Research Overview
Technological advancements in the use of mobile phones have revolutionized information technology. Mobile phones were initially invented for person-to-person communication over a distance. However, none could imagine how much the use of mobile phones could revolve beyond communication between two people. The advent of smartphones was a hallmark in information technology, since the phones could support features significant to human beings beyond mere communication. Smartphones come in various software, and the common ones include Android, iOs, and Windows. Android operating system is common for smartphones like Samsung, and Tecno, among others. iOs is only supported with iPhone mobile phones manufactured by Apple Inc. Meanwhile, Nokia mobile phones support the Windows operating system. The various Operating systems support different mobile applications including video games and applications for specific companies. The use of mobile applications has revolutionized business activities among companies since clients can search and access services without the need to access specific company websites which may be tiring.
The smartphone industry is transforming businesses through routine mobile updates that make the services better and more user friendly. Therefore, it is significant to discuss the impact of mobile phones application on contemporary business activities and globalization. This research will discuss the significance of smartphone mobile applications to companies and clients by reviewing existing literature in the identified global information technology. The papers into four major sections: research questions, literature review, gaps in the existing literature, and areas for future research. The research questions discuss the major questions that lead to the development of this research paper. The literature review will systematically explore the pertinent topics in the identified area of global information technology. Meanwhile, the gaps in the existing literature will discuss the shortcomings of the reviewed literature. Furthermore, this research will recommend three areas of research in the identified area of global information technology.
Research Questions
Mobile applications technology is an extensive technological invention that proved an array of services. The technology has various advantages for mobile users and companies with developed mobile applications. While it is time-consuming to access a company’s service through websites, mobile applications allow the users to access the services with the click of the mobile phone menu. Moreover, unlike websites, mobile phones applications are secure and more user friendly. Therefore, mobile phone applications play a crucial role among companies and smartphone users. This research is guided by the following questions that will be answered through the literature review:
- What are the common terms associated with mobile phone application technology?
- How has mobile phones’ applications and technology evolved?
- What are the uses of mobile phone applications in the global information technology context?
- What is the impact of mobile phone applications on companies?
Literature Review
This research paper will use a systemic literature review that will help in understanding the overarching research topic without bias. The literature review will use existing scholarly articles to gather as much information as possible on the research topic. This part is divided into four sections each answering each of the research questions. The first part discusses the common technical terms associated with mobile applications. The second part gives a chronological historical development of the technology. Meanwhile, the third and fourth parts will discuss the global use and the impact of the technology among corporations respectively.
Terminological Delineation
Mobile Application
The advent of mobile phones reduced overreliance on desktop computers and laptops. Initially, many firms used their websites to offer their primary services and make their information available to the public (Cao, 2021). However, accessing websites through desktop computers and laptops was cumbersome since people could not walk with their computers everywhere (Horst & Sinanan, 2021). Moreover, information was limited to desktop computers owners (Salama et al., 2021). However, the advent of smartphones allowed companies to custom design their applications that can be installed on the mobile phones, and allow users to access services of their free will (Horst & Sinanan, 2021). The custom-designed mobile applications present the company’s brands and can serve uniquely the company’s subscribers (Cao, 2021). Although the uses and advantages of mobile applications are overt, various scholars have defined the technology differently.
The definition of mobile application is multifaceted and depends on the use of the defined mobile software. According to Salama et al. (2020), a mobile application is a type of application software designed to run on smartphones and tablets providing similar services to those available on personal computers. Although the definition gives a clear overview of mobile application software, it falls short of the usage of software since some of the services available on mobile applications are not available on personal computers (Horst & Sinanan, 2021). Meanwhile, Sharma and Kumar (2020) define it as a software application developed specifically for use on small wireless devices like mobile phones and tablets. The latter definition seems sufficient enough since the primary purpose of mobile apps is to be used on mobile phones and tablets.
User-Interface
At the core of a mobile app, use is the user who interacts with software by navigating various buttons and application pages. The user interface (UI) is defined as the point of interaction between the human computer and communication on a mobile phone (Avila-Munoz et al., 2021). UI involves devices like mouse, monitors, keypads, and fingerprint scanners, among others (Sai Mahitha et al., 2021). The common UI among the mobile apps is the keypad, fingerprint scanner, cameras, and speakers. Unlike modern smartphones, the earliest computers comprised of buttons and dials as UI. There are five types of UI: graphical user interface (GUI), command-line interfaces (CLI), form-based interfaces, menu-based interfaces, and natural language interfaces (Avila-Munoz et al., 2021). Different companies use different UI in their mobile apps to ensure that users enjoy their when using the mobile apps. GUI, natural language, and menu-based UI are the commonly used interfaces for mobile applications (Sai Mahitha et al., 2021). Therefore, mobile users interact with the mobile apps through the UI.
Android Operating system
Android operating system is one of the most crucial software for mobile phones. The system is a modified version of the Linux kernel, and other open-source software (Fortunato & Galassi, 2021). Android is specifically designed for touchscreen mobile devices and tablets that are used as communication devices (Goel & Singal, 2021). The history of Android dates back to 2007 when it was launched, and used in 2008 in the HTC Dream device (Ejiyi et al., 2021). Although many people associate the software development with Google Inc., Android was developed by a group of software developers called Open Handset Alliance, but commercially sponsored by Google Inc. (Goel & Singal, 2021). Consequently, it is estimated that over seventy per cent of Android smartphones run in Google’s ecosystem (Ejiyi et al., 2021). However, some of the devices run in vendor-customized ecosystems like Touchwiz, Samsung’s One UI, and HTC sense (Goel & Singal, 2021). Although Android was specifically designed for smartphones and tablets, the operating system is now used in smart TVs (Sai Mahitha et al., 2021). Major mobile phones depend on Android operating systems to run mobile apps.
Apple iOS
Unlike other companies that depend on Android operating systems, iPhones utilize iOS. Apple iOS is specifically designed for iPhones and other related devices manufactured by Apple Inc. The operating system used for running iPads is referred to as iPadOS which was introduced in 2013 (Xiao, 2021). The first-generation iOS was introduced in 2007 and was extended to other Apple-related devices. Like the Android operating system, iOS support mobile apps downloaded and installed on iPhones. Although the two operating systems perform similar functions, iOS is believed to have better security features (Xiao, 2021). Meanwhile, Android is compatible with many devices and is more common than iOS. Companies design their mobile apps depending on the kind of mobile phones they want their applications to be installed. Consequently, the mobile apps supported by Android can be downloaded from the Google Play store or any authorized vendor, and those supported by iOS are downloaded from the Apple store or any other authorized vendor.
Windows Mobile
Windows Operating systems are common in desktop computers and other PCs. However, Windows Mobile is an operating system designed for mobile phones. Although the operating system dates back to Windows CE in 1996, the first Windows mobile appeared in 2000 as Pocket PC 2000 which ran in Pocket PC PDAs (Costa, 2018). However, the Pocket PC was renamed “windows mobile” in 2003 (Xiao, 2021). The rise of the Android operating system and iOS led to the decline of Windows Mobile. In 2010 Microsoft announced Windows Phone to supersede and replaced the Windows mobile. However, the new operating system was incompatible with the existing windows mobiles leading Microsoft to concentrate on Windows Phone (Al-Obaidi et al., 2020). However, the traditional smartphone software, iOS and Android, outdo Windows Phone.
Historical Development of Mobile Applications
Like any other technologically advanced device, smartphones and mobile apps have a history that has evolved with human inventions. Mobile apps started with what was referred to as Personal Digital assistants (Costa, 2018). The first practical pocket computer was developed by Psion in the 1980s (Al-Obaidi et al., 2020). The company developed what would be considered the first mobile app, the Psion Model organizer (Sai Mahitha et al., 2021). The International Business Machine (IBM), developed the first smartphone in 1993 (Sai Mahitha et al., 2021). IBM’s first app contained applications like the Psion, but it is unclear the kind of operating system (Ejiyi et al., 2021). Blackberry smartphone, launched in 2002, was another leap app that continued revolutionizing the smartphone industry (Al-Obaidi et al., 2020). The introduced Blackberry smartphone had email capabilities, that were later revolutionized. ‘
In 2010, Apple Inc. took the industry a notch higher by introducing their first smartphone and the infamous app store that was launched a year later (Costa, 2018). Meanwhile, two years before the launching of Apple’s first phone, the Google Play store had been launched. It was until the Apple Store was launched that mobile apps gained global attention. As the technology continues to revolutionize new features including face scanners, and fingerprint scanners, and the use of natural language processing continue to dominate the industry.
Global Use of Mobile Application
Many companies have integrated technology into their service delivery. The use of mobile apps is one of the most convenient service delivery methods used. Mobile apps are designed to be used in various smartphones and devices like iPhones, and Samsung phones, among others. The companies are slowly moving away from the use of traditional websites where their clients could access services through personal computers. Mobile apps due to their compatibility and reliability help companies in various dimensions. The companies design their mobile apps and customize them according to their type of business and service delivery. After that, the apps are uploaded to app stores like Google Play Store, and Apple Store, among other legitimate mobile apps vendors. Some companies prefer sending the download link to their customer to increase security and pursue more customers to use the apps. Mobile apps have various uses in the financial, educational, medical, and other economic sectors.
Financial Sector
Financial technology (FinTech) is one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the financial sector. Mobile banking is one of the most significant FinTech that has helped banks and other financial institutions improve service delivery. Given the sensitivity of financial transactions, mobile banking apps utilize modern technology to enhance security and other accessibility features (Vinoth et al., 2022). Recently, fingerprint scanners and face recognition technologies have helped improve the security of mobile applications. Various banks consolidate technology and other security features to develop mobile apps that deliver services like those delivered in a physical bank setting (Vinoth et al., 2022). Some of the services available on the mobile include tracking bank account balances and transferring money to other bank accounts, among other financial services.
Medical Sector
Communication between patients, providers, and caregivers is crucial for quality health care. Hospitals have adopted mobile applications that help them with medical service delivery. Doctors communicate with the patients through specialized messaging features integrated into the medical mobile applications. For instance, some of the applications allow patients to update their doctors on their symptoms. Conversely, the doctors give specific instructions to the patients. Meanwhile, the caregivers can communicate with the hospitals’ representatives on their pending bills and other related payments (Lu et al., 2018). Moreover, through mobile apps, the caregivers can access emergency services for their patients (Lu et al., 2018). Medicare services like insurance covers can be accessed through mobile applications. Therefore, mobile apps have revolutionized medical services by making them accessible and reliable.
Educational Sector
The educational sector is one of the most beneficiaries of mobile applications. The sector involves institutions of higher learning, high schools, pre-schools, and other low-level educational institutions. Distance learning has revolutionized the educational sector through the remote offering of academic activities (Lv et al., 2019). Although many institutions have set up websites where students can access education services, the use of mobile apps has made education easier. The apps allow students to track their academic performance, do and submit assignments, accessing their school fee balances, among other activities. Unlike the websites and use of email for communication, school mobile apps notify the students on their mobile phone’s notification bar. Research is an integral part of any academic institution. Research companies with academic materials databases have developed mobile apps that students can use to access various research materials. Mobile apps have made educational services and research materials readily available to students.
Other Sectors
The use of mobile applications is not limited to the finance, medical, and education sectors. Various companies utilize the apps to provide a wide range of services to different customers globally. For instance, international football clubs like Chelsea FC, and Manchester United FC, have custom-designed mobile applications that offer services to their fans (Lv et al., 2019). The services offered include the purchase of football jerseys and updates on the team news. Moreover, e-commerce companies like Amazon Inc. and eBay have mobile apps that make their services more reliable than website access. Furthermore, the hotel industry, transport companies, and design companies among others have greatly benefited from the use of mobile applications.
Impact of Mobile Application Use on Companies
Impact on Companies
Mobile apps use among companies has impacted companies and other organizations in various ways. The apps make the companies’ services available and accessible to their clients. Consequently, there is increased consumer-based brand loyalty among companies increasing the profitability of the business (Al-Obaidi et al., 2020). Moreover, the use of mobile apps has increased brand awareness among consumers who in turn promote the company’s brand to other customers (Lu et al., 2018). Through the use of mobile apps, companies have saved on costs since most of their activities are provided virtually. For instance, many academic institutions prefer the use of virtual learning to save on costs associated with students’ accommodation within the schools. Businesses are affected by the external environment including natural disasters like the COVID-19. However, companies that utilize mobile apps can overcome the challenges associated with natural disasters by offering their services virtually.
Impact on Customer
Gaps in the Literature Review
Lack of Succinct History of Mobile Apps
Mobile application is a wide area of study that has revolutionized companies in various dimensions. Mobile apps have had a significant development since the launch of the first-ever mobile application. Technology advances daily and mobile applications are no exemption. The existing literature has focused on key years when significant mobile applications discoveries were made. Consequently, there are many periods in the mobile application development history that are not covered. For instance, the period before the launch of the first Apple smartphone has not been covered in the existing literature. Every human invention has a person behind it, but the history of the Mobile app does not mention individuals who contributed to the success of the industry. Therefore, there is no specific and well-outlined chronological history of the mobile apps.
Overgeneralization of the Impact of Mobile Apps on Companies
Existing literature discusses the impact of mobile apps uses among companies. As discussed above, mobile apps have revolutionized various economic sectors including educational, financial, and medical. Mobile apps use has various impacts on various companies and related sectors. The existing literature on the impact of mobile apps on companies focuses on specific technologies like artificial intelligence but not specific companies. Therefore, there is increased overgeneralization of the impact of mobile apps and related technologies among companies. Overgeneralizing the impact of mobile apps uses among companies can lead to inaccurate information.
Lack of Sufficient Research on the Impact of Mobile Apps on Consumers
Mobile apps are beneficial to companies and consumers in equal measures. However, the existing literature provides insufficient evidence of the impact of the technology on consumers. Technology has revolutionized educational, financial, and academic institutions. Therefore, technology has positively and negatively affected institutions. However, the existing literature focuses on the positives of the technology ignoring its negatives. For instance, the use of mobile apps among learning institutions has led to examination malpractice since there is no physical monitoring of the exams. Insufficient research on the negative impact of mobile app use, among students, has encumbered research to enhance security features of examination and assignment systems as delivered through mobile apps.
Insufficient Research on the Development of Smartphone Operating Systems
Operating systems are the drivers and working environment of mobile apps. Therefore, in-depth research on their development can help enhance the effectiveness of mobile app use. The existing literature does not succinctly discuss the development of mobile operating systems. For instance, the literature does not discuss why many users prefer iOS and Android to Windows phones. Moreover, no literature exhaustively discusses why Microsoft pursued Windows Phone and neglected Windows Mobile. The lack of sufficient research on smartphone operating systems’ development encumbers a deep understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the various operating systems.
Areas for Future Research
Impact of Mobile Apps Use Among Academic Institutions
Technological developments have impacted education and other academic institutions. Therefore, there has been an increasing number of academic-related mobile apps on Google Play Store, Apple Store, and other genuine mobile apps vendors. Seemingly technology has benefitted students and academic institutions. However, little is known about the impact of mobile app use among schools and students. Moreover, many institutions of higher learning have adopted technology through the use of mobile apps. The institutions offer virtual education that is preferred by many post-graduate students. Therefore, research on the impact of mobile use among educational institutions will help understand the areas for improvements in the technology.
Historical Development of Mobile Apps
While mobile apps have revolutionized various economic sectors, their historical development has been insufficiently covered. Research on the historical development of mobile apps is crucial among academia and technological companies. The research will provide a chronological history of the development of the mobile apps, and identify areas that encumbered their development. For instance, an in-depth study on Windows Mobile will help companies and scholars understand the causes of its failure. Consequently, the study results can be used to improve the existing apps and operating systems. A study on the historical development of mobile apps will act as reference material for students taking technical subjects and those interested in the area.
Impact of Mobile Apps Use in E-Commerce
The onset of COVID-19 led to the rapid use of e-commerce platforms to access goods and services. Mobile apps were at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry. The existing literature focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the use of e-commerce. Although some of the e-commerce platforms are accessed through websites, the use of mobile apps made access easier and more reliable. Therefore, research on the impact of mobile apps used for e-commerce activities will help identify possible areas for improvements in e-commerce. Moreover, the research will help companies develop more user-friendly mobile applications.
Conclusion
Mobile apps are significant among companies since they have helped companies avail their products and services to customers. Financial, medical, and educational, among other sectors benefit from the technology of the mobile app. Technology has made access to banking services more secure and easier. Moreover, mobile apps technology has led to the development of virtual learning and the availability of research materials among academic institutions. Although mobile apps are significant in global information technology insufficient research exists on their impact and historical development. Therefore, further research on the area is significant among companies and academia.
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