What are apps? Easily explained

Although there is a large variety of smartphones from all sorts of manufacturers, they all have a basis: the apps. In this practical tip, we explain what apps are and what you need them for.

Smartphone basics: what are apps?

"App" is short for "Application". Application means "application (software)".

• An app is generally a computer program. Since the smartphone is ultimately just a small computer, the way it works is similar.
• In principle, apps are all programs that you can use on your smartphone. Calendar and alarm clock are apps, like games and chat programs.
• While you can download programs on the PC from the Internet or from CDs, there are app stores on your smartphone for this purpose. Depending on the manufacturer, each device has its own store, such as the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for Apple.
• If you like an app in a store, you can download it. A distinction is made between free and paid apps. Free apps are usually financed by advertising, while paid apps do not.
• After the download, your app will be automatically installed on your device. You can call up and use the program via the app icon. If you no longer want to use various applications, you can delete the apps from your smartphone.

What do apps do on smartphones?

After we have clarified how apps work on the smartphone at all, the question remains as to what they actually do:

• Depending on the manufacturer of your smartphone, your device has a special user interface and preinstalled apps. Basic functions such as the phone or the web browser therefore work without special tools from the App Store.
• But if you want to use other functions, you have to use apps. The popular messenger "WhatsApp" is an example of this. Few users still communicate via SMS; WhatsApp offers an alternative. However, the program is usually not preinstalled, so you need to download the app to send messages to other people.
• Games on the smartphone are another example. They are not pre-installed and are not absolutely necessary for everyday use. If you still want to spend your time with game apps, you have to get these apps from the corresponding store.
• Apps are therefore an extension of the basic functions of your phone. With the applications, you can set up your smartphone according to your needs.

We'll explain what firmware is in the next practical tip.