A mobile app is a computer program designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices. Apps are usually available through application distribution platforms, which began appearing in 2008 and are typically operated by the owner of the mobile operating system, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store, and BlackBerry App World. Some apps are free, while others must be bought. Mobile apps were originally offered for general productivity and information retrieval, including email, calendar, contacts, and stock market and weather information. However, public demand and the availability of developer tools drove rapid expansion into other categories, such as mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services, banking, order-tracking, ticket purchases and recently mobile medical apps.
The new messaging app Yo is rapidly attracting attention from users despite its laughably limited functionality. Even if its gimmicky nature quickly fades, though, its early success contains lessons for developers… Read more »
Google’s (S GOOG) Chromecast streaming stick just got a bunch of new apps: Digital music service Deezer gave its paying subscribers access to casting through its mobile apps. Video workout service Dailyburn… Read more »
Amazon is widely expected unveil its first smartphone at a press event this week. The company has done an impressive job of building an app ecosystem for its line of Android… Read more »
You already know where to watch the matches online, but here’s where you can go to learn how to pronounce the Croatian goalkeeper’s name or see a Vine of Dutch star… Read more »
Building compelling applications is a complicated task, and maintaining that application’s appeal over time is even more daunting. Here’s what B2C companies and other businesses should know when doing this… Read more »
Square’s move to kill off its Wallet app this week has led to speculation that the market for the mobile wallet is doomed. It’s true that the short-term outlook for any… Read more »
More mainstream apps are hitting Google Glass that will help you hit the road. You can now check in on Foursquare, get a reservation for dinner and view your travel plans… Read more »
Deep linking is quickly emerging as a powerful tool to ramp up traffic to apps and boost mobile advertising campaigns. Leveraging deep links in these early days requires some time and… Read more »
Tired of bouncing from app to app as you chase useful content on your mobile phone? So is Facebook, which announced its backing of the open-source App Links effort today. Read more »
Computer vision startup Jetpac, which specialized in categorizing Instagram images from vacation destinations, has released an iOS software development kit and app based on a popular deep learning architecture. Read more »