Got an app for that?
A fast-growing number of smartphone users are saying yes.
The share of adult cellphone owners who have downloaded an app nearly doubled over the past two years, according to a survey released today by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.
In August, 38 percent downloaded a software program on their phone, up from 22 percent in September 2009.
The most commonly downloaded apps are those that provide regular updates about news, weather, sports, and stocks, with 74 percent of those surveyed saying they had such a program on their phone.
Sixty-seven percent said they downloaded communications apps, such as messaging, and 64 percent downloaded learning programs.
“While mobile apps are a fairly new approach to accessing online content, the main functions they fill for users are the same we’ve seen with previous technologies — namely information gathering and communication,” said Kristen Purcell, author of the report.
The survey also found that among the 10 percent of adults who own a tablet computer, three-quarters downloaded apps to their device, translating to 8 percent of all U.S. adults.
Pew surveyed 2,260 adults 18 and over on land-line and mobile phones from July 25-August 26. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209, avuong@denverpost.com or
