An app is application software that works independently of the technical functionality of an operating system. This means that it provides functionality that is only available by installing a specific app and is not part of the operating system.
General information
The term ‘App’ is short for Application Software. This short form has prevailed in everyday usage. However, ‘app’ is mostly used for mobile applications on smartphones or tablets. Normal computer programs have only been referred to as apps since the introduction of Windows 8.
Apps should provide a concrete solution for numerous user problems and inquiries. The focus is on solving clearly defined problems or questions. An example is the route planning of a train journey: If a person wants to travel by train from A to B, a corresponding app would calculate the most suitable route and display arrival and departure times as well as transfer stations. Another example is the function of a dictaphone that is simulated by an app. yo If an app is only available on a specific system, it is referred to as a native app. These can only be executed on the respective target platform and can be downloaded via the online portal. An android mobile uses the Google Play Store to download an app. With Apple’s iOS operating system, this is the App Store, while Windows cell phones have the Windows Phone Store pre-installed. Sometimes an account has to be created in order to use these online portals.
The Flipboard magazine app
The Flipboard app can be used to organize all apps on the mobile device and display them in a so-called magazine. The app makes it possible to compile information from social networks and other sources into your own magazine.
Development of Flipboard
Flipboard was launched in 2010. Responsible for the invention and development are Mike McCue and Evan Doll, who together founded the software company Flipboard Inc. in Palo Alto, California. Initially, Flipboard was an iPad-only app. After initial success, the software was quickly expanded to include compatibility with other mobile devices, initially for the iPhone and iPod touch, and later also for Android smartphones and tablets. As of December 2013, Flipboard had over 100 million users. Company founder Mike McCue expects the number of users to increase to 150 million by the end of 2014.
Features of Flipboard
Flipboard allows users to bring information from different sources together in a single app. They select their areas of interest and bundle them into one or more of their own magazines. Flipboard works in a similar way to a bookmarking service. Interesting content can be reserved and recorded for later. In contrast to simple bookmark lists, Flipboard presents them in a visually appealing way, making them look like a magazine.
These magazines can be shared with other users via the apps and also via the web browser. No separate account is required for this. However, the use of Flipboard is always tied to the app. An account can only be created via an app and new magazines can only be created via this medium. This video shows the most important basics of using Flipboard.
interfaces
Flipboard has partnerships with numerous online media. Users can add accounts for the following services in the app, among others:
As a result, smartphone users can drastically reduce the amount of necessary apps, since they need accounts in the relevant media, but do not necessarily have to install the associated app in order to call up the information. However, contacts cannot be contacted via Flipboard.
Use of other magazines
Every user can freely decide whether they want to create their magazines privately and only be visible to them or whether they want to make them accessible to the public. Many use the platform to share their interests with others. Accordingly, countless magazines that other users have put together can be found via Flipboard. This often results in excellent compilations of interesting topics. These magazines can be added to your favourites.
criticism
So far, it has been disputed whether the use of services like Flipboard is legal. As soon as a user collects copyrighted material in his created magazine and makes it available to others, he could probably violate copyright law. There is still no German judgment that would have dealt with a similar case, and accordingly no legal recourse. Experts, therefore, advise careful handling of Flipboard.
Apps for personalization
One speaks of “personalization apps” and means the personalization of one’s own smartphone or tablet with the help of special apps. These are available for Android devices as well as for iPhone & Co. With their help, various areas of the device can be customized. Some well-known apps for Android and iOs show the possibilities:
- Smart Launcher (Android): Quick access to frequently used apps from the lock screen, hundreds of themes, organizing installed apps into categories, hiding rarely used apps
- Backgrounds HD Wallpapers (Android/iOS): 10,000+ unique HD-quality wallpapers and backgrounds
- Magic Locker (Android): Personalization of the lock screen (e.g. wallpaper, date, security questions, quick access to apps, etc.)
- Launcher 7 or 8 (Android): the Android user interface turns into the Microsoft mobile operating system Windows Phone 7 or 8
- Pimp your Screen (iOS): Background images, icon skins, app shelves, status bar changes and much more.
- Dockstar (iOS): Personalization of the screen background
Importance for SEO
In the course of developments in the field of mobile devices, the Internet is increasingly being searched using smartphones and tablets. This happens not only through an installed browser but also through special apps that create a connection to an online shop, for example. Since website indexing works similarly on mobile devices, search engine optimization is just as important for responsive designs and mobile screens as it is for normal internet browsers. Various criteria must therefore be taken into account when developing mobile apps or websites that are displayed on mobile devices. Examples of these criteria are high-quality content, well-chosen titles, descriptions, formatting and speaking URLs.
In the case of mobile apps, usability and fast loading of the page content are also particularly important because users of mobile devices usually have a slower connection to the Internet and navigation on small screens should be as easy as possible. Flash or JavaScript elements should also be avoided entirely, as search engines do not crawl this content and they can impair the user experience. Google’s premise that such media must offer added value for the user also applies to the development of mobile apps. Additionally, App Store Optimizationcontribute to increased sales. App tracking can be used to analyze user behaviour within the app.
In order to get more traffic to a page, an app can also be used for marketing purposes ( app marketing, in-app advertising ). For example, this can be achieved using QR Codes that link to a specific landing page containing the same website domain. An app can also be used for mobile couponing. Mobile coupons are usually sent here, with which you can get a discount.