Mobile Applications

Currently, the implementation of mobile gadgets is more widespread than the use of personal computers. Most of the online shopping and communication on social media happen with their help. However, they are also fit to contain additional functionality thanks to the versatile apps. Although all the apps may seem quite similar in form, their nature and purpose of usage can be very different. Read on to find more information on their classification and description.

Introduction

There are plenty of variants you can choose from. Mobile apps can be differentiated on the basis of the technology used and their functionalities. Further, we will observe the major options you can choose from. To make the best choice, evaluate technical features, system requirements, your taste and personal preferences before using any kind of app.

Types by Technology

Native mobile apps are designed to be implemented on definite platforms or operating systems. If you decide to resort to this option, there will be no opportunity of mixing and matching different gadgets. However, they do have plenty of advantages that often make them more desirable than the other options. For instance, they have better speed, efficiency and reliability. Their high-performant features provide the clients with enhanced UX and improved customer satisfaction as a result. The most important drawback is that all the work done should be duplicated later for a different platform, because engineers can not reuse the coding from other platforms. Besides, additional efforts are required to carry out the maintenance and upgrading of all versions. Such kinds of apps are more bulky and heavy since they occupy more storage space on the gadgets, as for regular upgrading, clients have to install new files all the time.

Web mobile applications are versions of a website that operate on all mobile gadgets since they are displayed via browsers. Their behavior is to a large extent the same as the behavior of the native ones, but they are not independent applications that can be downloaded and subsequently installed on the gadgets by the users. 

In essence, these apps are websites that adjust their UIs to the devices on which they are used. They have significant advantages over other options. First and foremost, you don’t have to carry out customization procedures to adjust them to specific platforms, so this is a far more cost-effective solution. There is no need of regular upgrading as well. What is more, you don’t have to download anything either. Actually, there can be only one notable drawback: such apps depend on the browsers and can not function if you are not online. 

Hybrid options combine the features of both previous variants. They are used as native applications, but they are mostly web apps in nature. It doesn’t take a lot of time to create such applications, so it’s more time- and money-saving for businesses. These applications are capable of rapid loading and can offer perfect UX even under the conditions of slow connection to the Internet. Their only disadvantage is that they are not so powerful and speedy as the native ones.

Types by Functionalities

• Lifestyle apps. These applications are increasingly popular as they contribute to personal growth and physical development of users. With the help of these apps, you can improve your dietary habits, learn new skills, create a jogging plan, go on yoga and pilates training sessions, etc.
• Social media. These apps are great for finding new contacts and communicating with your friends, family, colleagues, business partners, etc. They give you an opportunity to stay updated and keep track of all the events in the life of members from your social circles, share pictures, videos, news and any relevant information you want.
• Utility apps. Such apps are aimed at reminding you about important events on the calendar, provide weather forecast, make calculations, etc. They are convenient instruments that perform practical functions you need.
• Gaming. Mobile games are ready to entertain us whenever we want to. Among all the apps, they are hugely popular as users tend to open the app several times a day not to lose progress and keep winning bonuses.
• Productive apps. This type of apps is destined to improve efficiency of the user’s work. They facilitate effective time management, planning and meeting deadlines.

Conclusion

After reading this article, hopefully you would get a better view of the mobile app types. So, now you can choose the app you like not only on the basis of the features and functionalities you are interested in, but also on the basis of technical peculiarities of the app. Not all apps have identical nature, and it’s important to bear in mind your desires regarding technical characteristics and practical functions they offer.