When we talk about applications for the smartphone, they are referred to as apps in everyday parlance. But apps are not only available on Google's Android operating system or Apple's iOS for iPhone. Numerous applications are executed on the Internet via so-called web apps. We explain briefly and succinctly what an app is.
What is an app?
App short for application is (English: colloquially Application ). What is meant by this is nothing more than application software that extends the system with additional functions, but which are not fundamentally important for the functioning of the system itself. The term app, which can also be understood simply as an "additional program", became established with the emergence of the Apple App Store. It was reserved for users of iOS devices such as iPhone and iPad to download apps and expand the functionality of the operating system. Android followed suit with the Google Play Store. Classic examples are messenger apps such as WhatsApp or Signal, and various games are nothing more than apps..
From a purely technical point of view, apps have long been available as web applications and even before they were named by the App Store. Even with Stone Age cell phones like Nokias apps were already on board. The classic snake or the alarm clock - both are basically apps.
But apps are not only found on smartphones or tablets. There are web apps on your computer too. For example, do you open your browser and access internet shops or search engines? All of these applications are also apps. Do you use online software from internet giant Google? Whether Google Drive or Google Docs, they are all web apps. Almost all platforms and programs from the computer and browser (such as Facebook, Netflix or even Office) are now available as apps for smartphones..
Whether Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Skype or the ARD media library - all programs are now also available as apps for smartphones. Windows 10 has now also set up the Microsoft Store to obtain practical everyday helper apps. Apps are ubiquitous - even your smart TV can now access YouTube or various media libraries as an app.
Where can you get apps from?
Apps are offered for download or purchase via the provider's platforms. If you have an iPhone or iPad, use the Apple App Store . Similarly, there is the Google Play Store to download apps to your Android phone. There is now even the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 to get apps. And on smart TVs you will find an integrated apps store from the respective manufacturer. By the way, many apps are now cross-platform..