While the U.S. may be safe as the world’s dominant economy for the time being, there are signs that it is beginning to lose it edge as a technological leader.
This is according to findings released by mobile analytic firm Flurry, who have recently studied the development of applications and their origin. Their findings are insightful, as they reveal that the U.S. is no longer leading the way in the creation of new applications, with its market share having fallen from 45% in 2011 to a paltry 36% in 2013. This is in stark contrast to the software industry landscape in 2008, when America produced an estimated 68% of all sale units and was distinguished as the clear market leader.
While some may consider the America’s dwindling market share as negative, it simply reflects the fact that the mobile app industry is now a truly global phenomenon. With developing economies such as China, Brazil and Russia now leading the way in technological innovation, Android users can enjoy an even more diverse range of applications. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the most popular apps and the reasons why you should download them.
1. EasilyDo Smart Assistant: An App for Just About Everything
Rating: 4/5 (3848 reviews)
While we may all need a personal assistant from time to time, this is a financial burden too much for most of us to bear. Thanks to the wonderful world of mobile apps, however, Android users can now access the next best thing with the Easilydo Smart Assistant. Created by EasilyDo Inc., this multipurpose app enables users to access a fully functioning personal assistant service, which allows them to do everything from monitor important work emails to receive birthday notifications and real time adverse weather warnings. If you struggle to balance your personal and professional lives, this application will at least help to ease the burden of a hectic schedule.
2. Vine: App for Android Users
Rating: 4.2/5 (1127626 reviews)
Video is an increasingly important component of our everyday lives, both in terms of the way we access information and the methods used to market products and services. In terms of video marketing alone, consumers are now watching approximately 46 billion videos online each year and becoming increasingly reliant on information that is delivered through the audio visual medium. The Vine application allows Android users to tap into this trend, as it has the capacity to shoot six second videos that can be embedded into Twitter and other social media platforms. Videos shot by the same user can also be integrated onto a single profile, so that you can share multiple films simultaneously with fellow users.
3. Duolingo: An App for Learning Languages for Free
Rating: 4.7/5 (3633169 reviews)
While the development of social media and remote interaction may have broken down many of the barriers to international communication, the ability to speak multiple languages still has considerable value. For individuals who need to relocate for work or are planning to travel to various, far flung global resorts, for example, multilingual skills may be worth their weight in gold. The Duolingo language app is one of the most innovative educational tools on the Android market, as it challenges users to learn their choice of Spanish, German, French, Italian or Portuguese by asking them to match images with selected words. The app is also tiered and staged to be competitive, so that successful answers will enable you to progress while incorrect responses will cost you valuable time and points.
4. The Pocket App: Viewing Online Content Offline
Rating: 4.5/5 (1247372 reviews)
While browsing the Internet, you are likely to come across a host of multimedia content. The packed and congested nature of the World Wide Web makes it easy to overlook potentially vital content, so the Pocket App for Android phones therefore serves a crucial and often underrated function. In short, it enables you to save interesting content for offline reading, which means that you can view your videos, tutorials and articles at any time regardless of whether or not you have an active Internet connection.
5. The Any.do App: The Ultimate To-do List
Rating: 4.5/5 (263062 reviews)
While the majority of us will work from a to-do list at one time or another, how many of us actually complete the tasks incorporated in the time allowed? The Any.do application will help to make you more productive, as it allows for the creation of an easily accessible and real time to-do list on your Android device. It also delivers an audible reminder every time a task is due, which in turns means that there is no excuse for missing deadlines or forgetting important appointments. As a free to use organizational tool, it is among the finest available to modern consumers.
6. The Camscanner Application: The New Face of Digital Technology
Rating: 4.5/5 (896376 reviews)
With the Camscanner application downloaded onto your Android phone, your use of digital technology will never be the same again. Essentially, it negates the need for a conventional scanner, as it processes documents using your Android camera. There is no limit as to the number of documents that you scan, while the process speed is particularly quick. You can also edit these documents using this software, as the application features contrast and brightness modification tools.
7. Google Keep: The Last Word in Note-taking Applications
Rating: 4.4/5 (563724 reviews)
While note-taking applications are nothing new, Google Keep takes the concept onto an entirely different level. To begin with, it boasts far greater capacity than standard tools, as you can take down real time notes while also adding photographs and reminders. In addition to this, the application also allows for the creation of check-lists and voice notes, which can be accessed and shared at any time while on the move. This allows you to keep your notes organized within a single online space, without the need to use alternative software packages.
8. The Play Books e-Book Reader: Absorbing Information while on the Move
Rating: 3.9/5 (1234656 reviews)
If there is one trend that defines modern technology, it is the development of tools and apps that allow users to perform tasks while mobile. Take the Android compatible Play Books e-Book Reader, for example, which can be installed directly onto your phone and features a comprehensive dictionary function. This application is particularly useful for students, as it enables them to review material and revise their chosen subject while on the move and regardless of their precise geographical location.
9. The Merriam Webster and WordWeb: The Ultimate Online Dictionary
Rating: 4.5/5 (370351 reviews)
While Google’s burgeoning Play store is full of functional dictionary and thesaurus applications, few of these have the scope and sophistication of the Merriam Webster and WordWeb. Featuring a comprehensive catalogue of words and concise definitions, this app also offers access to a pronunciation tool that enables you to improve your speech and oration. As purposeful and multi-purpose applications go, the Merriam Webster and WordWeb remains one of the most sought after among Android users.
10. Feedly: A Real Time Source of Global News
Rating: 4.5/5 (276322 reviews)
News sites and resources are all the rage in 2013, especially as users like to enjoy content from a host of alternative sources. The most popular application of this type is Feedly, which has emerged as the most viable alternative to the now defunct Google Reader. With an easy to navigate interface and a number of variable viewing options designed to improve the reading experience, Feedly enables you to take in breaking news with the touch of a single button.
The Bottom Line
As the mobile and Android app market continues to grow and evolve, users are able to benefit from an increasingly diverse selection of tools and accessories. So while America’s market share of newly designed and created apps may be dwindling, this is not negatively impacting the level of innovation in the industry or the experience of Android users.
