App Research Center

What is an app?

Apps are web-based applications that you can access from anywhere on any internet-connected device. If you use Hotmail, Gmail or Google Maps, you're already using apps.

Why are apps better than desktop applications?

• Apps install easily. You don’t even have to restart your browser or computer.
• Apps are always available. You can access your apps from any computer or web-connected device.
• Apps are always up to date. Your app provider automatically updates your app, so you can be sure you're always using the latest version.
• Apps won’t crash your device. If an app starts to malfunction, just close it. Your browser and computer or smartphone won’t be affected.

What’s the difference between apps, software and services?

• Apps are web-based programs that are hosted by a third-party site.
• Software is a program that you download, and it lives on your computer’s hard drive.
• A service is a process that runs behind the scenes on your computer and never interacts with the desktop.

Why choose a cloud-based app over software?

Simply put, apps are faster, easier and more accessible than software. With software, you have to worry about time-consuming downloads, maintenance and upgrades. Plus if multiple users need software, you have to load it manually on each user’s computer.

Once you download an app, which usually takes less than a minute, you can use it anywhere, anytime on any Web-enabled device. And you’ll never have to worry about maintenance or upgrades because the app provider automatically updates your app. Plus it’s easy for multiple users to access the same app through a shared portal.

What’s the difference between PC apps and mobile apps?

PC apps and mobile apps differ based on where you are able to access and use the applications. Often, an app may be available for both your PC and your mobile device.

How does an app store work?

An app store or marketplace is a site where you can search for, buy and download new apps for your computer and mobile devices.

Why are apps so popular?

Apps have become such a hot commodity lately because they’re convenient, easy to use and very affordable (often free). Also, with such a wide variety of them available, there’s an app for just about everything.

How can apps help your business?

Businesses of all sizes across the globe are using apps because they’re smart, affordable alternatives to software. Here are some advantages of business apps:

• Convenient. Apps can be accessed from any Internet-connected device.
• Budget friendly. With free trials for most apps, pay-as-you-go subscriptions and no additional hardware or software needed, it’s a low-risk investment.
• Flexible. Users can be added or removed as your business needs change.
• Worry-free. All app updates are done automatically by the provider, so you know you’re always running the most up-to-date version.

Why do apps need permissions?

Every app needs your permission to be accessed. Most smartphone apps are, by default, set to “on,” so that they can access the Internet if needed. You can easily change the permissions of your apps to restrict their access.

Why do apps update so often?

First, remember that updates are done to improve an app’s performance or introduce new features. For that reason, different app providers will update at different intervals, depending on how many times they upgrade their app.

What is the average app size?

Apps vary in size. File sizes are listed on each app page near the "buy" button.

What is the biggest app size?

The largest apps are typically 2–3GB.