Social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have taken the world by storm. As people spend more time at home, the way they use their phones is also undergoing a rapid change. As a result, it’s no wonder that T-Mobile reported a 26% increase in SMS texting and a 77% increase in MMS among its US users since the beginning of March. In fact, other indicators are also on the rise: 17% more phone calls, a 38% increase in mobile hotspot usage, and a 45% increase in video game traffic.
At this rate, the use of mobile phones has also had a significant impact on the mobile app industry. According to a new market forecast issued by app intelligence firm Sensor Tower, mobile app spending worldwide will continue to grow and is expected to double by 2024.
“As we’re already seeing in our data, app adoption and engagement is up across the board, while consumer spending within the ecosystem is remaining strong. This period, while unpredictable for consumers in many ways, is serving to increase reliance on mobile as a means for commerce, communication, and entertainment to levels never before seen. Our forecast anticipates an outcome from this situation that sees mobile apps more centrally positioned than ever as the way consumers interact with these aspects of daily life and more. As a result, we foresee apps remaining a major economic driver and a healthy environment for developers, investors, and enterprises through 2024 and beyond.” [source]
All things considered, let’s have a look at the 10 most popular mobile apps today.
Apps for Monitoring the Pandemic
1. Apple COVID-19
Apple launched a website and a new app dedicated to COVID-19 screening. The resources consist of an online screening tool, information about the disease, and some guidance regarding the right moment to seek testing or emergency care.
The site and the app were developed by Apple and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the White House.
The screening tool asks questions about your symptoms, recent travel, and any contact you may have had with people who had been exposed to the virus. After completing the screening process, you’ll be taken to a page recommending the next steps. The page will also suggest whether you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Available: Android / iOS / Windows
2. CDC App
If you want to be sure you’re getting the most up to date health information, installing the CDC Official App is probably a good idea. The home screen lets you see all your information in one place, and it updates whenever your device is connected to a WI-FI network. Users can enjoy a great variety of content such as stories, videos, podcasts, and other features.
Available: Android / iOS
3. COVID Symptom Tracker
UK researchers have launched an app to help track the spread of COVID-19 and identify those who are most at risk from the disease in an attempt to better understand the pandemic.
The COVID Symptom Tracker was designed by doctors and scientists at King’s College London, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals working in partnership with ZOE Global Ltd—a health science company.
The free COVID Symptom Tracker app asks users to fill in data, including age, sex, and postcode, as well as answering some questions on existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes and whether users take drugs, such as immunosuppressants or ibuprofen, or use wheelchairs.
Available: Android / iOS
4. HEALTHLYNKED COVID-19 Tracker
HealthLynked came up with its own coronavirus tracker that allows users to self-report symptoms. If they test positive for the virus, they can alert their contacts about the need to seek medical care to prevent the spreading of coronavirus.
Users can update their information to include changes in symptoms, which are then reflected on the Map. The tracker also shows the latest news about the virus from around the world to keep users up to date. Moreover, users can engage in real-time chat.
Available: iOS
Best Apps for Education or Entertainment Purposes
1. Anti Stress—Anxiety Relief Relaxing Games
Social distancing measures are likely to increase levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. As a result, some mobile apps have user relaxation in mind, and the Anti Stress app does exactly this. A plethora of mini-games can help players clear their minds, basically stressing the principle: Sit back, relax and enjoy your time at home.
Available: Android / iOS
2. Words With Friends Classic
Words With Friends is a scrabble-based word game that lets users go head to head against their friends or random strangers while helping them sharpen their vocabulary.
The solo play feature allows them to train on their own before facing the competition.
Available: Android / iOS
3. Houseparty
Social distancing is not everyone’s cup of tea and socializing with friends is one of the most craved activities. As a result, Houseparty aims to fill that void. The app is a face-to-face social network where users can connect with the people they care about most. With this app, connecting with others becomes effortless, especially since it issues alerts when friends are “in the house” and ready to chat. So users can jump right into the conversation.
It’s important to note that the app allows users to simultaneously chat with up to eight friends—perfect for those annoyed by FaceTime and Whatsapp’s four-person limit.
Available: Android / iOS
4. Duolingo
For those wanting to upgrade themselves during isolation and are interested in learning new languages, Duolingo might be the perfect tool.
Users can choose from Spanish, French, German, English and 20 other languages, with detailed lessons and daily exercises to help you practice your new skills. The best thing about it? It’s completely free.
Available: Android / iOS
5. Marquee TV
For art aficionados, Marquee TV might be the right app to get them through the pandemic.
It delivers contemporary, innovative and classical performing arts and cultural programs from around the world. From the latest works to established favorites, Marquee brings ballet, opera, theater, concerts, original series, and documentaries to the screen of choice.
Available: Android / iOS
6. Meme Generator Free
Combing through COVID-19 news all day is surely not a good idea. Memes are a great way to laugh and stay entertained. Unleash one’s creativity has never been easier with Meme Generator, an app that lets users create memes and quotes using different fonts and images.
Available: Android / iOS
Given all the changes in the mobile app market, which app could make the cut in the following six months?
