TechTheDay

If you have been using a smartphone or tablet there may have been times you wanted to get a smartphone app for a particular task, for remote desktop control for example, and you find it hard to decide which one to pick. The multitude of options you can find on app stores for Android, iOS, or Windows devices is likely to give you a hard time to decide.

To make sure you will be picking the best choice, consider the following tips:

1. Know what you really need and want and check the apps’ lists of features.

Before you even go to an app store, ascertain the things you need and want. If you are looking for an app to control your computer or another smartphone, for example, have a mental list of your desired features. You may want something that can connect to your PC directly via the local wi-fi network or through the Internet. You may also want more advanced configurations. Also, you have to make sure that the app you are getting can facilitate secure connections. You need to keep a mental list of these details so you can more quickly find and compare the options you have in the app store.

2. Of course, free is always preferable.

There are many free smartphone app options available. Before you decide to pay for an app, try looking for free alternatives first. You can try actually using the free options you find and simply uninstall them if you feel that they are not enough for your needs.

3. Give preference to apps you can find in app stores.

App stores like Google Play and  Apple’s iTunes are well-maintained. These stores offers collections of apps that have been carefully evaluated before inclusion. If there are dubious apps that get past the initial screening, they are likely detected and removed.  App stores can offer safety against malware, spyware, and other malicious codes attached to apps distributed through unchecked channels. This is not to say that you can’t download apps from other sources. It’s just more advisable to prioritize safe and secure sources.

4. Look at the Ratings and Reviews

The ratings that come with apps are very useful. They indicate whether an app is worth getting or not. Almost all of the time, they represent an app’s actual performance. It certainly makes sense considering these ratings. As a rule of thumb, always aim for something with more than 4 stars.

On the other hand, the reviews posted by users are also worth a skim. These reviews or comments should even be given a lot of attention. There’s a lot to learn from these ratings. Some may post comments on compatibility issues. There are also those who post details on bugs to watch out for. The ratings section of app stores can provide a good amount of information that can warn you about possible issues in an app. Inversely, they may also help convince you about getting an app. These comments can provide insights on little details like the suitability of an app for your smartphone’s resolution or glitches that can ruin the user experience.

Through user reviews, you can also get useful information on possible problems specific to a device or software build. Some users may also post comments about changes brought about by updates that may make the app fail for a certain version of the operating system or for a particular firmware or a device. Knowing these comments can make you avoid apps with specific issues. Of course, you are not expected to read everything in the comments section. A little skimming should be good enough.

5. Review the Screenshots

If you have specific preferences when it comes to the user interface, it also helps reviewing the screenshot typically presented in the app stores. Having a glimpse of how the actual app screen looks like may help you decide if it is the right app to get.

6. Go with the crowd.

Generally, it is better to choose smartphone apps that are used by more people. More users usually mean that the app has satisfied more people. You can also apply this principle in evaluating reviews. If an app has been reviewed and rated by more people, it is more likely that the reviews and ratings are more credible. Besides, if you are using something that has a greater number of users, glitches or problems in the app are given more attention by developers.

7. Take note of the ads.

Ads are annoying. Of course, it is preferable to have no ads or at least to have something with less intrusive ads. Inquire about this through the notes posted along with the app’s description or by going over the users’ comments section. One of the gripes of many app users is the annoying ads and they will likely post about it in their comment or review of the app.

Doing these 7 pointers should help you get an app that can provide the best experience for you. Don’t indiscriminately download and install applications to your smartphone or tablet. Be sure to evaluate them first to avoid wasting your time downloading something you may end up uninstalling after your first use.