Apps 'define' smartphones
2011-08-29 10:16
Cape Town - Apps or software applications for smartphones have become a key differentiator for users.
Manufactures have designed a range of online providers to deliver a wide assortment of paid and free apps for their devices.
The international leader in this field is undoubtedly Apple with iTunes, but the Google Android App Store is catching up fast as several manufacturers adopt the platform.
In SA particularly, Research In Motion's (RIM) App World serves to tap the dominance of BlackBerry smartphones in this market.
Though industry analysts are writing it off, Nokia is a dominant cellphone supplier and its Ovi Store distributes apps throughout Africa - a fast-growing developing market.
"Why do people buy phones? People buy phones because it's a lifestyle. So you have to create the applications to make your phone useable," Google SA head of mobile Brett St Clair told News24.
In terms of paying for apps, companies like Apple rely heavily on credit card payment systems that may be a limiting factor in developing markets where credit card penetration is low.
However, it may be argued that generally those who can afford an iPhone would have access to credit cards, given the cost of these devices.
RIM and Nokia, though, link payment systems to integration with the mobile operators.
"If we look at App World, or apps purchasing, we fundamentally believe that carrier billing integration is the way to go," said Rui Brites team leader for Product Management in Africa for RIM.
Games and social networking tools are the more popular downloads across all platforms.
Here are the top free Android apps:
1. Facebook for Android
2. Google Maps
3. WhatsApp Messenger
4. YouTube
5. MXit
6. SpeechSynthesis Data Installer
7. Dragon, Fly!
8. Skype
9. Opera Mini web browser
10. Angry Birds
Top paid Android apps:
1. Cut the Rope
2. Beautiful Widgets
3. Titanium Backup PRO Key
4. PowerAMP Full Version
5. Death Worm
6. Fruit Ninja
7. WeatherBug Elite
8. Doodle Jump
9. DocumentsToGo Full Version
10. UNO
Top free BlackBerry apps:
1. BlackBerry Messenger
2. WhatsApp Messenger
3. Twitter
4. Facebook
5. Easy Smiley Pack for BlackBerry Messenger
6. Bible
7. Awesome - Bubble Breaker
8. Photo Editor Ultimate FREE
9. Hangman
10. BlackBerry Protect
Top paid BlacKBerry apps:
1. One Touch Flashlight
2. BeBuzz - LED Light Colors
3. Radio for BlackBerry
4. Smiley Pack
5. Fancy Characters
6. Photo Editor Ultimate
7. Shazam Encore
8. MP3 Ringtone Creator
9. Ultimate Cricket '2011: World Cup Edition
10. Contacts Cleaner
Here are the top free apps for iTunes:
1. Rail Maze
2. The Moron Test: Section 2
3. Doodle Jump
4. Toca Hair Salon
5. Hit the Apple!
6. Six Towers
7. Siege Hero
8. Extreme Road Trip
9. Crack Your Screen Simulator
10. Flugtap Pro Lite
Top paid apps:
1. Spy Mouse
2. Angry Birds
3. Fruit Ninja
4. Lockify
5. Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus
6. Angry Birds Rio
7. The Sims 3
8. Camera+
9. Contre Jour
10. Tiny Wings
Here is the top free content in Ovi Store for the Middle East and Africa region:
1. Facebook Chat
2. Nimbuzz
3. WhatsApp
4. Skype
5. eBuddy
6. Flare
7. Opera Mini 6
8. Snaptu
9. uQuran
Top paid apps:
1. Angry Birds Rio
2. Farm Frenzy
3. FingerPrint
4. Angry Birds
5. Fruit Ninja
6. Angry Birds Seasons
7. Bubble Popper
8. Majesty: Fantasy Kingdom
9. Nimbuzz ad free
