The Rise of the App Culture

By Angelo Todesca

As our cell phones have evolved from your standard calling device to an Internet-accessing mini-computer, a large market of mobile software applications, or “apps,” has arisen.

“I can’t picture myself going a day without using the apps on my phone,” said Nick Ingemi, 24, of Medfield.

While there isn't yet an application to complement every mobile Web site, you can be sure to find and app for just about anything.

Angela Federico, 56, of Canton, believes apps have made it easier to be a mother.

“The apps on my iPhone have made me more organized and more importantly less stressed,” said Federico. “I have apps for everything.”

Apps are available in a number of different categories, from entertainment, gaming and social networking to more task-oriented activities like navigation and banking.

According to a Pew research report, of the 82 percent of adults today who are cell phone users, 43 percent have software applications or “apps” on their phones.

The mass appeal with these apps is that they are easy to use for people of all ages and are cheap, if not free.

Kevin Clancy, 34, of Westwood, sales representative at Verizon Wireless in Dedham, sees an increasing trend in app use among smartphone owners.

“Our Android and Blackberry phones give customers the opportunity to take full advantage of the app universe,” said Clancy.

Clancy predicts that in two years every phone will be equip with an application market with more than 20 million apps.

Suffolk University senior Joe Greene, 21, of Weymouth, plays game apps when he gets bored in class.

“There is no better way to kill time…the problem is the games are so addicting,” said Greene. “Tetris and Angry Birds are my favorite.”

Games are the most popular types of apps being downloaded, followed closely by news and weather, maps, social networking, and music.

The three most popular app markets today are Apple (iPhone), Google (Android), and Research In Motion (Black Berry).

The problem for businesses selling their apps in these markets is getting people to use them.

According to a Pew research report, 35 percent of adults have cell phones with apps, but only two-thirds of those who have apps actually use them.

James Lamb, 52, of Westwood, thinks apps are for the younger generation.

“I have enough trouble listening to my voicemail…trying to use apps just gets me confused and I end up hitting the wrong buttons,” said Lamb.

University of Connecticut freshmen, Krista Scozzari, 18, of Canton, is a frequent user of the social networking apps.

“You could say that I am obsessed with the Facebook and Twitter apps,” said Scozzari. “Its much more convenient then going to your laptop.”