• Opera Mobile Store is a platform independent app store for iOS, Java, BlackBerry OS, Symbian, iOS, and Windows Mobile, and Android based mobile phones. It was launched internationally in March, 2011.
• There are numerous other independent app stores for Android devices.

Enterprise management

Mobile application management (MAM) describes software and services responsible for provisioning and controlling access to internally developed and commercially available mobile apps used in business settings. The strategy is meant to off-set the security risk of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) work strategy. When an employee brings a personal device into an enterprise setting, mobile application management enables the corporate IT staff to transfer required applications, control access to business data, and remove locally cached business data from the device if it is lost, or when its owner no longer works with the company. Containerization is an alternate approach to security. Rather than controlling an employee/s entire device, containerization apps create isolated pockets separate from personal data. Company control of the device only extends to that separate container.^[36]

App wrapping vs. native app management

Especially when employees «bring your own device» (BYOD), mobile apps can be a significant security risk for businesses, because they transfer unprotected sensitive data to the Internet without knowledge and consent of the users. Reports of stolen corporate data show how quickly corporate and personal data can fall into the wrong hands. Data theft is not just the loss of confidential information, but makes companies vulnerable to attack and blackmail.^[37]

Professional mobile application management helps companies protect their data. One option for securing corporate data is app wrapping. But there also are some disadvantages like copyright infringement or the loss of warranty rights. Functionality, productivity and user experience are particularly limited under app wrapping. The policies of a wrapped app can’t be changed. If required, it must be recreated from scratch, adding cost.^[38] An app wrapper is a mobile app made wholly from an existing website or platform,^[39] with few or no changes made to the underlying application. The «wrapper» is essentially a new management layer that allows developers to set up usage policies appropriate for app use.^[39] Examples of these policies include whether or not authentication is required, allowing data to be stored on the device, and enabling/disabling file sharing between users.^[40] Because most app wrappers are often websites first, they often do not align with iOS or Android Developer guidelines.

Alternatively, it is possible to offer native apps securely through enterprise mobility management. This enables more flexible IT management as apps can be easily implemented and policies adjusted at any time.^[41]

See also

• Appbox Pro (2009)
• App store optimization
• Enterprise mobile application
• Mobile commerce
• Super-app
• WideAngle (2013)

References

External links

• Media related to Mobile phone software at Wikimedia Commons

You’ve heard people talking about the latest mobile app. Or how they can download apps on a mobile device. But not everyone knows what these web applications are all about. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this software. Including the benefits of having an app working with your small businesses. And of course where you can find these products online. Plus which ones will help your business get to where it needs to be.

What is an app?

An app is a way people describe an application. Apps are software. Most of them perform specific tasks. Like PoS systems and payments processing products to name a few. Here’s a best of list most businesses will be interested in.

What are apps used for?

Apps are used by individuals and businesses. This type of software program can help business owners run more efficient enterprises. A good web-based app can extend the reach of a business. Native applications can increase business functions.

Here are some other reasons to consider mobile apps and others.

• A good web-based app can provide different services for a business on multiple platforms. Think CRM software and inventory management.
• You can choose from various apps at the App Store for marketing programs. A mobile app enhances marketing and social activities.
• A desktop application or an app for a mobile operating system makes it convenient to shop online. More apps equal more sales.
• Android apps can complement your brick-and-mortar stores. Add in mobile websites and you have a good omnichannel business.
• Get the right apps and you can monitor your customer relationships.

Finally, the right app with push notifications engages your target market on a mobile platform.

How do apps work?

As the name implies, mobile apps can run on your own or other electronic devices. Others like Microsoft Word run through a web browser. Mobile apps unload packages that transfer content to the storage of a smartphone.

Types of Apps

There are different types of apps. Some like desktop apps run through a web browser. Web apps are browser-based. And there are others designed specifically for mobile devices.

Web Apps

Web apps are designed for many reasons. They don’t need to be downloaded. A web app is kept on a remote server and delivered through an internet connection.

Examples include Firefox and Chrome.

Native Mobile Apps

These web applications are a big part of the smartphone revolution. Specific programming languages are used. These apps exist for Android devices like smartphones, and others.

Native apps are fast and reliable. It doesn’t matter which of the app stores you shop at. There are always many of these to choose from. And, they perform a variety of functions from entertainment to business-related themes.

Hybrid Apps

Download these from an app store. Hybrid apps get installed on local electronic devices. The native app “shell” then connects through an invisible browser.

They are web apps containing a native app shell. They offer offline access and integrate with web browsers and other services.

Progressive Web Apps

These use features specific to web-based apps and others found in native applications. This type of software should be discoverable through search engines. And network independent so it works offline.

Desktop Apps

These desktop programs are software that run on a computer to perform a task. Think Microsoft Word. Other apps included in this category include ones for internet access like Chrome. These are some of the more common products and the ones that are quite reliable.

Legacy Apps

An outdated web-based or mobile app. A software program written for use on earlier operating systems is an example. Many of these products are still in use today although there are more recent versions available.

Why are apps important?

Mobile apps are important to your business. Consider the revenue from this type of mobile application was pegged at $318 billion in 2020. Those numbers include other types like desktop apps and web apps.

Here are five more reasons businesses need to use them. Keep in mind that an app should be part of a marketing effort that includes other tools. But you can always point a good app towards places like a website or Facebook page.

• Data mining from mobile phones and Android users. Get a clear picture of customers’ mindsets. Using the right analytics can give you a good picture of how to tweak your marketing efforts.
• Inventory Management Apps. Web-based apps like this will streamline your functions. Here’s a list of the top software choices. This is an excellent option for companies that have mobile sales teams. They can check inventory on the road before closing deals. Plus head office can order quickly and efficiently. Inventory management apps are perfect for just-in-time businesses.
• Engineering apps are another example of how you can find mobile apps geared to almost any business. It’s not hard to find even a hybrid app that deals with any particular retail or another type of business. Don’t forget that you can get products that look after your inventory and even order.
• The right app builds customer loyalty. The right mobile applications promote two-way communications.
• The right mobile apps create direct marketing channels. The mobile devices they connect with get sales and promotions. You can get the word out on your app by promoting it. There are several ways to do this including your website. This can act as an online presence for your application and give it legitimacy. Social media is another excellent tool to get the word out about your application. You can mention it on your Twitter and/or Facebook page.

Where can you purchase apps?

You can download mobile apps from the online stores that sell them. Apple devices have a designated store. And then there’s Google Play and others. There are ones for everything. Even online banking apps exist.

Apple App Stores

The Apple app store allows developers to distribute any app they’ve built or designed. The App Store has helped them make $320 billion since 2008. Apple’s app store has almost 2 million apps.

Google Play Store

There are 2 million apps and games here. Download mobile apps that support the most apps for Android. Businesses can get collaboration apps. And others like Adobe photoshop express editor. Unfortunately, Adobe photoshop sketch has been discontinued.

The Google docs app doesn’t share data with third parties. There are other word processor choices too like the business standard Word program.

Finally, here’s a neat trick. The Google Maps app has a click-to-map navigation feature. Get Inside Access and other features.

Microsoft Store

There are lots of e-commerce apps here. Even an app to write a business plan.

Windows Phone Store

These are geared toward Windows devices. Find some popular social sharing ones here like WhatsApp.

Opera Mobile Store

Download apps from this store that are browser-based. You don’t need to switch from app to app with Opera Browser.

Samsung Apps

This is the store to get an app for your Galaxy device.

What is the difference between an app and a website?

A mobile website is responsive. That means they automatically scale to fit the screen sizes of a device. An app, on the other hand, needs to be downloaded and then placed on a smartphone, or a tablet. A web app or even a hybrid app needs to be stored on a remote server. Here’s another major difference. Mobile websites are a collection of correlated web pages. They can consist of several different pages readers can interact with by supplying comments.

Can apps help you operate businesses from mobile devices?

There are several different ways that an app can help your business.

• Small businesses can hire app builders who can design loyalty programs. One of these programs allows your business to connect with your customers at any given time in any way. Some of the most popular tools here are coupons and codes as well as free services or products. Access to limited offers and pre-sells are also good methods to use.
• An app can improve efficiency. For example, you may create a work schedule app to help employees track time and stay on task.
• They provide value for your customers. The better your app, the more customers will interrelate with your services and products. Offering rewards exclusively to app subscribers is another good idea.
• A good app can also help you build a much stronger brand. Getting the word out on your goods and services helps you to foster trust in your target market. Mobile apps are the calendars, fridge magnets, and memorabilia of the digital world. Here’s a tip. Make sure that your branding has the same logo across websites, printed material, and your mobile app. Consistency is one of the keys to better sales using these tools.
• The right app can also help you boost profits. A good companion to any responsive website is a good mobile app. Having this kind of app also takes away the need to have a secondary mobile website. These can often be a problem to manage.
• An app can also help you connect better with your target market. Having good customer service is about much more than just smiling sales associates. Remember that recent statistics point to the fact 2.6 billion people have mobile devices.
• It’s good to be visible to your customers all the time. Regardless of your target market statistics say Americans spend about three hours and 43 minutes every day on a mobile device.

Finally, you should check out the kinds of password apps available. Here’s a list of the top ones for 2023.

Image: Envato Elements

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