Mobile applications, popularly called apps, are the wonderful pieces of software that make devices ever more useful for smartphone and mobile device users.
As simple as it may sound, downloading apps on a smartphone can sometimes get complicated, especially for a new smartphone user.
Many smartphone users go through the trouble of surfing the Internet to download apps from untrusted sites rather than simply download the apps via a more trusted platform, particularly one created by the smartphone maker.
A typical smartphone comes with an Operating System (OS), which differ from that of another in terms of functionality. An OS is a system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It also supports third party apps.
Let’s check out how a user can download apps on the four common operating systems that comprise Apple’s iOS; Google’s Android, Blackberry OS by Research in Motion (RIM) and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile.
Apple iOS
If you are a new iOS user, getting your first Apple iPhone is just the beginning. You can download a number of apps and games to connect with people on social media, learn new languages, and edit documents on the go. Your Apple iPhone smartphone can equally be your portable gaming console and much more.
You can download new apps for your iPhone through the Apple App Store. To download and buy apps from the App Store, you need an Apple ID. Your Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services. If you’ve used other Apple services such as iCloud or the Mac App Store, you should sign in to the App Store with the same Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.
Blackberry OS by RIM
For a Blackberry user, you need to have BlackBerry App World installed on your smartphone to start downloading. If you don’t, you have to first visit Blackberry’s dedicated web page to install the software. After installing, open the BlackBerry App World and browse the store for an app you want to download. When you find one, click on the app name to view more details about the software.
Scroll down to download and press this option. The app will now be installed on your handset, ready for you to start using it. It’s worth noting that as well as purchasing paid-for apps via your mobile phone contract or a credit card, you can also use PayPal.
Android
For Android users, the best place to get Android apps is the Play Store designed by Google. As a user, you already have a Google account set up which is associated with your Play Store purchases. Once you purchase or download an app, you can download it again at a later date if you want, so you don’t have to delete it or use it elsewhere.
To purchase apps on Play Store, you will need to provide credit card or other payment information if you want to purchase apps, though there are plenty of free options out there such as the Amazon Appstore and the Humble Bundle.
To open and explore the Play Store, follow these steps:
-Tap the Apps icon in the bottom-right of the home screen.
-Swipe left and right until you find the Play Store icon. Tap it.
-The first time you tap, you may be prompted to sign in with your Google credentials and payment information. It will also prompt you to allow back up of apps to your Google account, and require you to accept the terms and conditions.
Windows
For Windows OS users, Windows phone also have designated applications for download such as Marketplace on HTC HD7. You can get started by tapping ‘Marketplace’, tap applications, press the search key and type the name of the app you are looking for, select free, press install. A verifying message will pop up and you will be asked to set up an account. After accepting the terms and conditions, you will see another ‘set up account’ message, select done and install.
