Everywhere you look there is talk of apps, apps that can do this, that and everything; apps that are compatible with a particular phone, and apps that aren't. But what exactly is an app, and why did it take the world of Smartphones by storm?
App is just a shorter and more 'with it' way to say application. An application is a small computer programme that is written to perform specific functions. Computers have apps or applications too, and have had since many years. But it is only recently that phones became powerful enough to support external applications.
You might have seen lists of best Android apps or iPhone apps, or apps for various phones. So why are some apps only compatible with certain phones? Well, it is because they have been designed and developed to work with certain operating systems, and different phones have different operating systems.
New apps are being developed all the time, and already there are thousands of apps for various makes and models of Smartphones. Some apps are more common and can be found on most phones, but some are pretty specific.
Some apps are already in the phone when you buy it, but there is a lot more out there that you can buy or download as and when you please. Some apps could also be free, and there are websites that come up with ratings of the best apps available.
