Are Mobile Phone Apps Changing Mobile Use?
A few years ago, the best a mobile phone could do was make phone calls and send text messages. A few years later, music capabilities entered, as well as gaming opportunities and, after that, the chance to take pictures and send them to your contacts.
That was impressive then. Now all of these features and more come as standard on most mobile phones. Many users would even turn up their nose at a phone that didn't have Bluetooth or WiFi, or one that couldn't do video calls with cameras on the front and back of the phone. Some people wouldn't even touch a device that couldn't play TV shows and films. People are even basing their phone purchasing decision on what apps mobile phones have access to rather than anything else.
Texting and calling capabilities are taken as standard nowadays and, while there are some people who only want a device that can do these and nothing more, the majority of people want a phone that presses all the buttons when it comes to technology. This is why smartphones like the iPhone and N-series by Nokia have become so popular - people are getting used to carrying miniature computers in their pockets. With the advent of the Apple App Store for the iPhone, mobile phone apps have rocketed in popularity and given users even more reason to be selective about their phones.
When it comes to choosing which new mobile you're after, many people are more likely to go with a phone that has a certain service provider and runs a particular operating system. After all, you'll need the latter if you want to access those particular apps you've been eyeing up. This could be Apple's App Store, Nokia's Ovi offering or Blackberry's similar store, all of which offer users a plethora of useful - and questionable - apps that can make the mobile experience all the more rewarding.
Whether you want quick access to maps to find the nearest post office, GPS to map your run, fun apps to make it look like you're swallowing a pint of lager or shaking a pack of Tic Tacs or games that use your handset's technology to make the experience, apps can really change the way mobiles are being used.
Apps are also appearing on cheap mobile phones, meaning everybody can make the most of them too - no matter what type of application they want.
