| A few years ago, the best a mobile phone could do | | | | for the iPhone, mobile phone apps have rocketed in |
| was make phone calls and send text messages. A | | | | popularity and given users even more reason to be |
| few years later, music capabilities entered, as well as | | | | selective about their phones. |
| gaming opportunities and, after that, the chance to | | | | When it comes to choosing which new mobile you're |
| take pictures and send them to your contacts. | | | | after, many people are more likely to go with a |
| That was impressive then. Now all of these features | | | | phone that has a certain service provider and runs a |
| and more come as standard on most mobile phones. | | | | particular operating system. After all, you'll need the |
| Many users would even turn up their nose at a | | | | latter if you want to access those particular apps |
| phone that didn't have Bluetooth or WiFi, or one that | | | | you've been eyeing up. This could be Apple's App |
| couldn't do video calls with cameras on the front and | | | | Store, Nokia's Ovi offering or Blackberry's similar |
| back of the phone. Some people wouldn't even touch | | | | store, all of which offer users a plethora of useful - |
| a device that couldn't play TV shows and films. | | | | and questionable - apps that can make the mobile |
| People are even basing their phone purchasing | | | | experience all the more rewarding. |
| decision on what apps mobile phones have access to | | | | Whether you want quick access to maps to find the |
| rather than anything else. | | | | nearest post office, GPS to map your run, fun apps |
| Texting and calling capabilities are taken as standard | | | | to make it look like you're swallowing a pint of lager |
| nowadays and, while there are some people who | | | | or shaking a pack of Tic Tacs or games that use |
| only want a device that can do these and nothing | | | | your handset's technology to make the experience, |
| more, the majority of people want a phone that | | | | apps can really change the way mobiles are being |
| presses all the buttons when it comes to technology. | | | | used. |
| This is why smartphones like the iPhone and N-series | | | | Apps are also appearing on cheap mobile phones, |
| by Nokia have become so popular - people are | | | | meaning everybody can make the most of them too |
| getting used to carrying miniature computers in their | | | | - no matter what type of application they want. |
| pockets. With the advent of the Apple App Store | | | | |