Introduction to Mobile Applications
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Mobile Application
- A mobile application or app is a computer program designed to run a mobile device such as phone, tablet or watch.
- At first there were email, calendar and contact apps, but public demand for apps like mobile games, automation, GPS, ticket purchase etc. increased rapidly.
- There are more than 2.87 million apps available in Play Store.
- With the development of Android, iOS and Windows mobile operating system, there are large number of people who use their smartphones and tablets to make calls and access information on the internet.
History of Mobile Application
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X was first commercially available cell phone made calls, and there was a simple contacts application included in the operating system. Outside developers had not opportunity to write application for the phones.
Nokia was famous for putting the 1990’s video games on its phones.
For entertainment and information services through internet, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) standard was developed in late 90’s.
Some of the most popular WAP apps were simple way paper and ring tone catalogue.
First smartphone was presented for general use in 1993 by IBM that was loaded with features like calendar, calculator, world clock and contact book named “IBM Simon”.
RIM releases its first Blackberry device with new features like wireless email.
Apple releases the first iPhone with default apps like maps, photo, text, weather.
Apple launches “App Store”.
Google launches Android through “HTC Dream”.
Mobile Application Distribution Platforms
Smartphones users spend roughly 88% of mobile time in apps.
Top mobile app distribution platforms are:
- Google Play
- App Store
- Amazon Appstore
- Microsoft Store
- Samsung Galaxy Store
1. Google Play
- Google Play is the official app store for Android OS devices.
- 3.48 million apps available.
- Largest app store.
- For developers they have to pay a one time fee $25.
2. App Store
- 2.2 million apps available.
- Second largest app distribution platforms.
- User can browser and download app on iPhone, smartphone, iPad, Apple watch etc.
3. Amazon Appstore
- This is an app store for Android OS created by Amazon.com.
- 0.46 million apps available for download.
- Developer can created account for free.
- Microsoft and Amazon recently announced their plans to bring Amazon app store to Window 11.
4. Microsoft Store
- With Window 10, Microsoft created unified place for not only mobile app but also console game, digital music and more.
- 0.8 million apps available for user to download.
- Developer have to pay $19 for individual account and $99 for company account which is one time.
5. Samsung Galaxy Store
- It offers app for Android, Window Mobile, Tizen and Bada platforms.
- Completely free to upload.
Difference Between Mobile App and Application Software
| S.N. | Mobile App | S.N. | Application Software |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mobile app are found in Play Store easily. | 1. | Application software are found in browser. |
| 2. | Mobile apps are easily run in our mobile device. | 2. | But application software need highly made hardware to run. |
| 3. | More secure. | 3. | Less secure. |
| 4. | Mobile App are faster. | 4. | Slower than Mobile App. |
| 5. | Mobile App is used in smartphone, tablet. | 5. | Application software is used in Laptop, PC. |
| 6. | Mobile App running software is Android, iOS. | 6. | Window, Linux running software of Application Software. |
| 7. | Mobile app use .apk extension file. | 7. | .exe is the extension file use the application software. |
| 8. | Snap dragon processor is used and 4 GB RAM need. | 8. | I5 processor is used and 8 GB RAM need. |
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