App
Also known as: mobile application
An app is a mobile application intended for a smartphone or tablet. They are often small programs that add certain useful functionality to the mobile device, or provide entertainment.
Examples of popular apps include WhatsApp, mobile online banking apps and games such as Wordfeud. Many apps are an extension of a website, such as the apps of Twitter, Facebook, 9292 Travel Information and Buienradar. Several major brands also offer their own apps to their customers.
Apps can be downloaded and installed through the mobile device's application store. For Apple's iOS, this is the App Store; users with Android devices can go to Google Play. There are both free apps and applications that require payment.
The purpose of an app may be to promote a brand or website, or to provide a service or information to users. The latter category often has a revenue model associated with it. The app owner generates revenue by requiring users to pay to install the app, or by placing in-app ads.
Specialized agencies can be used to conceive, design and program apps.
