Everywhere we go and whatever we do, we are continually being pushed to use technology. Restaurants want you to download their menus, stores want you to purchase online, and airlines, theaters and sporting venues want you to “hold” your tickets on your mobile phone. From Social Security to banking to even your New Jersey Anchor benefit, technology is increasingly replacing traditional transactional methods. Although many of us may not want to embrace this change, we may not have a choice, especially if we need quick answers and fast deliveries. But do we always have to “download the App?”
What Is An App?
We always hear about people using an App. But what exactly does that mean? An App is the common term for Application, which is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks on a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet. Simple Apps can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. There are Apps for everything from entertainment and finance to health and fitness. If you have a smart device, an App can make your life easier.
Think of an App as essentially a “condensed website.” For example, you can always look up tomorrow’s weather on a computer, but now you can do it on your smartphone with a weather App. With an App you just touch the icon on the screen of your phone. There’s no need to navigate to the website by typing in the address.
Last year, 257 billion Apps were downloaded globally. Apps are usually cheap, if not free. As of 2024, 95% of Apple App Store Apps are free and 97% of Apps in the Google Play Store are free.
Examples of Apps you may download include:
Shoprite or Instacart - an easy to use layout to browse items and create your shopping list, then order online.
Email Apps like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL Mail - nicely laid out for your specific email account.
Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok - easy to navigate social media Apps.
Fandango - allows you to view movie timings at your local theater and to purchase tickets.
DoorDash and Grubhub - where you can order food for delivery from your favorite restaurants.
Retail store Apps like Macy’s, Amazon, CVS, which allow you to shop and order items from those stores.
FaceTime, What’sApp, Google Meet - communicate with your loved ones, face-to-face through video calling.
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube - Apps that allow you to watch TV shows and movies without a TV.
Games such as Sudoku, Words with Friends, Candy Crush, and Mahjong, among many others.
Online Banking Apps which allow you to manage your finances. The Apps are designed to be safe and easy to use.
BUT Is Downloading An App Necessary?
Apps are designed to quickly give you access to specific information without having to search for it on the Internet. There is an App for almost everything now. The question is, do you have to download every App you hear about? When you have a smart device, such as a smartphone, there will be Apps already installed for you such as Weather, Maps, Calendar, Notes, etc. Some Apps you may use and some you won’t. Think of your need and desire to use a particular App or not. If the App is something that you think you will use often, say the Amazon App, Netflix, Online Banking, Facebook, or Shoprite, get it! If you can access the same information that interests you or accomplish the same task by navigating to the website in your device’s browser (Safari, Google Chrome), then there’s no need for you to download the App. But if you do download an App, you can always delete it afterwards. No harm done.
How to Download an App
What does it entail to download an App? This requires you to access your devices App store. On an iPhone it is called The App Store; on an Android device it is called the Google Play Store. Then you would do a search for the App you are looking for by typing it into the search bar. Your App will display in a list of similar Apps as well. If there is a cost, you will see the price listed. If it’s a free App, you will see the option to Get or Install. Once the App downloads to your device, you will see a new icon on your home screen for that App. Just tap the new icon and follow the instructions to start using it.
Advantages to downloading an App
Here are some of the pros when deciding whether or not to download an App:
An App’s design and interface are made to feel more natural to use on a mobile device. Navigation and readability on smaller devices are usually enhanced with an App as opposed to the respective website. For example, the Amazon App, rather than navigating to Amazon.com in your web browser.
Some Apps will provide the customer with special deals and coupons that are not available on its website.
Most Apps can be used even if you’re not connected to the Internet whereas a website is not.
Apps are usually faster than their respective website and are very convenient as the icon sits on your home screen for quick access.
Apps can be integrated to send you instant notifications and updates for added functionality, whereas a website can not do this. Some Apps integrate the GPS, Contacts, Camera and Microphone for enhanced personalization and usage. These can be customized.
Some Apps are Apps only, and can only be used on a smartphone or tablet. If they are available on the web, many of the features are limited compared to the App.
Disadvantages to downloading an App
Reasons you may not want or need to download an App:
As with the advantages of downloading an App, once installed, it may ask for your permission to access other areas of your mobile device - the Camera, your Contacts, your Location, etc. Many people are hesitant to allow this as you will be sharing personal information with that App.
Apps take up space on your device so if you’re running out of storage space, you will not be able to download more Apps.
Most Apps require you to Sign Up for an account (creating a username and password) in order to be able to use them. This is a hindrance to many users as it can be inconvenient and time consuming.
Although most Apps are free to download, many of them require some sort of paid Subscription to access premium content. If you are not a paid user, you will be prompted to become one periodically or you will be served advertisements within the App that you must make sure to decline.
Not every App you find in your App store is secure. Some may contain malicious code and spyware which will harm your device and personal information. You have to know which Apps are legit and which are not.
So should you download an App or not? I recommend deciding whether it’s one you think you will use often or could just as easily use the company’s website. Then read through the above lists to make an informed decision. Remember, you can always remove Apps afterwards. Just because a friend has recommended an App, does not mean that you need to download and use it.
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