In 2022, consumers will be more focused on using their handheld devices, using them for an average of 4.8 hours a day. It's estimated that mobile app sales could generate over $935 billion in profits by 2023. Those looking to get into developing mobile apps have a good chance of being part of this success.
With this much time and attention being poured into mobile apps, it has never been more essential to guide users in using the best tools and platforms for their benefit. So, precisely what is a Mobile Services App, and how does it contribute to this goal? Read about its uses, pros and cons below.
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What Is a Mobile Services App?
There are currently over 2.59 million apps on the Google Play Store, with almost 90% of mobile users spending their time on apps. With this number of eyes on our handheld devices at nearly all times of the day, it can be a challenge to discover and even determine which apps deserve the most of our attention.
That is the intention behind the mobile service app, a program that phone manufacturers, service providers and data carriers integrate into android devices. The idea for the mobile service app, or mobile service manager, is to be a virtual assistant providing every app the user may need in their daily lives: Spend less time browsing which applications are worth your time, and focus on the tasks that matter most to you.
While there is no concrete evidence of people becoming smarter, there is no doubt that public information is more accessible than ever. This makes today's users more discerning than ever, with 44% of consumers being more purpose-driven about the products and brands they choose to work with. This poses a concern for many handheld device users.
As they purchase their handheld devices and select the best plans their telecom providers offer, they start up their phones that may have a services manager installed. It is typically found in android devices since different manufacturers are using the operating system.
Manufacturers and providers are eager to stand out amongst their peers and attempt to provide a more personalized experience for their customers. That said, it may be to their disadvantage, mainly if the users prefer to choose which apps to install on their devices themselves and are concerned about programs that they didn't download themselves.
What Does Mobile Services Manager Do?
A mobile service manager is a program that comes pre-installed onto your device by manufacturers, providers and carriers. Your phone comes out of the box with the program ready and working. But what exactly does it do?
Its primary function is to monitor, download applications and install updates for specific apps on your device. These apps are also pre-installed by your manufacturers and providers as a set package meant to be the default option on your device. It almost sounds like a useful tool that can be helpful for your daily productivity, right?
While this may be true, it is a concern for many users who have noted the presence of unwanted applications on their devices. With the increase in the use of handheld devices, there was also a rise in security risks from these platforms. 75% of known phishing sites were discovered to target handheld devices. Following this, customers' concern for device security is expected and encouraged. So, when a user encounters an application they don't recall installing on their device, you can imagine how it can be a point of anxiety.
DT Ignite is a known mobile service manager which has consumers on edge since it has been detected to collect user information and put devices at risk of malware. It is possible to disable this function on your device, however, it has been observed that it can re-enable itself after some time despite user intervention. This means prevalent downloads and installations you may not be aware of and ads being pushed onto your device. It may also cause your data depleting when not connected to Wi-Fi and your phone running slower than expected due to memory being consumed.
Though the purpose behind a service app may be positive, it is much better to be safe than sorry and be fully aware of the programs installed on your phone.
Pros, Cons and Recommendations for the Mobile Services Manager App
Like all products, there are pros and cons to using a mobile service app.
It's a good problem to have options, but there is such a thing as too many options. A service manager can serve to comb through and select the best apps for you.
Having a program to pre-select apps that may be useful to you can make handheld devices essential tools for efficiency and productivity.
Knowing your apps are always up-to-date usually means they are at their most secure from potential threats. That said, if these apps you are unfamiliar with and don't trust, it only takes up space in your device that could be better used for programs you prefer.
Automation serves to help make processes faster and more convenient. However, it is also vital to remain vigilant against security threats such programs may leave you vulnerable.
With these points in mind, here are a few recommendations for mobile service managers.
Ideally, service managers can work to keep your handheld device more secure rather than introducing bloatware and unwanted applications to your phone.
What makes Android stand out is its accessibility for mobile app developers to build and introduce their applications to the end users. That said, it is crucial for them to undergo the proper mobile app testing steps to ensure they're providing good quality service.
Any applications that service managers can install should have gone through the appropriate steps in software development. Programmers should be guided by an app development guide to confirm that they have taken the proper route. Even if companies decide to commission an agency to build a white label app, steps ought to be taken to verify it is safe and secure for consumers.
Mobile Services App: Key Takeaways
On the surface, a mobile service app sounds like a great idea. Who wouldn't prefer to have programs pre-installed on devices and skip the hassle of searching for the correct application?
As a tool that has been around almost as long as smartphones have existed, there is undoubtedly a use for such software. That said, it is more important than ever to ensure the safety and security of each application that users end up downloading on their devices, as more customers transition to mobile-first.
For the service manager to become relevant (again), device manufacturers, service providers, and data carriers must develop protocols to protect their customers from unwanted bloatware and malware. As the app development industry grows, so does the potential for a purposeful mobile service app.