Review of Applications By Phoebe Stewart

Introduction I shall be talking about the features, strengths and weaknesses of two different apps, a learning and development app and a tour guide app.

Apps For Learning There are lots of different types of apps for learning, that can cover a wide range of topics. There are some to help learn languages, some for maths, for science or for English skills. And there are ones that helps support learning, like helps you take notes and collect together ideas and plans.

Kindle The kindle is a device Amazon created to allow people to read books and keep them in one place. They then moved on and created apps for the kindle to be used on smartphones. It is an educational and entertainment app.

Purpose The Kindle app is used by people so they can buy, download and then read books. The features of the app are: the user’s ability to scroll through their own books, see books that are recommended for them, The Kindle apps competitors include the NOOK app, the Kobo app and Aldiko Book Reader.

User Requirements The kindle app’s target audience is people of any age, of any gender, with any job. The user requires the app to be able to connect to the account, synchronise the books onto the device, then let them read the book they choose. They would also want to be able to purchase new books from the store. Because the app allows has no specific age limit to who uses it, it allows a wide range of people using the app. It also means that they can sell a wide range of books to satisfy different types of people and what they like to read. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

User Friendliness The kindle app is designed to be very easy to use. Different features are labelled and are accompanied by icons. When you start on the home screen you are presented with images of the book covers that you own. You are able to then scroll through by swiping across the scree to see all the books. In order to read the book you just tap on the cover image. In the top right corner there is a shopping cart. If you tap on this it takes you straight to the Amazon store, if there is internet access. In the top left corner there is a button that says home. If you tap on that it brings up an options menu. This can be scrolled through, again by swiping, to look up and down the menu. The menu gives you choices to look at your books; search through your library; go to the store; sync your account; to look through the different sections in your library and gives you access to settings; information; sending feedback and get help from the app. These features affect the intended use because it makes the action of swiping the screen feel natural to the user, which would make them feel at ease and not have to think about it. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

Dependence of Paricular Hardware The Kindle app is dependent on:  Internet Access  Touch Screen  Accelerometer  Microphone This feature affects the usability because if the user does not have internet access, they will not be able to sync, download or buy new books. If the touch screen does not work, they would not be able swipe through. If they do not have the accelerometer the screen would not be able to move if the device is tilted. The microphone is used while searching, it is not a necessary for the app. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

Interface elements Scroll, icons, images and text The layout of the app is a simple black background. The books are then shown by their covers The user is then able to select which one by swiping across the screen and then tap to select a book. The layout being black helps as it does not distract the user. The books being shown by their cover helps the user as it gives them a real book experience and allows a visual on the book The action of swiping the screen helps the usability because it feels natural to the user How do these features affect usability and intended use?

Integration with software The Kindle app requires to be linked with Amazon through an internet access. The Kindle app does not require access to any social media websites. These features affect the intended use because it allows the app to connect to the store to buy new books. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

Platforms and compatibility The Kindle app is accessible on all smartphone platforms. This means people who have android, blackberry and iOS, which would include iPods and iPads. It is also available on tablets and as a window 8 app This affects the usability because it allows people with different devices to be able to access the app on whatever they own. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

Strengths and Weaknesses The Kindle app is good because it allows people to read books wherever they are, it allows them to purchase new books and lets them find new books. It is also very easy to use, so all types of people are able to use it. However, the Kindle app requires an internet access to be able to download or access the Amazon store. It requires a touch screen to be able to navigate through the app.

Apps For Navigation Navigation has evolved from maps to apps. People are now able to access their location, their destination and the journey to get from A to B all on an app.

Google Maps Google Maps is an app that is designed to let people view a map on their smartphone or device. It allows them to navigate to a destination that they choose. It also lets people add locations to their favourites, like home, work or a friend's house.

Purpose The Google Maps app is to allow people navigate their way with an app as opposed to a map. This means people do not have to store a map in their car, if they're driving, and it means they would be able to access it if they were out walking or are unable to carry a map around with them. The features of the app are: the user’s ability to scroll through their own books, see books that are recommended for them, Google Map's competitors include gMaps, Maps+, CoPilot GPS and Maps for Windows phones

User Requirements Google Map’s target audience is people 17 and over or of any age old enough to travel and of any gender. The user requires the app to be able to connect to a satellite synchronise their location to the device, then let them navigate to the destination they choose. They would also want to be able to see details of journey, including distances, time and traffic. Because the app How do these features affect usability and intended use?

User Friendliness Google Maps is designed to be very easy to use. Different features are labelled and are accompanied by icons. When you start on the home screen you are presented with images of the book covers that you own. You are able to then scroll through by swiping across the scree to see all the books. In order to read the book you just tap on the cover image. In the top right corner there is a shopping cart. If you tap on this it takes you straight to the Amazon store, if there is internet access. In the top left corner there is a button that says home. If you tap on that it brings up an options menu. This can be scrolled through, again by swiping, to look up and down the menu. The menu gives you choices to look at your books; search through your library; go to the store; sync your account; to look through the different sections in your library and gives you access to settings; information; sending feedback and get help from the app. These features affect the intended use because it makes the action of swiping the screen feel natural to the user, which would make them feel at ease and not have to think about it. How do these features affect usability and intended use?

● Dependence of Particular Hardware Google Maps is dependent of the n