Why are Mobile Apps Popular?

WHY ARE MOBILE APPS POPULAR?

(Written by: Vani Gupta)

From the time when pigeons were used as a way of communication to the present, where mobile phones can not only help one exchange messages but can also provide a multitude of applications in a single tap.  It is safe to say that the world has digitally evolved as was predicted by Steve Jobs in 1983, when he foresaw the evolution of a new digital distribution system. It would be like a record store, he said, where software would be downloaded on phone lines. Jobs saw apps and app stores coming. And here we are with almost 1.85 million apps in an app store on our smart phones.

A life without mobile phones is like a life without a basic necessity such as food or water, at least that is what the generation Z thinks. Even though smart phones came into existence in 2007, and 2008 was the year when the first mobile app was ever launched imagining even a single day without them puts a person into deep thoughts and retrospection.

Whether a person needs to send an e-mail or he/she needs to buy a train or an aeroplane ticket there is no need for a PC or to have your laptop with you all the time, all of it can be easily done on your smart phone and the only other requirement is internet, apart from a sufficient battery percentage of course. Mobile phones are of colossal use to not just individuals but also to businesses. Mobile computation has led to development in the technological sector which in turn has many positive side effects. It has generated a lot of job opportunities in the technical and corporate sector.

Mobile apps can be considered as the accessories to a simple outfit. Without these apps our mobiles will just be a mere tool for making phone calls and exchanging messages. On the other hand, apps make the smart phone a device to not just track a person’s lifestyle, health, footsteps etc. but it can also put a tab on the amount of water one drinks, exercises one should do and track ones sleep cycle. Individuals demand for latest apps everyday which in turn boosts the app developing companies, which work to improve these apps every day and increase their demand in the market. Due to this there has been a recent growth in the new app development companies and app developers. Nowadays there are apps present for every activity from games, to business, matrimony, messengers, online books, shopping, social media, education, travel, banking, healthcare and the list keeps on going.

In terms of banking, mobile apps have revolutionized a lot and are still on a rise. Nobody likes to pay regular visits to a bank for a simple withdrawal or deposition of money, with mobile applications this work has been reduced a lot and people can access all of these facilities in a highly secured and easy way. Imagine forgetting your wallet at the house while you are travelling in a cab, it would have been such an embarrassing situation to be in, but thanks to your e-money app that helped you in paying the cab rent, also one of the other apps on your phone helped you book a cab in the first place. Coming to the concept of e-money, it has made our day to day expenditure quite easy and just a click away and the best part about it is that it’s completely secure and lacks the chances of fraud to a great extent. We no longer have to panic if we forget our wallet at home or there’s no cash in hand, online transactions have simplified our life to a great extent.

Apps not only allow us to book cabs but can even help us in booking national and international airplane tickets. Not just that, apps can even help you find hotels and filter them out as per your needs. Online bookings for hotels, tourism site tickets etc. have made travelling so much easier and fun, as it shields you from the hassle of standing in long queues.

One of the most important types of apps that need to be discussed right now is that belonging to the educational domain. With the world taken over by a pandemic, virtual classrooms act as a saviour for the education sector. There are a multitude of apps which help in organizing online meetings and carry on with the academic year. These apps are used by corporate sector companies as well and have proven to be of great help during this time of crisis.

A very popular saying says that health is wealth and these days health has become a primary concern to a lot people. People are actually paying attention to their lifestyle and eating habits more than ever before. Mobile applications aid this process too. Multiple apps can not only keep a track on your diet but can even give you suggestions as per your requirements, track your sleep cycles and mood patterns to predict hormonal changes in the body which in turn are related to your mental health, track your steps, heart rate, the amount of water you consumed and this list continues.

Social media platforms were one of the earliest apps to arrive however there applications and uses have been altered with time. Social media, today, is no longer just used for finding old friends but can act as a platform for boosting your new business or venture. Social media influencing has become a profession and people actually are earning from it. Many people use different social media sites to advertise their business and gain popularity.

Today, mobile applications have become so common that they can be considered as a part of life and helps towards organizing and maintaining one’s lifestyle. Apps like calendars, to-do lists, reminders and all kinds of notification apps actually help in management and make life easier and more comfortable.

Mobile applications are yet to face even more evolution in the coming times. Technology, as we all know surprises us each and every day and we should be prepared for what it may introduce to us in the coming times. Talking about applications in particular, it is quite evident that this industry is on the flourishing side and will see many more leaps in the coming years. However, excess of everything is considered bad and even though currently mobile applications are gaining a lot of popularity we should be careful while using them, do not overuse them and actually figure out the proper way of using different application to avoid any mistakes and take full advantage of it. Time will tell the future of this sector.